By Barry Juma
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Glacier National Park in Montana is a gem that shines with its natural beauty. This park, home to over a million acres of wilderness, is a haven for those seeking serenity in nature. The park's crown jewel is the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which is a marvel of engineering that offers breathtaking views of the park's landscapes. Visitors can also appreciate the diverse wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, and mountain goats, while hiking the more than 700 miles of hiking trails, perfect for those looking for an adventurous trek.
Glacier National Park has a rich history, tracing back to the Native Americans and early European explorers. Tourists can learn about this past at the many visitor centers scattered throughout the park. There's no denying that this national park, with its majestic mountains, pristine forests, and spectacular lakes, is a destination worth exploring for a few days.
This complete guide to Montana’s stunning national park offers the best things to do to convince you why it's worth the scenic drive to Glacier National Park.
Things To Do In Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is a haven for nature lovers, with plenty to keep visitors busy for days on end. From hiking to boating and everything in between, the list below outlines some of the top things to do in this Montana attraction.
1 Drive Along The Going-To-The-Sun Road
Driving the Going-to-the-Sun road in Glacier National Park
The famous Going-to-the-Sun Road stretches 50 miles across Glacier National Park, offering breathtaking views of the park's landscapes. It is an unforgettable experience, with the road winding through mountainsides, past waterfalls, and over the Continental Divide at Logan Pass.
Along the route, there are numerous pullouts for sightseeing and photography.
There’s a vehicle reservation fee of $2 to use this road aside from the park’s vehicle entrance pass.
Explorers without their own vehicles can use the free Going-to-the-Sun Road shuttle service offered by the national park.
- Address: Glacier National Park, West Glacier, MT 59936, United States
- Hours: Open 24 hours (seasonal restrictions may apply)
- Cost: Vehicle Entrance Pass: $35; Individual Entrance Fee: $20; Vehicle Reservation
Visitors should check the park's website for road status and possible closures due to weather conditions.
View from the Hidden Lake Overlook in Glacier National Park
Hidden Lake Overlook is a popular hiking destination in Glacier National Park that’s accessible via a trail that begins at Logan Pass. This trail leads hikers through alpine meadows abundant with wildflowers, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
Plus, there are chances of sighting a variety of wildlife, including mountain goats, which are common along this trail. The hike is a moderate 2.7-mile round-trip, but the reward is gotten at the overlook, which boasts a spectacular view of Hidden Lake.
- Trail Length: 2.7 miles (4.3 km) roundtrip
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
3 Visit Apgar Village
The street in Apgar Village
Apgar Village is a charming hub within Glacier National Park, located at the foot of Lake McDonald. It offers a range of amenities including lodging, dining, shopping, and outdoor activities.
The village is home to the Apgar Visitor Center, where park information and ranger-led activities are available. Apgar is a great place to relax, enjoy the lake view, or start an adventure.
- Address: Apgar Village, West Glacier, MT 59936, United States
- Hours: Open 24 hours (individual business hours may vary)
- Cost: Free with park entrance fee
4 Explore Logan Pass
Boardwalk in Logan Pass, Glacier National Park
Logan Pass, the highest point on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, is a must-visit in Glacier National Park. It offers panoramic views of Reynolds Mountain and Clements Mountain, as well as alpine meadows, and glacial valleys.
There’s also a visitor center found here, where visitors can learn more about the park and its wildlife. For those keen to explore even further, two popular hiking trails, the Hidden Lake Trail and the Highline Trail, begin here.
- Elevation: 6646 feet (2025 meters)
- Hours: Open 24 hours (weather permitting)
- Cost: Free with park entrance fee
Visitors can opt to take the park’s free shuttle to Logan Pass to avoid the hassle of driving and looking for parking.
5 Venture Into Many Glacier
A lake in Many Glacier, Glacier National Park
Many Glacier is a hiker's paradise in Glacier National Park, known for its impressive trails, abundant wildlife, and stunning landscapes that include Lake Sherburne and Swiftcurrent Lake.
Here, visitors will also find the historic Many Glacier Hotel and the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn. From Many Glacier, there are hiking trails that lead to spectacular destinations such as Grinnell Glacier, Iceberg Lake, and Ptarmigan Tunnel.
Explorers also get a chance to see Apikuni Falls, which is about a mile from Many Glacier Hotel.
- Hours: Open 24 hours (weather permitting)
- Cost: Free with park entrance fee
Many Glacier is expansive with several trails, so visitors should consider staying at the Many Glacier Hotel to spend more than a day exploring this area.
6 Enjoy A Boat Tour On Two Medicine Lake
The dock at Two Medicine Lake
Two Medicine Lake is a serene body of water located within Glacier National Park, bounded by the Sinopah and Rising Wolf mountains to the west and north respectively.
Visitors can best capture these mountain views while on a boat tour; Glacier Park Boat Company offers tour and rental services at the lake. The tours are mainly conducted from July to September when the weather is warmer, and each trip lasts about an hour.
Those who choose to go out on their own may rent a rowboat, motorboat, canoe, or kayak for at least an hour.
