OVERVIEW
Glacier National Park, often referred to as the “Crown of the Continent”, is an incredible wilderness sanctuary tucked away in the remote corners of Montana.
As one of the largest and most visited national parks in the United States, Glacier National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a diverse array of landscapes, wildlife sightings, and recreational opportunities.
Whether you’re an active traveler interested in backcountry hiking or just want a laid back trip seeing some of the grand vistas, there’s something for everyone in Glacier National Park.
There are over 700 miles of trails that wind through lush meadows, around cascading waterfalls and pristine alpine lakes, and up rugged mountain peaks.
How many days do I need in Glacier National Park? Where should I stay? What are the best hiking trails? These are just a few of the questions we’ll help answer in this detailed guide to Glacier National Park.
ABOUT THE PARK
Statistics
Glacier National Park was established on May 11, 1910. Prior to that the area had been occupied by Native Americans, including the Blackfeet, Salish, and Kootenai peoples, who gifted the land to the US government in 1885.
The park covers over 1 million acres of wilderness in northern Montana. It’s only about 60 miles from the US – Canada border and forms a natural transition into some of Canada’s national parks including Waterton Lakes, Banff and Jasper.
Unfortunately, the glaciers from which the park was named are rapidly receding. At the time of establishment the park had 150 glaciers. Currently fewer than 30 active glaciers exist in the Glacier National Park.
A diverse array of wildlife make their home in Glacier National Park including grizzly bears, black bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, moose and countless bird species. You’ll likely have frequent animal encounters when visiting the park and hiking its numerous trails.
Despite its remote location, Glacier National Park attracts over 3 million visitors annually, making it one of the most visited US national parks.
Layout
Glacier National Park has a somewhat complicated layout, comprised of three distinct regions. One of America’s most scenic highways, Going-to-the-Sun Road, stretches 50 miles through the park from West Glacier to Saint Mary. It provides access to popular areas such as Lake McDonald and Logan Pass.
The Many Glacier region is located in the northeast corner of the park. This area is popular for day hikes including the renowned Grinnell Glacier and Iceberg Trails. It’s also a great place for wildlife spotting and home to the Many Glacier Hotel.
The least visited area is Two Medicine, a more remote region but a great place to access the many backcountry hiking trails of Glacier National Park.
LOGISTICS
Vehicle reservations
Due to high visitor volumes, some of the roads and areas of the park now require vehicle reservations during certain times of the year and for specific hours of the day. The reservation is also only valid for a single day.
The reservations are available on the Glacier National Park website starting 120 days prior to the effective day and released daily on a rolling basis. Another set of reservations are released at 7 PM MDT the night prior to the effective date.
The park is open 24 hours daily, so if accessing the park outside of the designated hours no reservation is needed. There is a $2 processing fee for the vehicle reservations and a valid park pass or America the Beautiful Pass is also needed for park entrance.
WHEN ARE VEHICLE RESERVATIONS NEEDED:
Going-to-the-Sun Road (coming from the west) and North Fork: May 24 – September 8, from 6 AM – 3PM.
Many Glacier: July 1 – September 8, from 6 AM – 3PM.
Going-to-the-Sun Road (coming from the east) and Two Medicine area: No reservation needed.
We didn’t prebooked any reservations during our time at the park in August. However, we got up very early and arrived in the park before 6 AM. This actually worked well because even if you have a reservation, there’s no guarantee you’ll nab a parking spot at the popular trailheads and attractions.
When to go
Although summer brings hoards of other tourists, it’s still the best time to visit Glacier National Park. The relatively warm temperatures make hiking pleasant and rainfall is at the lows of the year.
Local businesses will begin to reopen in late May with anticipation of the upcoming busy summer months. The surrounding towns come to life with restaurants and quaint shops emerging from the quiet winter.
Snow can remain in the park late into the summer, thus delaying the opening of Going-to-the-Sun Road and other popular locations within the park. Some years the road doesn’t open until mid July. The road remains open most years until late September or early October.
Getting there and getting around
Glacier National Park is located in the far northern reaches of Montana. The closest airport is in Kalispel, about 45 minutes from West Glacier.
A car is the best option for getting around the park. Several rental car agencies are located at the Kalispel Airport. 4 wheel drive capabilities are not necessary in the summer months as all of the main roads are paved and in good condition.
Parking lots are available at all of the popular trailheads, visitor centers, and main attractions. Unfortunately, given the sheer number of visitors that Glacier experiences, these parking lots typically fill up VERY early, well before 8 AM.
