A first-time visitor's guide to Glacier National Park
Less famous than Yellowstone and Yosemite, but equally breathtaking, Montana’s Glacier National Park is a high-altitude paradise filled with wild forests and huckleberry-laden hills, all framed by towering granite peaks, shimmering lakes, and cascading waterfalls.
Formed by glacial activity, this stunning landscape spans one million acres along the U.S.-Canada border. Its vast valleys, some dating back two million years, serve as biodiversity time capsules. Even beginner explorers can marvel at these breathtaking vistas, thanks to the park's highly accessible infrastructure, including a train service.
Glacier boasts hundreds of miles of trails, offering everything from short family hikes and multi-day backpacking trips to nature boardwalks for those with mobility challenges. Additionally, you can enjoy biking, swimming in lakes, stargazing, rafting, and even spotting wildlife like black and grizzly bears.
When is the best time to visit Glacier?
Every season in Glacier has its own beauty. Winter brings peacefulness, with some roads closed from snow, making it a perfect time for tranquil hikes (don’t forget snowshoes) and attractive hotel rates, although many accommodations and most campgrounds are shut for the season. Spring bursts into life with blooming flowers, while summer attracts rafters seeking adventure and lakes warm enough for swimming.
The height of summer sees the largest crowds, and a reservation system is in place for vehicles from May 26 to September 10, between 6 AM and 3 PM. This is necessary due to the famed 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road that runs across the park, leading to potential traffic and parking delays during busy periods.
The trails of Glacier National Park provide stunning vistas showcasing the area’s distinctive geology © Justin Foulkes / Dinogo PlanetHow long should I plan to spend in Glacier National Park?
Whether you have just a day or an entire month, Glacier offers countless activities for active travelers, boasting over 700 miles of trails and a variety of outdoor adventures, from fishing and kayaking to rafting and stargazing.
Explore the wonders of Montana with these amazing road trips.
Is accessing Glacier National Park straightforward?
Glacier is among the few national parks you can visit without needing a car. You can instead take the train route established by the Great Northern Railway in the early 1900s. The picturesque Amtrak Empire Builder connects Seattle to Chicago, making stops at two entrances to Glacier National Park during the summer, as well as in the nearby towns of Whitefish and Browning.
Budget-friendly shuttles operate from nearby towns like Whitefish, Columbia Falls, and Kalispell, which is home to Glacier Park International Airport. Free park shuttles (available in summer only—check for updated schedules) service the most popular trailheads and provide transport from stations to park entrances (for a small fee). Additionally, Apgar Village offers bike rentals.
Those with vehicle reservations can navigate the breathtaking Going-to-the-Sun Road, traversing the Continental Divide along a winding, dramatic 50-mile stretch that offers jaw-dropping views.
Climb aboard a classic Red Jammer bus and soak in the spectacular scenery along Going-to-the-Sun Road © EdwinM / ShutterstockMust-see attractions in Glacier National Park
Familiarize yourself with the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountain vistas, pristine lakes, and cascading waterfalls by joining a century-old sightseeing tour on a vintage Red Jammer Bus or reserving a trip with Sun Tours, where local Blackfeet guides provide an Indigenous perspective of the park. Stroll through groves of Douglas fir and lodgepole pine to reach the stunning western shore of Lake McDonald via the short Rocky Point Nature Trail.
Reserve in advance to navigate the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, which meanders through stunning Rocky Mountain landscapes and waterfalls. Take breaks to explore various hiking trails, including the enchanting Avalanche Lake Trail that leads to a shimmering turquoise pool.
Ascend to the park's highest point, Logan Pass, for breathtaking, vertigo-inducing views, then enjoy a star party at St Mary Visitor Center, where the night sky sparkles like a blanket of jewels. Stay overnight at the historic Many Glacier Hotel, and the next day, tackle the Grinnell Glacier Trail for a close-up look at one of the park’s remaining glaciers.
My favorite activity in Glacier National Park
Seek solitude by visiting Polebridge, located on the northwestern edge of the park and adjacent to Flathead National Forest. This is the ideal spot to disconnect (there’s no cell signal). Those who brave the rough, dusty road can truly unwind, inhale the fresh mountain air, and roam among grassy meadows and restored forests, plus hike some of the park’s best backcountry trails.
The local mercantile offers delightful, freshly baked snacks perfect for your adventures, while a historic saloon provides refreshing drinks under propane lights after your hike. Nearby, the scenic Bowman and Kintla lakes, along with the Flathead River, are perfect for water activities like boating, paddleboarding, and rafting.
The journey from West Glacier to Polebridge spans 27 miles, primarily along the dirt road known as North Fork Rd or Outside North Fork Rd. Tip: You can camp for free just past Glacier's North Fork entrance along the Flathead River.
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Experience tranquility near Polebridge with breathtaking views, like this one at Bowman Lake © photosbyjim / Getty ImagesWhat is the cost to visit Glacier National Park?
Burger: $15-20
Coffee: $3-6
Three-course meal with wine: $80-120
Guided minibus tour: $100
Snowshoe rental: $10 per day
Cross-country ski rental: $20 per day
Fat bike rental: from $60 per day
Snow chain rental: around $8 per day
Historic lodge: $200-400
Motel: $100-$200
Campground: $10-25
Essential Information
This area is bear territory
It's estimated that about 1,000 bears inhabit Glacier National Park, including both black and grizzly bears. There are numerous strategies for staying safe from bears while hiking.
Hiking in groups minimizes the risk of bear encounters. Make noise while on the trail, and if approaching a blind curve, call out or clap to alert any bears nearby, reducing the likelihood of startling them.
Always carry bear spray and familiarize yourself with how to use it beforehand; it's available for rent or purchase at local outdoor and grocery stores. When camping at designated sites, avoid leaving food or scented items inside your tent; in backcountry camps, utilize a bear canister and hang food away from your sleeping area.
If you encounter a bear on a trail, remain calm, lift any children to safety, and step aside to let it pass. If the bear seems agitated, freeze and speak softly to it. Do not drop your backpack or run. If possible, quietly exit the area or take a different route.
Prioritizing bear safety is essential for all visitors to Glacier National Park © Saptashaw Chakraborty / ShutterstockOpt for functionality over fashion
In Glacier, no one will judge your clothing choices; practicality is what truly matters here.
When hiking, wear reliable footwear such as well-worn hiking boots or your preferred running shoes, and consider flip-flops for warm summer evenings. If venturing into the backcountry, pack rain gear, including pants. Bring warm layers, as even summer temperatures can warrant wool or fleece base layers, a down or synthetic jacket, and accessories like a hat and gloves.
For summer days, don't forget sun protection: pack shorts or convertible pants, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and swimwear for dipping in the lakes.
Bear spray is essential, along with bug spray to keep pests at bay.
Expect limited WiFi availability
Before entering the park, ensure you download offline maps, as Wi-Fi and cell service are nearly unavailable in most areas, except around visitor centers and hotels.
Winter Driving Tips
During the winter months, many park roads are closed due to snow and ice. Be sure to check for road closures in advance and consider bringing snow chains for your vehicle.
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