Guide to Visiting Glacier National Park

Of all the national parks within the United States, Glacier National Park stands out as one of the very best — and thus one of the most popular. Located in the northwest region of Montana, bordering Canda’s Waterton Lakes National Park, the 1,583 square miles of protected land welcomes around three million visitors every year. Many come for the hiking trails, wildlife sightings, and pockets of unparalleled quiet and peace in the park’s more remote spots; others are there with the goal of driving the 50-mile-long Going-to-the-Sun Road.

No matter your ideal itinerary, one thing’s for sure: You’ll want to arrive to Glacier National Park with at least a basic understanding of the area’s layout and what to expect. And to provide you with a comprehensive guide to the park, we spoke to a few local experts.

Read on to discover everything you need to know before visiting Glacier National Park — including tips on when to visit and where to hike, eat, and stay.

How to Get There

Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, Montana is the closest major airport and about a 30-minute drive from the park’s west entrance. It’s served by six major airlines: Alaska, Delta, United, Allegiant, American, and Sun Country. Missoula International Airport (MSO) and Great Falls International Airport (GTF) — 120 and 200 miles away, respectively — are also options for those traveling by plane. Upon arrival, a rental car will be necessary if you want the flexibility and freedom to explore the park and surrounding area on your own time.  Taking the train to Glacier National Park is another transportation option. Amtrak’s historic Empire Builder line makes year-round stops at West Glacier and serves East Glacier seasonally.

“During peak season, parking can be challenging,” says Glacier Guides and Montana Raft’s Nicolina Baldassari, who suggests using the first-come, first-served shuttle service along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, “which can help you avoid parking hassles and still access popular trailheads.”

Know Before You Go

Any trip to Glacier National Park starts with getting a pass. “You have to have a park pass to enter any gate into Glacier National Park, and then certain corridors — North Fork, Many Glacier, and Going-to-the-Sun Road — also require a vehicle reservation to enter the corridor between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. during peak season,” says Aubrie Lorona, owner of Swan Mountain Outfitters. If you already have the $80 annual America the Beautiful pass, which grants pass holders access to most U.S. national parks, you’ll be all set on the entrance fee.

You’ll also want to set aside at least two days to see the park — though three to five will allow you to check off all of the main sites without rushing. After all, says Lorona, “Montana is a big state, and it takes over two hours to get from one side of the park to the other… [and] visitors should check driving times and distances between lodging and activities.”

Given the park’s name, it’s not uncommon for visitors to come in search of the glaciers themselves. “Many people come to the park and then ask where all the glaciers are. Not a lot of travelers are aware that many of the glaciers have melted away, leaving only about 25 left in the park today due to global warming,” says Baldassari. Seeing a glacier is also relatively difficult, as most of them are located high up on the Continental Divide. Jackson Glacier, however, is the easiest glacier to see in the park; Jackson Glacier Overlook is located on the east side of Going-to-the-Sun Road.

As is the case for many national parks out west, wildlife is one of the largest draws. Within the park, there are bats, beavers, bighorn sheep, elk, mountain goats, wolverines, and, yes, bears. “Bears are common in the park. Always carry bear spray and know how to use it. Store food properly and be aware of your surroundings, especially when hiking,” says Baldassari. Visitors should also brush up on the park’s wildlife safety regulations. That includes staying at least 75 feet from most wildlife (the likes of moose, deer, mountain goats, and elk) and at least 300 feet from wolves and bears.

This part of Montana is also deeply tied to the history of the Blackfeet, Pend d’Oreille, Salish, and Kootenai people. “It is largely unknown that Glacier National Park is traditional territory for several Tribes, most specifically the Blackfeet on the east side,” says Derek DesRosier, the general manager of Sun Tours. “All Tribes still practice some form of traditional and modern use of the landscape, and even though it is globally recognized as a national park now, to us, it is a sacred place, full of medicine, connection, and history.”

Best Time to Visit

Glacier National Park is open year-round, though its appeal, activities, and number of visitors shift by the season. Summer is, unsurprisingly, the most popular time to visit, as the weather is warmer and all of the park’s facilities are open. If you’re prepared to navigate the crowds, you’ll be rewarded with good conditions for driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road and the possibility of seeing purple asters and beargrass, among other wildflower species in the park. “I believe the best time of year to visit GNP is mid to late July [when] most of the snow has melted off the trails and the wildflowers start blooming,” says Baldassari.

If you want to avoid the bumper-to-bumper traffic of July and August, but still drive the entire Going-to-the-Sun Road, see wildlife, and get a glimpse of the colorful foliage, head to the park in early fall. “My personal favorite time to visit Glacier is in September or October when the crowds have died down and we are in the peak of fall colors,” says Lorona. “Sometimes, you can even get the stunning combination of snow-capped peaks up high and fall forest colors down low. It is breathtaking.” Most roads in the national park are open seasonally, so check the website for current conditions as you plan your trip.

Best Things to Do

Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road.

If there’s one thing to check off your list in Glacier National Park, it’s the 50-mile drive between West Glacier and St. Mary. “Driving Going-to-the-Sun Road at sunrise or sunset is a treat,” says Lorona. “I have driven that road hundreds of times over the years, and it always looks different because it changes with the weather, light, and time of day.” The route takes you by glacial lakes, waterfalls, observation points, and even across Logan Pass, the highest point on the road and the location where it crosses the Continental Divide.

