National park · United States

Glacier National Park

Go for 2–3 nights between late June and mid-September: drive Going-to-the-Sun Road early, then hike the Highline Trail or Avalanche Lake; check road access, reservations and weather before setting out.

Not field-verifiedUNESCO World Heritage 1995UNESCO Biosphere Reserve 1976Some areas permit-onlyChecked Sep 2026

Map to the park

Google Maps Apple Maps Street View

Directions

From where I am

Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.

Area

4,101 km²1,583 sq mi

approximate

Established

1910

Best months

Jul–Sep

UNESCO

World Heritage

Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…

North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.

At a glance

Country: United States
Area: 4,101 km²1,583 sq mi; About 1,583 square miles (4,101 km²); the park is roughly 50 miles (80 km) across.
Established: 1910
Best months: Jul–Sep
Permits: For some areas

Glacier National Park sits on Montana's northern border beside Waterton Lakes in Alberta. Together the parks form the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, established in 1932 and designated a World Heritage site in 1995. Glacially carved valleys, lakes and sedimentary peaks span the Continental Divide; the west side is wetter and forested, while the east is drier and windier. Going-to-the-Sun Road crosses Logan Pass and is the main summer route, so plan around traffic and parking. The park's glaciers have shrunk substantially; visit for the landscape and wildlife, not a guaranteed close view of ice.

Decide

Why go, which months, and what lives here when

At a glance

Status

UNESCO World Heritage · 1995Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, shared with Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta.
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve · 1976Waterton-Glacier Biosphere Reserve.

Size and age

4,101 km²1,583 sq mi · national park since 1910

About 1,583 square miles (4,101 km²); the park is roughly 50 miles (80 km) across.

Why go

Going-to-the-Sun Road: a 50-mile drive over Logan Pass (2,026 m) with pull-outs at every bend.
Day hikes that start high and stay high: the Highline Trail from Logan Pass, Avalanche Lake from the west side.
Grizzly and black bear country with mountain goats, bighorn sheep and bald eagles; wildlife is the reason many people come.
Two sides, two climates: wet cedar forest west of the Divide, dry grassland and wind east of it.

When to go

12-month verdict

JanAvoid
FebAvoid
MarAvoid
AprCaution
MayCaution
JunGo
JulBest
AugBest
SepBest
OctCaution
NovAvoid
DecAvoid

JanMost roads closed; snow and ice
FebDeep winter; only plowed access
MarStill winter conditions
AprLow valleys open; Going-to-the-Sun Road closed
MaySnow lingers; plowing underway
JunRoad usually opens late June; snow patches on trails
JulFull access; wildflowers; busiest
AugWarm, dry; wildfire smoke possible
SepFewer people; clear, cool days
OctServices wind down; early snow
NovRoad closed over Logan Pass
DecWinter access only

Wildlife and nature calendar

Seasons shift by weeks each year

Wildlife and nature calendar for Glacier National Park
What	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Grizzly and black bearsMay–Oct · Carry bear spray, make noise, never run; late summer bears feed on berries at lower elevations.	no	no	no	no	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	no	no
Mountain goats and bighorn sheepJun–Sep · Often near Logan Pass; keep distance and do not feed.	no	no	no	no	no	yes	yes	yes	yes	no	no	no
Bald eagles and waterfowlMay–Sep · Lakes and rivers; fishing is popular in park waters.	no	no	no	no	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	no	no	no
Bull trout and other native fishJun–Sep · Protected in some waters; check rules before fishing.	no	no	no	no	no	yes	yes	yes	yes	no	no	no

Arrive & move

Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are

How to get there

From Whitefish

Drive US 2 east to the West Glacier entrance.

30–40 min

From Kalispell

From Glacier Park International Airport (FCA), drive US 2 east to West Glacier.

40–50 min

From Missoula

Take I-90 and US 93 north through Kalispell, then US 2 east.

3–3.5 h

From Seattle or Portland

Amtrak's Empire Builder serves West Glacier and East Glacier Park; check schedules and station service before travel.

