Glacier: The Crown of the Continent
Glacier is what happens when mountains meet ice meets sky. A million acres of carved valleys, turquoise lakes, and peaks that still hold 25 active glaciers. Going-to-the-Sun Road is arguably the most scenic drive in any national park. The wildlife is abundant, the trails are world-class, and the scale is humbling.
Getting There
Nearest airports: Glacier Park International in Kalispell (30 minutes to West Entrance), Great Falls (3 hours), Missoula (2.5 hours).
Entrance fee: $35 per vehicle. America the Beautiful pass accepted.
The shuttle system: Free shuttles run along Going-to-the-Sun Road from July through Labor Day. Useful for one-way hikes and avoiding parking headaches at popular trailheads.
Book Glacier lodging early. In-park options like Many Glacier Hotel and Lake McDonald Lodge fill 6+ months in advance.
Going-to-the-Sun Road
This 50-mile engineering marvel crosses the park from west to east, climbing to 6,646-foot Logan Pass. The road typically opens fully by late June or early July — check the status before your trip. Highlights along the drive:
Lake McDonald: The largest lake in the park, reflecting the mountains in its clear waters. The historic Lake McDonald Lodge sits on the shore.
The Loop: A series of switchbacks that gain 1,000 feet in 3 miles. The Weeping Wall (a natural waterfall cascading over the road) is right here.
Logan Pass: The continental divide. Park here for the Highline Trail and Hidden Lake Overlook. Arrive before 9am for parking on summer days.
Jackson Glacier Overlook: The best roadside view of an active glacier in the park.
St. Mary Falls: A short walk from the road to a powerful waterfall.
Best Hiking Trails
Highline Trail (11.6 miles, strenuous): The single best day hike in Glacier — possibly in any national park. The trail clings to the Garden Wall above Logan Pass, with sheer drops on one side and mountain panoramas on the other. The first 1.5 miles are the most dramatic. Take the shuttle back from the Granite Park Chalet junction.
Hidden Lake Overlook (2.7 miles, easy-moderate): From Logan Pass, a boardwalk trail to one of the most photographed views in the park. Mountain goats are common on the trail. Continue down to the lake for a 5.4-mile round trip.
Grinnell Glacier Trail (10.6 miles, strenuous): The best glacier hike in the park. Views of Grinnell Lake's impossible turquoise water, Upper Grinnell Lake with icebergs, and the glacier itself. Bring plenty of water and sun protection — this trail is almost entirely above treeline.
Avalanche Lake (4.5 miles, moderate): The most popular moderate hike. A forested trail leading to a stunning alpine lake surrounded by waterfalls and cliffs.
Iceberg Lake Trail (9.3 miles, moderate): A relatively flat trail to a lake dotted with floating icebergs, even in July. Excellent for wildflowers and wildlife sightings.
Wildlife Viewing
Glacier is prime habitat for grizzly bears, black bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and moose. The Many Glacier area is the best for wildlife — dawn and dusk along the trails near Iceberg Lake and Grinnell Glacier produce consistent sightings.
Carry bear spray on every trail outside the developed areas. Buy or rent bear spray — it's essential safety equipment, not optional.
When to Visit
Best: July-September for full access. August has the best weather and wildflower displays.
Shoulder season: Late June for wildflowers at lower elevations, though Going-to-the-Sun Road may not be fully open.
Winter: The park transforms for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Only the Apgar area is accessible by car.
Planning Your Time
- Minimum: 2 full days (Going-to-the-Sun Road + one major hike)
- Recommended: 3-4 days (all of the above + Many Glacier area)
- Thorough: 5-7 days (west side hikes + east side hikes + boat tours)
Glacier consistently ranks in the top 3. See where it lands in our complete national park rankings.
Combining Glacier with Other Parks
Glacier + Yellowstone + Grand Teton (7-10 days):
This is the classic northern Rockies road trip. Glacier (3-4 days) → 5.5 hour drive → Yellowstone (3 days) → 1 hour drive → Grand Teton (2 days). Book park-to-park lodging at gateway towns along the route.
Glacier + Banff (7 days):
Cross into Canada for Banff and Jasper National Parks in Alberta. The drive from Glacier to Banff is 4 hours via the Chief Mountain Border Crossing.
Important: Book Glacier lodging 6-12 months in advance for July and August. Many Glacier Hotel and Lake McDonald Lodge fill faster than any other park lodges in the system.
Getting to Glacier and Logistics
Glacier is remote, which is part of its appeal and part of its challenge. The nearest major airports are:
- Glacier Park International (FCA) in Kalispell — 30 minutes to the West Entrance
- Great Falls (GTF) — 3 hours to the East Entrance
- Missoula (MSO) — 2.5 hours to the West Entrance
Shuttle service runs along Going-to-the-Sun Road from July through Labor Day, connecting the West Entrance to Logan Pass and St. Mary. Useful for one-way hikes and avoiding parking headaches at Logan Pass.