glacier national park
Explore Montana’s Glacier National Park, home to glacier-carved valleys, waterfalls, wildlife, and the famed Going-to-the-Sun Road.
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Glacier National Park lodging recommended by a local.
Hiking Guide
Useful advice and guide to make your hiking trip stress-free.
Packing Checklist
Immerse yourself in the adventure of Montana with the right gear.
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First-timer at Glacier National Park? Here’s how to make the most of your adventure.
First-Timer’s Guide: Visiting Glacier in Early Season
So You’re Headed to Glacier… But It’s Only May or June If you’re planning a trip to Glacier National Park in early season—let’s…
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First-Timer’s Guide: Day Hiking Essentials for Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park offers some of the most breathtaking hikes in the country, but the terrain, unpredictable weather, and wildlife require hikers to…
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First-Timer’s Guide: Going-to-the-Sun Road
How to See Glacier’s Most Famous Scenic Drive Like a Pro! 🚗 Going-to-the-Sun Road is Glacier National Park’s most scenic drive, rolling through…
Keep readingGlacier National Park is easy to reach by car, plane, or train.
- By Plane: Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) is 30 minutes from the park’s west entrance, with flights from major U.S. cities. Car rentals and shuttles are available from the airport. The Turo App is also a helpful resource when booking car rentals.
- By Train: Amtrak’s Empire Builder route stops at West Glacier and East Glacier, offering a scenic train option. Note – the train is notorious for delays.
- By Car: U.S. Highway 2 runs along the park’s southern border, connecting the east and west sides. The most popular entrance is West Glacier, near Apgar and Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Be sure to check road conditions, especially if you plan to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road, as it’s only open during certain seasons.
Many roads in Glacier National Park are seasonal, so be sure to check the current Road Status before your visit.
Some roads outside the park are also affected by seasonal closures—refer to the Montana Department of Transportation map for updates.
Portions of Going-to-the-Sun Road are open year-round, but the full road typically doesn’t open until late June at the earliest. For the latest updates, check the Plowing and Road Status page. The alpine sections usually close for winter around the third Monday in October, but this can vary with the weather.
Travel times in and around Glacier National Park are estimates and can vary due to construction and time of day.
Here are some approximate distances and driving times:
- St. Mary to Many Glacier Valley: 20 miles, 30–40 minutes
- St. Mary to Two Medicine Valley: 34 miles, 1 hour
- St. Mary to Waterton Lakes National Park: 50 miles, 1 hour (plus customs)
- West Glacier to East Glacier: 56 miles, 1 hour
- West Glacier to St. Mary (via Going-to-the-Sun Road): 50 miles, 2–2.5 hours
- West Glacier to St. Mary (via US Hwy 2 and Hwy 89): 90 miles, 2–2.5 hours
- West Glacier to Many Glacier: 70 miles, 2.5–3 hours
- West Glacier to Polebridge: 28 miles, 1 hour
Vehicle Size Limits:
- Maximum size: 21 feet (6.4 m) long, 8 feet (2.4 m) wide, and 10 feet (3 m) tall.
- Vehicles or vehicle combinations longer than 21 feet (including bumpers) or wider than 8 feet (including mirrors) are not allowed between Avalanche Campground and the Rising Sun picnic area.
- Vehicles over 10 feet in height may have difficulty driving west from Logan Pass to the Loop due to rock overhangs.
Bicycling:
From June 15 to Labor Day, certain sections of Going-to-the-Sun Road are closed to bicycles between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm:
- Apgar turnoff (south end of Lake McDonald) to Sprague Creek Campground
- Eastbound from Logan Creek to Logan Pass
Glacier’s summer shuttle system is updated yearly. For the most current details, visit the park’s Shuttle System page.
From roughly May 24 to September 8, vehicle reservations are required between 6 am and 3 pm for the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road and North Fork. From July 1 to September 8, the same applies to Many Glacier.
If you’re visiting these areas during these dates, you’ll need two things:
- A vehicle reservation or a service reservation.
- A Park Entrance Fee or a valid Park Pass (Annual, Senior, Military, etc.).
The park is open 24/7, so you can enter reservation-required areas before 6 am or after 3 pm without a vehicle reservation.
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Enjoy Glacier this Summer!