Another transportation option is the free shuttle bus service along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The bus runs from June 1 through Labor Day weekend and operates on a first come, first served basis.
There is an express shuttle service and a full shuttle service that both run from the Apgar Visitor Center in the west to the St. Mary Visitor Center in the east.
The express shuttle only stops at Logan Pass while the full shuttle makes several stops along its route. Details can be viewed on the Glacier National Park website.
Where to stay
There is a limited amount of lodging in and around Glacier National Park. You should make your reservations as early as possible given the park’s popularity, preferably 6 months before your trip.
Also, seeing as the park is so large and the fact that it has 3 distinct regions, it might make sense to stay in two different locations to cut down on the amount of time you’ll spend in the car. Going-to-the-Sun Road winds around the park’s mountain passes and is usually very busy, often resulting in lengthy travel times.
I’d recommend dividing your time evenly between the west and east sides of the park. You could stay in West Glacier or Whitefish while touring the west side of the park and Going-to-the-Sun Road.
There are several resorts, hotels, rental properties and campsites in those areas. We stayed at an AirBNB in Whitefish and it took about 30 minutes to get to the park entrance.
When touring the Many Glacier and Two Medicine regions, staying in St. Mary is the best option, although accommodations are very limited. We again stayed in a rental property in Browning, which was about 35 minutes from Many Glacier Road.
How much time to spend
There is a lot to cover in Glacier National Park. We spent 9 days visiting the park in August and still had several more trails we would have liked to hike. So the short answer is the more time the better.
For practical purposes, however, 1 week is the optimal amount of time. With 7 days you could divide your time between the west and east half of the parks and get a taste for all three regions.
You’d be able to hike the two headliner trails, Highline and Grinnell Glacier, while still having time for some easier day hikes, activities such as kayaking or fishing, and exploring the Visitor Centers at Apgar, Logan Pass, and St. Mary.
If you only have 2 days, a scenic drive along Going-to-the-Sun Road and visiting Logan Pass could account for one day while hiking one of the longer marquee trails could account for the other.
TOP TEN THINGS TO DO IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
Going-to-the-Sun Road
This architectural feat was built in 1921 and remains the main road traversing the heart of Glacier National Park. It connects the western park entrance at West Glacier with the eastern park entrance at St. Mary. It’s 50 miles in length and heralded as one of the most scenic drives in the United States.
Going-to-the-Sun Road is open seasonally, usually from late June to early October. The road can be very busy in the peak travel months of summer. Take advantage of the free park shuttle system that runs throughout the day along the entire stretch of the road.
There are several stops along Going-to-the-Sun Road that are worth exploring. These include Apgar Village, Lake McDonald, Logan Pass, Jackson Glacier Overlook, Sun Point, and many more.
Going-to-the-Sun Road is the quickest and most convenient way of accessing countless viewpoints and hiking trails throughout Glacier National Park.
Grinnell Glacier Trail
Grinnell Glacier is arguably the most iconic hike in Glacier National Park and should be on any bucket list when visiting the area.
It’s a moderately challenging trail of nearly 12 miles and 1,600 feet of elevation gain. It begins somewhat uneventfully as it weaves through a dense forest and along a couple of alpine lakes.
But in no time you’ll start ascending toward the glacial lagoon and be treated to unparalleled panoramas of the surrounding mountains, aquamarine lakes, and vibrant wildflower meadows. Wildlife encounters are also very common along the trail.
The climax of course is Grinnell Glacier itself. You’ll see bright blue icebergs floating in the crystal-clear waters of the glacial lagoon as several waterfalls tumble down the cliffside in the distance. It’s truly spectacular and a must see sight when visiting the park.
Logan Pass
Logan Pass is a scenic mountain pass located along the Continental Divide, standing at an elevation of 6,646 feet above sea level. It marks the highest point along the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
You’ll find one of the three visitor centers here, providing information on the park’s natural history, wildlife, flora, and geology. You might be fortunate to see some mountain goats, bear, bighorn sheep, marmots, or other alpine species while visiting the area.
Logan Pass also serves as the trailhead for a few of the park’s popular trails, including the Hidden Lake and Highline Trails. While touring the area you’re sure to have amazing vistas of the majestic landscapes characterizing Glacier National Park.
Highline Trail
In addition to Grinnell Glacier Trail, Highline Trail is one of the defining hikes of Glacier National Park. It’s rather long at nearly 12 miles, but doesn’t feature a ton of elevation gain, making it a popular choice amongst visitors to the park.
You’ll hike along the edge of a cliff, through vibrant wildflower meadows at the Garden Pass, and across the lush grasses and switchbacks of Haystack Pass.
