Glacier National Park is a mountain wilderness in Montana with over 700 miles of trails, 25 named glaciers, and two sides divided by the Continental Divide

Glacier National Park sits in northwestern Montana along the Canadian border. The park spans roughly 1 million acres and is split into two main regions: the west side (accessed from West Glacier) and the east side (accessed from St. Mary). The Continental Divide runs through the middle, which means water on the west side flows to the Pacific Ocean and water on the east side flows to the Atlantic. Most visitors drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile scenic highway that crosses the divide and takes roughly three hours without stops.

The park is named for its glaciers, though the number has shrunk significantly. When the park was established in 1910, roughly 150 glaciers covered the landscape. Today, about 25 remain, and they continue to recede. Despite the name change, the park remains one of the most visited mountain destinations in the United States, drawing roughly 3 million visitors annually.

Key Takeaways

  • Going-to-the-Sun Road is the main highway through the park and closes seasonally; the exact opening and closing dates depend on snow conditions and typically run from late May through mid-October.
  • The park has two distinct sides (west and east) with different weather patterns, trail difficulty, and visitor density, so choosing which side to visit depends on your time and fitness level.
  • Lodging inside the park fills months in advance, and campgrounds often reach capacity by mid-morning during peak season, so reservations are essential rather than optional.
  • Many popular trails require early morning starts to find parking, and several high-elevation routes remain snow-covered into July.
  • The park charges a vehicle entrance fee that is valid for seven days and covers all passengers in a single vehicle.

When to visit and what the seasons mean for your trip

Glacier's season is compressed. The park is open year-round, but Going-to-the-Sun Road typically closes in early November and does not reopen until late May or early June, depending on snowfall. The road closure is not a suggestion—it is a hard stop. Once the road closes, the only way to cross the Continental Divide is to drive around the park, adding several hours to any journey.

Summer (July through September) is peak season. Daytime temperatures range from the low 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit, but nights drop into the 40s even in July. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, especially in July and August. Trails at higher elevations may still have snow patches into early July, and some high passes do not fully clear until mid-July. The park is most crowded in August.

Spring (May and June) and fall (September and October) are shoulder seasons with fewer visitors, cooler temperatures, and unpredictable weather. Snow can fall in September. Winter (November through April) brings heavy snow, especially on the west side, and most facilities close. The park does not maintain Going-to-the-Sun Road in winter.

Lodging and camping—what to reserve and when

The park operates five lodges and cabins inside its boundaries: Lake McDonald Lodge, Many Glacier Hotel, Glacier Park Lodge, Rising Sun Motor Inn, and Swiftcurrent Motor Inn. All are operated by Glacier Park Incorporated, a private concessionaire. Rooms fill quickly—reservations open in mid-January for the following summer season, and popular properties like Many Glacier Hotel often book out within days. Rates vary widely depending on the property and room type, ranging from roughly $100 to $300 per night.

Camping is the other main option. The park operates 13 campgrounds with roughly 1,900 total sites. The largest and most popular are Many Glacier, Apgar, and St. Mary. Reservations open in mid-March for the summer season through Recreation.gov. During peak season (July and August), popular campgrounds reach capacity by mid-morning on the day reservations open, and sites often sell out for the entire month within hours. Campground fees range from roughly $20 to $30 per night depending on the location and amenities.

If lodging inside the park is full, the towns of Kalispell, Whitefish, and West Glacier (outside the park) have hotels, motels, and vacation rentals. These fill up as well during peak season, but availability is generally better than inside the park.

Popular trails and how to choose based on your fitness level

Glacier has trails for every fitness level, from short walks to multi-day backpacking routes. The most visited trails are concentrated around the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor and the Many Glacier area on the east side.

straightforward walks (under 5 miles round trip, minimal elevation gain) include the Trail of the Cedars (3.6 miles, 300 feet elevation gain), a loop through old-growth forest on the west side, and Sunrift Gorge (2 miles, 200 feet elevation gain), a short walk to a narrow canyon on the east side. These trails are suitable for families with young children and do not require early morning parking arrivals.

Moderate hikes (5 to 10 miles round trip, 1,000 to 2,000 feet elevation gain) include Gunsight Pass (10 miles, 1,900 feet elevation gain), which climbs steeply to a mountain pass with views of Jackson Glacier, and Iceberg Lake (9.7 miles, 1,000 feet elevation gain), a popular east-side trail that ends at a lake where icebergs float even in summer. These hikes typically take 5 to 7 hours and require a moderate level of fitness.

