Glacier National Park: Everything You Need to Know

Nestled in the northwest corner of Montana, Glacier National Park stands as the core of the Crown of the Continent ecosystem. Extending into Canada, it becomes Waterton Lakes National Park across the border. This park is celebrated for its natural splendor, cultural heritage, and its status as a World Heritage Site, a Biosphere Reserve, the inaugural International Peace Park, and the first transboundary International Dark Sky Park. Featuring receding glaciers, alpine meadows, sculpted valleys, breathtaking lakes, and over 700 miles of trails, Glacier National Park is an ideal destination for adventurers of every age.

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See how Glacier National Park compares to Acadia National Park.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park, established on May 11, 1910, is the eighth national park in the U.S. Its Canadian counterpart, Waterton Lakes National Park, was founded earlier in 1895. Comparable in size to Rhode Island, the park features 762 lakes, most without names. Lake McDonald, the largest, is famed for its tranquil waters and encircling mountains. The park is celebrated for its breathtaking mountainous landscape and the glaciers that inspired its name. Originally hosting 150 glaciers, visitors can now view 26 remnants from the Ice Age, though they are receding. Glacier National Park also serves as a haven for diverse wildlife, including bighorn sheep, moose, and bears.

Glacier National Park is accessible throughout the year, but the optimal time for a visit is during the summer, particularly from July to September. This period typically has warm and pleasant weather, increasing the likelihood of all roads being accessible. Our trip was in the last week of June; although the roads were open, remnants of snow were evident, notably on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. On our hike, we found a trail closed due to the risk of ice. Despite visiting near the recommended peak season, we still encountered some minor weather-related issues.

Table of Contents

Entrances and Visitor Centers

Glacier National Park offers seven entry points, with four on the east side and three on the west. Due to the high volume of visitors in peak season, vehicle reservations are mandatory. Each entrance has distinct characteristics and necessitates separate reservations.

Glacier National Park Vehicle Reservations

West Glacier:

The West Glacier Entrance, situated just outside West Glacier, MT, is regarded as the primary gateway to the park. This entrance provides visitors with access to the western entry of Going-to-the-Sun Road, along with quick access to the Apgar Visitor Center and Lake McDonald. The West Glacier Entrance is open 24 hours a day, throughout the year.

Camas Creek:

The Camas Creek Entrance, situated on the park’s west side, is more secluded compared to the West Glacier Entrance. Although Glacier National Park is accessible year-round via this entrance, vehicular travel is permitted only from mid-June to mid-October, subject to snow conditions. This gate provides access to the Huckleberry Mountain Lookout trailhead and serves as an excellent entry point for winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Polebridge:

This remote entrance on the park’s west side is mainly used by locals and adventurous visitors. It leads to Bowman Lake and Kintla Lake, nestled among towering mountains and dense forests. While Glacier National Park is open through this entrance all year, vehicle access is allowed only from mid-June to mid-October, depending on snow conditions.

Many Glacier:

We accessed the park via the Many Glacier Entrance on the east side, close to Babb, MT. This entrance was convenient for us as it did not require a reservation until July 1st. We hiked both the Grinnell Lake trail and the Red Rock Falls trail from this location. While there are no restrictions on accessing this entrance, it can be challenging during winter since the road, Glacier Route Three, is not plowed.

Two Medicine:

Situated near East Glacier, Montana, this entrance provides access to Two Medicine Lake and Upper Two Medicine Lake. Although it is open throughout the year, it is not accessible to vehicles in winter due to snow.

Cut Bank:

Among all the entrances, Cut Bank is the least utilized. It provides access to a primitive campground, day hikes, and backcountry trails. Similar to other entrances, vehicular access is not available during the winter.

Saint Mary:

This entrance serves as the primary gateway to the east side of Glacier National Park. Situated just west of Saint Mary, Montana, it provides access to the eastern portion of the Going-to-the-Sun Road. At this entrance, visitors will find the Saint Mary Visitor Center and the trailhead for the renowned Saint Mary Falls and Virginia Falls hike. This entrance remains open throughout the year but is closed to vehicular traffic during the winter months.

Best Way to Get Around the Park

Car: Driving is often the most convenient mode of transportation within the park, but be aware that road closures are frequent, particularly in winter. In summer, finding parking can be challenging, with lots filling up by 7 a.m. at the height of the season. It’s advisable to secure a vehicle reservation if you plan to visit during the summer months.

Shuttle Service: During the peak season, Glacier National Park offers a variety of shuttle services including a free shuttle system and a fee-based shuttle service. Learn more about the shuttle service using the link below.

Glacier National Park Shuttle Services

Red Bus Tours: For a unique park experience, Glacier National Park provides vintage 1930s Red Buses with roll-back tops. These tickets are in high demand and tend to sell out fast, so it’s advisable to reserve your seat early.

