Glacier National Park: Your Ultimate Guide to the Crown of the Continent

Welcome to Glacier National Park, a breathtaking expanse of rugged wilderness, glacially carved valleys, and some of the most pristine natural beauty in the world. Glacier National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and photographers in Montana's Rocky Mountains. Known as the "Crown of the Continent," this park boasts over a million acres of protected land, meaning there is much to see and do. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable trip!

What Makes Glacier National Park Special and Unique?

A Land Shaped by Ice
At the heart of Glacier National Park lies its namesake feature—glaciers. These massive rivers of ice have sculpted the park's dramatic landscapes over millennia, creating U-shaped valleys, sharp ridgelines, and stunning alpine scenery. While there were once over 100 glaciers in the park, only about 26 remain active today, and they’re shrinking due to climate change. Iconic glaciers like Grinnell Glacier and Jackson Glacier are still accessible for viewing, providing an awe-inspiring reminder of nature's power and fragility.

Glacier National Park has over 700 lakes and 131 are named. Some of these lakes are gorgeous opaque turquoise which is created by suspended glacial silt, which also causes a number of streams to run milky white.

In 1850 there were about 80 glaciers, unfortunately, only 26 remain and many have shrunk so much they aren’t considered glaciers anymore. In 2003, researchers used a computer model to predict the advancement or retreat of Blackfoot Glacier and Jackson Glacier for each decade from 1990 to 2100 based on melting rates from historical data. They predicted the glaciers would be melted by 2030. A few years later the researchers looked again at how fast the glaciers were shrinking and found that they seemed to be melting faster than they first predicted and moved the melting date to 2020. As 2020 approached, and scientific understanding of glacial melt advanced, the 2020 and 2030 prediction dates were removed. While we don’t know exactly when they will be gone, I do know you should move this stunning destination up your bucket list! While some glaciers require a hike to see, others can be observed from the road. The easiest glacier to see in the park is Jackson Glacier, which can be viewed from Going-to-the-Sun Road.

The World's First International Peace Park
Glacier National Park shares its northern border with Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada, forming the world’s first International Peace Park. Established in 1932, this partnership celebrates the friendship and cooperation between the United States and Canada. Together, these parks create a seamless wilderness experience where travelers can explore two countries in one trip. The dual designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve underscores its global significance.

Going-to-the-Sun Road: A Scenic Drive Like No Other

Going-to-the-Sun Road is the crown jewel of Glacier National Park—a 50-mile engineering marvel that winds through the heart of the park, offering jaw-dropping vistas at every turn. This iconic route, completed in 1933, crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass, the highest point of the road at 6,646 feet. Along the way, you’ll encounter cascading waterfalls, towering peaks, and vibrant wildflower meadows. The road provides access to some of Glacier’s most famous trailheads, like the Highline Trail and Hidden Lake Overlook. Driving this narrow, cliff-hugging road is both thrilling and humbling, as it’s a true testament to human ingenuity amidst untamed wilderness. For those who prefer not to drive, the park’s free shuttle system offers a stress-free way to soak in the scenery while keeping your hands free for photos.

During the summer months, Gong-to-the-Sun Road can be extremely busy. If you need a reprieve from the crowds here are a few other scenic drives within Glacier.

Camas Road
This 10-mile drive takes you through the southwestern section of the park, leading to the peaceful Camas Lake area. It offers scenic views of rolling meadows and dense forests and is a great way to escape the crowds.

Many Glacier Road
This 12-mile route winds through the heart of the Many Glacier region, providing sweeping views of glaciers, lakes, and towering peaks. It’s the gateway to popular hikes like Grinnell Glacier and Iceberg Lake, making it a must-see for hikers.

Sun Road (North Fork)
The northern extension of Going-to-the-Sun Road, starting from the town of West Glacier and continuing to the remote North Fork area, offers stunning views of the park's rugged wilderness and access to lesser-visited areas, including Bowman and Kintla Lakes.

Two Medicine Road
This scenic 13-mile drive takes visitors to the Two Medicine area, a less-traveled part of the park that offers views of glaciers, alpine lakes, and towering peaks. It’s also home to some of the park’s most serene hiking trails.

Best Hikes in Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is often called a hiker’s paradise, with over 700 miles of trails ranging from short strolls to multi-day backcountry adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a casual walker, Glacier has a trail for you with some epic scenery along the way.

The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail
One of the most iconic trails in the United States, the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) runs through Glacier, offering hikers an opportunity to follow the spine of the Rockies. This section of the CDT provides unparalleled views of jagged peaks and alpine meadows, passing landmarks like Triple Divide Pass, where waters flow toward the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic Oceans.

The Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail
Another legendary long-distance trail, the Pacific Northwest Trail (PNT), stretches from Montana to the Pacific Ocean, cutting through Glacier along its eastern boundary. This rugged trail offers solitude and epic vistas, making it a bucket-list journey for adventurers.

