Glacier National Park Travel Guide

Explore the breathtaking beauty of Glacier National Park in Montana, USA – from natural attractions to cultural sites, outdoor adventures to scenic views, and more.


Introduction to Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a stunning natural reserve located in Northwestern Montana, in the Rocky Mountains of the United States of America, North America. The park covers over 1 million acres and is home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep. The park is known for its pristine alpine lakes, jagged peaks, and glaciers that have been melting over the past century. It offers a plethora of outdoor experiences and unparalleled scenery all year round, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

List of Places to Visit in Glacier National Park

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Apgar Visitor Center - A great starting point to learn about the park’s history and ecology. It also offers exhibits and an audiovisual presentation.
  • Garden Wall - A natural wonder and one of the most famous formations in the park; it’s a sheer cliff that rises nearly 3,000 feet above the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
  • Going-to-the-Sun Road - A scenic highway that crosses the park’s interior, offering breathtaking views of the mountains and glaciers.
  • National Historic Landmark District - An area with historic buildings and structures that were built in the early 1900s when the park was established.

Natural Attractions of Glacier National Park: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Grinnell Glacier Trail - A popular hike that leads to a stunning glacier and pristine alpine lakes.
  • Hidden Lake Trail - A trail that takes you through alpine meadows to the Hidden Lake Overlook, where you can see the surrounding peaks, valleys, and lake.
  • Many Glacier Area - A region known for its stunning lakes, glaciers, and hiking trails.
  • Lake McDonald - The largest lake in the park and a popular spot for boating and fishing.
  • Two Medicine Area - A quieter and lesser-known area of the park with stunning views, hiking trails, and lakes.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park offers over 700 miles of hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks. Some of the most popular hikes include:

  • Highline Trail - A 11.6-mile trail that takes you along the Continental Divide, offering stunning views of the park’s wilderness areas and wildlife.
  • Gunsight Pass Trail - A 20.5-mile trail that takes you to Gunsight Pass, a high mountain pass with stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
  • Biking the Going-to-the-Sun Road - A thrilling experience that takes you along the park’s iconic road with stunning views of the mountains, glaciers, and lakes.

Best Things to Do in Glacier National Park: Activities and Tours

  • Rafting on the Middle Fork Flathead River - A thrilling adventure that takes you through some of the park’s most scenic areas, including deep canyons and steep cliffs.
  • Red Bus Tour - A guided tour on a vintage red bus that takes you along the Going-to-the-Sun Road and offers stunning views of the mountains, valleys, and lakes.
  • Wildlife Viewing - A chance to see some of the park’s wildlife, including grizzly bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep.
  • Stargazing - A unique opportunity to observe the pristine night sky in the park’s clear skies.

Week-Long Itinerary for Glacier National Park

Day 1: Arrival and Apgar Visitor Center

Day 2: Going-to-the-Sun Road and Logan Pass

Day 3: Lake McDonald and Avalanche Lake

Day 4: Grinnell Glacier Trail and Many Glacier Area

Day 5: Hidden Lake Trail and Two Medicine Area

Day 6: Wildlife Viewing and Red Bus Tour

Day 7: Stargazing and Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Glacier National Park

Must-Try Dishes

  • Huckleberry Jam - A local delicacy that is made from the wild huckleberries that grow in the park.
  • Bison Burgers - A dish that highlights the park’s local buffalo population.
  • Flathead Cherries - A popular fruit in Montana known for their sweet and tart flavor.

Local Beverages

  • Montana Microbrews - A local beer scene that is well-known for its craft brews.
  • Montana Wines - A growing wine industry featuring local wineries that produce a range of grape varietals.

Where to Stay in Glacier National Park: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Glacier National Park offers a range of accommodation options, from historic lodges to modern cabins and campgrounds. Some popular options include:

  • Lake McDonald Lodge - A historic lodge with stunning lake views and a range of room options.
  • Many Glacier Hotel - A charming hotel that overlooks Swiftcurrent Lake and offers a range of amenities.
  • Glacier Campgrounds – A perfect option for those looking to camp in the park and make the most of their outdoor experience.

