Glacier National Park Guide: Best Hikes, When to Visit & Where to Stay

Glacier National Park is the wildest corner of the lower 48. Straddling the Continental Divide in northwestern Montana, the park contains over a million acres of rugged mountain terrain -- carved by the glaciers that are now, with grim irony, disappearing. In 1850, the park held an estimated 150 glaciers. Today, fewer than 25 remain, and those are shrinking rapidly. What the glaciers left behind, however, is staggering: a landscape of horn-shaped peaks, knife-edge ridges called aretes, turquoise lakes filling deep cirques, and U-shaped valleys draped in wildflower meadows. Grizzly bears, mountain goats, wolverines, and lynx inhabit terrain that has changed little since the last ice age.

The park's crown jewel is Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile engineering marvel that crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass (6,646 feet), traversing cliffs, tunnels, and switchbacks that took 11 years to build. It is simultaneously one of America's great scenic drives and one of its most white-knuckle road experiences. But the road, spectacular as it is, only hints at what lies beyond. More than 700 miles of trails penetrate a backcountry that is as remote and pristine as anything in the contiguous United States. This is grizzly country -- deeply, genuinely grizzly country -- and hiking here carries a primal awareness that distinguishes it from tamer wilderness experiences.

Best Hikes

Highline Trail -- The marquee hike of Glacier and one of the finest trails in the national park system. Starting from Logan Pass, the trail traverses the Continental Divide for 7.6 miles to Granite Park Chalet, contouring along cliff faces with sheer drops to the valley floor thousands of feet below. The trail gains only about 800 feet (with a 200-foot loss) over its length, making it surprisingly moderate for the dramatic terrain it crosses. Mountain goats are almost guaranteed, and grizzly sightings are not uncommon. An optional 1.7-mile spur trail climbs 900 feet to the Grinnell Glacier Overlook. Most hikers arrange a shuttle from The Loop trailhead (an additional 4.0 miles and 2,300 feet of descent from Granite Park Chalet). Total distance with shuttle: 11.6 miles, one way. Difficulty: moderate. Allow 6-8 hours.

Grinnell Glacier Trail -- A stunning hike to one of the park's remaining glaciers. Starting from the Many Glacier area (or taking the boat shuttle across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine to shave off 3 miles), the trail climbs through alpine meadows and past waterfalls to the glacier and its milky turquoise meltwater lake at 6,560 feet. Round trip from the boat dock is approximately 7.6 miles with 1,600 feet of elevation gain; from the Many Glacier trailhead, 10.6 miles. Bighorn sheep and mountain goats frequent the upper slopes. Difficulty: moderate to strenuous. Allow 5-7 hours.

Iceberg Lake Trail -- Starting from the Iceberg-Ptarmigan trailhead near Swiftcurrent Motor Inn in Many Glacier, this trail winds 4.7 miles (one way) through alpine meadows and past towering cliff walls to a cirque lake where icebergs float on the surface well into August. The trail gains approximately 1,200 feet. The scenery is relentless, and the destination lake, backed by 3,000-foot headwalls, is one of the most dramatic in the Rockies. This trail passes through prime grizzly habitat; travel in groups and carry bear spray. Difficulty: moderate. Allow 5-6 hours round trip.

Avalanche Lake Trail -- The most accessible high-quality hike in the park. Starting from the Trail of the Cedars near Avalanche Creek, the trail climbs 2.3 miles (one way) through old-growth cedar-hemlock forest to a glacial lake backed by Bearhat Mountain. Waterfalls cascade down the surrounding cliffs. Total elevation gain is about 730 feet. This trail is popular and the parking area fills early in summer. Difficulty: easy to moderate. Allow 3-4 hours round trip.

Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail -- A dramatic out-and-back hike from the Many Glacier area that passes Ptarmigan Lake before entering a hand-hewn tunnel through a rock wall at 7,200 feet. Emerging from the far side reveals a completely different landscape -- the arid, red-rock terrain of the Belly River drainage. Round trip is 10.6 miles with 2,300 feet of elevation gain. The tunnel is typically open from mid-July through September. Difficulty: strenuous. Allow 6-8 hours.

Siyeh Pass Trail -- A challenging point-to-point hike crossing Siyeh Pass at 8,100 feet, one of the highest maintained trail points in the park. The route traverses alpine meadows, passes Preston Park (a wildflower paradise in late July), and descends past Sexton Glacier to Sunrift Gorge on Going-to-the-Sun Road. Distance is approximately 10.3 miles with 2,240 feet of elevation gain. A shuttle or two-car arrangement is necessary. Difficulty: strenuous. Allow 6-8 hours.

When to Visit

Late June through mid-July -- Going-to-the-Sun Road typically opens fully by late June or early July, depending on snow conditions. The opening of Logan Pass marks the true start of the hiking season. Wildflowers are at peak bloom in alpine meadows, and lingering snowfields add drama to the scenery. Some higher trails may still have snow. Crowds are building but not yet at peak levels.

Mid-July through August -- Peak season. All trails are open, weather is at its warmest (highs in the 70s to low 80s at lower elevations, 50s to 60s at Logan Pass), and the park is at maximum capacity. Vehicle reservations are required to enter the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor between 6 AM and 3 PM. Many Glacier is crowded but slightly less so than the Sun Road corridor. Afternoon thunderstorms are common.

