Glacier National Park, Montana
Up in Montana’s wildest corner, Glacier National Park holds onto a piece of raw America that’s getting harder to find. Bears roam free, peaks pierce the clouds, and yes, real glaciers still cling to the rocks.
Here’s what makes Glacier National Park worth every mile of the drive.
You’ll Marvel At The Stunning Going-To-Sun Road
This iconic 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road runs through the heart of Glacier National Park and crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass (6,646 feet).
ou can typically drive it from late June or early July until mid-October, depending on weather conditions.
Because of heavy traffic, you need to get a vehicle reservation to access this road during peak season (May 24 through September 8, 2025).
These bookings become available 120 days ahead, with some held for last-minute travelers just 24 hours before arrival.
Make sure to pull over at Jackson Glacier Overlook and Wild Goose Island for amazing alpine views.
When you’ve finished taking in the panoramic vistas along this legendary route, you might want to stretch your legs on one of the park’s most famous hiking trails.
Hike Along The Edge On The Highline Trail
The Highline Trail gives you breathtaking views as you walk along the Garden Wall, a steep mountain face on the Continental Divide.
Starting at Logan Pass Visitor Center, this 11.8-mile one-way trail takes you to the Loop through stunning alpine meadows full of summer wildflowers.
Parts of this trail have narrow sections with steep drops in 2025, including one ledge section with a cable handhold for safety.
You’ll likely spot mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and maybe even bears along the way.
Park rangers suggest hitting the trail before 8am to avoid afternoon thunderstorms that often come through in July and August.
After your hike, you can relax by the pristine waters of Lake McDonald to rest your tired legs.
Jump Into Activities At Lake McDonald Valley
Lake McDonald Valley buzzes with activity on Glacier’s west side. This 10-mile long glacial lake has crystal-clear water that mirrors the surrounding mountains.
You can rent kayaks and paddleboards from Glacier Outfitters at Apgar Village (booking ahead recommended) or take a scenic boat tour on the historic wooden “DeSmet” boat run by Glacier Park Boat Company in 2025.
Lake McDonald Lodge, a historic Swiss chalet-style hotel built in 1913, welcomes guests between May 17 and September 23 for the 2025 season.
The lodge’s Jammer Joe’s Grill and Pizzeria lets you grab casual meals with outdoor seating overlooking the lake.
When you’ve explored this popular western region, head to the northeastern section for even more dramatic mountain scenery.
Spot Abundant Wildlife In Many Glacier Valley
Many Glacier Valley in the northeastern part of the park gets called the “Switzerland of North America” because of its dramatic mountains and plentiful wildlife.
You need a vehicle reservation to enter this area between May 24 and September 8 (7am-3pm) in 2025.
The historic Many Glacier Hotel, the largest in the park, has rooms with balconies looking out over Swiftcurrent Lake from May 24 to September 23, 2025.
For cheaper accommodations, check out Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, which also has a restaurant and camp store stocked with hiking supplies.
Many Glacier gives you the best chance in the park to see grizzly bears, moose, and mountain goats in their natural habitat.
When you want to escape the crowds while still enjoying magnificent scenery, head southeast to the quieter Two Medicine area.
Escape Crowds In The Peaceful Two Medicine Area
Two Medicine on Glacier’s east side gets fewer visitors than other parts of the park.
In 2025, you can access several day hikes here, including the moderate 4.8-mile round trip to Upper Two Medicine Lake and the more challenging 7.9-mile round trip to Dawson Pass.
Two Medicine Camp Store sells basic supplies during the 2025 season, and the Two Medicine Grill next door serves casual meals from late May through mid-September.
You can join boat tours on Two Medicine Lake from Glacier Park Boat Company between May 28 and September 8, 2025, with an option to combine the boat ride with a guided hike to Twin Falls.
Get Away From It All With Backcountry Camping
Glacier National Park has more than 65 designated backcountry campgrounds for a true wilderness experience away from crowds.
You must get backcountry permits for all overnight stays in 2025, which you can reserve through recreation.gov starting March 15.
Some backcountry sites stay available for walk-up permits, which you can get no more than 24 hours ahead at permit offices in St. Mary, Many Glacier, Two Medicine, and Apgar.
Popular backcountry spots include Cracker Lake in the Many Glacier area and Fifty Mountain along the Northern Highline Trail, where you’ll see spectacular views of surrounding peaks.
Bear safety matters in the backcountry; hang all food and scented items from designated food poles or store them in bear-resistant containers.
If you prefer camping with more amenities, Glacier has plenty of options closer to roads and services.
Camp With More Comforts In Frontcountry Sites
Glacier maintains 13 frontcountry campgrounds with different levels of amenities for easier camping.
Five campgrounds (St. Mary, Many Glacier, Fish Creek, Apgar, and Rising Sun) use a reservation system through recreation.gov in 2025, with bookings available up to six months ahead.
All other campgrounds work on a first-come, first-served basis, with Avalanche and Two Medicine among the most popular.
Most provide drinking water, flush toilets, and fire rings with grates.
Fish Creek Campground, the second-largest in the park, has showers and electrical hookups for RVs. Apgar Campground puts you close to Apgar Village with its dining options and small grocery store.
Cross The Border At Waterton-Glacier Peace Park
Glacier National Park joins with Canada’s Waterton Lakes National Park to form Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, named the world’s first International Peace Park in 1932.
You can cross the international border at Chief Mountain or Roosville border crossings in 2025 (bring your passport) to visit both parks.
The International Peace Park Hike happens twice weekly (Wednesdays and Saturdays) from late June through early September in the 2025 season.
This ranger-led hike starts at Cameron Lake in Waterton and ends at the Goat Haunt Ranger Station in Glacier, with a boat return to Waterton.
You can enjoy afternoon tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton with panoramic views of Waterton Lake and surrounding mountains.
Take It Easy On Accessible Short Trails
Glacier has improved accessibility with several viewpoints and short trails designed for visitors with mobility challenges.
You can enjoy the Trail of the Cedars near Avalanche Creek, a 0.7-mile accessible boardwalk winding through an ancient cedar forest that works well for wheelchairs.
Running Eagle Falls in the Two Medicine area has a 0.3-mile accessible trail leading to a unique waterfall where water flows through a hole in the rock face.
Sun Point Nature Trail gives you a relatively flat 1.2-mile round-trip path with stunning views of St. Mary Lake and surrounding mountains.
Wheelchair-friendly picnic areas with accessible tables await at Apgar, Rising Sun, Two Medicine, and St. Mary for the 2025 season.
Visiting Glacier National Park
You’ll find Glacier National Park at 64 Grinnell Drive, West Glacier, Montana 59936, which serves as the main park headquarters.
Daily entrance fees in 2025 cost $35 per vehicle, $30 per motorcycle, or $20 per person entering by foot or bicycle.
Most visitor centers open from 8am to 5pm during peak season (June-September), with reduced hours in spring and fall.
You can purchase an annual America the Beautiful Pass for $80 if you plan to visit multiple national parks.
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