Glacier National Park is easily one of the most underrated parks in the United States. From gigantic glaciers to epic waterfalls, grizzly bears to massive moose, and gorgeous lakes to huge mountains, Glacier National Park has it ALL! Whether you are an avid hiker or a someone who likes to enjoy the scenery from the car, you will appreciate every second of your time in Glacier.
Located at the tip top of Montana, Glacier is not always the first park on people’s list, but it should be!! If you are just reading for fun and/or inspiration, I’m SURE you will be ready to book that flight by the end of the page. This Glacier National Park guide will walk you through everything you need to know in order to make the best of your time in Glacier!
Looking to make the iconic road trip across the Going to the Sun Road?! Make sure you know all of the stops to make along the drive!
Contents
When to Visit Glacier National Park?
July-Early September
For a full Glacier experience, you will need to visit the park from late July- early September. The main road that crosses the entire length of the park (Going to the Sun Road) is only open during these months. Once the road closes, you lose access to almost the entirety of the park.
Late September
Late September has the potential to be the BEST time to visit Glacier, as crowds will be low, traffic minimal, and parking manageable! As with every shoulder season, planning a trip for this time is a gamble. It’s possible that the road will be closed, and you will be out of luck. But if you have a flexible travel schedule, I suggest keeping your eyes peeled on that late September weather and be ready to head up there if it looks good!
October-June
Unfortunately, October through June is not a great time to visit. With the road being closed, you won’t find much that you’re able to access.
Where to Stay (East Glacier vs West Glacier)
When I started planning our first trip to Glacier, I kept reading about “East” vs “West” Glacier, as if they were two completely different parks. Since I didn’t yet understand the layout, I treated it like any other national park and planned to stay in the more popular area, that being “West Glacier”. While West Glacier is the place to stay for better amenities, I would NOT suggest spending your entire time there. Let me attempt to explain why…
West of Glacier National Park
West Glacier has restaurants, souvenir shops, grocery stores, ample lodging, doggie daycare, and is where every guide-service bases out of. It is an excellent starting point for exploring the Going to the Sun Road and the few hikes that come with it. If you only have a couple of days to explore Glacier, then you should definitely base out of the West!
East of Glacier Glacier National Park
The true gem and lesser traveled area of Glacier National Park lies in the East! With a multitude of epic hikes and untouched, rugged nature, East Glacier is where the magic lies! The main reason that East Glacier is not as popular is the lack of amenities. The area surrounding East Glacier is a part of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation so you will not see any big hotels, grocery stores, or anything like what you have on the West. There are a few lodging options (campgrounds/RV parks) and a gas station but that’s mostly it.
Getting from East Glacier to West Glacier
Getting from west to east glacier is a pain in the ass… but you can connect them by one of two ways. The first way is to use the Going to the Sun Road- this is the lowest mileage option, but the Sun Road always has sooooo much traffic as people are stopping every other pull-off to take in the views. The other option is to go around the park which is around 120 miles. Either way will take around 2 hours ONE-WAY. That is why your best option is to SPLIT your time between basing in East Glacier and West Glacier.
Camping in Glacier National Park
Camping is always (and will forever be) my favorite way to explore the park! There’s something about sleeping under the stars while exploring nature that is unmatched to the luxury of a hotel! Glacier has many options for camping, specifically first-come/first-serve sites which is nice!
Below, next to the name of each campground is the area of the park that the campground is in. East and West Glacier are straightforward. Many Glacier refers to the Northeast section of the park, while North Fork refers to the Northwest section of the park.
Reservable Campgrounds
- Apgar Campground (West Glacier)
- Fish Creek Campground (West Glacier)
- Many Glacier Campground (Many Glacier)
- St. Mary Campground (East Glacier)
- Sprague Creek Campground (West Glacier)
To reserve a campground, visit recreation.gov
First-Come/First-Served Campgrounds
- Avalanche Campground (West Glacier)
- Bowman Lake Campground (North Fork)
- Cut Bank Campground (East Glacier)
- Kintla Lake Campground (North Fork)
- Logging Creek (North Fork)
- Quartz Creek (North Fork)
- Rising Sun (East Glacier)
- Two Medicine (East Glacier)
In addition to all of these within the park, you always have the option to park on BLM land (What is BLM Land?) for free! If that’s your vibe, check out ioverlander.