September -- A superb time to visit. Crowds drop significantly after Labor Day, vehicle reservations are no longer required, larch trees turn gold in the higher elevations (typically peaking in mid to late September), and the weather is often clear and crisp. Some services begin closing. Going-to-the-Sun Road typically closes to vehicles at Logan Pass by mid-to-late October, weather dependent.

Winter -- The park is open year-round, but Going-to-the-Sun Road is closed beyond Lake McDonald Lodge on the west side and beyond Rising Sun on the east side. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular along the unplowed portions of the road. Apgar and the Lake McDonald area offer a quiet, snow-covered winter experience.

Where to Stay

Many Glacier Hotel -- A grand Swiss-chalet-style lodge on the shore of Swiftcurrent Lake, built in 1915 by the Great Northern Railway. The location, surrounded by peaks on all sides, is the most spectacular of any lodge in the park. Rooms are historic (read: charming but basic), and views from the lakeside rooms are unforgettable. Rates range from $200-$450 per night. Check on Hotels.com

Lake McDonald Lodge -- A historic lodge on the west side of the park, perched on the shore of Lake McDonald. The rustic lobby with its massive stone fireplace and hunting trophies has a timeless mountain atmosphere. Rooms in the main lodge and surrounding cabins range from $175-$350 per night. Check on Hotels.com

Glacier Park Lodge -- Located in East Glacier Park, just outside the park boundary near the Amtrak station. The lobby features massive Douglas fir timbers and a classic railroad-hotel grandeur. Rates run $200-$400 per night. A good base for exploring the Two Medicine and southern areas of the park. Check on Hotels.com

Granite Park Chalet -- A backcountry chalet accessible only by hiking (7.6 miles via the Highline Trail from Logan Pass). The chalet provides bunk beds, a kitchen for cooking your own food (pack everything in), and an experience that blends comfort with genuine wilderness immersion. Reservations are required and highly competitive. Approximately $105 per person per night.

Whitefish, Montana -- This charming resort town is located 25 miles west of the park entrance. It offers a full range of hotels, restaurants, and amenities. The Lodge at Whitefish Lake, Firebrand Hotel, and Grouse Mountain Lodge are excellent options, ranging from $200-$500 per night. Whitefish is also home to Whitefish Mountain Resort for skiing.

Camping -- The park has 13 campgrounds with over 1,000 sites. Apgar, Fish Creek, Many Glacier, St. Mary, and Two Medicine accept reservations through Recreation.gov during peak season. Others are first-come, first-served. Sites range from $15-$30 per night. Many Glacier Campground is the most coveted location for hikers.

Getting There

By Air -- Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell is 30 miles from the park's West Entrance. Flights connect to Denver, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Minneapolis, Las Vegas, and other cities, with expanded service during summer.

By Car from Kalispell/Whitefish -- Take Highway 2 east to West Glacier. From Kalispell, the drive is about 30 miles (35 minutes); from Whitefish, about 25 miles (30 minutes).

By Train -- Amtrak's Empire Builder route stops at West Glacier, East Glacier Park, and Essex (Izaak Walton Inn). The train runs daily between Chicago and Seattle/Portland, passing through some of the most scenic rail territory in the country. Arriving by train is a romantic and practical option.

Going-to-the-Sun Road Vehicle Reservations -- Required from late May through mid-September for entry between 6 AM and 3 PM. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov and are released in blocks starting in March. These sell out quickly. Without a reservation, you can enter before 6 AM or after 3 PM.

Essential Tips

Bear spray is mandatory, not optional. Glacier has one of the highest concentrations of grizzly bears in the lower 48. Carry it, know how to deploy it, and hike in groups of three or more when possible. Make noise, especially around blind corners and in dense brush.

Vehicle reservations for Going-to-the-Sun Road are a relatively new requirement and a critical planning element. Secure these well in advance through Recreation.gov. Alternatively, take the park's free shuttle system, which operates along the Sun Road corridor during peak season.

Weather changes rapidly. Conditions at Logan Pass can be 30 degrees colder and significantly windier than at lake level. Bring layers, rain gear, and sun protection on every hike, regardless of the forecast.

Water in backcountry streams should be filtered or treated. Giardia is present in park waterways.

Cell service is essentially nonexistent in the park. Download offline maps and inform someone of your hiking plans before heading out.

Trail conditions can change dramatically from week to week during the early and late season. Check with ranger stations for current conditions, particularly regarding snow on high passes and trail closures due to bear activity.

Nearby Attractions

Flathead Lake -- The largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, located south of Kalispell. Cherry orchards line the east shore, with fruit stands open in summer. The town of Bigfork offers galleries, restaurants, and summer theater.

Whitefish Mountain Resort -- In winter, a family-friendly ski resort with 3,000 acres and excellent tree skiing. In summer, the resort offers mountain biking, zip lines, an aerial adventure park, and scenic chairlift rides.

Waterton Lakes National Park (Canada) -- Glacier's sister park across the border in Alberta. Together they form the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. The townsite of Waterton is charming, and the Red Rock Canyon and Crypt Lake hikes are spectacular. A valid passport is required for border crossing.

Bob Marshall Wilderness -- South of Glacier, "The Bob" is one of the most expansive wilderness areas in the lower 48 -- over a million acres of roadless terrain accessible only by foot or horseback. Multi-day trips into the Chinese Wall area are legendary.

Hungry Horse Reservoir -- A large reservoir south of the park offering boating, fishing, and dispersed camping with far fewer people than the park itself.