Glacier National Park-Everything You Need To know

Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park

What is the best time to visit Glacier National Park depends on what you actually enjoy. The park is open year-round, and every season has its own beauty. Most people like to visit the park in summer, so it can be said summer is the most popular season in Glacier National Park and the busiest time at the same time.

Summer

July and August are the peak times for visitors, and the lodging rate is high then. You will expect queues in parking lots, and the reservations for lodges will be full as well. During summer, the park offers you their complimentary shuttle service and Glacier Park Boat Company tours. The ranger-led activities are another advantage of summer.

The days are long, and the sunny, warm weather opens up the opportunities for hiking and camping under the open sky. The flowers have started blooming, and in the first week of July, they are at their peak. There is a chance to witness wild species and spot a grizzly. 

The well-known Going-to-the-Sun Road is open at the end of July. McDonald Lake is favorable for swimming and paddle boarding at this time. The Iceberg Lake is also a beautiful place to take photos as chunks of ice are floating in the lake.

Winter

December to February is the off-peak season in Glacier National Park. The glaciers will be covered by snow. Most of the roads and trails will remain closed due to snow. The lodging will be unavailable. So, if you visit in winter, be manageable with stuff and accessories.

Still, winter is suitable for snowy landscapes, snowshoeing, and solitude. The falling snow is beautiful. Some of the trails will be opened for snowshoeing and skiing. But there is good news that a part of Apgar Campground will stay open in winter.

Spring

Spring expands from March to May. This is a comparably less crowded time. People love to visit in spring due to low-season quietness. The hiking trails of higher elevation will not be available until July as the snow covers, but the trails at lower elevation will remain open for hiking. The temperature will be mild, and the park services will be limited. Although you will not be able to reach the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road by car, some portion will be available for cycling.

Things to Know About Glacier National Park

The park is located in northwestern Montana near the Canada-United States border. The area of the national park is more than one million acres. There are 130 named lakes. This is the habitat of hundreds of plant species and thousands of animal species. It was established in 1910 with more than one million acres of places with scenic beauty. It ascends 700 miles of hiking trails, and the spectacular glaciers attract thousands of visitors each and every year.

How to Get There

By Car

• Highway 2 to reach the southern boundary of the park
• Highway 89 to reach the east side

Airport

The nearest airport is Glacier Park International Airport, which is in Kalispell, northwest Montana.

Accommodations

1. Lake McDonald Lodge
2. Motel Lake McDonald
3. Village Inn Motel
4. Apgar Village Lodge and Cabins
5. Sperry Chalet
6. Granite Park Chalet
7. Rising Sun Motor Inn & Cabins
8. Many Glacier Hotel
9. Swiftcurrent Motor Inn & Cabins

Places to Visit in Glacier National Park

Grinnell Glacier

The glacier is named after the anthropologist and conservationist George Bird Grinnell. The hike is more than 10 miles round trip, and the magnificent viewpoint reaches 1,600 feet of elevation. This is the most popular photography spot. There is an early morning shuttle boat service from Many Glacier Lodge across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine. You can also enjoy the mountain and landscape views through the journey. Though the hike is considered difficult, a person with a high level of hiking skill will find it adventurous.

Lake McDonald

Lake McDonald is the largest lake in Glacier National Park and is popular for various activities. Lake McDonald Lodge is loved by the visitors for the incredible view and their services. Bus tours, boat tours, horseback riding, ranger presentations, access to other popular hikes, Avalanche Lake Trail, and Trail of the Cedars are the most popular activities there.

Going-to-the-Sun-Road

It is a two-lane highway within the park that divides the park into east and west regions and crosses through the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. If you start your journey early in the morning, you will be able to enjoy the sunrise scene from the mountain peak. The wild species can be found early in the morning. This route leads you to glacial lakes, waterfalls, and cedar forests to alpine peaks. This breathtaking scenic drive is one of the most popular drives in America.

Logan Pass

Logan Pass is one of the popular photographic spots. Visitors love this place as it is the highest elevation of 6,646 feet that can be reached by car. The view is incredible with lakes, waterfalls, and wildflower fields. The parking spot can be crowded, so you need to start earlier to skip the traffic. Logan Pass Visitor Center offers visitors maps and provides information that is helpful to plan the trip. There are also restrooms, bookstores, gift shops, water fountains, exhibitions, and so on.

Bowman Lake

It takes a two-hour drive from the West Entrance of the park to reach Bowman Lake. Due to the remote location, the place will give a feel of tranquility. The scenic view of vistas and the surrounding forest make the lakeside appealing. There is a 48-site campground near the lake for visitors where they can launch. There are also a variety of hiking trails for those who love adventure and want to explore more.

St. Mary Area

St. Mary Area is visited for the natural view and is close to the eastern entrance of the park. They provide a lot of outdoor activities and informative exhibitions at the visitor center. Going-to-the-Sun-Road is accessible from there, and you can enjoy the boat tour by Glacier Park Boat Company. Beaver Pond Loop or the Eagle Lake trails are available there.

Many Glacier

Many Glacier is considered the Switzerland of America. It is located on the northeastern side of the park and has a breathtaking view. The hotels are mainly designed in the Swiss style and provide various activities. There are also restaurants, shops, and campgrounds. You can also enjoy the wild species through a boat tour.

Popular Hiking Trails

• Trail of Cedars
• Avalanche Lake Trail
• Hidden Lake Overlook Trail
• Iceberg Lake Trail
• Highline Trail

Things to Do in Glacier National Park

• Hiking
• Ranger-led Programs
• Guided Tours
• Camping
• Scenic Drive on Going-to-the-Sun-Road
• Photography
• Biking and Fishing
• Boating
• Cross-country Skiing
• River Camping and Surrounding Exploration

Advantages of Glacier National Park

• Lots of places for sightseeing
• Explore different glaciers
• Available accommodations and park services

Disadvantages

• Coastal erosion
• Glacial melt
• Loss of permafrost

Achievements in Visiting the Park

Glacier National Park is known as the “Crown of the Continent.” You will love the park for its incredible places and natural beauty. A family vacation will go well due to the number of recreational activities. The park is also a spot for conservational activities of wilderness and is involved with research work. Summer is the peak season and popular for visitors as the outdoor activities remain open. So, plan your trip according to the season and keep in mind the reservations.