Glacier National Park Travel Guide: Nature's Masterpiece in Montana

Nestled in the rugged wilderness of northern Montana, along the U.S.-Canada border, Glacier National Park is a haven for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and photographers. Known as the “Crown of the Continent,” the park boasts more than 1 million acres of pristine forests, alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and towering peaks sculpted by ancient ice.
 

Whether you're hiking a scenic trail, cruising the famed Going-to-the-Sun Road, or spotting wildlife like grizzly bears and mountain goats, Glacier National Park offers an unforgettable escape into nature’s grandeur.

📍 Where Is Glacier National Park?

Location: Northwestern Montana, USA

Nearest Towns: West Glacier, Whitefish, Kalispell

Nearest Airport: Glacier Park International Airport (FCA), ~30 miles from the park’s west entrance

🧭 Getting to Glacier National Park

✈️ By Air:

Fly into Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, Montana.

From the airport, rent a car or use a shuttle service to reach West Glacier.

🚗 By Car:

From Kalispell: ~45 minutes

From Missoula: ~3 hours

From Great Falls: ~4.5 hours

Tip: Enter from either the West Glacier Entrance or St. Mary Entrance on the east side, depending on your itinerary.

🗺️ Highlights of Glacier National Park

1. 🏔️ Going-to-the-Sun Road

One of the most scenic drives in the U.S., the Going-to-the-Sun Road stretches 50 miles across the park, crossing the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. With hairpin turns, jaw-dropping vistas, and pull-offs for photos, this road is a must.

Open Season: Typically late June to mid-October (depending on snow)

Logan Pass: Highest point on the road at 6,646 feet, often surrounded by wildflowers and mountain goats

Must-See Stops: Wild Goose Island, Jackson Glacier Overlook, Weeping Wall

2. 🥾 Hiking Trails

Glacier National Park features over 700 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous backcountry treks.

🌲 Popular Trails:

Hidden Lake Trail (3 miles round-trip)
Starting at Logan Pass, this trail offers incredible alpine views and ends at a spectacular lake. Watch for mountain goats and marmots.

Highline Trail (11.6 miles)
A challenging trail with breathtaking views along the Garden Wall. Best for experienced hikers.

Avalanche Lake Trail (4.5 miles round-trip)
Starts from the Trail of the Cedars and leads to a serene lake surrounded by waterfalls.

Grinnell Glacier Trail (10.6 miles round-trip)
One of the best hikes for glacier views. Depart from Many Glacier and prepare for a climb!

3. 🛶 Lakes and Water Activities

Lake McDonald: The largest lake in the park, located near the west entrance. Great for kayaking, paddleboarding, and boat tours.

St. Mary Lake: Iconic with turquoise water and Wild Goose Island. Photographers love this lake at sunrise.

Swiftcurrent Lake: Located in the Many Glacier area, perfect for canoeing and wildlife watching.

4. 🐻 Wildlife Viewing

Glacier National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Keep your camera ready!

Animals You Might See:

Grizzly and black bears

Mountain goats (official park symbol)

Bighorn sheep

Moose

Elk

Wolverines

Bald eagles

🦺 Always maintain a safe distance and follow park guidelines for wildlife encounters.

5. 🏕️ Camping and Lodging

⛺ Campgrounds:

Apgar Campground (West Glacier): One of the largest, close to Lake McDonald

Many Glacier Campground: Scenic and near top trailheads

Fish Creek Campground: Great for families and close to water

Campgrounds fill quickly during summer—reserve early or arrive early for first-come, first-served options.

🛏️ Lodges:

Many Glacier Hotel: Historic Swiss-style lodge with glacier views

Lake McDonald Lodge: Rustic charm on the lake’s edge

Rising Sun Motor Inn: Convenient for St. Mary access

🍽️ Where to Eat

Dining inside the park is limited, so plan ahead.

Apgar Village: Casual cafés and grocery supplies

Many Glacier Hotel Dining Room: Scenic meals with a view

Lake McDonald Lodge Restaurant: Sit-down meals and cocktails

Nearby towns like Whitefish and Kalispell offer more variety, from breweries to upscale dining.

🗓️ Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park

Summer (June–September): Peak season, best weather, full access to roads and trails

Fall (late September–October): Fewer crowds, fall colors, crisp weather

Winter (November–March): Limited access but great for cross-country skiing and solitude

Spring (April–May): Snowmelt, waterfalls, and emerging wildlife—but many roads and trails remain closed

🧊 Snow can linger on trails into July, especially at higher elevations.

🎟️ Entry and Park Pass Information

Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)

Annual Pass: $70 (unlimited visits for one year)

America the Beautiful Pass: $80 (access to all U.S. national parks)

Some areas now require vehicle reservations, especially for Going-to-the-Sun Road in summer. Check the official Glacier National Park website for current requirements.

📸 Photography Tips

Best Sunrise Spot: St. Mary Lake (Wild Goose Island Overlook)

Best Sunset Spot: Lake McDonald

Wildlife: Early morning or late evening in Many Glacier or Logan Pass

Waterfalls: Best in early summer after snowmelt

🧳 What to Pack

Comfortable hiking shoes

Rain gear (weather changes quickly!)

Bear spray (can be rented locally)

Reusable water bottle

Layers for changing temps

Binoculars and camera

🌿 Leave No Trace & Respect Nature

Glacier National Park is a fragile ecosystem. Please:

Stay on marked trails

Do not feed wildlife

Pack out all trash

Use designated restrooms

Keep noise to a minimum

🧠 Fun Facts About Glacier National Park

Originally established in 1910, it’s one of the oldest national parks in the U.S.

The park had 150 glaciers in 1850. Today, fewer than 25 active glaciers remain due to climate change.

Glacier shares a border with Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada. Together, they form the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Parts of the movie The Shining were filmed on Going-to-the-Sun Road.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Glacier National Park is more than just stunning scenery—it’s a living, breathing piece of wild America. With its glaciers, lakes, wildlife, and mountains, it offers peace and adventure for every kind of traveler.

Whether you’re driving scenic roads, hiking alpine trails, or simply soaking in the grandeur, your visit to Glacier will be one to remember forever.