Places Where Hikers Are Most Likely to Spot Grizzly Bears

Quick Take

• One park on this list has almost no established trails, which counterintuitively makes surprise bear encounters less likely rather than more likely. Denali's trailless wilderness →
• Not every location here is marketed as 'grizzly country.' One famous destination attracts bears under a completely different name. Katmai's coastal brown bears →
• One of these grizzly hotspots sits within easy driving distance of a major city, a fact that most people have no idea about. Grizzlies near Calgary →
• Bears being 'less used to humans' sounds reassuring, but in one park on this list, it's actually the bigger risk factor. Jasper's less-habituated bears →

Spotting a grizzly bear in the wild is an adrenaline-inducing experience. After all, these large bears are one of nature’s most powerful predators. Grizzlies typically avoid people, yet hikers sometimes encounter them in parts of North America where big populations thrive. While spotting one of these magnificent animals would be quite an adventure, you don’t want to come face to face with a grizzly unprepared. If you’re exploring any of these areas, carry bear spray, make noise on the trail, and hike in groups.

1. Glacier National Park (Montana)

Glacier National Park is home to one of the largest grizzly bear populations outside of Alaska and Canada. Bears can be found throughout the park, roaming through the meadows, as well as the forests and river valleys. Popular trails like the Highline Trail and Many Glaciers pass through grizzly habitat. Park officials encourage hikers to be on the lookout, carry bear spray, and hike in groups.

2. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho)

Yellowstone offers some of the best opportunities in the United States to see grizzly bears in the wild. These massive animals are especially active in the park’s valleys, meadows, and backcountry during spring and early summer. While sightings are exciting, visitors should note that bears can be surprisingly close to hiking trails, and grizzlies can interpret close contact as a threat. Remember that keeping a safe distance is crucial for the safety of everyone involved.

3. Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)

Just south of Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park also has a thriving grizzly population. They actually tend to travel between the two parks. Bears are commonly spotted near berry patches, streams, and meadows. Trails around Cascade Canyon and Paintbrush Canyon pass through some prime bear habitat. Hikers should remain alert, particularly during early morning and dusk.

4. Denali National Park and Preserve (Alaska)

Denali’s expansive wilderness is home to hundreds of grizzly bears roaming the tundra, mountains, and river valleys. Unlike many national parks, Denali doesn’t have many established trails, as much of the landscape is vast wilderness. Hikers travel through remote habitat with lots of bear activity. The open environment makes spotting bears easier and reduces unexpected encounters. Still, rangers give bear safety lessons before backcountry trips.

5. Banff National Park (Alberta, Canada)

Banff is one of Canada’s top destinations for seeing grizzly bears. They can be found across the gorgeous park, roaming forests, standing on slopes, and crossing alpine meadows. Popular hiking areas have even been known to close temporarily if bears are feeding nearby. Though this helps reduce dangerous situations, visitors should still stay alert and carry bear spray.

6. Katmai National Park and Preserve (Alaska)

Katmai is famous for its coastal brown bears, which are the same species as grizzlies. During salmon runs, dozens of bears show up at rivers to eat. These landscapes at just the right time create some of the most photographed wildlife viewing opportunities. Many visitors prefer to watch from designated platforms, but hikers moving through the backcountry can encounter bears almost anywhere. Remain be

7. Jasper National Park (Alberta, Canada)

Nearby Jasper National Park is another premier grizzly location in the Canadian Rockies. Bears forage along hiking trails, roadways, and valleys during the warm months. Because the park gets way fewer visitors than Banff, the area can feel especially wild and remote. This also means bears are less used to spotting people. Hikers are encouraged to make noise, particularly in dense wooded areas or around corners.

8. Kananaskis Country (Alberta, Canada)

Located just west of Calgary, Kananaskis Country contains millions of acres of protected wilderness. With the vast land comes an impressive grizzly bear population. Its extensive trail system passes through ideal bear habitat, making sightings possible during the hiking season. Wildlife managers monitor bear activity and will sometimes issue advisories or temporarily shut down trails. It’s a breathtaking area to hike, but as with other destinations on this list, preparation should always be top priority.