Red Bus Tour Reservations

Activities in Glacier National Park

Hiking:

Glacier National Park boasts over 700 miles of hiking trails, offering exceptional opportunities for brief strolls and lengthy backpacking adventures alike, catering to all preferences. It is imperative for hikers to take personal responsibility in planning their journeys, ensuring their safety, and minimizing their environmental footprint on the park. If hiking is a top priority for you, my FREE PDF detailing the trails in the park is available for download. It includes information on the length of the hikes, elevation changes, and trailhead locations.

Get Your FREE Hiking Trail Guide

Camping / Back Country Camping:

Glacier National Park offers thirteen front country campgrounds. Available for both tent camping and RVs, these campgrounds cater to a variety of camping preferences. Although numerous campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, reservations are required for many others. It’s important to note that the park does not provide electrical or water hookups at any of the campsites. RV users should be prepared for drydocking.

Ranger-led Activities:

The majority of ranger-led programs are offered June through early September. Activities available in the park include, but are not limited to:

• Evening Program – Programs take place in the campground amphitheaters, covering a variety of topics. These sessions will focus on the natural or cultural history of the park. Each presentation is approximately 45 minutes long.
• Guided Hikes and Walks – The hikes vary in length from 1.5 to 10 miles and can take from 1.5 to 6 or 7 hours to complete. Rangers will offer insights into the park’s natural and cultural history during these treks. For more details on the guided hike schedules, please visit a visitor center or the ranger station.
• Astronomy Programs and Star Parties – During the months of July and August, nightly astronomy programs are offered at two locations: the Apgar Visitor Center and the Dusty Star Observatory at the Saint Mary Visitor Center. These programs offer insights into the night sky, including how to identify constellations and observe astronomical objects with a telescope. The Logan Pass Star Parties, held several times during the summer, require attendees to purchase admission tickets the day prior to the event. These tickets are available at both the Apgar and Saint Mary Visitor Centers.
• Historical Hotel Walking Tours – Regular tours are available that offer information into the history and traditions of the park lodges. These tours typically last around an hour, and schedules are available at the visitor centers.

Boat Tour:

The Glacier National Park Boat Company offers scenic boat tours within the park. You can choose to explore the park on one of their historic wooden boats or by kayaking on the lake, providing a distinctive way to experience the park’s beauty. Tours are available across various lakes within the park. Additionally, you have the option to rent kayaks, paddleboards, rowboats, or motorboats. While advanced reservations are possible, paddleboards are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Glacier National Park Boat Company

Horseback Riding:

Guided horseback riding tours are offered within Glacier National Park. Available at three different locations, the park provides options ranging from 1–2 hour rides for beginners, to half-day rides for intermediate riders, and full-day rides for advanced enthusiasts.

Swan Mountain Outfitters

Biking:

Bicycles are allowed on all paved and unpaved roads in the park. Additionally, there are four multi-use trails open to bicyclists, but true mountain biking opportunities are not available in Glacier National Park.

Fishing:

Fishing is allowed within the park, and a fishing license is not needed within its boundaries. However, it’s important to consult the park’s guidelines for specific regulations and catch limits.

Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing:

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular winter activities in Glacier National Park. Two-hour ranger-led guided snowshoe walks are offered on Saturdays and Sundays from late December through mid-March. While snowshoe rentals are available within the park, they are limited. This program is not recommended for children under the age of six.

Food and Lodging in Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park provides a variety of services and amenities, such as dining and accommodation. For those wishing to stay within the park, there are several lodging options available.

Apgar

Lodging:

• Village in at Apgar
• Apgar Village Lodge

Dinning:

• Eddie’s Cafe

Lake McDonald

Lodging:

• Lake McDonald Lodge
• Motel Lake McDonald

Dining:

• Russell’s Fireside

Many Glacier

Lodging:

• Many Glacier Hotel
• Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and Cabin

Dining:

• Ptarmigan Dining Room
• ‘Nell’s

Rising Sun

Lodging:

• Rising Sun Motor Inn and Cabins

Dining

• Two Dog Flats Grill

Wilderness Lodging

• Granite Park Chalet: Only accessible by trail, this lodge offers rustic accommodations, including a room with a bed. Guests must bring their own sleeping bag, water, food, and utensils.
• Sperry Chalet: A National Historic Landmark hotel accessible solely by trail, this lodge provides full-service, rustic overnight accommodations, complete with full meal service.

Must-See Attractions

Grinnell Lake

Named after the conservationist, George Bird Grinnell, the “Father of Glacier National Park,” Grinnell Glacier is one of the last remaining glaciers from the most recent ice age. Access to this area is through the Many Glacier entrance in Glacier National Park. Grinnell Lake is one of the most photographed attractions in the park due to its blue/turquoise color. The lake is formed from the melting glacier, making the water ice cold. You can reach the lake by hiking the Grinnell Lake Trail or Grinnell Glacier Trail.

