Glacier National Park is renowned for its breathtaking mountain landscapes, pristine wilderness, and abundant wildlife. The park is located in the northern Rocky Mountains of Montana, adjacent to the Canadian border. The name “Glacier” comes from the park’s once-abundant glaciers, although many have receded due to climate change. The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including grizzly bears, black bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, moose, elk, and numerous bird species. The park offers excellent opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives. In this travel guide, you will find all of the best things to do and see in Glacier National Park as well as a sample travel itinerary to help plan your adventure.
When to Go
The best time to visit Glacier National Park is from mid-June to mid-October when the Going-to-the-Sun Road is generally open. Although the portion of the road near the West Entrance is open year-round, the alpine sections typically close for the winter around the third Monday of October. Road closures can happen earlier due to wintery weather conditions. You can find historical opening and closing dates here.
The park is most crowded during July and August. To avoid the crowds, try to visit in late June, September, or early October. Book accommodations far in advance and check the NPS website frequently for the most up-to-date road information.
Where To Stay
Advance reservations for all in-park accommodations are imperative, especially for July and August. Xanterra sites can be booked 13 months in advance. These sites include Many Glacier Hotel, Lake McDonald Lodge, Rising Sun Motor Inn, Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, and Apgar Village. Visitors can make reservations 13-16 months in advance for Pursuit Glacier Park Collection sites including Apgar Village Lodge and Motel Lake McDonald.
Most of Glacier’s 13 campgrounds can be booked six months in advance at 10 A.M. EDT from Recreation.gov. Popular sites include Fish Creek Campground, Apgar Campground, Avalanche Campground, Rising Sun Campground, St. Mary Campground, Many Glacier Campground, and Two Medicine Campground. For July and August camping, reservations typically sell out within minutes so advance planning is required.
Know Before You Go
In recent years, Glacier National Park has implemented a vehicle reservation system for many of the popular roads in the park. In 2023, visitors were required to have a vehicle reservation from May 26th through September 10th to enter Going-to-the-Sun Road and North Fork from 6 A.M. to 3 P.M. They were also required from July 1st through September 10th to enter Many Glacier Valley and Two Medicine Valley between 6 A.M. and 3 P.M. Vehicle reservations were released from Recreation.gov in monthly blocks starting on February 1st. Visitors must plan ahead to secure the needed vehicle reservations as they generally sell out the same day they are released. Check the NPS website well in advance of your trip to find out the reservation requirements as they generally change year to year.
What to See and Do
Lake McDonald
The largest lake in Glacier National Park, Lake McDonald is known for its stunning, crystal-clear waters, which reflect the surrounding mountain peaks and forests. The lake is surrounded by the towering peaks of the Lewis Range, including the Livingston Range to the south and the Garden Wall to the north. The mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to the serene waters. Take in the sights at the rustic and charming Lake McDonald Lodge. Visitors can also explore the lake via boat tour or watercraft rental.
Polebridge Mercantile
Polebridge Mercantile is an iconic historic store located near Glacier National Park. It’s a popular and beloved destination for tourists and locals, known for its rustic charm, remote location, and unique blend of services. The store dates back to the early 20th century when it was established to serve the local logging community. It has retained much of its historic character and has become a cherished landmark over the years. The Polebridge Mercantile offers a variety of goods and services, including groceries, freshly baked goods (particularly their famous huckleberry bear claws), coffee, beer, and camping supplies.
Bowman Lake
Bowman Lake is a stunning and remote destination within Glacier National Park. The lake is known for its breathtaking beauty, characterized by crystal-clear waters and the backdrop of the surrounding mountains. The lake is surrounded by dense forests and meadows. There is a small first come, first served campground at Bowman Lake with primitive campsites. The area around Bowman Lake is teeming with wildlife. You may have the opportunity to see animals like grizzly bears, deer, moose, and various bird species. The road to reach the lake can be quite rough and may not be accessible by large vehicles, so it’s a good idea to check on road conditions before your visit.
Going-to-the-Sun Road
Going-to-the-Sun Road is perhaps one of the most scenic drives in the United States. Stretching from the west entrance at West Glacier to the east entrance at St. Mary and crossing the Continental Divide, Going-to-the-Sun Road features hairpin turns, steep ascents, and a unique rock wall tunnel. The road is celebrated for its stunning vistas and panoramic views of the park’s pristine landscapes. Travelers can experience the beauty of alpine meadows, dense forests, glacial lakes, waterfalls, and dramatic mountain peaks. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the road, including bighorn sheep, mountain goats, marmots, and even the occasional bear. There are several scenic stops along the way including The Loop, Haystack Falls, The Weeping Wall, Big Bend, Logan Pass, Jackson Glacier Overlook, Sun Point, and Wild Goose Island Overlook.