- Address: Two Medicine Rd, East Glacier Park, MT 59434, United States
- Hours: 8 am - 5 pm (daily)
- Tour Cost: Adults (13+): $19.05; Children (4 to 12): $9.55; Infants (0 to 3): Free
7 Hike The Swiftcurrent Lake Nature Trail
Person kayaking on Swiftcurrent Lake
The Swiftcurrent Lake Nature Trail is a popular hiking route in Glacier National Park, found within the Many Glacier. The trail meanders around the eponymous lake, starting from the Many Glacier Hotel passing through dense forests, and offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains: Angel Wing and Mt. Wilbur.
Hikers can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including deer, eagles, and the occasional bears. Visitors should, therefore, arm themselves with knowledge of everything they should and should not do in order to maintain bear safety in Glacier National Park.
- Length: 2.7 miles (4.3 km) loop
- Duration: 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy
This area is considered grizzly bear territory, especially around the northern end of the lake so hikers should remain vigilant when exploring.
8 Learn About The Park’s Geology At St. Mary Visitor Center
A view of the Logan Pass Visitor Center in Glacier National Park
The St. Mary Visitor Center is found on the eastern side of Glacier National Park, offering visitors a place to learn about the park's geology. With informative displays and knowledgeable staff, it provides insights into the formation of the park's mountains, valleys, and lakes.
The visitor center is also near several hiking trails, including the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
- Address: Parking lot, Browning, MT 59417, United States
- Hours: Open from May to October
- Cost: Free
9 Head To The Sunrift Gorge
The Sunrift Gorge at sunrise in Glacier National Park
Sunrift Gorge, a striking geological formation in Glacier National Park, is a must-see attraction; a glacially carved channel that’s a photographer’s dream. Formed by glacial activity, the gorge is a testament to the park's dynamic geological history.
It's easily accessible from the Going-to-the-Sun Road and offers breathtaking views of the park's landscape. Features like Baring Falls, St. Mary Falls, and Virginia Falls are also within a short walk from the gorge.
- Location: Going-to-the-Sun Road, West Glacier, MT 59936, United States
- Hours: Open 24 hours
There are no restrooms in this area, so visitors should prepare before setting off.
10 Stroll Along The Trail Of The Cedars
Boardwalk in the Trail of the Cedars, Glacier National Park
The Trail of the Cedars is a tranquil walking path in Glacier National Park that winds through an enchanting forest of ancient cedar trees, offering a peaceful retreat for those who want a relaxing trek.
The trail is wheelchair accessible and offers stunning views of Avalanche Creek and the surrounding forest. It starts near the Avalanche Creek Campground and is accessible from the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
- Trail Length: 1 mile (1.6 km) roundtrip
- Duration: 20 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Related: 10 Trails In Glacier National Park For Experts Only
11 Where To Eat In Glacier National Park
A grass field near a lake in Glacier National Park
Hungry travelers can find many places to grab a bite while traveling in Glacier National Park.
Breakfast/Lunch
- Address: 3147 US-89 W, St Mary, MT 59417, United States
- Hours: Thu - Mon: 12 pm - 7 pm (closed on Tue & Wed)
- Dishes: Park Cafe pies: Huckleberry, strawberry rhubarb, peach, apple, chocolate cream; classic cheeseburger, buffalo burger, chicken sandwich
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Address: Browning, MT 59417, United States
- Hours: 6 am - 9:30 pm (daily)
- Dishes: Scrambled eggs, omelet, French toast, buttermilk biscuits, breakfast potatoes, beef burger, huckleberry pulled pork sandwich, sautéed local trout
- Address: Apgar Village, 236 Apgar Lp Rd, West Glacier, MT 59936, United States
- Hours: 8 am - 9 pm (daily)
- Dishes: McDonald Breakfast Burrito, Biscuits and Gravy, Going-To-The-Sun Classic Breakfast, Eddie’s Brewster Burger, Polebridge Pulled Pork Sandwich
Lunch/Dinner
Jammer Joes Grill and Pizzeria
- Address: West Glacier, MT 59936, United States
- Hours: 12 pm - 8 pm (daily)
- Dishes: Pizzas: Mediterranean, Great White, Plain Cheese; Chicken Parmesan, Meatball Parmesan, Spaghetti and Meatballs
Dinner/Drinks
Belton Grill Dining Room & Tap Room
- Address: 12575 U.S. Rte 2, West Glacier, MT 59936, United States
- Dishes: Bison meatloaf, chicken skewers, fettuccine, gnocchi, ribeye
- Drinks: Bourbon Cherry Smash, Nyack Sazerac, Summer Rye, Huckleberry Mule
- Address: 180 Going-to-the-Sun Rd, West Glacier, MT 59936, United States
- Hours: 7:30 am - 9 pm (daily)
- Dishes: Burgers: Angus Burger, Bison Burger, PB Bacon Burger; Sandwiches: Pulled Pork Sandwich, Italian Hoagie, Buffalo Chicken Wrap
- Drinks: Huckleberry Mule, Huckleberry Margarita, Whiskey Peach Iced Tea, House Bloody
12 Where To Stay In Glacier National Park
A view of Many Glacier Hotel on the lake
From primitive cabins and campsites to luxurious lodges, here are some of the best places to stay at Glacier National Park.
