Jagged peaks rise out of a forested valley and an empty road curves off into the distance.

National Park · Montana

Glacier National Park

Glacier is the wildest of the lower-48 parks. A million acres of jagged peaks, 700 lakes, grizzlies, and a single road — Going-to-the-Sun — that crosses the Continental Divide on a cliff. The glaciers are mostly gone or going. Go now.

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Best time to visit

Mid-July to mid-September. Going-to-the-Sun Road doesn't fully open until early-to-mid July most years. By late September it starts to close.

How long you need

Four days minimum. Five if you do the east side (Many Glacier) and the west side (Lake McDonald) properly.

Don't miss

  • Going-to-the-Sun Road end to end, ideally at sunrise
  • Highline Trail from Logan Pass — 11 miles along the Garden Wall
  • Many Glacier — the most spectacular zone, hands down
  • Iceberg Lake hike or Grinnell Glacier
  • Sunrise canoe on Two Medicine Lake

What people get wrong

Skipping Many Glacier because it's a two-hour drive from the west side. Many Glacier is the best part of the park — bigger peaks, more wildlife, fewer day-trippers. Also: vehicle reservations are required for Going-to-the-Sun in summer, and they sell out instantly.

About Glacier National Park

A showcase of melting glaciers, alpine meadows, carved valleys, and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a paradise for adventurous visitors seeking a landscape steeped in human culture. Relive the days of old through historic chalets, lodges, and the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Things to do

  • Arts and Culture
  • Cultural Demonstrations
  • Live Music
  • Auto and ATV
  • Scenic Driving
  • Astronomy
  • Biking
  • Road Biking
  • Boating
  • Motorized Boating
  • Boat Tour
  • Camping
  • Backcountry Camping
  • Canoe or Kayak Camping
  • Car or Front Country Camping
  • Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)
  • Group Camping
  • Climbing
  • Mountain Climbing
  • Fishing
  • Food
  • Guided Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours - Walking
  • Self-Guided Tours - Auto

Weather & when to go

Glacier's weather is highly variable and can be extreme. Expect warm, sunny summer days but be ready for any type of conditions. In the winter, temperatures can fall well below freezing and typically the park receives considerable amounts of snow. Glacier's geography, straddling the Continental Divide, sets the stage for clashes of two very different climates. Warm, wet Pacific air moves in from the west, and cold, dry Arctic air flows from the northeast. They meet at the Divide.

Entrance fees

  • Entrance - Private Vehicle

    (Winter Rate - $25.00, November 1 to April 30) This is an entrance fee for all persons traveling in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle (car/truck/van). The pass is good for seven days and is non-transferable. Visitors can enter the park at any time, if the entrance station is not staffed, a self-registration area is available for purchasing a 7-day park pass.

    $35.00

  • Entrance - Per Person

    (Winter Rate - $15.00, November 1 to April 30) This is a per person entrance fee for a visitor traveling on foot, bicycle, or for individuals traveling together in a vehicle as a non-commercial, organized group. The pass is good for seven days and is non-transferable.

    $20.00

  • Entrance - Motorcycle

    (Winter Rate - $20.00, November 1 to April 30) Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.

    $30.00

  • Commercial Entrance - Sedan

    Entrance fees are based on the seating capacity of the vehicle (driver not included). Commercial Sedan entrance fee is $25, plus $20 per person, 16 years of age or older. The pass is good for seven days and is non-transferable.

    $25.00

  • Commercial Entrance - Van

    Entrance fees are based on the seating capacity of the vehicle (driver not included). Commercial Van entrance fee is $75 regardless of occupancy. The pass is good for seven days and is non-transferable.

    $75.00

  • Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus

    Entrance fees are based on the seating capacity of the vehicle (driver not included). Commercial Mini-bus entrance fee is $100 regardless of occupancy. The pass is good for seven days and is non-transferable.

    $100.00

  • Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach

    Entrance fees are based on the seating capacity of the vehicle (driver not included). Commercial Motor Coach fee is $200 regardless of occupancy. The pass is good for seven days and is non-transferable.

    $200.00

  • Nonresident

    Each non-US resident aged 16 and older visiting Glacier National Park must pay a $100 nonresident fee (in addition to the standard entrance fee), unless admitted with an Annual or America the Beautiful Pass. This includes nonresidents entering as part of a commercial tour group, commercial use authorization (CUA) group, or concessioner tour group.

    $100.00

Operating hours

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is open 24 hours a day 365 days of the year. An entrance fee is required, even when entrance stations are not staffed. Instructions are available at each entrance for self-payment.

Campgrounds

FAQ

Do I need a vehicle reservation?
Yes, in summer, for Going-to-the-Sun Road and several other corridors. Released in batches months in advance plus a day-before window. Check current year's system.
How dangerous are the grizzlies?
Real but manageable. Carry bear spray, make noise, hike in groups, store food properly. Park rangers will lend you a refresher at any visitor center.
Are there still glaciers?
About 25, down from ~150 in 1850. Most are predicted to be gone by 2030. Grinnell and Sperry are the most accessible.

Related guides

Trip plans and deep-dives from the PeepTrip blog featuring Glacier National Park.

Keep exploring

More parks in Montana.

Browse parks by state →All parks →