Overnight

From Chicago

Amtrak's Empire Builder serves West Glacier and East Glacier Park; check schedules and station service before travel.

Overnight

From Calgary

Drive south via Cardston and a US–Canada border crossing; confirm crossing status and entry requirements.

About 4.5 h

Zones and sectors

Zones of Glacier National Park
Zone	What is there	Access
West Glacier and Lake McDonald	West entrance, Apgar, Lake McDonald Lodge and the Trail of the Cedars.	Check current road access and seasonal services.
Going-to-the-Sun Road	The 50-mile crossing over Logan Pass between West Glacier and St. Mary.	Seasonal access; check road status and any reservation requirements.
Logan Pass	Visitor centre and trailheads for the Highline Trail and Hidden Lake.	Check road status, parking availability and seasonal access.
Many Glacier	East-side valley with Swiftcurrent and Iceberg Lake trailheads.	Check seasonal access and road conditions.
Two Medicine and St. Mary	East-side valleys and the St. Mary entrance.	Check seasonal access and available services.
North Fork	Remote northwest part of the park.	Check current road conditions and services before going.

Sketch map

Approximate — not for navigation

Approximate positions along Going-to-the-Sun Road and the main east-side valleys, for orientation only.

1West Glacier entrance · Gate≈48.500, -113.980Map ↗
2Apgar · Village≈48.525, -113.993Map ↗
3Lake McDonald Lodge · Sleep≈48.617, -113.877Map ↗
4Logan Pass · Viewpoint≈48.696, -113.718Map ↗
5St. Mary entrance · Gate≈48.744, -113.439Map ↗
6Many Glacier · Trail≈48.797, -113.657Map ↗
7Two Medicine · Trail≈48.487, -113.366Map ↗

See & do

Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking

Top experiences

ViewpointsEasy3–5 h with stopsGoing-to-the-Sun Road driveThe crossing is about 50 miles. Start early to improve your chances of finding parking at Logan Pass; confirm road and reservation status first.

TrailsHard6–8 hHighline Trail to the LoopAbout 11.6 miles from Logan Pass along the Garden Wall; exposed sections include a handline. Check trail conditions and shuttle arrangements for the return.

TrailsModerate2–3 hAvalanche LakeAbout 4.5 miles return from Avalanche Creek; can be combined with the Trail of the Cedars.

TrailsEasy30–45 minTrail of the CedarsA 0.7-mile loop, partly boardwalk and partly paved, through cedar forest beside Avalanche Gorge.

TrailsModerate2–3 hHidden Lake OverlookStarts at Logan Pass; check trail status, as snow can persist into summer.

TrailsModerate4–5 hIceberg LakeAbout 9.7 miles return from Swiftcurrent in Many Glacier; check current trail conditions.

ViewpointsEasyHalf or full dayRed bus tourTours use the park's historic red buses. Check the operator's current schedule, fares and booking availability.

Practical

Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong

Entry fees and permits

USD ranges · check

Fees for Glacier National Park
Item	Range	Per	Note
Entrance, private vehicle (7 days)	US$45	vehicle	2026 estimate; confirm the current rate with the park.
Entrance, per person on foot or bike (7 days)	US$20	person	2026 estimate; confirm the current rate with the park.
Motorcycle entrance (7 days)	US$30	motorcycle	2026 estimate; confirm the current rate with the park.
America the Beautiful annual pass	US$80	pass	2026 estimate; check current eligibility and terms.
Going-to-the-Sun Road vehicle reservation	US$2	vehicle	2026 estimate; when required, this is separate from park admission. Check current dates and rules.

Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.

Park entrance permit or guide

Pay at an entrance station or check the park website for online purchase options; confirm current entry procedures before arrival.

Going-to-the-Sun Road reservation permit or guide

A timed reservation may be required for summer daytime access to the road corridor, in addition to the entrance fee. Check the park's current dates and booking rules.

