Here’s your guide to the best of Glacier National Park. Nestled in the rugged heart of the Rocky Mountains in Montana, Glacier National Park is a stunning natural wonder that beckons adventurers, nature lovers, and photographers alike. With its towering peaks, pristine lakes, alpine meadows, and abundant wildlife, the park offers endless opportunities for exploration. Whether you’re looking for challenging hikes, peaceful boat rides, or simply a place to disconnect and immerse yourself in the beauty of the wilderness, Glacier has it all.
Here’s a guide to some of the best things to do in Glacier National Park:
1. Hiking the Iconic Trails
Glacier National Park is renowned for its extensive network of hiking trails, ranging from short, easy strolls to grueling, multi-day backpacking adventures. Some of the most popular trails include:
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Grinnell Glacier Trail: One of the park’s most famous hikes, this 7.6-mile round-trip journey offers spectacular views of Grinnell Lake, waterfalls, and the stunning glacier itself. The trail is considered moderate to strenuous, but the rewards are well worth the effort.
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Highline Trail: For panoramic views of the park, the Highline Trail is a must-do. This 11.8-mile trail offers breathtaking views of the Continental Divide and a chance to spot mountain goats and bighorn sheep along the way. If you’re looking for an adventure but don’t have all day, you can opt to hike just a portion of the trail.
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Hidden Lake Overlook: If you’re looking for something a bit easier but still spectacular, the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail (3 miles round-trip) takes you to a point where you can view the hidden lake below, surrounded by towering cliffs and glaciers.
- Click HERE to read more of our blog trails information
2. Drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the most famous scenic drives in the world. Winding through the heart of Glacier National
Glacier national park, scenic drawing – West Glacier MT
Park, this 50-mile road takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes you’ll ever see. Whether you’re in a car, on a bike, or even on foot, the views from the road are jaw-dropping. Highlights include:
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Logan Pass: The highest point on the Going-to-the-Sun Road (6,646 feet), where you can take in panoramic views of the park and embark on some fantastic hikes, including the Hidden Lake Trail.
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The Weeping Wall: A stretch of road where waterfalls cascade down the cliffs during the summer months.
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St. Mary Lake: One of the largest and most picturesque lakes in the park, often reflected in the mirror-like waters of the lake.
Tip: The road is usually only open from late June through August due to snow and weather conditions, so plan your visit accordingly. Click HERE for updated information on reservations and road closures!
3. Wildlife Watching
Glacier National Park is home to a wide array of wildlife, including grizzly bears, black bears, moose, mountain goats, bighorn
Grizzly Bear at Many Glaciers in Glacier National Park
sheep, and elk. There are also numerous bird species and smaller animals like marmots and pikas. Wildlife watching is an experience in itself, but it’s important to observe animals from a safe distance (at least 100 yards for bears) and respect their natural habitat.
For the best chance to see wildlife, head out early in the morning or later in the evening when animals are more active.
4. Explore the Lakes
Glacier National Park is home to over 25 glaciers and more than 130 named lakes, many of which are renowned for their striking turquoise waters. Here are some of the best lakes to explore:
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Lake McDonald: The largest lake in the park, it’s a perfect spot for canoeing, kayaking, or simply relaxing on the shore. The waters are incredibly clear, offering picturesque views of the surrounding mountains. Learn more by clicking HERE.
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Two Medicine Lake: Located in the southeastern corner of the park, Two Medicine Lake is less crowded than some of the other lakes and offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking. The nearby No Name Lake is also a hidden gem.
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Bowman Lake: A remote, quieter lake, Bowman Lake offers serene views of the surrounding peaks and is ideal for those seeking solitude.
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St. Mary Lake: Located on the eastern side of the park, this lake offers stunning views of wildflowers, forests, and rugged mountain peaks.
5. Boat Tours
If you prefer a more relaxed way to take in the beauty of Glacier’s lakes, consider joining a boat tour. The park offers boat tours on several lakes, including:
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Lake McDonald: Take a guided tour aboard the historic DeSmet, a boat that has been operating in the park since the 1930s.
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St. Mary Lake: Enjoy a boat ride with incredible views of the surrounding mountains, including the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountain Front.
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Many Glacier: This area offers scenic boat tours across Swiftcurrent Lake and Josephine Lake, often combined with short hikes to create a more immersive experience.
6. Camping in the Wilderness
For those looking to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Glacier, camping is a must. There are a variety of campgrounds in and around the park, ranging from drive-in campsites to backcountry wilderness sites.
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Apgar Campground: Close to Lake McDonald, this campground offers easy access to the park’s main attractions, including hiking trails and scenic drives. These book up extremely early so make sure you get a reservation in!
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Many Glacier Campground: Located in one of the most scenic areas of the park, Many Glacier is a great spot for both car campers and backpackers looking to explore the northwestern corner of Glacier.
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Backcountry Camping: For a more rugged experience, consider one of Glacier’s backcountry campsites. You’ll need a permit, and many sites require a hike to reach, but the solitude and beauty of the wilderness are unmatched.
7. Photography and Scenic Viewpoints
With its dramatic landscapes, Glacier National Park is a photographer’s dream. Sunrise and sunset are especially magical times to
Hidden Lake Trail in Glacier National Park Hiking
capture the park’s beauty, as the soft golden light illuminates the mountains, glaciers, and lakes. Some great spots for photography include:
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Logan Pass: Stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges, especially at dawn and dusk.
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Wild Goose Island Overlook: Located along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, this viewpoint provides one of the best shots of St. Mary Lake and Wild Goose Island in the center of the lake.
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McDonald Falls: A beautiful waterfall located near Lake McDonald, perfect for long-exposure shots.
8. Winter Activities
While summer is the peak season, Glacier National Park is also a fantastic winter destination for those seeking snowy adventures. Popular winter activities include:
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Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing: The park offers a number of trails for these activities, with snow-covered forests and mountain views that are even more enchanting during winter.
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Snowmobiling: While snowmobiles are not allowed within the park, nearby areas offer snowmobile tours and access to snow-packed trails.
Glacier National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates breathtaking natural beauty. From hiking and wildlife watching to boating and camping, there’s something for every type of adventurer. Whether you’re planning a short trip or a longer stay, Glacier will leave you with unforgettable memories of the great outdoors.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to explore the rugged splendor of Glacier National Park—an adventure of a lifetime awaits!
What are you waiting for? Book your Glacier Vacay Today!