Explore the park on horseback.

“Glacier is now more popular as a hiking park, but all the trails in the park were originally founded via horseback, so there is something very authentic and nostalgic about seeing the park’s beauty from the back of a horse,” says Lorona. Her company has stables at Many Glacier, Lake McDonald, Apgar, and West Glacier, and the team offers a range of ride types — from beginner-friendly one-hour experiences to half-day and full-day excursions for advanced riders.

Get out on the water.

With more than 700 lakes (131 of which are named) inside Glacier National Park, it comes as no surprise that water activities take precedence in the summer months. “I love swimming, paddleboarding, or kayaking in Lake McDonald. The water is crystal clear, which allows you to see the rocks [that] are literally rainbow colored,” says Lorona. Keep in mind that the water will be cold, so it’s best to exercise caution and avoid swimming for prolonged periods of time. Baldassari also recommends “rafting on the Middle Fork of the Flathead,” and there are several companies that offer guided raft trips along the class two and three whitewater rapids.

Try to see the northern lights.

Glacier National Park is a certified International Dark Sky Park and one of the best places to see the northern lights in the United States. Due to increased solar activity, the aurora borealis is supposed to be particularly strong in 2024 and 2025; park visitors can prepare for a light-night viewing in Apgar Village or Logan Pass, or along the shorelines of St. Mary Lake or Lake McDonald.

Best Hikes

If you’re going to Glacier National Park — home to more than 700 miles of hiking trails — you’ll want to pack lots of layers, water, and appropriate footwear. Be sure to research trails ahead of time to pinpoint your ideal type of hike, as the park has everything from easy out-and-back routes to more challenging overnight routes.

Highline Trail

“One of the most stunning hikes in the park is the Highline Trail, but it is 12 miles and not for the faint of heart,” says Lorona. The exact distance you hike may vary, though, as there are several different ways to tackle the trail. You can either complete it as a one-way trail — from the Logan Pass Visitor Center to The Loop Trailhead, taking the shuttle back to your car — or as an out-and-back trail; there’s also the option to venture out to the Grinnell Glacier Overlook, which adds about 1.6 miles to your trek.

Avalanche Lake

“Avalanche Lake is a more accessible hike for all levels of fitness,” says Lorona. Just under six miles in length, the hiking trail is also one of the most trafficked routes in the park; it’s recommended to start your hike earlier in the morning if you want to find parking.

Hidden Lake Overlook

“An easy, yet gorgeous view is also going to the Hidden Lake Overlook; it’s a must,” says Baldassari. About 2.7 miles in total, the route takes, on average, about an hour and 20 minutes to complete, and it’s known for its mountain goat sightings in the summer months.

Other Hiking Trails in Glacier National Park

DesRosier also suggests “getting off the road onto a less popular trail,” recommending Aster Park Overlook to Two Medicine, Peigan Pass to Siyeh Bend, and Ptarmigan Tunnel to Many Glacier.

Places to Stay

Hotels and Lodges

“If you are looking to stay directly in the national park and want a few more amenities, Many Glacier Hotel is my favorite historic lodge,” says DesRosier. Lorona is also a fan of the 214-room property, which she says is “on the east side and located right on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake… talk about stunning views.” Lake McDonald Lodge, which dates back to 1913, is another great option, with 82 guest rooms, three dining options, and modest yet comfortable amenities.

Historic Chalets

Two of the original nine chalets built in Glacier National Park remain open today for overnight travelers — and our experts agree they’re a magical addition to any summer trip.  “If you are extremely lucky, and are up for some hiking, Sperry Chalet and Granite Park Chalet are once-in-a-lifetime experiences,” says DesRosier. Lorona notes that “getting a room can be difficult as they sell out very quickly, but [it’s] so worth it.” Reservations can be made online for both chalets. 

Campgrounds

Camping can be a more affordable lodging option, and Glacier is home to over 1,000 camping sites across 13 frontcountry campgrounds. Reserving a campsite is highly recommended, especially if you’re traveling to Glacier anytime between June and early September; most campgrounds can be booked on Recreation.gov. Baldassari recommends Apgar Campground or St. Mary Campground, and Lorona is fond of “the backcountry campgrounds in the Belly River area because it feels off the beaten path.” Alternatively, says DesRosier, “If you are camping and are okay with being on the periphery of the park, you can have phenomenal views of the mountains and enjoy less crowded areas at any of the Blackfeet Tribal Campgrounds: Red Eagle, Chewing Black Bones, and Buffalo Calf.”

Places to Eat

“There are very limited options within the national park,” says DesRosier, “but the dining room in the Glacier Park Lodge and [the] Prince of Wales Hotel are definite highlights.” Or, as Lorona suggests, feel free to bring a “picnic lunch [to eat] alongside a lake or waterfall or on top of a peak.” Other restaurants in the park include Eddie’s Café, Russell’s Fireside Dining Room at Lake McDonald Lodge, and Nell’s at Swiftcurrent.

The number of restaurants and places to eat increases just outside of the park. “If I were to go to a restaurant, I would go to Last Best Pizza right outside the park’s west entrance if I wanted something casual. If I was looking for something a little fancier, I would do The Kitchen at Josephine’s Speakeasy in Coram,” says Lorona. Baldassari says one of her favorites is the Sunflower Cafe at Glacier Campground by the park’s west entrance.