MUST DO Hikes in Glacier National Park
REMEMBER to always carry bear spray while hiking!
Check out what to bring in your daypack for gear recs!
Hikes Along Going-to-the-Sun Road
Avalanche Lake/Trail of the Cedars
-5.9 miles out and back
-760 ft elevation gain
This hike begins on the Trail of the Cedars, which winds through a beautiful forest of Cedar trees! As you continue, you will hike parallel to an insanely scenic glacier-fed river running through a narrow gorge! Watch your step here and be sure to stay on the trail, as the canyon walls are steep. Once you pass the gorge, the crowds will thin out significantly! The rest of the hike winds through the woods until the trees open to the incredible Avalanche Lake!
Hidden Lake Overlook
-3.0 miles out and back
-567 ft elevation gain
Hidden Lake Overlook is a Glacier NP classic! Just 1.5 miles from the Logan Pass parking lot is the scenic overlook looking out over Hidden Lake and the massive mountains surrounding it! Because it is one of the shorter hikes in the park, its normally crowded. BUT, if you go at sunrise/sunset, you might have it all to yourself!
Highline Trail
-11.8 miles ONE WAY
-700 ft elevation gain
Highline Trail is probably the most “well-known” hike in Glacier. The trailhead starts right at Logan Pass and has breathtaking views while hiking along the rocky cliffside! There are many ways to do this hike, but I prefer to hike it ONE WAY, starting (and parking) at Logan Pass and hiking it straight to the Loop. You can then catch the free park shuttle from the Loop back to your car at Logan Pass!
Pro Tip: you can combine the Grinnel Glacier Overlook to this hike as well! It will add a little mileage and elevation but it’s definitely worth it!
St Mary & Virginia Falls
-3.6 miles out and back
-450 ft elevation gain
TWO waterfalls-ONE hike! It doesn’t get much better than that! The hike to the falls is relatively chill, one that most everyone in the family can do! St Mary Falls is up first, and it is jaw-droppingly beautiful! Another mile down the trail will bring you to Virginia Falls which somehow is even better than St Mary! The most difficult part of this hike is finding parking at the trailhead. Parking is really limited and with it being a popular trail you’ll either have to get there super early OR get lucky.
Hikes in "Many Glacier" (East Glacier)
Cracker Lake
-12.0 miles out and back
-1,650 ft elevation gain
SOMEHOW Cracker Lake is not a very popular trail (compared to others) … and I have NO idea why! It is one of the most stunning hikes in the park, and a MUST-DO! The trail has no shortage of switchbacks and elevation, but as soon as you crest the last hill that spits you out right beside the icy blue Cracker Lake it will all be worth it!
Pro tip: We noticed a ton of epic campsites along the lake which made us really wish we had planned a little overnighter at Cracker Lake! If you have the time, I suggest backpacking in for the night!
Grinnel Glacier
-11.2 miles out and back
-2,181 ft elevation gain
Talk about a BANG for your BUCK! Grinnel Glacier Trail is a big day with a lot of elevation, but every single step is WORTH IT! Around every corner is a big view, or a gorgeous lake, or a bear, or steep rock walls, or mountain goats, or icebergs?! You get the point… If you only have one day in the Many Glacier area, do this hike!!
Ptarmigan Tunnel
-10.6 miles out and back
-2,375 ft elevation gain
Did you know that there is a tunnel built into the side of a mountain that separates Many Glacier Valley and Belly River Valley?! If Tunnels are your thing, then you will be BLOWN away by this hike. The trail is steep, with unrelenting elevation gain, but seeing the tunnel (built in the 1930s) is worth the effort! Also, overshadowed by the tunnel, is Ptarmigan Lake! You reach the Lake before the steep climb up to the tunnel, and it’s beautiful!
Iceberg Lake
-9.3 miles out and back
-1,450 ft elevation gain
It is not uncommon for this trail to be closed due to Grizzly bear activity, so in the off chance that it is OPEN you should make the effort to go!! Every time we have been it has been closed, so no beta here other than what I found online. Hoping to go back and cross this one off our bucket list one day!
