This U.S. National Park Features Over 700 Lakes, Stunning Glaciers, and a Famous 50-Mile Scenic Drive

Among all the national parks in the United States, Glacier National Park is recognized as one of the finest and most popular. Nestled in northwest Montana, adjacent to Canada’s Waterton Lakes National Park, the park spans 1,583 square miles and attracts around three million visitors annually. Many visitors come for the hiking trails, wildlife encounters, and serene pockets of tranquility in the park’s more secluded areas, while others aim to traverse the 50-mile-long Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Regardless of your preferred itinerary, it’s essential to arrive at Glacier National Park with a fundamental understanding of the area’s layout and what to expect. To help you navigate the park, we consulted several local experts for a thorough guide.

Continue reading to learn everything you need to know before visiting Glacier National Park — including insights on the best times to visit, along with recommendations for hiking, dining, and accommodation.

How to Reach the Park

Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, Montana, is the nearest major airport, located about a 30-minute drive from the park's west entrance. It is serviced by six major airlines: Alaska, Delta, United, Allegiant, American, and Sun Country. For those flying in, Missoula International Airport (MSO) and Great Falls International Airport (GTF) are also options, situated 120 and 200 miles away, respectively. A rental car is recommended for those wanting the freedom to explore the park and its surroundings at their own pace. Alternatively, you can take the train to Glacier National Park; Amtrak’s historic Empire Builder line makes year-round stops at West Glacier and offers seasonal service to East Glacier.

“Parking can be tricky during peak season,” notes Nicolina Baldassari from Glacier Guides and Montana Raft, who recommends using the first-come, first-served shuttle service along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. “This can help you bypass parking difficulties while still accessing popular trailheads.”

Important Information Before You Go

Every visit to Glacier National Park begins with acquiring a pass. “You must have a park pass to enter any gate into Glacier National Park, and certain areas — North Fork, Many Glacier, and Going-to-the-Sun Road — require a vehicle reservation for access between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. during peak season,” explains Aubrie Lorona, owner of Swan Mountain Outfitters. If you possess the $80 annual America the Beautiful pass, which provides access to most U.S. national parks, you’re all set for the entrance fee.

Plan to dedicate at least two days to explore the park — although three to five days will give you ample time to visit all the key attractions without feeling rushed. As Lorona points out, “Montana is a vast state, and it takes over two hours to travel from one side of the park to the other… [and] visitors should check driving times and distances between accommodations and activities.”

Given the park's name, it's common for visitors to seek out the glaciers themselves. “Many people arrive at the park wondering where all the glaciers are. Not many travelers realize that a significant number of glaciers have melted, leaving only about 25 remaining in the park today due to global warming,” explains Baldassari. Glaciers can be challenging to spot, as most are situated high on the Continental Divide. However, Jackson Glacier is the most accessible glacier to view; the Jackson Glacier Overlook is located on the eastern side of Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Like many national parks in the western U.S., wildlife is a major attraction. The park is home to bats, beavers, bighorn sheep, elk, mountain goats, wolverines, and, of course, bears. “Bears are common in the park. Always carry bear spray and know how to use it. Properly store food and stay aware of your surroundings, especially when hiking,” advises Baldassari. Visitors should also familiarize themselves with the park’s wildlife safety guidelines, which include maintaining a distance of at least 75 feet from most wildlife (such as moose, deer, mountain goats, and elk) and at least 300 feet from wolves and bears.

This region of Montana is deeply connected to the history of the Blackfeet, Pend d'Oreille, Salish, and Kootenai tribes. “It’s largely unknown that Glacier National Park is traditional territory for several tribes, particularly the Blackfeet on the eastern side,” shares Derek DesRosier, general manager of Sun Tours. “All tribes continue to practice both traditional and modern uses of the landscape, and even though it’s now recognized globally as a national park, for us, it remains a sacred place, rich in medicine, connection, and history.”

Ideal Times to Visit

Glacier National Park welcomes visitors year-round, but the experience, activities, and visitor numbers vary with the seasons. Unsurprisingly, summer attracts the most visitors, thanks to warmer weather and full access to the park's amenities. If you're willing to contend with the crowds, you'll enjoy excellent driving conditions on the Going-to-the-Sun Road and may spot purple asters and beargrass among other wildflowers. “In my opinion, the ideal time to visit GNP is mid to late July when the trails are mostly snow-free and the wildflowers are in full bloom,” states Baldassari.

To evade the heavy traffic of July and August while still enjoying the complete drive along Going-to-the-Sun Road, wildlife sightings, and vibrant fall foliage, consider visiting in early autumn. “Personally, I love visiting Glacier in September or October when the crowds thin out and the fall colors are at their peak,” shares Lorona. “Sometimes, you can witness the stunning contrast of snow-capped peaks above and colorful forests below. It's truly breathtaking.” Most roads within the national park are open seasonally, so be sure to check the website for the latest conditions as you plan your visit.

Top Activities to Experience

Traverse Going-to-the-Sun Road.

One must-do experience in Glacier National Park is the stunning 50-mile drive from West Glacier to St. Mary. “Experiencing Going-to-the-Sun Road at dawn or dusk is truly special,” shares Lorona. “Having driven this road countless times, I can attest that it transforms with the changing weather, light, and time of day.” This scenic route showcases glacial lakes, cascading waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and ascends over Logan Pass, the road's highest point, where it crosses the Continental Divide.

