Glacier National Park

Peaks, Glaciers, and the Crown of the Continent

Montana’s Alpine Wonder

Est. 1910

Glacier National Park, known as the “Crown of the Continent,” is one of the most breathtaking landscapes in North America. Towering mountains rise abruptly from the plains, their slopes carved by ancient glaciers into valleys filled with turquoise lakes and tumbling waterfalls. More than 700 miles of trails wind through alpine meadows, across high passes, and into backcountry wilderness where wildlife still rules the land.

This is a place where you can watch mountain goats clamber across cliffs at Logan Pass, paddle a canoe across the glassy waters of Lake McDonald, and drive the world-famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, a feat of engineering that seems to cling impossibly to sheer slopes. At night, the stars stretch endlessly over a park that feels as wild and vast as when it was first protected in 1910.

Featured Experiences

Glacier’s grandeur can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. Going with a guide helps turn big scenery into meaningful experiences. Local naturalists know the best overlooks for photography, the quiet corners where moose linger in the marshes, and how to safely explore bear country. Instead of worrying about road conditions, parking, or which trail to choose, you can simply relax and soak it all in.

Guided experiences in Glacier range from classic sightseeing along Going-to-the-Sun Road to backcountry hikes, lake cruises, and wildlife safaris in the valleys. A day with a guide might mean learning the names of wildflowers carpeting Logan Pass in July, or spotting a grizzly on the slopes of Many Glacier. In winter, snowshoe treks reveal a quieter side of the park, where silence is broken only by the crunch of snow underfoot.

Suggested Itineraries

Glacier rewards visitors who slow down, but even a single day here can leave you with memories for a lifetime. These itineraries help you pace your trip while leaving room for discovery.

1 Day Itinerary

Morning: Start at Lake McDonald Lodge, then drive Going-to-the-Sun Road to Logan Pass.
Afternoon: Hike the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail or the Trail of the Cedars.
Evening: Watch sunset over Lake McDonald before heading to West Glacier for dinner.

👉 Best for road-trippers and first-time visitors.

3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road, stopping at Logan Pass and St. Mary Lake.
Day 2: Explore Many Glacier — hike to Grinnell Lake or Swiftcurrent Pass.
Day 3: Visit Two Medicine for a boat ride and hike to Twin Falls.

👉 Balanced mix of driving, hiking, and lake experiences.

Weeklong Adventure

Day 1–2: Explore the Going-to-the-Sun Road with stops for short hikes.
Day 3: Full-day hike in Many Glacier (Grinnell Glacier Trail).
Day 4: Boat tour and hike in Two Medicine Valley.
Day 5: Cultural programs and ranger talks at Apgar or St. Mary.
Day 6: Wildlife safari at dawn in Many Glacier, photography at Swiftcurrent Lake.
Day 7: Relax by Lake McDonald before departure.

👉 Best for travelers who want a deep dive into Glacier’s landscapes and culture.

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From hiking to boat tours, Glacier has something for everyone. Permits, shuttle systems, and seasonal closures can make planning tricky — let us handle the logistics so you can focus on the views.

Every season tells a different Glacier story.

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What to Expect Each Season

A Park of Extremes, Shaped by the Calendar

Glacier’s short summers and long winters define the visitor experience. Understanding the seasons ensures you don’t just show up, but arrive prepared for the park’s rhythms.

Spring (May–June)
Snowmelt swells rivers and waterfalls, wildflowers bloom, and wildlife emerges with their young. Roads and trails at higher elevations may still be closed, but the valleys are alive with energy.
Best for: Waterfalls, wildlife viewing, and early-season solitude.

Summer (July–August)
This is Glacier’s peak. Going-to-the-Sun Road fully opens, alpine trails are snow-free, and wildflowers carpet the high meadows. With the access comes crowds — start early to find quiet.
Best for: Hiking, scenic drives, and classic lake boat tours.

Fall (September–October)
Crowds thin as larches and aspens turn golden. Wildlife prepares for winter, and crisp air fills the valleys. Some services close by mid-October, but the quiet is unforgettable.
Best for: Scenic drives, photography, and wildlife spotting.

Winter (November–April)
Snow blankets the park, closing most roads but opening opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and solitude. Ranger-led programs continue in West Glacier.
Best for: Snow sports and experiencing Glacier in silence.

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Glacier National Park Tours

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Glacier is a hiker’s dream, a photographer’s paradise, and a wildlife lover’s haven. Guided tours make the most of short seasons, ensuring you catch the highlights and hidden gems.