Strenuous hikes (10+ miles round trip, 2,000+ feet elevation gain) include Pitamakan Pass (15.4 miles, 3,600 feet elevation gain) and Siyeh Pass (11.8 miles, 3,400 feet elevation gain). These routes are for experienced hikers and often involve snow patches and stream crossings. Parking at trailheads for popular routes fills by 8 a.m. during peak season, so an early start is necessary.

How to get there and what the entrance fee covers

Glacier National Park is in northwestern Montana, roughly 30 miles northeast of Kalispell and 140 miles north of Missoula. The nearest commercial airport is Kalispell Glacier Park International Airport (FCA), about 30 miles away. Most visitors drive their own vehicles or rent cars.

The park charges a vehicle entrance fee of $35 per vehicle, valid for seven consecutive days and covering all passengers in a single vehicle. Motorcycles are $30, and individuals on foot or bicycle are $20. An annual America the Beautiful Pass costs $80 and covers entrance to all U.S. national parks for one year. The entrance fee is paid at the park gates on the west side (West Glacier entrance) or east side (St. Mary entrance).

Once inside, there is no additional charge to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road or to hike most trails. Some backcountry camping requires a backcountry permit, which costs $7 per person per night and must be reserved in advance through the park's backcountry office.

What to bring and what conditions to expect

Weather in Glacier changes rapidly, especially at higher elevations. Even in summer, temperatures can drop 20 degrees Fahrenheit in an hour, and afternoon thunderstorms can develop quickly. Bring layers: a base layer, a fleece or insulating jacket, and a waterproof rain jacket. Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support are essential, as many trails are rocky and steep.

Sun exposure is intense at high elevation. Bring sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), sunglasses, and a hat. Mosquitoes are present from June through August, especially in lower elevations and near water. Insect repellent with DEET is effective. Bring at least 2 liters of water per person on any hike longer than 3 miles; water sources along trails are not always reliable.

Wildlife is present throughout the park. Grizzly bears, black bears, mountain lions, and wolves all inhabit the area. The park requires that you stay at least 25 yards away from most wildlife and 100 yards away from bears and wolves. Carry bear spray if you are hiking in grizzly country, and make noise on the trail to avoid surprising bears. Store all food and scented items in bear-proof containers or your vehicle.

Getting around once you arrive

A personal vehicle is the most flexible way to explore the park. Going-to-the-Sun Road is the main highway and offers numerous pullouts and short walks. The road is narrow and winding in places, with steep drop-offs and no guardrails on some sections. Trailers longer than 21 feet and RVs longer than 26 feet are not permitted on Going-to-the-Sun Road.

The park operates a free shuttle bus system during summer (typically late June through September). Shuttes run along Going-to-the-Sun Road and connect trailheads, lodges, and campgrounds. Using the shuttle reduces parking pressure at popular trailheads and is recommended during peak season. Shuttle schedules and routes are posted at visitor centers and online.

The park does not have public transportation between towns outside the park, so a personal vehicle or rental car is necessary for most visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive Going-to-the-Sun Road in winter?

No. The road closes in early November and does not reopen until late May or early June. The exact dates depend on snowfall and road conditions. The park does not maintain the road in winter. If you visit in winter, you can access the west side and east side separately, but you cannot cross the Continental Divide by car.

Do I need a reservation to hike, or just to camp and lodge?

You do not need a reservation to day-hike on most trails. However, backcountry camping (overnight trips) requires a backcountry permit reserved in advance. Popular trailheads fill with parked cars by mid-morning in summer, so arriving early is important even without a formal reservation.

What is the best time to see glaciers?

Glaciers are visible year-round from certain viewpoints, but they are most accessible and easiest to reach on foot from July through September, when snow has melted from lower elevations. Grinnell Glacier and Jackson Glacier are two of the most visited glacier viewpoints and are accessible via day hikes in summer.

Are there cell phone and internet services in the park?

Cell service is spotty and unreliable throughout most of the park. Service is generally available in towns outside the park (Kalispell, Whitefish, West Glacier) and at some lodges and visitor centers, but not on most trails or in backcountry areas. Plan accordingly and do not rely on your phone for navigation or emergencies in remote areas.

What should I do if I encounter a bear?

If you see a bear at a distance, back away slowly and give it space—at least 100 yards. Do not run. If a bear approaches, use bear spray as a last resort. The park provides detailed bear safety information at visitor centers and online. Carrying bear spray and making noise on the trail are the most effective ways to avoid surprise encounters.