Discover the park on horseback.

“While Glacier is increasingly known as a hiking destination, all the trails were originally created for horseback riding, making it a unique and nostalgic experience to witness the park's beauty from a horse,” explains Lorona. Her company operates stables at Many Glacier, Lake McDonald, Apgar, and West Glacier, offering a variety of rides—from beginner-friendly hour-long jaunts to more challenging half-day and full-day adventures for seasoned riders.

Enjoy the water.

With over 700 lakes (including 131 named ones) in Glacier National Park, it's no surprise that summer is all about water activities. “I love swimming, paddleboarding, or kayaking in Lake McDonald. The water is crystal clear, revealing beautifully colored rocks beneath,” says Lorona. Just remember, the water can be quite chilly, so it's wise to be cautious and avoid long swims. Baldassari also suggests “rafting on the Middle Fork of the Flathead,” with several companies offering guided rafting trips through class two and three whitewater rapids.

Attempt to catch a glimpse of the northern lights.

Glacier National Park is recognized as a certified International Dark Sky Park, making it one of the premier locations in the United States to view the northern lights. With increased solar activity expected in 2024 and 2025, visitors can look forward to spectacular light displays. Ideal spots for nighttime viewing include Apgar Village, Logan Pass, or the shorelines of St. Mary Lake and Lake McDonald.

Top Hikes

If you're planning a visit to Glacier National Park, which boasts over 700 miles of hiking trails, be sure to pack plenty of layers, water, and suitable footwear. It's essential to research the trails beforehand to find the hike that suits your preferences, ranging from easy out-and-back paths to more demanding overnight treks.

Highline Trail

“One of the most breathtaking hikes in the park is the Highline Trail, which spans 12 miles and is not for the faint-hearted,” says Lorona. The distance you cover can vary, as there are several approaches to the trail. You can choose to hike one way — from the Logan Pass Visitor Center to The Loop Trailhead, then take a shuttle back — or tackle it as an out-and-back hike. There's also an option to extend your journey to the Grinnell Glacier Overlook, adding about 1.6 miles to your adventure.

Avalanche Lake

“Avalanche Lake offers a more accessible hike suitable for all fitness levels,” says Lorona. The trail is just under six miles long and is one of the busiest paths in the park; it's advisable to start your hike early in the morning to secure parking.

Hidden Lake Overlook

“For a stunning yet easy view, don’t miss the Hidden Lake Overlook; it’s essential,” says Baldassari. The route totals about 2.7 miles and typically takes around an hour and 20 minutes to finish, with great chances of spotting mountain goats during the summer months.

Additional Hiking Trails in Glacier National Park

DesRosier also recommends venturing off the beaten path onto less-traveled trails, suggesting routes such as Aster Park Overlook to Two Medicine, Peigan Pass to Siyeh Bend, and Ptarmigan Tunnel to Many Glacier.

Accommodations

Accommodations and Lodging

“For those seeking a stay right within the national park with added amenities, Many Glacier Hotel is my top choice for a historic lodge,” shares DesRosier. Lorona echoes this sentiment about the 214-room property, which boasts stunning views as it sits directly on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake. Another excellent option is Lake McDonald Lodge, established in 1913, featuring 82 guest rooms, three dining choices, and cozy amenities.

Historic Chalets

Only two of the original nine chalets in Glacier National Park remain available for overnight guests, and our experts agree they add a magical touch to any summer visit. “If you’re fortunate and ready for some hiking, both Sperry Chalet and Granite Park Chalet offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences,” says DesRosier. Lorona mentions that securing a room can be quite challenging due to high demand, but it’s well worth it. Reservations for both chalets can be made online.

Campsites

Camping offers a budget-friendly lodging alternative, with Glacier boasting over 1,000 campsites across 13 frontcountry campgrounds. It’s advisable to book a site in advance, especially if you’re visiting from June through early September; most campgrounds are available for reservation on Recreation.gov. Baldassari suggests Apgar Campground or St. Mary Campground, while Lorona favors “the backcountry sites in the Belly River area for a more secluded experience.” Alternatively, DesRosier mentions that “if you’re camping on the outskirts of the park, the Blackfeet Tribal Campgrounds—Red Eagle, Chewing Black Bones, and Buffalo Calf—offer incredible mountain views and less crowded spaces.”

Dining Options

“Dining choices within the national park are quite limited,” states DesRosier, “but the dining rooms at Glacier Park Lodge and Prince of Wales Hotel are standout options.” Alternatively, Lorona recommends packing a “picnic lunch to enjoy by a lake, waterfall, or at the summit of a peak.” Other dining establishments in the park include Eddie's Café, Russell’s Fireside Dining Room at Lake McDonald Lodge, and Nell’s at Swiftcurrent.

The selection of dining options expands just beyond the park boundaries. “If I were choosing a restaurant, I’d head to Last Best Pizza right outside the west entrance for a casual meal. For something a bit more upscale, I’d recommend The Kitchen at Josephine's Speakeasy in Coram,” says Lorona. Baldassari adds that her personal favorite is the Sunflower Cafe located at Glacier Campground near the park's west entrance.