Backcountry camping permit or guide

A permit is required for overnight backcountry trips. Check the park's current reservation and walk-in procedures.

Fishing permit or guide

Check current Montana licensing requirements and park-specific rules before fishing.

Park rules

Drones, guides, camping and more

Vehicle reservations: A timed reservation may be required for summer daytime access to Going-to-the-Sun Road, in addition to the entrance fee. Check the park's current rules and dates.
Bear spray: Carry bear spray on trails in bear country. It is prohibited on aircraft, including in checked baggage; arrange to buy or rent it locally.
Pets: Pets are not allowed on park trails or in the backcountry. Check current rules for developed areas and leash requirements.
Drones: Launching or landing a drone in the park is prohibited.
Fires: Use fires only where permitted; check current fire restrictions before your visit.
Wildlife: Keep at least 25 yards from most wildlife and 100 yards from bears; never feed animals.

Where to stay

In the park

Inside the park

Lake McDonald Lodge, Apgar and Rising Sun, plus Many Glacier Hotel; book months ahead for July–August.

Near the park

West Glacier and Columbia Falls

Motels, cabins and campgrounds 10–30 min from the west entrance.

Near the park

Whitefish

Largest choice of hotels and restaurants, about 30–40 min from the west entrance.

Near the park

St. Mary and Babb

East-side base for Many Glacier and Two Medicine; fewer rooms.

In the park

Backcountry sites

Permit required; some sites need advance booking.

Safety

Bears high

Carry bear spray, hike in groups, make noise on blind corners; never approach a carcass.

Weather swings medium

Snow can fall in any month; bring rain gear and layers even in July.

Wildfire smoke medium

Late summer smoke can close trails and hide views; check air quality and road status before driving.

Steep, exposed trails medium

The Highline has narrow sections with a handline; skip it in rain or high wind.

Cold water medium

Lakes stay cold year-round; hypothermia is a real risk after a fall in.

Accessibility

The Trail of the Cedars includes paved and boardwalk sections; check current accessibility information before visiting.
Going-to-the-Sun Road has pull-outs and viewpoints, but many trails are steep or uneven.
Check current shuttle accessibility and schedules before relying on shuttle service.

Visiting lightly

Use the free park shuttles instead of driving the road twice.
Pack out all rubbish; food storage rules protect bears.
Stay on trails to protect alpine plants that take years to recover.
Book with operators that follow park wildlife-distance rules.

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to enter Glacier National Park?

The current page estimate is US$45 per private vehicle for seven days, US$20 per person on foot or by bike, or US$30 per motorcycle. A separate timed road reservation may also be required in summer. These are 2026 estimates; check the park's fee and reservation pages before travel.

What are the best hikes in Glacier National Park?

For a shorter walk, try the 0.7-mile Trail of the Cedars or the roughly 4.5-mile round trip to Avalanche Lake. For a longer day, the Highline Trail to the Loop is about 11.6 miles from Logan Pass; Iceberg Lake is about 9.7 miles round trip from Swiftcurrent. Check trail conditions and seasonal access.

When is the best time to visit Glacier National Park?

Late June to mid-September is a useful target for hiking and the Going-to-the-Sun Road crossing, but opening dates and trail conditions vary. July and August are busy; September can be quieter. Check current road status and weather before setting out.

Do I need a reservation to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road?

A timed reservation may be required for summer daytime access. The dates and rules can change, so check the National Park Service before your trip.

Can I see a glacier?

The park's remaining glaciers are small and high in the mountains. A visit does not guarantee a close view of ice; many visitors experience the park's glacial history through its lakes, valleys and mountain landforms.

Where should I stay near Glacier National Park?

Lodging is available inside the park and in nearby communities including West Glacier, Columbia Falls, Whitefish, St. Mary and Babb. Availability and seasonal services vary, so check current options early.

Is Glacier National Park the same as the one in Canada?

No. Montana's Glacier National Park borders Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta; together they form the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. British Columbia has a separate Glacier National Park.

Deep dive

Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go