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Know before you go: Acadia (updated November 2026)
- Park pass: Required May through October everywhere in the park, including Sand Beach, Jordan Pond and Cadillac. U.S. residents pay $35 per vehicle for 7 days, or $80 for the America the Beautiful annual pass. Non-U.S. residents pay an extra $100 per person (16 and older) unless they hold the $250 nonresident annual pass. Entrance stations are cashless, so buy ahead at Recreation.gov.
- Cadillac Summit Road: Driving to the summit needs a separate $6 vehicle reservation from late May to late October (May 20 to Oct 25 in 2026). Hikers and bikers don't need one.
- Skip the parking hunt: The fare-free Island Explorer bus runs from the Acadia Gateway Center in Trenton and around the Park Loop Road starting in late May, with full service late June to mid-October. You still need a park pass to ride into the park.
The West Face Trail up Cadillac Mountain is straight up!
My friend Ethan (@ethanoutthedoor) and I decided to hike the West Face Trial up Cadillac Mountain one hot summer day. I had heard a lot about this trail, about how treacherous it could be, and it was on my list – so I was stoked. I have hiked Cadillac Mountain from every trail possible, and was excited to add the West Face to my list!
Getting to the West Face Trailhead
Parking is at the Bubble Pond lot! It’s a teeny tiny lot, so if you’re planning on hiking this trail GET THERE EARLY. Or late!
Trail Stats for West Face up Cadillac Mountain
(According to the Maine Mountain Guide! Don’t have it? Purchase it here!)
Distance to Cadillac Mountain Summit – 1.6 miles, RT – 3.2 miles
Elevation Gain – 1,175 feet (yes, in 1.6 miles. This is rugged! Be prepared to use your hands!)
Trail: West Face Trail – Out & Back
Kids: If they like to scramble and aren’t scared of heights. It’s tougher than Beehive & Precipce, because of the distance and elevation. It’s a lot of the tough elements for a longer amount of time. WHiners beware!
Dogs: You’ll have to lift them, and if they slide on slick surfaces, you’ll want to make sure they are safe.
The Climb up the West Face Trail
The trail starts climbing pretty much straight away. We had to use our hands a lot to move up the mountain. You cover 1,000 feet in elevation in 1.1 miles.
You intersect with the South Ridge Trail up Cadillac Mountain to reach the summit. Once you hit the trail sign, rest assured the hard work is done! It’s smooth sailing and great views the rest of the way. On this particular day, we didn’t feel like going all the way over to the parking lot area, so we stopped and enjoyed the view from the flat area near the top.
We enjoyed our summit beverages and took our videos up top! Ethan has partnered with Orono Brewing Company to do a series of beer tasting videos – I’ll share the link below, along with my video of the hike! Make sure you subscribe to both of our channels if you’re on YouTube!
More to explore in Acadia
- Beginnner’s Guide to the Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park
- Beginner’s Guide to Sand Beach in Acadia National Park
- Pemetic Mountain – Winter Hikes in Acadia National Park
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Where to Stay Near Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor
Planning an overnight? Here are hotels, cabins and rentals nearby, with live prices.