The road is typically open to vehicular traffic from mid-June to mid-October, depending on snow conditions and road maintenance. The opening date and road status can vary from year to year, so it’s essential to check the park’s website for current road conditions. In recent years, Glacier National Park has implemented a Going-to-the-Sun Road vehicle reservation system during peak tourist times. It is important to check the requirements far in advance so that you can secure a reservation if needed. A free shuttle is available along Going-to-the-Sun Road on a first-come, first-served basis. You can find shuttle information and a map here.
Red Bus Tours
The Red Jammer Buses are a fleet of iconic vintage tour buses that have been a beloved part of the Glacier National Park experience for many decades. The buses date back to the 1930s when they were introduced to the park. They are easily recognizable due to their bright red color, white roofs, and canvas convertible tops that can be rolled back to provide an open-air experience for passengers. The drivers, often referred to as “Jammers,” offer narrated tours, sharing insights into the park’s geology, history, wildlife, and other interesting facts. You can find more information here.
Logan Pass
A popular and central location along Going-to-the-Sun Road, Logan Pass is renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, alpine meadows, and glaciers. It is home to the Logan Pass Visitor Center, which provides information about the park, trail maps, and restrooms. It’s a great place to obtain hiking recommendations and learn more about the park’s ecosystems and wildlife. Logan Pass is an excellent place to spot wildlife, including mountain goats, bighorn sheep, bears, marmots, and ground squirrels. It is also a trailhead to several popular hiking trails including the Highline Trail and Hidden Lake Overlook. Due to its popularity, parking at Logan Pass can be challenging during peak hours. Arrive early in the day or consider using the park’s free shuttle system to access the area during busy times.
Wildlife Viewing
Glacier National Park is home to a rich array of wildlife. Some of the species you may encounter include grizzly bears, black bears, moose, elk, deer, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, marmots, ground squirrels, and various bird species, including bald eagles, ospreys, and golden eagles. The best times to watch include early morning and late afternoon, when they are most active. The best places to view wildlife include Many Glacier Road, McGee Meadows, Swiftcurrent Valley, and Logan Pass. It is important to maintain a safe and respectful distance from all wildlife. Never approach or feed them, as this can be dangerous and harmful to the animals. Instead, use binoculars or a telephoto lens to get a close view without disturbing the animals.
Stargazing
Stargazing in Glacier National Park is a magical experience due to its remote location, high elevations, and limited light pollution. The park offers stunning opportunities to observe the night sky, including the Milky Way, constellations, and celestial events. The park offers various spots for stargazing, including Logan Pass, Lake McDonald, and Many Glacier. These areas provide excellent vantage points with open skies and high elevations. The park frequently hosts ranger-led stargazing programs during the summer season. These programs offer guided night sky tours, telescope viewings, and educational insights into the stars and constellations.
Two Medicine Lake
One of the most pristine lakes within the park, Two Medicine Lake offers breathtaking views as it is surrounded by towering mountains, including Mount Sinopah and Painted Tepee Peak. The clear turquoise waters of the lake reflect the surrounding peaks and create picturesque scenery. There are numerous hiking trails in the area, including the popular Scenic Point Trail, which offers panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscapes. Visitors can also explore the lake via the charming and historic vessel Sinopah, which was built in 1926. From the boat tour, visitors can take in the scenery of Sinopah and Rising Wolf Mountains while learning about the rich Blackfeet tribal history surrounding the Two Medicine area. Two Medicine Lake offers a variety of personal watercraft rentals including kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and motorboats. You can find more information about the Sinopah Boat Tour as well as watercraft rentals here.
Goat Lick
Goat Lick is a mineral lick, which is a place where animals go to consume minerals and salts that are essential for their diets. The lick is formed by mineral-rich springwater that seeps through the rocks and flows down to the river. Goat Lick is named for the mountain goats that frequent the area. It’s a fantastic spot to observe these magnificent creatures at relatively close range, especially during the spring and early summer when they are most active. Goat Lick is situated along the southern boundary of Glacier National Park, not far from the town of Essex.
Take a Hike
Hiking in Glacier National Park is a popular and rewarding activity, allowing visitors to explore the park’s diverse landscapes, from pristine lakes and meadows to rugged mountain terrain. The park boasts over 700 miles of hiking trails, providing options for hikers of all skill levels. Trails vary in length and difficulty, allowing for both short day hikes and extended backpacking trips. Hikers should always carry bear spray and learn about bear safety practices. Be prepared for wildlife encounters and maintain a safe distance. Here are some of the most popular hiking trails in Glacier National Park.
