Glacier National Park in Summer: Best Things to Do, Hikes & Tips

Visiting Glacier National Park in the summer is one of the most unforgettable trips you can take in the United States. With wildflower-covered trails, bright turquoise lakes, and jaw-dropping mountain views, summer is the season when Glacier fully comes alive. From driving the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road to hiking to alpine lakes and spotting wildlife, there’s no shortage of adventure.

Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning for more, this guide covers the best things to do in Glacier National Park in summer, plus hiking recommendations, packing tips, and travel advice to help you plan the perfect visit.

Why Visit Glacier National Park in Summer?

Summer (typically late June through early September) is the most popular time to visit Glacier National Park—and for good reason. This is when most of the park is accessible, trails are snow-free, and visitors can experience Glacier’s most iconic scenery.

Hike to Grinnell Glacier offers spectacular scenery. Why stay outside GNP, when you can stay at West Glacier Bear Cabin inside the park at Apgar Village. It's a short walk to Lake McDonald.

Beautiful scenery awaits you on the Grinnell Glacier Trail

Benefits of Visiting Glacier in Summer:

Full access to Going-to-the-Sun Road (NO RESERVATIONS REQUIRED IN 2026!)
Prime hiking season for alpine trails
Boat tours and water activities on Glacier’s lakes
Longer daylight hours for sightseeing
Higher chance of clear weather and mountain views

Summer is also peak season, so planning

ahead makes a big difference

Drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road (It’s the #1 Thing to Do)

If you only do one thing during your trip, make it the drive along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. This legendary route is one of the most scenic drives in America, with nonstop views of waterfalls, valleys, mountain peaks, and alpine overlooks.

In 2026, there will be NO RESERVATIONS

REQUIRED TO DRIVE THIS SCENIC ROAD

Vehicle Reservations Not Required in 2026. There's no scenery more beautiful than Glacier National Park in northwest Montana. Why stay outside GNP, when you can stay at West Glacier Bear Cabin inside the park at Apgar Village. It's a short walk to Lake McDonald.

Best stops along the Going-to-the-Sun Road:

Lake McDonald (As you head out, this is great for sunset photos or grabbing lunch)
Trail of the Cedars (Early in your journey, this is an easy walk through a rainforest-like forest)
Avalanche Creek (Now, you’re cookin’! This is classic summer hike access)
Logan Pass Visitor Center (prime wildlife sightings, great for stretching those legs! )
Jackson Glacier Overlook (one of the easiest glacier views)
St. Mary Lake (massive views and classic Glacier scenery)

Pro tip: Start early in the morning to avoid crowds and get parking at popular stops like Logan Pass. Parking is definitely an issue here. Or, drive later in the day and enjoy the alpine colors of sunset. You might enjoy fewer crowds too.

Remember, if you stay at West Glacier Bear Cabin, you are inside the Park at Apgar Village and closer to the road so you can enjoy it almost anytime!

Best Hikes in Glacier National Park in Summer

One of the biggest reasons people visit Glacier in summer is hiking. From easy nature trails to challenging glacier-view treks, there’s something for every skill level.

Easy to Moderate Glacier National Park Hikes

Lake McDonald is known for its beautiful rocks. Wildflowers in GNP. Bring the Bear Spray you're hiking in GNP. Hiking in glacier national park. West Glacier Bear Cabin has extra perks when you stay with us at our 2 bedroom, 1 bath cabin at Apgar Village near Lake McDonald

Trail of the Cedars

Trail of the Cedars + Avalanche Lake Trail
This is one of the most popular summer hikes in Glacier for a reason. It’s shady, scenic, and ends at Avalanche Lake with dramatic cliffs and waterfalls.

Hidden Lake Overlook Trail (Logan Pass)
A short but stunning hike with panoramic mountain views. Wildlife sightings are common, especially mountain goats.

Best Moderate to Hard Hikes

Grinnell Glacier Trail
Often considered one of the best hikes in Glacier National Park, the Grinnell Glacier Trail features glacier-fed lakes,

Highline Trail in Glacier. Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park. Wildlife watching, hiking, and biking are great summer activities in Glacier National Park. Be sure to stay with us at West Glacier Bear Cabin inside the park where you're close to all the amazing features & trails and lakes in GNP

Highline Trail in Glacier National Park

stunning views, and an unforgettable final viewpoint.

Highline Trail
This iconic trail offers breathtaking ridge views and a true “top of the world” hiking experience. It’s a must-do for experienced hikers visiting in summer.

Best Lakes to Visit in Glacier National Park

Lake McDonald

Glacier National Park is famous for its crystal-clear lakes in shades of blue that almost look unreal. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy them—whether you want to relax, take photos, or get on the water.

