A first-time guide to Glacier National Park

Glacial forces molded the epic 1 million acres of Montana’s Glacier National Park some two million years ago, and its immense valleys are virtually biodiversity time capsules. Tucked along the border of the USA and Canada, this high-country nirvana of untamed forests and huckleberry-scattered slopes is bisected by hulking granite peaks, glassy lakes and rushing waterfalls.

Lesser known than Yellowstone and Yosemite but no less spectacular, Glacier has hundreds of miles of trails, ranging from short afternoon family hikes to multiday backpacking treks to nature boardwalks for those less mobile or in wheelchairs. Novice adventurers can appreciate the stunning scenes, too, thanks to accessible infrastructure (there’s even train service through the park). 

If that wasn’t enough, you can also go biking, swimming, stargazing or rafting, plus extreme nature spotting – black and grizzly bears roam free here. Plan your inaugural visit to Glacier with these essential tips.

When should I go to Glacier National Park?

All times of year are beautiful in Glacier for different reasons. In winter, some roads close due to snowfall, but the park is quiet, and those looking for solitude will find dreamy, snowy hikes (bring snowshoes) and great hotel deals, although many lodgings and most campgrounds are closed for the season. Nature is most active in spring, when flowers are in full bloom, while summer invites rafters in search of white-knuckle thrills and swimmers to lakes warm enough for a dip.

The busiest time to visit is the peak of summer, and for 2025, reservations are necessary for cars between 7am and 3pm from June 13 to September 28. This is due to the popular and mesmerizing 53-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road, which bisects the park from west to east. Expect congestion during peak times and lines at parking lots.

How much time should I spend in Glacier National Park?

Whether you have only one day or a whole month, the park has plenty to keep active travelers occupied, with more than 700 miles of trails plus numerous outdoor pursuits, from fishing and kayaking to rafting and stargazing.

Is it easy to get in and around Glacier National Park?

Glacier is one of the few national parks you can easily visit without a car. Hop on the train route built in the early 20th century before automobiles took off. The exceedingly scenic Amtrak Empire Builder travels from Seattle to Chicago, stopping at two Glacier National Park entrances in the summer months, plus the feeder towns of Whitefish in the west and Browning in the east.

Affordable shuttles run from the nearby communities of Whitefish, Columbia Falls and Kalispell (home to Glacier Park International Airport). Free park shuttles run around the park to the most popular trailheads (in summer only; check schedules), and other shuttles go from stations to the park entrances for a small fee. Apgar Village also offers bike rentals.

Those with vehicle reservations can drive the spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Road, crossing the Continental Divide along windy, vertiginous, mountain-hugging asphalt with killer views.

Top things to do in Glacier National Park

Join a tour

Get your bearings and take in the staggering Rocky Mountain views with a century-old sightseeing tour on a vintage Red Jammer bus, or book a trip with Sun Tours, which has local Blackfeet guides offering an Indigenous perspective on the park.

Take Going-to-the-Sun Road

Book ahead to drive the epic Going-to-the-Sun Road, which winds past soaring vistas and waterfalls. Stretch your legs at various hikes, including the wonderful Avalanche Lake Trail, which ends at a shimmering turquoise pool.

Drive to the highest point in the park, Logan Pass, for vertigo-inducing views before catching a star party at St Mary Visitor Center, where the night sky is illuminated with a carpet of twinkling jewels.

Follow a trail

Wander through Douglas firs and lodgepole pines to the stunning western shore of Lake McDonald on the short Rocky Point Trail.

Spend a night in the historic Many Glacier Hotel, then hit the Grinnell Glacier Trail early the next morning to see one of the park’s remaining glaciers up close.

My favorite thing to do in Glacier National Park

Polebridge, on the northwestern edge of the park at the border of Flathead National Forest, is the place to fully unplug (there’s no cell signal). Those who drive the bumpy, dusty road to get here can truly slow down, breathe in fresh mountain air and wander with the wild things among grassy meadows and regenerated forests, plus hike some of the park’s best backcountry trails.

The local mercantile sells delicious freshly baked goods perfect for trail snacks, while a historic saloon serves post-hike pints under propane lights. Meanwhile, two dreamy lakes — Bowman and Kintla – and the Flathead River are ripe for water-based adventures, from boating to paddleboarding to rafting.

It's 27 miles from West Glacier to Polebridge, mostly on a dirt road known as North Fork Rd or Outside North Fork Rd. Tip: camping is free just beyond Glacier's North Fork entrance along the Flathead River.

How much money do I need for Glacier National Park?

• Burger: US$15-20

• Coffee: US$3-6

• Three-course meal with wine: US$80-120

• Minibus tour: US$100

• Snowshoe rental: US$10 per day

• Cross-country ski rental: US$20 per day

• Fat bike rental: US$60 per day

• Snow chain rental: US$8 per day

• Night in a historic lodge: US$200-400

• Night in a motel: US$100-$200

• Night in a campground: US$20-30

Be bear-safe

Researchers estimate that roughly 1000 bears live in Glacier National Park, including black bears and grizzly bears. There are many ways to be bear-safe on a trail.

Hike in a group to reduce the chance of an encounter. Make noise along a trail and call out or clap if you are approaching a blind bend – this will alert the bear to your presence and help to reduce the chance of it being startled.

Carry bear spray and learn how to use it in advance; it can be rented or bought from any outdoor store and some grocery stores in the area. If camping at a designated campground, do not leave food or anything with an odor in your tent; if camping in the backcountry, use a bear canister and hang your food away from your tent.

If you see a bear on a trail, stay calm, pick up any children and move out of the way to let it pass. If it is unsettled, stop moving and speak to it in a calm voice. Do not drop your pack. Do not run. As the situation allows, leave the area or take a detour.

Choose practicality over style

No restaurant in Glacier is going to comment on your attire. Here, practical outdoor essentials are king.

On the trail, wear dependable footwear, like broken-in hiking boots or your favorite running shoes, and opt for flip-flops for the summer evenings. Take rain gear (including rain pants) if you're heading for the backcountry. Bring warm layers; even in summer, you’ll need wool or fleece base layers, a down or synthetic jacket, a hat and gloves.

Bring sunwear for summer days, including shorts or convertible trousers, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and swimwear for lake swims.

Bear spray is a must, as is bug spray.

Prepare for a wi-fi dead zone

Download offline maps before you enter the park, as wi-fi and cell signals are virtually nonexistent in many areas besides visitor centers and hotels.

Driving in winter requires extra planning

Many park roads are closed in winter months due to snowfall and ice. Plan ahead for road closures. It's advisable to carry snow chains in winter.

Staffing may be limited

Due to staffing cuts, the National Park Service is stretched in 2025. Travelers can expect longer wait times, fewer services and the potential closures of certain areas. Stay prepared with this guide.