Hike Grinnell Glacier Lake with us!

Lake McDonald

Glacier National Park’s largest lake, Lake McDonald, is ten miles long and 472 feet deep. Surrounded by mountains to the north, south, and west, the backdrop provides a stunning setting for both amateur and professional photographers. The crystal-clear waters and rainbow-colored rocks amid the tranquil forest create a sight unlike any other.

Going-to-the-Sun Road

The Going-to-the-Sun Road is an iconic scenic route that spans the east and west sides of Glacier National Park. Stretching more than 50 miles, it’s essential to drive at least a part of this road when visiting. Our journey began at the Saint Mary Entrance, and we continued up to the Weeping Wall before we returned. Numerous pullouts offered ample opportunities for photography. Additionally, sightings of bighorn sheep are quite common, and indeed, we encountered them on the road multiple times.

Dangers in Glacier National Park

Drowning:

Drowning and water-related incidents rank as the leading causes of death in Glacier National Park. The park’s swift, icy streams, along with slippery rocks and logs, pose significant threats to those who do not heed safety precautions.

Falling:

Falls often precede drowning incidents. It’s crucial to stay on marked trails, as steep cliffs and slick stones can be dangerous. During our visit to Glacier National Park, a hiker tragically drowned after falling into the water and swept over a 30-foot waterfall. That same week, two other visitors drowned in separate events on the same day.

Snow and Ice:

Snow bridges may hide crevasses or conceal cavities. They can offer a deceptive sense of security and may collapse under the weight of a hiker crossing them. Use caution when crossing snowfields on trails and in the backcountry.

Hypothermia:

At higher elevations, one may encounter freezing temperatures and strong winds throughout the year. The warmth experienced at lower elevations is not a reliable indicator of conditions when hiking to higher altitudes.

Mountain Lions:

If you encounter a mountain lion, don’t run! Talk calmly, hold eye contact and walk away slowly. Keep children close to you at all times.

Bears:

How do you know the difference between grizzly bear scat from black bear scat? According to a joke from our guide, grizzly scat contains hiker bells. We saw many hikers with bells, which, as I later learned, are meant to warn bears of your presence. While black bears might be deterred by the bells, grizzlies are indifferent to them, rendering the bells useless in areas frequented by bears. Nonetheless, carrying bear spray is advised in the park and can be bought or rented in the park or surrounding towns.

Important Information and Regulations

Firearms:

While it is legal to carry firearms into the park, discharging them is prohibited.

Drones:

Drones withing Glacier National Park are prohibited and subject to fines and/or confiscation.

Pets and Service Animals:

Pets are permitted in the campground areas but must remain on a leash. They cannot be left unattended and are not permitted on the trails, wilderness, or in buildings. Those with service animals must obtain a safety briefing before visiting front country attractions.

Fishing:

A fishing license is not required in the majority of the park. Use of live bait and lead is prohibited. Find more information regarding the rules and regulations at the visitor center.

Crossing the Border

Interested in seeing everything Glacier National Park has to offer, including across the border into Canada? Here is what you need to know:

• All travelers must present proper documentation when crossing the border such as passports or equivalent documentation.
• Restrictions to crossing the border include pets, defensive sprays, alcohol, firewood, and firearms.
• There are three border crossings near Glacier National Park into Canada.
  • Roosville, west of Glacier, along US 93. This is the only entrance that has 24-hour service all year round.
  • Pigeon/Carway, east of the park on highway 89
  • Chief Mountain on the northeastern corner of the park on Montana 17. This crossing is open seasonally.

Waterton Lakes National Park offers attractions similar to Glacier National Park, featuring clear lakes, stunning waterfalls, and sweeping mountain vistas. Guests can partake in activities such as hiking, scenic drives, kayaking tours, horseback riding, or a round of golf at the Waterton Lake Golf Course. For an exceptional experience, partake in afternoon tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel, served daily from noon until 4pm. Following British traditions, visitors can savor an assortment of delicious delights while taking in the breathtaking views of Waterton Lake.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park, the heart of the Crown of the Continent, is a sight to behold. It extends into Canada with Waterton Lakes National Park, offering even more natural beauty to discover. Renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and designations as a World Heritage Site, a Biosphere Reserve, the first International Peace Park, and the inaugural transboundary International Dark Sky Park, Glacier National Park is truly unique. With its dwindling glaciers, alpine meadows, carved valleys, stunning lakes, and extensive trails, Glacier National Park is a must-visit destination for an adventure of a lifetime.

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