skippingbrooksAn ultimate guide for an ultimate National Park! Find everything you need for an incredible trip within the ultimate guide to visiting Glacier National Park.
Glacier National Park is has been called “The Crown of the Continent” and “The Backbone of the World” and once you experience its majestic views you will be in continuous awe at every turn and lookout.
From the royal blue waters to incredible views, you can enjoy all there is to take in by following the ultimate guide to visiting Glacier National Park.
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The Ultimate Guide to Glacier
Where is Glacier National Park?
Glacier National Park is located within Montana’s Rocky Mountains in northwestern Montana. Access to the park is available from the East and West (most common) entrances.
When is the Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park?
To get the most out of your visit to Glacier, it is recommended to visit during the months of July, August, and September. However, June and September are not out of the question, they are unpredictable when it comes to weather and visiting all the must-see/must-do activities like Going-To-The-Sun Road to Logan Pass.
How Long Should I Plan to Visit Glacier National Park?
Looking to stay in your car? Or not a much of a hiker? One day is all you need. Be sure to follow the Going-To-The-Sun Road and you will be golden.
Perhaps you want to see some of the best things Glacier has to offer? You need at least 3 days (what the ultimate guide to visiting glacier national park focuses on!)
But maybe you want to hike all the trails must see and do trails, hiking is your ultimate jam? Five days will be key.
Entrance Fees to Glacier National Park
Entrance fees apply when visiting National Parks. Fees vary by a 7-day pass or annual pass however the best bang for your buck if you plan to visit more than one national park within 12 months is to buy an American the Beautiful Pass.
- 7 Day pass- $35 for a private vehicle
- Annual pass to one National Park- $70
- America The Beautiful Annual Pass- $80
Going-To-The-Sun Road Passes
The heart of Glacier National Park is the Going-To-The-Sun Road which winds its way through the park. However without a pass for Going-To-The-Sun Road, access to the park will not be possible. Vehicle reservation is required to access the Going-to-the-Sun Road Corridor and North Fork Vehicle Reservation Areas.
Entry reservation tickets cost $2 May 27 through September 11, 2022, from 6 am to 4 pm. But only a portion of the available vehicle reservations are released 120 days in advance of the day you plan to visit. For example, if you plan to arrive on August 1st, reservations are available on April 3, and the remaining vehicle reservations will be released at 8 am MDT the day before the effective date. Because the tickets are in high demand, be prepared to be ready at exactly at 8 am, tickets will be sold out within minutes.
Hint: Can’t score tickets for entrance? No problem. Entrance to the park is available without a pass before the hours of 6 am and after 5 pm. Beat the crowds by entering early!
Go to recreation.gov to make a reservation, registration on the site is required for reservations.
Day One
You have arrived, yay! Enter the park at the west entrance. In fact, when passing through the entrance, this is the Going-To-The-Sun Road. Be sure and go as early as possible to get the most out of your day.
Lake McDonald
The first stop is Lake McDonald. One of Glacier National Park’s largest and most scenic lakes because it was carved by a huge glacier. Be sure to explore the many pull-offs along the road to experience the beauty of Lake McDonald. But take your shoes off, feel the water, or even better, take a nap on the smooth rocks.
Avalanche Lake
One of the most popular hikes in the park and for good reason! However, plan to arrive early as parking fills fast and the trail will be busy as the day goes on. Hiking to Avalanche Lake via the Trail of the Cedars is a 5.9-mile round trip hike rated moderately challenged due to some steep inclines. Experience Avalanche gorge, waterfalls, forest, and of course Avalanche lake, stunning views all around!
But be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks for your hike. Log benches are located at the lake along with outhouses just before reaching the lakefront.
Apgar Village
Head to Apgar Village on the shores of Lake McDonald for a relaxing afternoon. Rent bikes, canoes, kayaks, or go horseback riding.
Is ice cream on your want list? Stop at Eddie’s for some deliciously cool treats. Cedar Tree gift shop is also located within Apgar Village and is the largest gift shop in Glacier National Park. With that said, you don’t need to leave the park to get souvenirs.
Day Two
Climb into your car and head to the west entrance of Glacier NP once again. Because the goal for the day is Logan pass.
Logan Pass
Plan to ooh and aah the entire way to Logan Pass. Logan Pass is the highest elevation at 6646ft reachable by car and straddles the Continental Divide within Glacier NP. Check out the Logan Pass visitor center when reaching the summit.
Hidden Lake Overlook
Hidden Lake Overlook is found on the west side of the Logan Pass visitor center and is a 1.4-mile out-and-back trail that is known to be one of the top Glacier National Park hikes. Also, the trail passes through the alpine meadows known as the Hanging Gardens and ends at a vantage point overlooking Hidden Lake.
Day 3
On the last day in Glacier, we found an unconventional way to visit St. Mary’s entrance and Many Glacier Entrance on the east side of the park. Take Highway 2 south along the southern edge of Glacier National Park. Yes, drive outside the park. Though don’t worry, you can drive back through the park from east to west.
So Highway 2 runs from Whitefish and West Glacier Village to East Glacier. With stunning views between the park and the Flathead National Forest, sightings of blue river water flowing along the road are some of the most beautiful sights of our trip to Glacier.
Many Glacier Entrance
Lake Sherburne
Lake Sherburne is a must see on the ultimate guide to visiting Glacier. It’s located on the very east side of Glacier National Park. Because of it’s breathtaking views it’s sure to be a great stopping point for photos. Again, that blue water is incredible!
Besides, we found Many Glacier entrance be less crowded and lots of wildlife. Grizzly bears, moose, and sheep were spotted.
Many Glacier Hotel
Visit “Switzerland of North America′′ a.k.a. Many Glacier Hotel. This hotel sits along the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake and was built in 1915 by the Great Northern Railroad to accommodate the many tourists passing through Glacier National Park.
St. Mary’s Entrance
Wild Goose Island Lookout at St. Mary’s Lake
Like a picture out of a magazine! The viewpoint can be seen from the road however hop out of the car to snag photos of the magnificent peaks encircling Saint Mary Lake with Wild Goose Island being at the heart of the photo.
From here follow the Going-To-The-Sun Road back to west Glacier.
Hopefully this ultimate guide to Glacier National Park was helpful in planning your trip to Glacier.
Safe adventures,
Brooke
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