Top 5 Hikes in Glacier National Park

Highline Trail (11.8 miles round trip)
Starting at Logan Pass, this trail clings to cliffs, offering breathtaking views of the Garden Wall and sweeping valleys. Wildlife sightings, including mountain goats, are common.
Grinnell Glacier Trail (10.6 miles round trip)
This hike rewards you with an up-close view of one of the park’s remaining glaciers. Expect dramatic scenery and plenty of photo opportunities.
Iceberg Lake Trail (9.6 miles round trip)
A moderately challenging hike to a turquoise lake surrounded by towering cliffs, often with floating icebergs in summer.
Avalanche Lake (4.6 miles round trip)
A relatively easy hike leading to a serene lake framed by cascading waterfalls. Great for families and first-time visitors.
Ptarmigan Tunnel (10.7 miles round trip)
Trek through dense forests and wildflower meadows to a historic tunnel blasted through the mountain, offering views of remote valleys.

Top 5 Hikes Under 5 Miles

Hidden Lake Overlook (2.8 miles round trip)
A short but steep hike with panoramic views of Hidden Lake and a good chance to spot mountain goats.
Trail of the Cedars (1 mile loop)
A wheelchair-accessible boardwalk through a lush old-growth forest. Perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Running Eagle Falls (0.6 miles round trip)
An easy walk to a unique double waterfall, often referred to as "Trick Falls."
St. Mary Falls (1.7 miles round trip)
A quick hike to a stunning cascade with vivid turquoise water.
Swiftcurrent Nature Trail (2.6 miles round trip)
A peaceful trail around Swiftcurrent Lake with views of Mount Grinnell.

Keep in mind dogs are not allowed on any trail in Glacier. If you like to travel with your furry friend, check out my 5 favorite dog-friendly hikes within national parks.

Quick Tip - GNP has webcams so you can check out the current conditions before you head out.

Camping In Glacier National Park

When we visited Glacier, we stayed at an RV park outside of the national park, which I would not recommend. Next time I will plan ahead better and try to snap one of the campsites within the park.

Glacier National Park offers 13 campgrounds with a variety of settings and amenities. Each campground provides a unique experience, from serene lakeside spots to wildlife-rich mountain views. A few are first-come, first-served but most require reservations. Most of the campgrounds are seasonal. None of the campgrounds offer electric hookups.

Apgar Campground (Max 40 ft RVs): The largest campground in the park, it’s near Lake McDonald and Apgar Village, offering easy access to visitor services and trailheads. 194 sites, reservations required.
Avalanche Campground (Max 26 ft RVs): A wooded campground near the Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Lake, great for short hikes. 87 sites located in one of the most popular areas of the park, reservations required.
Bowman Lake Campground (Tent camping only): A remote, quiet spot with incredible views of Bowman Lake; ideal for those seeking solitude. 48 sites on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Cut Bank Campground (RVs not recommended): A primitive, first-come, first-served campground perfect for a true wilderness experience. 14 sites.
Fish Creek Campground (Max 35 ft RVs): Located near Lake McDonald, it’s one of the few reservable campgrounds in the park, with great access to Going-to-the-Sun Road. 178 sites, takes reservations.
Kintla Lake Campground (Tent camping only): The most remote campground in Glacier, offering serenity and proximity to pristine Kintla Lake. 13 sites on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Logging Creek Campground (RVs not permitted): A small, primitive campground off the beaten path, perfect for those seeking quiet and simplicity. 7 sites on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Many Glacier Campground (Max 35 ft RVs): A wildlife hotspot near the Many Glacier Hotel, with easy access to popular trails like Grinnell Glacier. One of the most popular campgrounds. 109 sites (only 13 can accommodate 35 ft. RV’s) reservations required.
Quartz Creek Campground (No RVs): A very small, primitive campground suited for hikers and backcountry enthusiasts. 7 sites on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Rising Sun Campground (21 ft RVs): Located on the east side of the park, near St. Mary Lake, it offers stunning sunrise views. 84 sites on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Sprague Creek Campground (Max 21 ft RVs): A cozy, lakeside campground near Lake McDonald, with a no-generator policy for quiet camping. 25 sites, takes reservations.
St. Mary Campground (Max 40 ft RVs): Open year-round and is the largest campground. Close to St. Mary Lake and the park's eastern entrance. 148 sites, takes reservations.
Two Medicine Campground (Max 35 ft RVs): Nestled in a scenic valley with access to Two Medicine Lake and less-crowded trails. 100 sites, reservations required. (10 sites can accommodate 35 ft.)

Whether you’re in a tent or an RV, each campground offers a unique way to experience Glacier’s diverse landscapes. For reservations and availability, check the park's website well in advance, especially during peak season.

Lodging in Glacier National Park

If camping isn’t your thing, Glacier is also home to a few historic lodges. The classic lodges of Glacier National Park offer a quaint experience set amidst stunning scenery. Showcasing early 20th-century charm, the lodges offer options ranging from historic grand hotels and mid-century motor inns to rustic cabins.

