Montana's crown jewel features pristine wilderness, over 700 lakes, and the spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Road. Glaciers, mountain goats, and grizzly bears make it unforgettable.
Glacier National Park occupies more than one million acres in the Rocky Mountains of northwestern Montana, bordering Canada's Waterton Lakes National Park to form the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park contains over 700 lakes, more than 200 waterfalls, and diverse ecosystems ranging from dense coniferous forest to alpine tundra and exposed high-mountain glacier terrain. At the time of the park's establishment in 1910 there were approximately 150 named glaciers; due to climate change that number has fallen to 26, making the existing glaciers among the most visited and photographed in the lower 48 states. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is the park's defining feature: a 50-mile engineering marvel completed in 1932 that crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass (6,646 feet) and traverses narrow cliff edges above glacially carved valleys. The road is typically open from late June through mid-October; vehicle length restrictions apply on the road's narrowest central sections, requiring some visitors to use the park's shuttle system. Logan Pass is the road's summit and provides access to the Hidden Lake Overlook trail — a 3-mile round trip through wildflower meadows with mountain goats frequently visible at close range. The Many Glacier area in the park's northeast is considered the finest wildlife-watching sector, with grizzly bears, moose, and bighorn sheep seen regularly in the valleys around Swiftcurrent Lake. Hiking ranges from the easy 2-mile Avalanche Lake trail to the challenging Highline Trail along the Continental Divide. Bear spray is required on all trails and is available for rental in the gateway towns.
Good to know
- Hours
- Open 24 hours; Going-to-the-Sun Road June-September
- Best for
- hikers, wildlife watchers, photographers
Location
Glacier National Park, MT 59936
48.7596, -113.7870 View on map
Highlights
- Drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road across the Continental Divide at Logan Pass in summer
- Hike the Hidden Lake Overlook trail above Logan Pass through mountain goat territory
- Explore Many Glacier valley for grizzly bear, moose, and bighorn sheep viewing
- Walk to Avalanche Lake through old-growth cedar and hemlock forest in the park's west
Tips for visiting
- Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road before 8 AM
- Vehicle reservations required in summer
- Carry bear spray on trails
When to visit
Mid-July through September offers the fullest road access, wildflowers at Logan Pass, and the best wildlife activity in Many Glacier. July is peak season with heavy visitor traffic; mid-August and September see fewer crowds with the road still fully open. Come prepared for rapidly changing weather at any time of year.
Accessibility
The Trail of the Cedars at Avalanche Creek is a paved, accessible boardwalk through old-growth forest suitable for wheelchairs. Logan Pass Visitor Center and its adjacent facilities are accessible. The Going-to-the-Sun Road shuttle system has accessible buses on some routes. Many backcountry trails are not accessible; the park accessibility guide on nps.gov/glac details current conditions.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Going-to-the-Sun Road open?
The road typically opens fully in late June after snowplowing and closes in mid-October. Early season (May–June) usually has the road partially open. Check the park's current road status at nps.gov/glac before traveling.
Is a vehicle reservation required at Glacier National Park?
A timed entry permit is required for vehicles on the Going-to-the-Sun Road between Apgar and St. Mary during peak hours in summer (typically late May to mid-September). Permits are released on recreation.gov two months in advance. Lodging guests are typically exempt.
How many days should I spend at Glacier National Park?
Three to five days is sufficient to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road, hike two or three trails, and explore the Many Glacier area. A week allows more remote valleys, longer backcountry hikes, and a deeper exploration of the park's east and west sides.
Is bear spray necessary in Glacier National Park?
Yes. Glacier has one of the highest concentrations of grizzly bears in the lower 48 states, and carrying bear spray is strongly recommended on all trails. Spray is available for purchase or rental in West Glacier, Apgar, and other gateway areas.