The ground itself is sacrosanct at Glacier National Park. Mountains, lakes, and trees are home to moose, grizzly bears, mountain goats, lynx, and wolverine. Ancient holy legends are preserved by strict natural and cultural preservation measures, as well as pristine mountain air, on over a million acres of land. Glacier National Park was dubbed “the Crown of the Continent” by early American settlers. It was dubbed the “Backbone of the World” by the Blackfeet. Let’s find out why Glacier is regarded as one of the best national parks in the United States,
Where is Glacier National Park?
Glacier National Park is located between the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains in northwest Montana. The park is bordered on the east by the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, and on the west and south by the Flathead Indian Reservation. Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada, borders the north.
How to get there?
Flying is the best way to travel to Glacier National Park. The Glacier Park International Airport is where the majority of visitors arrive. Calgary, Canada, is the closest major city, and you can fly there immediately from practically everywhere in the world.
Driving is possible, but it will be a long journey! Missoula is 2 hours away, Spokane is 4 hours away, Bozeman is 5 hours away, Calgary is 6 hours away, and Seattle is 10 hours away. To get to the park by car, take US Highway 2 to the East of the West entrance.
Best Time to Visit
Summer
The months of June, July, and August are the most popular months to visit, with pleasant highs of 70 degrees and lows of 45 degrees. Hiking, boating, and exploring both sides of the continental divide are best done during the summer months.
Winter
Most of the park’s numerous roadways close as snow accumulates. Only the Apgar Village region and a few kilometers of the Going-to-the-Sun Road are maintained. Ice climbing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing are all popular activities in Glacier National Park during the winter months.
Fall
The trees on the park’s west side begin to change color in mid-September. Fall colors occur on the east side towards the end of September and the beginning of October. Autumn in Glacier National Park is peaceful and gorgeous, making it ideal for fall foliage drives, wildlife viewing, and camping.
Spring
Glacier National Park’s spring is unpredictable and harsh. Winds known as “snow-eaters” blast away snow and produce a fake spring, boosting temperatures by more than 30 degrees in minutes. Visit during the spring for unrestricted bike access to Going To The Sun Road (closed to cars but open to bicycles!) and white water river rafting, however the weather can be unpredictable.
Park Timings
Glacier National Park is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. They only close sections of the park in the event of an emergency, such as a forest fire. COVID-19 has limited activities at Glacier National Park. It’s possible that some facilities won’t be available, and staffing may be limited.
Glacier National Park Entrance Fee
Summer
Per Vehicle: $35
Per Person: $20
Annual Pass: $70
Winter
Per Vehicle: $25
Per Person: $15
Annual Pass: $70
Things to do
Hiking and backpacking, seeing wild animals, guided tours, ranger-led programmes, camping, photography, biking, fishing, boating, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and a variety of special events are just a few of the activities available.
Glacier National Park Landmarks
Lake McDonald
The Highline Trail
Sun Road
Apgar Village
cascading waterfalls
Whitefish Beach
Two Medicine Lake
Glacier National Park Hiking Trails
Highline Trail
Grinnell Glacier
Iceberg Lake Trail
Cracker Lake
Ptarmigan Tunnel
Stoney Indian Pass
St Mary and Virginia Falls Trail
Pitamakan Pass and Dawson Loop
Hidden Lake Overlook and Nature Trail
Avalanche Lake via the Trail of the Cedars
Where to stay?
Glacier National Park is a three-hour drive from Missoula, Montana, which may be considered the closest significant city. However, adjacent communities such as Whitefish and Kalispell offer a variety of lodging options close to the park.
The Cedar Creek Lodge is a family favorite, with pull-out beds in the rooms, WiFi to keep the kids entertained, and plenty of restaurant options nearby for picky eaters. It’s about a 25-minute drive from Columbia Falls’ West Entrance.
Hotel Many Glaciers: The Many Glacier Accommodation, one of the park’s hotel alternatives, is reminiscent of a European getaway hidden in the Swiss Alps. It’s a historic structure from the 1910s railroad era, and the hotel stays true to its history by limiting modern facilities like television and air conditioning.