First-Timer’s Guide to Glacier National Park (2025 Edition)
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First Timer’s Guide: Last-Minute Planning for Glacier National Park
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Ultimate Glacier Trip Planning Guide
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 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…
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Swiftcurrent Area in Glacier National Park Closes
If you’re planning a trip to Glacier National Park in 2025, you might need to adjust your itinerary. The Swiftcurrent area in Glacier National Park will be closed starting September 16, 2024, and for the entire 2025 season due to major construction and restoration projects. For those familiar with Swiftcurrent’s stunning scenery and top-notch hiking…
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Book Your Glacier National Park Boat Tour for 2025
Glacier Park Boat Tours has officially opened up their 2025 booking dates, offering an unforgettable way to explore the park’s pristine lakes and stunning landscapes. Here’s everything you need to know about booking your Glacier National Park Boat tour for 2025. Why Choose Glacier Park Boat Tours? Glacier Park Boat Tours has been a beloved…
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Glacier National Park to Introduce Timed Vehicle Reservations in 2025
Glacier National Park will implement a timed vehicle reservation system starting in 2025. This new policy is expected to significantly impact how visitors plan their trips, especially during peak summer months. Understanding the new process of Glacier National Park’s timed vehicle reservations in 2025 will help visitors prepare adequately. Why the Change? The decision to…
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Winter Adventures in and Around Glacier National Park
In and around Glacier National Park, winter makes the landscape a calm and beautiful place to escape and find solitude. It offers visitors a chance to get involved in the park in a way that may not be available in other seasons. Here are some of the top winter adventures in and around Glacier National…
Avalanche Safety: Glacier National Park
Winter in Glacier National Park unveils a vision of frozen lakes, unspoiled snow, and empty space. It also serves as a reminder that while backcountry trips are exciting, there are dangers that come with them including avalanches. Everyone who plans to go skiing, snowshoeing or snowboarding in the park should know how to avoid the…
Glacier National Park Weather
If you’ve ever heard about Montana weather stories, you’ve probably heard about the freak snowstorms in August, or the unusually hot day in May. Glacier National Park is known as the hiker’s paradise, as there are epic mountain vistas, stunning valleys, and diverse ecosystems. Whether you’re planning your hiking trip, or just wanting to explore,…
Plan Your Glacier National Park Trip
Glacier National Park, located in northern Montana, is known for its rugged peaks, stunning alpine meadows, and more than 700 miles of hiking trails. Here’s a complete guide to plan your Glacier National Park Trip today, including a downloadable packing checklist. When to Visit Glacier National Park Choosing the best month to visit Glacier National…
60+ BEST THINGS To Do In Glacier National Park
If you are looking for the 60+ best things to do in Glacier National Park, we have you covered! Hopefully, this guide will give you the information to choose the best things to do in GNP for you and your travel companions. Hiking in Glacier National Park Hiking is one of the best ways to experience the…
The Ultimate Guide to Purchasing Your National Park Pass
We have created the ultimate guide to purchasing your National Park Pass due to many inquiries and questions. Happy Travels! National Park Passes Both Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park charge entrance fees, which can be purchased as individual park passes or as part of a broader national park pass. Here are the key…
Experience Glacier on a Budget
Glacier National Park is a stunning destination, and you can experience it on a budget without sacrificing adventure. With a little planning, you can explore its breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor activities without emptying your wallet. Glacier Prices at a Glance Category Price Range (USD) Description Accommodations Campgrounds $10 – $40 per night Basic sites,…
Hiker Injured in Bear Encounter on Glacier’s Highline Trail
A 35-year-old hiker suffered non-life-threatening injuries during a bear encounter on the Highline Trail near the Grinnell Glacier Overlook in Glacier National Park on September 19, 2024. For safety, rangers have closed the trail section between Haystack Butte and Granite Park Chalet. The hiker reached Granite Park Chalet with help and was airlifted to a…
Glacier National Park Packing Checklist
Here’s a Glacier National Park packing checklist to help ensure you’re prepared for the varying weather, terrain, and activities: (PDF download at the bottom of the page) Clothing: □ Hiking boots (waterproof, broken-in)□ Hiking socks (moisture-wicking, wool)□ Base layers (merino wool or synthetic)□ Fleece jacket or sweater (for warmth)□ Waterproof jacket (for rain protection)□ Quick-dry…
Where to Stay When Visiting Glacier National Park
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, whether you want to stay inside the park for quick access to trails or in nearby towns for more amenities. 1. Staying Inside…
Exploring Glacier in the Fall
Fall is a beautiful time to visit Glacier National Park. The crowds are smaller, the colors are stunning, and wildlife is more active. If you’re planning a trip, here are some simple tips for exploring Glacier in the fall. Best Hikes 1. Avalanche LakeThis is one of the most popular hikes in the park. The…