Glacier National Park

The Basics

With 1,489 square miles (3,856 square kilometers) to explore, crisscrossed by some 740 miles of hiking trails, the park is best visited on guided bus tours or narrated cruises across numerous lakes, including Lake McDonald, St. Mary Lake, Two Medicine Lake, and the lakes around Many Glacier. The waters from the park’s melting glaciers form the headwaters of rivers flowing to the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf of Mexico.

For independent travelers, the park operates a free shuttle service throughout much of the summer season along Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile (80-kilometer) drive through the interior of the park. The 20 stops throughout the park offer countless memorable views.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The national park is a must-see for adventure travelers and outdoors enthusiasts.

• Dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.

• The park has limited cell service, so be sure to plan ahead.

• Park lodging is available in Glacier National Park at Apgar Village and on the shores of Lake McDonald and Swiftcurrent Lake.

• Glacier National Park is home to hundreds of animals, including bears, beavers, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and wolverines. Keep a safe and respectful distance from all wildlife.

• The Glacier National Park annual pass grant entry for one year from the date of purchase.

• Glacier National Park ticket fees differ depending on the season.

How to Get There

Glacier National Park is situated in Northwest Montana, 29 miles (47 kilometers) from Kalispell and 200 miles (322 kilometers) from Great Falls. Most visitors travel to the park by car or RV.

When to Get There

Glacier National Park offers magnificent views no matter the season, but travelers who prefer to have the natural scenery more to themselves would do well to avoid peak season from mid-June to Labor Day. Some roads and park facilities are closed during the winter.

International Peace Park

Glacier National Park and Waterton Lakes National Park (across the Canadian border in Alberta) make up what is known as Waterton Glacier International Peace Park. The first park of its kind in the world is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, distinguished for its diversity of flora and fauna.

What is the best time of year to visit Glacier National Park?

Considering the main road through the park, Going-to-the-Sun Road, is usually closed from September into June, you’ll likely want to come in summer, when the entire road is open and you can see all the park’s best areas. If you can time it correctly, try to come right when the road opens or right before it closes to avoid the biggest crowds.

How many days do I need at Glacier National Park?

How many days you need at Glacier National Park depends on what you want to do. If you simply want to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road and hit the most scenic spots, 1–2 days will suffice. But if you want to trek a few trails, take in the classic park architecture, and experience Glacier’s varied landscapes across its distinct sections, aim for 3+ days.

Does Glacier National Park have guided tours?

There are loads of guided tour options for Glacier National Park visitors: A fleet of historic red buses (aka jammers) run between several park lodges; Sun Tours, a Blackfeet-owned company, runs bus tours with an Indigenous perspective. Then there are boat tours, hiking tours, horseback tours, rafting tours, and ranger-led tours as well.

What should I not miss at Glacier National Park?

Many visitors will make sure they drive all of Going-to-the-Sun Road, the ridiculously scenic drag that crosses the park—from here, make stops at Lake McDonald, the Logan Pass Visitor Center, Jackson Glacier, and anywhere else that strikes you. You might also want to see (or dine at) Glacier Park Lodge, an absolute icon built by the Great Northern Railway.

Do you need reservations to get into Glacier National Park?

While you don’t need reservations to get into Glacier National Park, you do need vehicle reservations to access the most popular areas: Going-to-the-Sun Road, North Fork, Two Medicine, and Many Glacier. Considering Going-to-the-Sun Road is the main drag across the park, a vehicle reservation is essential for most visitors. Reservations can be made online at recreation.gov.

How much does Glacier National Park cost?

To enter Glacier National Park in your own private vehicle, you can purchase a 7-day pass for $35 at the park entrance ($25 from November 1 to April 30). Individuals are $20; motorcycles are $30. Certain popular areas of the park require additional reservations to access; those can be made online for “free,” though there’s a $2 processing fee.

Ways to explore

Glacier National Park is best visited on guided bus tours or narrated cruises across numerous lakes, including Lake McDonald, St. Mary Lake, Two Medicine Lake, and the lakes around Many Glacier. The waters from the park’s melting glaciers form the headwaters of rivers flowing to the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf of Mexico—many ideal for rafting or paddling excursions. For independent travelers, the park operates a free shuttle service along Going-to-the-Sun Road during much of the summer season, with stops throughout the park that offer countless memorable views.

Accessibility

The park offers accessible visitor centers, trails, overlooks, campsites, boat docks, and shuttle buses.

Age limits

Families will find a wide variety of activities in Glacier National Park, from kid-friendly trails to Junior Ranger programs.

What to pack

Water, sun protection, insect repellent, camera and battery pack

What to wear

Sturdy shoes, hat, layers

Not allowed

Camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds, and pets are not permitted on the park trails.

Amenities

Visitor centers, restrooms, camping and picnicking areas, trails

Address 

Glacier National Park is situated in northwestern Montana, 29 miles (47 kilometers) from Kalispell and 200 miles (322 kilometers) from Great Falls. Most visitors travel to the park by car or RV.

Driving

From Kalispell, take Highway 2 north to West Glacier (approximately 33 miles; 53 kilometers). From Great Falls, take Highway 89 north to Browning (approximately 125 miles; 200 kilometers) and then follow signs to the entrance you prefer.

Public transportation

There is no public transportation to the park, but free shuttle buses on the east and west sides of the park make it easy to explore the sights and trails along Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Best times to visit

Enter the park in the early morning to ensure ample time to explore its scenic trails and roads.

Best days to visit

Visit on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds, which often cause snarled traffic and trails in the peak summer season.

Best months to visit

Winter snows cause many of the park’s roads to close, while the months between late spring and early fall are ideal for views and spotting wildlife.

Special events

Park rangers staffing the visitor centers often lead educational programs and hikes. Check with the visitor center information desks for a daily schedule.