Huckleberry Mountain Lookout
Huckleberry Lookout Trail is named for the abundance of huckleberries in the area. The trailhead is located off Camas Road, just past McGee Meadows. The trail begins with a gentle hike through the forest. The forest begins to thin as hikers approach higher elevations. At approximately the 4.5-mile mark, the trail emerges on a steep-sloped meadow and reaches a saddle. The final scenic stretch takes hikers to Huckleberry Lookout, a spectacular viewpoint showcasing Glacier’s six highest peaks as well as Flathead Lake, Swan Peak, and the North Fork Valley. The trail is 11.6 miles and is classified as hard with 2,765 feet of elevation gain. You can find more information here.
Numa Lookout
Numa Lookout starts by following the northwest shore of Bowman Lake. Eventually, the trail begins to steadily climb until it reaches the lookout. From Numa Lookout, hikers are rewarded with spectacular views of Bowman Lake. This trail is 11.3 miles and is classified as hard with 2,992 feet of elevation gain You can find more information here.
Glacier View Mountain via Demer’s Ridge Trail
A steep climb up the side of Demers Ridge leads to Glacier View. Views from the top are spectacular, highlighting Glacier’s peaks from Canada to its southern border. The hike is 4.2 miles and is classified as hard with 2,729 feet of elevation gain. The trailhead is located at the junction of Camas and North Fork Roads in Flathead National Forest. You can find more information here.
Trail of the Cedar’s and Avalanche Lake
The Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Lake are two popular and interconnected hiking trails in the park. The Trail of the Cedars is a short and relatively easy loop trail that’s just under one mile in length. The Avalanche Lake trailhead is accessible from the Trail of the Cedars Loop. The trail to Avalanche Lake takes you through a beautiful forested area along Avalanche Creek, eventually leading to Avalanche Lake itself. The lake is surrounded by towering cliffs, lush vegetation, and cascading waterfalls, creating a serene and picturesque alpine setting. The total mileage for this combined trail is 5.9 miles with 757 feet of elevation gain. The combined trail is classified as moderately challenging. You can find more information here.
Highline Trail
The Highline Trail is one of the most famous and breathtaking hiking trails in Glacier National Park. The trail follows the Garden Wall, which is known for its steep drop-offs and narrow ledge. It offers one of the most iconic and dramatic views in the park. There are two general options that hikers can choose from when hiking the Highline Trail. Option #1 is to hike the Highline Trail from Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet and back. This option is 14.9 miles and is classified as a hard trail with 2,621 feet of elevation gain.
Option #2 is to hike the Highline Trail to Granite Park Chalet and then take the Granite Park Chalet Trail down to The Loop. Option #2 requires the use of the free park shuttle or a second vehicle to take hikers from The Loop back to Logan Pass. The second option is 11.4 miles and is classified as hard with 1,400 feet of elevation gain. We opted to do the second option and added the Grinnell Glacier Overlook Trail as well. Hands down this was the best hike that we have ever done. The stunning views along the way are well worth the challenging climbs.
Grinnell Glacier Overlook
The Grinnell Glacier Overlook is an optional section that can be added to the Highline Trail. When hiking from Logan Pass, you will reach the turn-off for Grinnell Glacier Overlook around the 6.5ish mile mark before reaching Granite Park Chalet. This trail provides access to a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking Grinnell Glacier, one of the most iconic glaciers in the park. The turquoise waters of Grinnell Lake and the ice-capped glacier create a stunning contrast against the rugged mountains. Completing this optional section will add about two miles to your trip and over 1,000 feet of elevation gain. The Grinnell Glacier Overlook hike is a challenging but highly rewarding experience.
Hidden Lake Overlook Trail
This popular trail offers stunning alpine scenery and the chance to spot wildlife. The trailhead is located behind the Logan Pass Visitor Center and is 2.7 miles with 551 of elevation gain. It is classified as a moderately challenging hike. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains and meadows. The overlook provides a fantastic viewpoint of Hidden Lake and the rugged terrain of the Logan Pass area. Given that the area is abundant with wildlife, it’s not uncommon to see mountain goats and bighorn sheep along the trail. You can find more information here.
Siyeh Pass
This challenging and scenic trail offers stunning alpine views, wildflowers, and the opportunity to experience the rugged beauty of the park’s high country. You’ll be treated to panoramic views of rugged mountains, alpine meadows, and clear mountain streams as you hike. The view from Siyeh Pass itself is particularly breathtaking, providing a high vantage point to admire the surrounding landscapes. The trailhead is located at Siyeh Bend off of Going-to-the-Sun Road. The trail is 9.8 miles and is classified as hard with 2,244 feet of elevation gain. You can find more information here.