Fun Experiences in Glacier National Park
Hiking is not the only thing to do while visiting Glacier National Park! Take a little break from the trail and try one of these fun activities!
Go Backpacking in Glacier Backcountry
Whether you’re looking for a multi-day adventure or just an overnighter, Glacier has tons and tons of epic backpacking! Remember to register for a permit for a backcountry site and let a loved one know your plan in the OFF chance something goes wrong.
Go Fishing in Glacier National Park
There is TONS of fishing in the park and the areas surrounding it, and bonus, no permit required! If you are planning to fish while visiting Glacier, check out the rules and regulations at nps.gov.
Wildlife Viewing
If you go to Glacier and don’t see a bear, did you even go to Glacier?? Okay, so not everyone will see a bear on their visit but undoubtedly you will see SOME wildlife! Glacier is known for its remarkable wildlife such as mountain goats, bighorn sheep, bears, moose, elk, wolves, marmots, and birds galore! Pack your binoculars and hit the road (and trail) early for your best chance to spot something!
Star Gazing in Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park has received the designation of being an “International Dark Sky Park” which basically means that the night sky is undisturbed by light pollution. THIS means that it is a prime place to do some star gazing! Whether it’s milky way season or not, you won’t be disappointed when you open the tent to some of the brightest stars and sparkling sky that you’ve ever seen!
Eat Something Huckleberry
Huckleberry is abundant in Glacier National Park and therefore it’s not a complete visit to Glacier National Park without trying a huckleberry treat! There are many options including huckleberry pie, huckleberry ice cream, huckleberry jam, huckleberry coffee, huckleberry syrup OR even huckleberry picking- straight from the vine to your mouth!
What to Pack for Glacier National Park
Shoes: We LOVE these Salomon’s in women’s and men’s!
Pack: A good day pack makes ALL the difference! We both use this 30L Ortovox pack. It’s the perfect size for day hiking and we love that it unzips all of the way down the front!
Sun protection: a brimmer hat and sun hoodie (women’s and men’s) are essentials in the sun!
Cooler: Keep a few snacks and drinks cool in the car with this affordable soft sided cooler! It’s a game changer on a hot day!
Water: Be sure to bring a water bladder for your daypack. Plus this packable water cube and a reusable water bottle are great to keep in the car!
Snacks: Make sure to pack some trail snacks too! We love these meal replacement bars (although we use them as a snack not a meal!)
First aid kit: Just this standard first aid kit should suffice if anything were to happen on the trail!
Light: A headlamp and extra batteries are important to carry in case you are out hiking later than you suspect.
Tips for Visiting Glacier National Park
- Bear Spray! CARRY BEAR SPRAY AT ALL TIMES AND KNOW HOW TO USE IT! There are a TON of bears in Glacier and the odds of you coming across one are high. Know what to do if you encounter a bear on the trail and stay safe out there!
- Rent a car: There’s a pretty good shuttle system in the park, but it is rather annoying relying on a shuttle to get you from point A to point B, while trying to stick to YOUR schedule. Just bite the bullet and rent a car. It will be so nice to plan your days exactly how you want to.
- Guide along: We recommend this for every single national park! Guide along is a location-based audio tour that gives you tips and stories about the location your driving along. The tour operates totally offline and hands free! Check it out here!
- Stock up in West Glacier: There are slim pickings for food once you enter the park, therefore you should visit a local grocery store in Columbia Falls and stock up on groceries, beer, propane, firewood, etc… Plus, it will be cheaper than anything in the park (always a bonus).
- Get an early start: The parking situation for popular hikes along the Going to the Sun Road is horrendous. If you are planning on hiking trails such as Avalanche Lake or Virginia Falls, I would highly recommend getting an early start! It is near impossible to find a parking spot late morning and beyond.
- LAYERS: The weather can change RAPIDLY. You should always be prepared with extra layers! From warm layers to wind layers to rain layers, it is so important to be prepared for all the elements!
- Reservations: Starting in 2022 you will need a reservation to drive the Sun Road from 6 AM to 4 PM. The reservations will get released one day before the reservation day and is valid for one private vehicle to enter for the next 3 days. Get your reservation HERE!
- Please remember to LEAVE NO TRACE!