Many Glacier Hotel is a stunning, Swiss chalet-style lodge nestled along the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake in the heart of Glacier National Park’s ‘Many Glacier’ region. Built in 1915, this historic hotel offers breathtaking views of towering peaks, serene waters, and vibrant wildlife. Its rustic charm is complemented by cozy rooms, a grand lobby with massive wooden beams, and a picturesque lakeside dining room. As a gateway to some of the park’s best hikes, like Grinnell Glacier and Iceberg Lake, Many Glacier Hotel is a perfect base for adventure and relaxation.

Lake McDonald Lodge is a charming Swiss chalet-style retreat located on the picturesque shores of Lake McDonald, Glacier National Park's largest lake. This historic lodge, built in 1913, exudes rustic elegance, with a grand lobby featuring a massive stone fireplace, timber beams, and mounted wildlife. Guests can enjoy cozy rooms, lakeside dining, and easy access to scenic boat tours and nearby hiking trails. Surrounded by lush forests and stunning mountain views, Lake McDonald Lodge is a serene base for exploring the park’s west side.

Cedar Creek Lodge is a modern, mountain-inspired hotel located in Columbia Falls, just outside the western entrance to Glacier National Park. Combining contemporary comfort with rustic charm, the lodge offers spacious rooms, a complimentary breakfast, and a heated indoor pool. Its convenient location makes it an excellent base for exploring the park, while nearby shops and restaurants add to its appeal. Ideal for families and travelers seeking a comfortable stay close to nature, Cedar Creek Lodge bridges the gap between adventure and relaxation.

For a truly unique experience, Glacier has two backcountry chalets to which visitors can hike for overnight accommodations.

Granite Park Chalet is a remote, hike-in-only backcountry lodge perched high in the mountains of Glacier National Park. Built in 1914, this rustic chalet offers dormitory-style accommodations and unparalleled views of rugged peaks and sweeping valleys. With no electricity or running water, guests bring their own supplies and enjoy a truly off-grid retreat surrounded by Glacier’s wild beauty.

Sperry Chalet, a historic backcountry lodge perched on a hillside above Lake McDonald, offers a unique and unforgettable experience in Glacier National Park. Built in 1913, this charming stone and wood structure is accessible only by foot, typically via the Sperry Glacier Trail, making it a favorite for adventurous hikers. The chalet offers rustic, dormitory-style accommodations, along with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.

Hiking to one of these backcountry lodges sounds like such a fun adventure and is definitely on my next time list. There are a few notable differences between the two chalets. The Granite Park Chalet has a rustic kitchen where you prepare your own meals. It is also a pack in, pack out, so there is no trash service. A big thing to note is there is no water available at the chalet and the restrooms are a modern pit toilet.

The Sperry Chalet is also a pack in, pack out but they do provide your meals. The hike to the chalet can be strenuous but getting there by horseback is also an option. There are restroom facilities with water but no showers or hot water.

If you have stayed at either of these chalets, please leave a comment below I’d love to know what your experience was like!

Rafting in Glacier National Park

One more amazing adventure I wanted to let you know about that I did not know about on my first visit but will surely be doing next time is rafting. The pristine Flathead River winds its way through Glacier National Park. Divided into three forks—the North, Middle, and South Forks—the river offers stunning views of rugged mountains, dense forests, and glacial valleys. The Middle Fork, with its thrilling whitewater rapids, is a popular destination for rafting. Several companies operate guided rafting trips on the Middle Fork and/or the North Fork of the Flathead River. Both forks are within the federal Flathead Wild and Scenic River designation.

Tips for visiting Glacier National Park

The entire length of the Going-to-the-Sun Road is not open all year. The lower elevation sections of Going-to-the-Sun Road remain open all year. Weather conditions dictate when the upper portion of the road will open.

Vehicles and vehicle combinations longer than 21 feet (including bumpers) or wider than 8 feet (including mirrors), are prohibited between Avalanche Creek and Rising Sun.

Bicycling

From May 24 through September 8, the following section of Going-to-the-Sun Road is closed to bicycle use.

Bicycles are prohibited both eastbound and westbound from the Apgar turnoff to Logan Pass.
The closure is only between 3 pm and 6 pm.

Huckleberries

Around Glacier National Park you will find huckleberry everything. I recommend the huckleberry pie from Brownies, a hostel and bakery in East Glacier Park.

Reservations

During the summer months a timed entry vehicle registration is required in addition to the park entrance fee. June 13 through September 28 timed entry vehicle reservations are required for the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road and North Fork from 7 am to 3 pm.

Weather

Glacier National Park's weather is notoriously unpredictable and can be extreme. Even on a warm summer day, hikers should pack rain gear and extra layers to stay prepared for sudden changes. For a dramatic example, just outside the park’s eastern boundary in Browning, Montana, the temperature plummeted from 46°F to -56°F in a single day back in 1916—a staggering 100-degree drop that still holds the world record for the greatest temperature change in 24 hours!

Glaciers

While Glacier National Park may have gotten its name from its numerous glaciers, it is actually North Cascades National Park that boasts the highest concentration of glaciers in the lower 48 but Glacier National Park comes in second with about two dozen active glaciers. Check out my blog post on North Cascades National Park.

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