Towering mountains, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife offer visitors an unforgettable experience.
But before you pack your bags for a visit to Glacier National Park, there are some important things to consider. Here’s a guide on making the most of your trip to Glacier.
What to Do Glacier National Park is great for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and fishing. Hiking trails in the park range from easy walks along lakeshores to strenuous treks up to alpine peaks.
Camping is also popular in the park, with several campgrounds available for car camping and backpacking. Fishing is available in many lakes, streams, and rivers throughout the park, with trout, whitefish, and grayling being the most popular catches.
When to Go, Glacier National Park can be visited year-round, but you may want to plan your trip around the peak seasons for certain activities. Summer is the best time for camping, as this season offers the mildest temperatures and some of the longest daylight hours.
Spring is a great time to explore the park on foot or by bike, while winter brings its unique adventure with snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Glacier National Park is located in northwestern Montana, just south of the Canadian border.
The closest major airport is Glacier Park International Airport, located about an hour’s drive away in Kalispell. You can rent a car or take a shuttle to the park entrance.
How to Prepare Before heading off on your adventure, it’s important to research and prepare for your visit to Glacier National Park.
Where Should I Stay in Glacier National Park?
The park has 13 campgrounds and several lodges throughout the area. The Many Glacier Hotel, Lake McDonald Lodge, and Rising Sun Motor Inn & Cabins are the most popular options. You can also find camping spots outside the park at private campsites or RV parks in nearby towns like Kalispell, Columbia Falls, and Whitefish.
Glacier National Park has several different transportation options for getting around the park. For those who prefer to drive, a scenic 50-mile road runs along the park’s west side, connecting all the major attractions.
For visitors wanting a more intimate experience with nature, you can rent bikes or boats at one of the park’s concessioners. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can try horseback riding. How to Be Responsible Glacier National Park is a precious environment that must be respected and protected.
3 Unique Things You Can Do in Glacier National Park
- Take a boat tour of Lake McDonald.
- Hike to Grinnell Glacier and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Marvel at the beautiful waterfalls in Avalanche Creek or St Mary’s Falls.
What Are the Best Hikes in Glacier National Park?
- Hidden Lake Trail – A moderate 4.5-mile round-trip hike that takes you to a secluded alpine lake with amazing views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.
- Highline Trail – An 11-mile round trip adventure through meadows and forests with views of wildflowers, waterfalls, and wildlife along the way.
- Iceberg Lake Trail – A 10-mile round-trip hike takes you to a stunning glacial lake surrounded by jagged peaks and glaciers.
- Grinnell Glacier – A 7-mile hike that takes you to a breathtaking glacier suspended among mountain peaks with incredible views of the surrounding landscape.
What Wildlife Can You See In Glacier?
Glacier National Park is home to various wildlife, including grizzly bears, black bears, elk, moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, wolves, and more. Visitors may also spot eagles soaring overhead or deer grazing in the meadows.
How to Respect Wildlife It is important to respect and admire wildlife from a distance. Keep your distance when viewing wildlife, and never try to feed them. Additionally, follow all park regulations and instructions while in the area.
The Best Time To Visit Glacier National Park
Glacier can be visited year-round, but you may want to plan your trip around the peak seasons for certain activities.
Summer is the best time for camping, as this season offers the mildest temperatures and some of the longest daylight hours. Spring is a great time to explore the park on foot or by bike, while winter is perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Things To Not Miss At Glacier National Park
No visit to Glacier is complete without a boat tour of Lake McDonald, a hike to Grinnell Glacier, and admiring the stunning waterfalls in Avalanche Creek or St Mary’s Falls. Be sure also to explore the park’s lesser-known gems like Two Medicine Lake and Kintla Lake.
With so much natural beauty to explore, Glacier is the perfect destination for travelers looking to reconnect with nature.
How To Make Your Visit Safe and Responsible?
Be sure to take appropriate precautions when visiting Glacier National Park. Wear sturdy shoes and carry plenty of water, food, and extra layers in case of unexpected weather changes. Also, ensure you are familiar with the park’s regulations and safety tips before heading out.
Lastly, remember that Glacier is a fragile environment so take care to leave no trace of your visit behind.
Is There a Way To Enter Glacier National Park without an Entry Ticket?
Yes! Glacier has a free entry program that allows visitors to enter the park without an entry ticket. The program is available for any visitor who has obtained a valid national parks pass or America the Beautiful Annual Pass.
With these passes, you can access Glacier National Park’s attractions, including ranger-led programs, hikes, and more.
Last Verdict
Glacier National Park is the perfect destination for anyone looking to get away from it all and explore Montana’s natural beauty. With its stunning mountains, glacial lakes, and abundant wildlife, there’s something for everyone in this magnificent park.
Plan your visit by researching the best times and taking appropriate safety measures. Make sure you also look into the park’s free entry program to save money on your trip. Glacier is sure to be a memorable experience that you won’t soon forget!