What to Buy in Glacier National Park: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Huckleberry Products - A range of huckleberry products are available including jams, syrups, and candies.
  • Native American Crafts - Handmade traditional crafts created by local tribes including beadwork, pottery, and jewelry.
  • Photography and Artwork - A range of stunning photographs and artwork depicting the park’s natural beauty and wildlife.

Local Culture and Customs of Glacier National Park

Montana is known for its cowboys, ranches, and rodeos. Proud of their state and rugged lifestyle, Montanans place a high value on hard work, independence, and self-reliance. When visiting the park, it’s important to remember to respect the local culture and values and to be mindful of the impact of your actions on the environment.

Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park

The best time to visit Glacier National Park depends on what you’re looking for. The summer months (June-August) offer the best weather and opportunities for hiking, biking, and water activities. The fall (September-November) offers beautiful fall foliage and fewer crowds. The winter (December-March) offers skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. And the spring (April-May) offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and blooming wildflowers.

Do’s and Don’ts of Glacier National Park

Do:

  • Respect wildlife and maintain a safe distance.
  • Carry water and snacks, and dress appropriately for the weather.
  • Plan ahead and make reservations in advance.

Don’t:

  • Feed wildlife or leave trash or food out in the open.
  • Camp in undesignated areas or disturb the natural environment.
  • Venture off marked trails on hikes.

Safety and Health

Safety in Glacier National Park

When visiting the park, it’s important to be aware of potential hazards and to take appropriate precautions. Some important safety tips include:

  • Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
  • Check the weather conditions before heading out on hikes or outdoor adventures.
  • Be mindful of the potential for falling rocks or unstable ground.

Health in Glacier National Park

When traveling to Glacier National Park, it’s important to be prepared for the elevation and the potential for altitude sickness. Some tips to stay healthy include:

  • Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.
  • Take breaks and allow your body to adjust to the altitude gradually.
  • Be mindful of the potential for sunburn and heat exhaustion.

Getting to Glacier National Park: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Glacier National Park

  • Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) - located in Kalispell, Montana, is the closest airport to the park and offers domestic flights.

Bus Stations Near Glacier National Park

  • Greyhound Bus Lines – offers services to nearby cities such as Columbia Falls, West Glacier, and Whitefish.

Other Options

  • Amtrak - offers scenic train rides from major cities in the US, with stops in Whitefish and East Glacier.

How to Get Around in Glacier National Park

Visitors can explore the park by car, shuttle, or bike. Many visitors choose to use the park shuttle system to avoid the hassles and congestion of finding parking. Hiking and biking are also popular options for those looking to experience the park at a slower pace.

Where to Go Next from Glacier National Park: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Waterton Lakes National Park

Waterton Lakes National Park is located in Canada, just across the border from Glacier National Park. It offers stunning scenery, hiking trails, and water activities.

Flathead Lake

Flathead Lake is the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi and offers a range of water activities, including boating, fishing, and camping.

Conclusion

Glacier National Park offers an unparalleled outdoor experience and stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re looking for hiking, biking, outdoor adventures, or just a chance to soak in the scenery, Glacier National Park is a destination that should not be missed. Be sure to plan ahead, respect the local culture and environment, and take appropriate safety precautions when visiting the park!

Bearhat Mountain, Reynolds Mountain and Hidden Lake Bearhat Mountain, Reynolds Mountain and Hidden Lake Mountain Goat in Glacier National Park. Mountain Goat in Glacier National Park. Winter conditions at Granite Creek Avalanche Chute Winter conditions at Granite Creek Avalanche Chute Take a 'Jammer' tour bus trip around the park. Take a 'Jammer' tour bus trip around the park. McDonald Falls McDonald Falls St. Mary Lake, Glacier National Park. St. Mary Lake, Glacier National Park. View of Red Eagle Mountain View of Red Eagle Mountain Visitors to Glacier National Park observing Mountain Goats Visitors to Glacier National Park observing Mountain Goats Many Glacier Hotel Many Glacier Hotel