Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to explore, this ultimate Glacier trip planning guide will help you craft the perfect day.
Glacier at a Glance
- Located in Montana
- 700+ miles of hiking trails
- Features the Going-to-the-Sun Road and epic mountain vistas
- Home to glaciers, alpine meadows, and dense forests
- Wildlife includes bears, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, moose, and more
- Activities: hiking, boating, camping, and wildlife watching
- Best visited in late summer and early fall for open roads/trails
COMMON GLACIER QUESTIONS
Where should I stay?
Visiting Glacier National Park is a bucket-list adventure but deciding where to stay can significantly impact your experience. Here’s a guide to the best places to stay when visiting Glacier National Park.
Do I need reservations?
From May through September, GNP requires vehicle reservations for certain areas but be sure to plan ahead and secure your reservation 120 days in advance, as they often sell out. Read more about reservations below.
Best time to visit?
When choosing the best time to visit Glacier National Park, you’ll want to consider things like crowds, weather, and open roads and hiking trails. Read more about the best time to visit Glacier below.
ACTIVITIES IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road
Explore Lake McDonald
Visit Many Glacier
Check out Hidden Lake
Hike to Avalanche Lake
BEST HIKES IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
For Beginners:
Trail of the Cedars (wheelchair & stroller friendly), Avalanche Lake, Virginia Falls
For Experienced Hikers:
Griennell Glacier, Iceberg Lake, Ptarmigan Tunnel, Highline Trail
Not a hiker?
Don’t fret – I have a guide specifically for non-hikers!
BEAR SAFETY IN GLACIER
Bear Safety: Always carry bear spray & know how to use it. Simultaneously, make noise on trails to avoid surprising bears, and never approach wildlife. Glacier is bear county, so be sure to read up on best practices just in case!!
PRO TIPS FOR A SMOOTH VISIT TO GLACIER
Book Early: Reservations are essential, especially during peak season (July and August).
Vehicle Reservations: The Going-to-the-Sun Road requires a timed-entry vehicle reservation during the peak season.
Pack for All Weather: Glacier’s weather can change rapidly, so layers are essential.
On a Budget?
Glacier National Park is a stunning destination, and you can experience it on a budget without sacrificing adventure.
- Visit during the off-peak season
- Opt for camping instead of using a hotel
- Visit a local grocery store and pack your own food instead of dining out
- Enjoy free activities instead of expensive excursions
Getting Around Glacier National Park
CARS! It is highly recommended to rent/bring a vehicle. Although shuttles or Red Bus tours are available to use inside the park during peak season, you will want a vehicle to drive to neighboring towns. So, book that car rental!
You can drive to most of the trailhead parking areas with your own vehicle. During peak season, traffic jams are common, especially mid-morning to lunch time. Parking lots fill to capacity fairly quickly in the morning. I highly recommend either arriving EARLY (like 6 am early) to the park or in the evening if you have a destination point in mind.
Oversized vehicles: To drive Going-to-the-Sun Road, your vehicle CANNOT be longer than 21 feet, or wider than 8 feet, or taller than 10 feet. SERIOUSLY. Going-to-the-Sun Road is narrow and dangerous for larger vehicles. I have seen people “accidentally” drive their RV on this road and the rock walls took out the side of the RV. If you plan on camping with your RV, arrange a smaller vehicle to drive, or take the free shuttle in the park.
Seasonal Highlights in Glacier
Spring (May – June): Waterfalls are at their most powerful due to snowmelt. Lower elevation trails like Avalanche Lake and Trail of the Cedars are accessible, but higher trails are snow covered. Going-to-the-Sun Road is closed.
Summer (July – August): Full access to all park areas and trails, including the Going-to-the-Sun Road. This is the best time for activities like kayaking on Lake McDonald and hiking to Iceberg Lake but expect crowds and limited parking.
Fall (September – October): Cooler weather, fewer crowds, and vibrant fall colors make this a favorite time for many visitors but expect closed services and roads.
Winter (November – April): Limited access due to snow, but excellent for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing enthusiasts.
SAMPLE ITINERARY:
A DAY WITH AVALANCHE LAKE & LAKE MCDONALD
6:00 AM – Enter Glacier National Park
- Location: West Glacier Entrance
- Tip: Pack your breakfast and snacks for your hike. Don’t forget to bring water, sunscreen, and your camera! For information regarding vehicle reservations, please visit here.
6:00 AM – 6:45 AM – Head to Avalanche Lake Trailhead
- Drive Time: Approximately 30 minutes from Lake McDonald Lodge
- Directions: Drive to the Trail of the Cedars Trailhead, which is the starting point for the Avalanche Lake hike.
7:00 AM – Hike to Avalanche Lake
- Trail: Trail of the Cedars to Avalanche Lake
- Distance: 5.9 miles round-trip (if you also walk Trail of the Cedars)
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Description: This scenic hike takes you through lush old-growth forest and follows Avalanche Creek to the stunning Avalanche Lake. Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and waterfalls.
- Tip: Start early to avoid crowds and get the best lighting for photos.
10:00 AM – Return to the Trailhead
- Activity: Finish your hike and head back to the parking area.
- Rest: Take a few minutes to relax and have a snack if needed.
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Lunch at Lake McDonald Lodge
- Location: Lake McDonald Lodge
- Activity: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the lodge’s dining room or picnic by the lake.
- Description: Take in views of the lake while you dine, and soak in the serene atmosphere.
12:00 PM – Explore Lake McDonald
- Activity: Stroll along the lake shore, rent a canoe or kayak, or simply relax by the water. Lake McDonald also offers boat tours. For boat tour reservations, please visit here.
- Description: Lake McDonald offers beautiful views and calm waters, perfect for a peaceful afternoon.
2:00 PM – Visit Gift Shops
- Location: Lake McDonald Lodge Gift Shop and Apgar Village
- Activity: Browse the gift shops for souvenirs, local crafts, and park memorabilia.
- Description: Pick up unique gifts, clothing, and keepsakes to remember your visit.
3:30 PM – Explore Apgar Village
- Activity: Take some time to explore Apgar Village, which has additional shops, cafes, and beautiful views of Lake McDonald.
- Tip: Grab a coffee or ice cream and enjoy the village atmosphere.
4:30 PM – Relax and Reflect
- Activity: Find a cozy spot to relax, review your photos, and reflect on your day.
- Description: Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and take in the natural beauty of Glacier National Park.
6:00 PM – Dinner
- Location: Nearby restaurant (Call ahead for wait times and reservations)
- Activity: Enjoy a dinner with a view. Consider dining at the lodge or a nearby eatery in Apgar Village. Also, there are many restaurant options in Columbia Falls, Kalispell, or Whitefish.
8:00 PM – Head Back to Accommodation
- Description: Reflect on your day and rest up for another adventure tomorrow.