Winter Adventures

In winter, Glacier slows to a quiet hush, and snowshoe or snowcoach tours reveal a side of the park few visitors ever see. Guided winter adventures provide gear, safety, and insight while you explore frozen lakes, wildlife tracks, and snow-draped forests.

Sightseeing Tours

See Glacier’s iconic landscapes from the comfort of a vehicle on guided driving tours. With someone else at the wheel, you can relax and take in the Going-to-the-Sun Road, lakes, and overlooks without the stress of navigating mountain roads or finding parking.

Start with expert advice.

Rangers at Glacier’s visitor centers provide trail updates, maps, and permits. Begin your journey informed and ready.

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Visitor Centers At The Park

Glacier’s visitor centers are more than map stops — they’re starting points that set the tone for your trip. Each one highlights a different aspect of the park, from alpine ecology to Blackfeet culture, and rangers here are invaluable for up-to-date conditions, permits, and safety advice.

Apgar Visitor Center (West Glacier)

Located just inside the west entrance, Apgar is Glacier’s main orientation hub. It’s the best place to grab maps, get trail updates, and join ranger-led programs. Interactive exhibits introduce the park’s ecosystems, and the nearby village has lodging, camping, and lake access.

Tip: Stop here first before driving Going-to-the-Sun Road — rangers post daily road and trail updates that can save you time and hassle.

Logan Pass Visitor Center

Perched on the Continental Divide at 6,646 feet, Logan Pass is the park’s most dramatic visitor center. Exhibits explain alpine ecology, geology, and wildlife behavior. Trailheads to Hidden Lake and the Highline Trail begin here, and wildflowers fill the meadows in July.

Tip: Parking fills by 8 a.m. in summer — use the free shuttle to reach Logan Pass without stress.

St. Mary Visitor Center

The eastern gateway highlights both geology and Blackfeet heritage. Exhibits, ranger programs, and cultural storytelling connect visitors with the human history of the land. Evening ranger talks here are a visitor favorite.

Tip: Attend a summer evening program to hear stories from Blackfeet interpreters who share their perspective on Glacier.

Many Glacier Ranger Station

A smaller station but essential for hikers. Rangers here issue backcountry permits, share wildlife activity reports, and provide advice for ambitious treks into Glacier’s “crown jewel” valley.

Tip: Check in before hitting Grinnell Glacier or Iceberg Lake — rangers often know where grizzlies and moose were spotted that very morning.

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Visiting On Your Own

Glacier is absolutely doable without a guide, but it requires planning. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is the park’s main artery, but snow often keeps it closed until late June or early July, and timed-entry reservations are required in peak summer. Driving the full 50 miles can take 2–3 hours one way with stops — don’t underestimate the time it takes. Parking at Logan Pass and popular trailheads fills early, often before 9 a.m.

The park runs a free shuttle along the Going-to-the-Sun Road in summer, connecting Apgar with St. Mary and stopping at key trailheads like Avalanche and Logan Pass. It’s first-come, first-served, and a lifesaver when parking is full. Outside the shuttle corridor, you’ll need your own vehicle.

Entrance fees are $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. If you’re also visiting Yellowstone or Grand Teton, the $80 America the Beautiful annual pass is a better deal. Backcountry permits are required for overnight trips, and they book quickly for popular areas.

Tips:

Download maps before entering — cell service is unreliable.

Carry bear spray, even for short walks. Wildlife encounters are common.

Start days early to avoid traffic and afternoon storms.

Build flexibility into your itinerary — closures and conditions can change overnight.

Park Information & Details

Food & Drink

In-park dining is limited to historic lodges like Lake McDonald and Many Glacier, where rustic menus and lakeside settings add to the experience. Most visitors pack picnics to enjoy at overlooks or trailheads. Outside, West Glacier has casual grills, while Whitefish and Kalispell bring farm-to-table dining, breweries, and bakeries.

Tip: Stop at a grocery in Whitefish or Columbia Falls before entering — services inside the park are spread far apart.

What to Bring

Layers are essential. Even in summer, mornings at Logan Pass can be in the 40s, while afternoons in the valleys climb into the 70s. Pack sturdy boots, rain gear, a hat, sunscreen, and bear spray. A camera and binoculars will make the most of Glacier’s wildlife and scenery.

Tip: Carry a daypack with snacks and water — trailheads often have no services, and hikes quickly take you deep into the backcountry.

Safety Tips

This is prime bear country. Hike in groups, make noise on the trail, and carry bear spray where you can grab it quickly. Moose and bison can be equally dangerous if approached — give all wildlife space. Weather changes rapidly; thunderstorms build on hot afternoons, so start hikes early and plan to be back below treeline by midday.