There’s even a rustic mountain hut, Granite Park Chalet, if you want to be adventurous and stay overnight in this remote wilderness.
The entire length of the trail is littered with incredible panoramic views of the park. Make sure to add this hike to your Glacier National Park itinerary to get a taste for the park’s natural beauty.
Two Medicine
Two Medicine is the least visited region of the park, but that doesn’t make it any less appealing. It’s located in the Southeast corner of Glacier National Park and is home to numerous hiking trails and the beautiful Two Medicine Lake.
You can find short day hikes, such as the one to Rockwell Falls, or longer multi day treks into the secluded backcountry. Renting a kayak or taking a boat tour of Two Medicine Lake are some of the popular activities to consider when visiting the area.
Avalanche Lake Trail
If looking for a relatively easy trail that’s convenient to access but still boasts amazing views, consider hiking Avalanche Lake Trail.
The hike begins along Trail of the Cedars, where you’ll stroll along a peaceful boardwalk running beneath a canopy of ancient trees. The forest floor is carpeted with lush mosses and ferns, adding to the tranquility of the area.
You’ll loosely follow Avalanche Creek as it ascends up through a dense forest until reaching Avalanche Lake. The lake is a prime habitat for wildlife and the area will reward you with stunning views of cascading waterfalls and rugged mountains.
Many Glacier
In the far northeast corner of the park you will find the Many Glacier region. Several trailheads can be found along Many Glacier Road, making it a popular destination for hikers. Grinnell Glacier, Iceberg, and Swiftcurrent are just some of the iconic trails that can be found in the area.
It’s also known for its wildlife, as visitors will commonly encounter deer, elk, bears, and other alpine animals. Fishercap and Redrock Lakes often serve as a foraging ground for moose in the early mornings and evenings.
Many Glacier has arguably the most scenic lakes in the park, highlighted by Lake Josephine and Swiftcurrent Lake. Fishing, kayaking, and boat tours are just some of the activities available on these lakes.
Hidden Lake
The trailhead to Hidden Lake is found at Logan Pass, just behind the Visitor Center. This hike is rather short at only 5 miles round trip but still provides an amazing opportunity to witness the remarkable scenery and wildlife of Glacier National Park.
The hike begins along a boardwalk that ascends through a colorful meadow to a viewpoint peering down into Hidden Lake. You’ll witness Bearhat Mountain reflecting off the surface of the emerald water.
The trail continues down onto the lake’s shoreline where you might be lucky enough to find bears, moose, and mountain goats. This extraordinary trail will not disappoint.
Lake McDonald
Lake McDonald is the largest and most well known lake in Glacier National Park. It’s fed by numerous streams and mountain rivers rather than directly from a glacier, which is in contrast to most other lakes in the park.
The lake stretches for over 10 miles and is easily accessible from the west side of the park. A variety of activities are available on the lake including fishing, boat tours, swimming and hiking.
Make sure to also tour the quaint and historic Lake McDonald Lodge, with its Swiss chalet-inspired architecture and handcrafted furnishings.
St. Mary and Virginia Falls
If you’re looking for an easy hike to some impressive waterfalls, look no further than St. Mary and Virginia Falls. In less than 4 miles you can visit two of the most iconic waterfalls in Glacier National Park.
The trail meanders through a forest that was decimated by a 2015 forest fire. Fortunately the area is returning to life, once again giving rise to lush vegetation and brilliant wildflowers.
You’ll come upon St. Mary Falls first. A bridge takes you across St. Mary’s River, providing a great vantage point over the two tiered falls. On the other side of the bridge you’ll often find thrill-seeking bridge jumpers.
Not much further up the trail is possibly the most beautiful waterfall in Glacier National Park, Virginia Falls. It consists of multiple layers, including a dominant 50 foot waterfall thundering down the mountain above. It’s a remarkable sight and not to be missed.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Glacier National Park is an absolutely amazing park. We’ve seen many US national parks over the years and this one ranks amongst the best. The sights and experiences from our time in the park are truly priceless.
Despite it’s popularity, the crowds are manageable if you incorporate a few strategies. Getting up early and hiking the many park trails will lead to more seclusion while rewarding you will incredible scenery.
We were shocked at the amount of wildlife that we saw, including black bears, grizzly bears, marmots, mountain goats, bighorn sheep and tons and tons moose. Make sure to have your bear spray and camera at the ready.
My hope is that this guide to Glacier National Park will make the planning process easier for you, while offering tips and tricks to maximize your stay in this natural paradise.
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