Lodges
- Address: 1 Many Glacier Road, Saint Mary, MT 59411
- Price: From $258
- Amenities: Gift shop, restaurant, bar, WiFi, parking space
- Address: 288 Lake McDonald Ldg Lp, West Glacier, MT 59936, United States
- Price: From $140
- Amenities: Limited WiFi, dining spots, parking, king/queen beds
Related: 10 Unique Places To Stay In Glacier National Park
Campgrounds
- Location: 1 mile northeast of the west entrance near West Glacier, Montana.
- Price: From $10
- Amenities: Potable water, flush toilets, picnic tables, food storage lockers,
- Location: half a mile west of the park boundary, near the town of St. Mary.
- Price: From $10
- Amenities: Fire rings, picnic tables, flush toilets, hot shower, potable water, food storage lockers
- Location: Eastern Glacier National Park, 6 miles from St. Mary entrance
- Price: From $20
- Amenities: Picnic tables, coin-operated shower, potable water, food storage lockers
Cabins
- Address: West Glacier, MT 59936, United States
- Price: From $134
- Amenities: Shared kitchen, dining room, 12-burner double-oven stove, linens (optional and paid separately)
- Address: Gunsight Pass Trail, West Glacier, MT 59936, United States
- Price: From $273
- Amenities: Dining room, wood stove, propane lights, blankets provided
13 Best Time To Visit Glacier National Park
A river flowing in Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park has a diverse climate with a distinct separation of seasons. The ideal months to plan a visit are from July to September when the weather is warm and most trails are snow-free.
Here's a detailed breakdown of the best times to visit Glacier National Park.
July to September
This is the prime tourist season in Glacier National Park, with warm and inviting weather. Average temperatures during this period range from highs of 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) to lows of 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius).
The summer months offer clear skies and minimal rainfall, making it an excellent time to explore the park's vast outdoors. However, visitors should be prepared for large crowds and peak pricing during this time.
Related:
October to April
From October, temperatures begin to drop sharply, with highs of 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius) and lows often dipping below freezing. The park transitions into its winter phase, with heavy snowfall and high levels of humidity.
Although the cold weather and snow can limit access to certain areas of the park, it opens up opportunities for winter activities such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Visitor numbers are significantly lower during this period, and prices are more affordable.
Tourists should be prepared for sudden weather changes during these months and ensure they have appropriate winter gear.
May to June
During these months, Glacier National Park experiences a mix of spring and early summer weather. Temperatures can fluctuate between highs of 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius) and lows of 30 degrees Fahrenheit (-1 degrees Celsius).
The melting snow leads to high water levels in rivers and streams, making it a great time for whitewater rafting.
However, there can be occasional rain showers, and some trails may still be covered in snow. The crowds are fewer during this period, and prices are relatively moderate, making it an attractive time for those seeking a balance between good weather and affordability.
14 Getting To And Around Glacier National Park
A rowboat on a lake in Glacier National Park
Travelers intending to visit Glacier National Park, Montana, may land at Glacier Park International Airport, a mere 30 miles from the park's west entrance. This airport welcomes daily flights from cities such as Seattle, Denver, Minneapolis, and Chicago.
Once at the park, visitors have several options for navigating the area:
Related: Seattle To Glacier National Park: Why Train Travel By Amtrak Is A Scenic Option
Driving
Most visitors prefer to explore Glacier National Park by car. The Going-to-the-Sun Road, for instance, offers breathtaking views of the park's landscape and is open from late June to October, depending on the weather conditions.
Some sections of the road have vehicle length restrictions.
Shuttle
Glacier National Park operates a free shuttle service during the summer months. The shuttle runs along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, stopping at popular trailheads and viewpoints. The shuttle service begins operations as early as 7 a.m. and continues until 7 p.m.
Hiking
For those who enjoy a more active approach, the park boasts over 700 miles of trails. Hiking allows visitors to experience the park's stunning landscape and abundant wildlife at a leisurely pace.
Check the park's website for trail conditions and closures.
Boat
Visitors can also explore Glacier National Park's many lakes by boat. Boat rentals and guided boat tours are available at several locations within the park. Prices vary depending on the type of boat and the duration of the rental.
Biking
The park's roads and trails offer a unique opportunity for cycling enthusiasts. However, cyclists should be aware that certain roads and trails do not permit bicycles. Visitors should always check the park's website for current information on cycling restrictions.
15 Spending The Perfect Day In Glacier National Park
A view of Grinnell Lake in Glacier National Park
Begin the day in Glacier National Park with a hearty breakfast at Park Café, then proceed to Lake McDonald for an early morning kayak ride. Absorb the tranquility of the lake before embarking on a hike along the Avalanche Lake trail.
Refuel with a picnic lunch amidst the park's scenic views, then head to Logan Pass to spot some wildlife. As the day winds down, marvel at the sunset at Hidden Lake Overlook.
Finally, conclude the day with a comforting dinner at Two Dog Flats Grill and enjoy the starry night sky, making for an unforgettable Montana experience.
- Montana
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