Don’t miss these Glacier lakes:

Lake McDonald (easy access and beautiful sunsets)
St. Mary Lake (dramatic mountains + clear water)
Swiftcurrent Lake (beautiful views in Many Glacier)
Avalanche Lake (best hiking payoff lake view)

If you want a peaceful moment, early mornings by the lake are always unbeatable.

Wildlife in Glacier National Park: What to Know

Wildlife is one of the most exciting parts of a Glacier summer trip. The park is home to bears, moose, mountain Glacier National Park in Northwest Montana. West Glacier Bear Cabin is a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom in Apgar Village and Lake McDonald in West Glacier goats, bighorn sheep, and more.

Wildlife safety tips:

Carry bear spray and keep it easy to reach (we provide our guests with this in the cabin)
Hike in groups when possible
Make noise on trails, especially in brushy areas
Never approach or feed wildlife
Pay attention to trail closures (especially in bear activity areas)

Seeing animals in the wild is incredible—but safety always comes first. You can also read more about this and the wildlife inside GNP on our Wildlife Viewing blog.

What to Pack for Glacier National Park in Summer

Glacier weather can change quickly, even in summer. You might have warm sunshine at the trailhead and cool wind at higher elevations, so packing layers is essential.

Glacier National Park summer packing list:

Hiking shoes or trail runners with traction
Lightweight rain jacket or windbreaker
Warm layer (fleece or sweatshirt)
Sunscreen + sunglasses
Bug spray
Refillable water bottle + snacks
Daypack (we have extra packs and Osprey backpacks for our guests in the cabin)
Bear spray (provided in the cabin)
Hiking poles (we have these provided in the cabin too)
Camera/phone + portable charger

Bring more layers than you think you need—it’s always better to be prepared. Read even more on our What Should You Pack – our Glacier National Park guide and blog by clicking HERE.

Where to Stay Near Glacier National Park

Choosing where to stay can make your trip smoother, especially during the busy summer season.

Best places to stay for a summer Glacier trip:

West Glacier / Apgar Village
At West Glacier Bear Cabin, of course! Remember, with us you get unlimited use of 3 kayaks, 2 stand-up paddleboards, 4 e-bikes. We also provide our guests with bear spray (Yes, it’s expensive to buy), hiking poles, backpacks, cooler, maps & guides.

St. Mary (East Side)
If you want to split your park time, St Mary’s is perfect for getting a head start on Going-to-the-Sun Road and Logan Pass.

We can book out early in summer, so reserve as soon as you can by clicking HERE.

Tips for Visiting Glacier National Park in Summer (Avoid the Crowds)

Summer crowds are real, but Glacier is still 100% worth it. A few smart moves can make the park feel way more peaceful.

Helpful Glacier summer travel tips:

Start your day early (sunrise hikes are incredible)
Visit popular areas mid-week if possible
Pack lunch so you don’t waste time searching for food
Have backup hikes ready in case parking is full
Give yourself extra time for driving and stops

The park is best enjoyed with a little flexibility.

3-Day Glacier National Park Summer Itinerary (Best Highlights)

Bring the Bear Spray you're hiking in GNP. Hiking in glacier national park. West Glacier Bear Cabin has extra perks when you stay with us at our 2 bedroom, 1 bath cabin at Apgar Village near Lake McDonald

At West Glacier Bear Cabin, We Have Bear Spray for Our Guests to Use on the Trails

This 3-day Glacier National Park itinerary is perfect for first-timers who want the best scenic drives, iconic hikes, and can’t-miss viewpoints—without trying to do everything in one trip.

Quick Tips Before You Go

Start early every day (parking fills fast)
Pack layers + rain protection
Carry bear spray on hikes
Keep a “backup hike” ready in case a lot is full

Day 1: West Glacier + Lake McDonald + Avalanche Lake

Best for: easy travel day + classic Glacier scenery
Where to base: West Glacier / Apgar / near Lake McDonald

The beautiful Lake McDonald in GNP. Wildlife watching, hiking, and biking are great summer activities in Glacier National Park. Be sure to stay with us at West Glacier Bear Cabin inside the park where you're close to all the amazing features & trails and lakes in GNP

Guests Enjoy Unlimited Use of 3 On-site Kayaks on Lake McDonald

Morning: Lake McDonald

Start your trip slow and scenic at Lake McDonald, one of the most iconic spots in the park.