Grinnell Glacier
This trail takes hikers to the iconic Grinnell Glacier, one of the park’s most celebrated glaciers, and offers breathtaking alpine scenery, pristine lakes, and the chance to spot wildlife. With all things considered, it is no wonder that Grinnell Glacier is one of the most popular trails in the park. The trailhead is located at Swiftcurrent Picnic Area in the Many Glacier area of the park. Parking at the trailhead is limited and fills up quickly. This trail is 10 miles and is classified as hard with 2,047 feet of elevation gain. You can find more information here.
Iceberg Lake
This trail leads to the stunning Iceberg Lake, known for its vivid blue waters and the chance to see icebergs even in the summer. Along the way, hikers are rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding alpine landscapes and wildflower meadows. The trailhead is located behind the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn in the Many Glacier area of the park. The hike is 9.6 miles and is classified as moderately challenging with 1,459 feet of elevation gain. You can find more information here.
Ptarmigan Tunnel
The Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail is a unique and fascinating hiking trail. The trail’s highlight is the Ptarmigan Tunnel itself. Specifically, this tunnel was built through the mountain to provide access to the other side. Hikers walk through the tunnel to emerge on the other side with spectacular views of the surrounding alpine landscape. The trailhead is located behind the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn in the Many Glacier area of the park. Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail is 10.6 miles and is classified as hard with 2,362 feet of elevation gain. It shares the same trail as Iceberg Lake for part of the way. As a result, many hikers often combine Ptarmigan Tunnel with Iceberg Lake. It will add an extra mileage and elevation gain. You can find more information about the Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail here.
Scenic Point
The Scenic Point Trail leads to an outstanding viewpoint that provides panoramic vistas of the Two Medicine Valley and surrounding mountain landscapes. The trailhead for Scenic Point Trail is located at milepost 6.9 up Two Medicine Road. The hike is 7.7 miles and is classified as hard with 2,365 feet of elevation gain. You can find more information here.
Running Eagle Falls
This short nature trail leads to Running Eagle Falls, which appears to flow through a cavern in the rock. The falls are considered sacred to the Blackfeet Nation and are an important cultural and spiritual site. Running Eagle, the Blackfeet name for the falls, honors a female warrior named Pitamakin who had her vision quest here. Interpretive signs along the trail tell the story of Pitamakin as well as information about the flora in the area. This trail is 0.7 miles long and is classified as easy with minimal elevation gain. You can find more information here.
Dawson-Pitamakin Loop
The Dawson-Pitamakin Loop is a challenging and breathtaking hiking trail. It takes hikers through some of the most stunning alpine landscapes in the park and offers spectacular views of Two Medicine Lake, the surrounding peaks, and the Two Medicine Valley. The trailhead for the Dawson-Pitamakin Loop is at the Two Medicine Lake west boat dock or Pray Lake Bridge in Two Medicine Campground. The trail is 18.8 miles with 3,779 feet of elevation gain. It is classified as hard due to its length and elevation gain. Given its length, the Dawson-Pitamaking Loop is better suited for backpacking as opposed to day hiking. There are two backcountry campsites along the loop (i.e. Old Man Lake and No Name Lake). Secure a wilderness permit to backpack on the trail from Recreation.gov. You can find more information here.
Triple Divide Pass
Triple Divide Pass offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys, with views of the Cut Bank Valley and the stunning landscapes of Glacier National Park. The trail is significant because it’s the point at which the continent’s hydrological divide intersects. Specifically, water that falls on the pass can potentially flow into three different oceans: the Atlantic Ocean via the Gulf of Mexico, the Arctic Ocean via Hudson Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. The trailhead is located past Cut Bank Ranger Station off of Cut Bank Creek Road, just before the campground. The trail is 14.3 miles and is classified as hard with 2,532 feet of elevation gain. You can find more information here.
Stanton Lake
The Stanton Lake Trail meanders through a lush forest, providing a peaceful and serene hiking experience. As you approach Stanton Lake, you’ll be rewarded with the sight of the beautiful mountain lake, which is surrounded by forested slopes. The trailhead for Stanton Lake is located on U.S. 2 at milepost 169.9 in Flathead National Forest. This trail is 3.8 miles and is classified as moderately challenging with 688 feet of elevation gain. You can find more information here.
Glacier Travel Itinerary
Are you ready to start planning your Glacier National Park adventure? Start by downloading our easy-to-customize sample travel itinerary. Easily make changes to the itinerary to make it fit your schedule and interests.