2,353 foot elevation gain

There's no better way to commune with Big Mountain than hiking up its spine.

While there are hundreds of miles of trails to hike and explore in the Big Mountain and Glacier Park area, there is only one Danny On, that leaves directly from Big Mountain's village.

The famous Danny On Trail, named after a Big Mountain naturalist and photographer, meanders up the slopes of Big Mountain to the 7000 foot summit, passing through forests and fields with opportunities to pick huckleberries and smell wildflowers. Epic vistas look out over the valley and the mountains from various points along the trail.

The trail offers one main village to summit route, with loop extensions to Flower Point and on the East Rim. The longest route is 5.6 miles from base to summit.

During the summer, regularly scheduled hikes are available along the Danny On Trail. Ages 7 and up can meet at the Guest Services and Information Center at 9:45 a.m. for this easy and informative trek.

Adding this note on March 08, 2011:  With the huge amount of snow we've had this season I'd expect the trail to open late, make sure to check the Whitefish Mountain Resort website before mid-July.

The trail winds through alpine fir forests and spectacular fields of wildflowers and offers a fabuous view of the Flathead Valley. As one ascends, glimpses into Glacier National Park come into view. Famous locally for its abundance of huckleberries and cyclical displays of bear grass lilies.

The trail begins in the base area of the Whitefish Mountain Resort and proceeds to the summit - a distance of 4 miles. Elevation gain of 2,353 feet. One can either ride a chair lift up for a fee or hike up and get a free chair lift ride down.

4-5.6 miles depending on trail chosen

Out-and-Back

the uphill trek takes 1.5-3 hours depending upon ability. Chair lift ride is 20 minutes long.

Take U.S. Highway 93 to Whitefish. Go over the train tracks on the viaduct to Wisconsin Avenue. Follow Wisconsin AVenue to Big Mountain Road turnoff. It is a 4 mile drive to the base area of the resort.