Tip: Check trailhead bulletin boards every morning — closures and bear warnings can change overnight.

Shuttle / Transport Info

The free shuttle along Going-to-the-Sun Road is invaluable, connecting Apgar to St. Mary with stops at Avalanche, Logan Pass, and Sunrift Gorge. It saves parking hassles and is the easiest way to reach Logan Pass without stress. Beyond that corridor, a rental car is essential.

Tip: Arrive at shuttle stops before 9 a.m. — by mid-morning lines can be long, especially for Logan Pass.

Accessibility For All

Glacier’s terrain is rugged, but it offers rewarding ways for visitors of all abilities to experience its beauty. From short boardwalks to accessible boat tours, the park provides options that make its iconic landscapes more inclusive.

Trail of the Cedars: A fully accessible boardwalk through towering cedar and hemlock forest. Cool shade, rushing creeks, and lush ferns make this an immersive sensory experience.

Logan Pass: Wide boardwalks lead across alpine meadows filled with wildflowers and wildlife. Even if you don’t hike the full Hidden Lake Trail, the first section offers unforgettable views.

Scenic Pullouts: Iconic stops like Wild Goose Island on St. Mary Lake are wheelchair accessible and deliver the quintessential Glacier postcard view without a hike.

Visitor Centers: Apgar, Logan Pass, and St. Mary all have paved paths, accessible restrooms, and ranger programs that welcome all ages and mobility levels.

Boat Tours: Cruises on Lake McDonald, St. Mary, and Two Medicine can accommodate mobility needs with advance notice. They provide a unique way to glide past mountain walls without leaving your seat.

Tips:

Plan your day around clusters — Apgar + Trail of the Cedars in the morning, Logan Pass mid-day, and Lake McDonald for sunset.

Summer is the best season for accessibility, when shuttles run and all facilities are open.

Even if mobility is limited, scenic drives, short boardwalks, and boat tours still deliver Glacier’s most iconic views.

Maps Of The Park & Region

Glacier is a park of distance — West Glacier to St. Mary is 50 miles by the Going-to-the-Sun Road, but closures can make detours 2–3 times longer. A map is not optional here, it’s essential. It helps you understand shuttle routes, trailheads, backcountry zones, and even how to connect a Glacier trip with Waterton Lakes just across the Canadian border.

Area Map Of Glacier

Glacier National Park Map

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Park Gateway Towns

Where you stay shapes your Glacier adventure. West Glacier offers easy access, East Glacier Park brings railroad history, and St. Mary sits right at the edge of Going-to-the-Sun Road. Nearby towns like Whitefish and Kalispell add comfort and culture.

West Glacier, MT

The classic gateway at the park’s west entrance. Here you’ll find rafting outfitters, rustic lodges, and quick access to Apgar and Lake McDonald. It’s lively in summer, with a mix of travelers fueling up before heading into the mountains.

East Glacier Park, MT

Steeped in railroad history, East Glacier Park is home to Glacier Park Lodge, built by the Great Northern Railway. It’s a base for exploring Two Medicine Valley and offers a nostalgic, old-world mountain lodge experience.

St. Mary, MT

Right at the east entrance of Going-to-the-Sun Road, St. Mary offers campgrounds, lodges, and proximity to Logan Pass and Many Glacier.

Whitefish, MT

A resort town with a vibrant downtown, Whitefish blends ski culture with boutique hotels, breweries, and restaurants. It’s a perfect base if you want amenities alongside wilderness.

Kalispell, MT

The largest nearby city and the airport hub. Affordable hotels, restaurants, and cultural stops make it a practical choice for families or budget travelers.

Columbia Falls, MT

Just 15 minutes from West Glacier, Columbia Falls is a quieter, more affordable base. It’s known for its small-town feel, friendly cafés, and proximity to the Flathead River.

Lakeside, MT

On the shores of Flathead Lake, Lakeside combines water recreation with a relaxed pace. Visitors often split days between kayaking on the lake and day trips into Glacier.

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What Visitors Say About The Park

We saw a grizzly with cubs from a safe distance on a ranger-led hike. Having a guide made it both thrilling and safe.

Visitor from Minnesota

September was magical. Golden larches, cool air, and far fewer crowds. Glacier in fall feels like a secret season.

Visitor from New York

The boat ride on Lake McDonald felt timeless, and the reflections of the peaks were unforgettable.

Visitor from Illinois

Driving Going-to-the-Sun Road was the most breathtaking road trip of our lives. Every turn revealed another postcard view.

Visitor from Colorado

Trail of the Cedars was perfect for our family — accessible, easy, and magical with its towering trees.

Visitor from Washington

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