✅ Things to do:

Walk the shoreline for colorful lake rocks
Grab coffee nearby and enjoy the view
Get your first “wow” photos with calm water + mountains

Midday: Trail of the Cedars + Avalanche Lake (Must-Do)

Head to Trail of the Cedars (easy boardwalk trail), then continue to Avalanche Lake—a summer favorite.

Why it’s worth it: the lake sits in a dramatic bowl of cliffs and waterfalls.

Afternoon: Explore Apgar Village

Apgar is a great area to relax after hiking.

✅ Options:

Picnic lunch or snacks
Souvenir stop
Relax by the lake

Sunset: Lake McDonald (again!)

Sunset lighting here is unreal and totally different from midday.

Lake McDonald

Day 2: Going-to-the-Sun Road + Logan Pass + Hidden Lake

Best for: the most iconic “Glacier day”
Where to base: West Glacier or St. Mary (either works)

Early Morning: Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road

glacier national park tunnel - West Glacier MT. Glacier Bear Cabin 2 bedroom 2 bath cabin near Lake McDonald at Apgar Village

Going To The Sun Road

This is the day to experience Glacier’s most famous route.

✅ Best stops:

Waterfalls + pullouts along the road
Scenic overlooks
Wildflower viewpoints (mid/late summer)

Mid-Morning: Logan Pass Visitor Center

Logan Pass is one of the busiest places in Glacier—arrive early for parking.

Hidden Lake and Bearhat Mountain in Glacier National Park. in Glacier National Park is a scenic and beautiful hike. Why stay outside GNP, when you can stay at West Glacier Bear Cabin inside the park at Apgar Village. It's a short walk to Lake McDonald.

Hidden Lake & Bearhat Mountain

Hike: Hidden Lake Overlook

This is one of the best hikes for big views with moderate effort.

Watch for: mountain goats and bighorn sheep.

Afternoon: St. Mary Lake Views

After Logan Pass, continue down toward St. Mary Lake for one of Glacier’s most photogenic areas.

✅ Options:

Quick shoreline strolls
Scenic pulloffs and overlooks
Relax and refuel

Evening: East Side Golden Hour

If you’re on the east side, you’ll often get gorgeous evening light on the mountains.

St. Mary’s Lake

Day 3: Many Glacier (Best Hikes + Best Views)

Best for: the “this is why we came” day
Where to base: St. Mary or Many Glacier area

Many Glacier is a favorite because it feels rugged, dramatic, and packed with top-tier hikes.

Bowman Lake Trail in Glacier National Park is a scenic and beautiful hike. Why stay outside GNP, when you can stay at West Glacier Bear Cabin inside the park at Apgar Village. It's a short walk to Lake McDonald.

Bowman Lake is Another Lake to Enjoy in GNP

Option A (Most Popular): Grinnell Glacier Trail

If you want one unforgettable hike, do Grinnell Glacier.

Expect: major views the entire time—lakes, wildlife, and glacier scenery.

Option B (Shorter/More Relaxed): Swiftcurrent Lake + Many Glacier Valley Views

Perfect if you want a lower-key last day.

✅ Ideas:

Short hikes around Swiftcurrent Lake
Wildlife spotting (moose are sometimes seen here)
Beautiful views

Option C (Mix of Both): Scenic Morning + Short Hike + Boat Ride

canoeing on lake mcdonald - West Glacier MT

There’s nothing like a morning paddle on the serene lake waters in GNP

A great “balanced” day if you’re not trying to go full hiking mode:

Morning stroll + photos
Short hike
Relax by the water or take a boat tour (season dependent)

Final Evening: One Last Lake Stop

End the trip with something simple and peaceful:

Lake McDonald if heading west
St. Mary Lake if staying east

Glacier is the kind of place that deserves a slow goodbye.

If You Have Time…

If you have 4–5 days in Glacier National Park, you can add:

Two Medicine area
Longer hikes (Highline Trail, Iceberg Lake)
More scenic stops and slower mornings

Final Thoughts: Is Glacier National Park Worth Visiting in Summer?

Yes—Glacier National Park in summer is absolutely worth it. This is the best season for scenic drives, high-elevation hikes, bright blue lakes, and full access to the park’s most iconic views. Whether you come for adventure, family fun or just want to soak up the scenery, Glacier delivers a trip you’ll never forget. See our blogs for more great GNP info and read our Guide of Best Things to Do by clicking HERE.

If Glacier is on your bucket list, make it happen this Summer or Fall!

Guests Enjoy Unlimited Use of 4 E-Bikes 3 Kayaks 2 Paddleboards On-site and Ready for Your Adventures. Click the Red Bear Above to Learn More!

Glacier National Park in Summer: Best Things to Do, Hikes, Tips & What to Pack