Glacier National Park: Visitor Guide

Glacier National Park covers one million acres of the Northern Rocky Mountains along the US–Canada border. More than 700 miles of trails, 130 named lakes, and a road that climbs to 6,646 feet make it one of North America’s great wilderness parks. The namesake glaciers have retreated dramatically — from 150 in 1850 to approximately 25 today — and climate scientists project the remaining ice may disappear within decades. The landscape they carved, however, is permanent.

Entry Fees and Passes

Entry costs approximately $35 per vehicle as of 2026 (valid for seven days, covers all occupants). Motorcycles pay approximately $30; individuals on foot or bicycle pay approximately $20. The America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entry.

Vehicle reservation on Going-to-the-Sun Road (separate from entry fees): Required mid-May through early September to drive a personal vehicle on the 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road through Logan Pass. Reservations cost approximately $2 per vehicle and are released in timed batches via recreation.gov starting in March. This is distinct from park entry — you can enter the park on other routes without one.

When to Visit

July–August: Peak season. Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open (usually by late June), all trails are snow-free above the tree line, and all lodges operate. Wildflowers peak in July at Logan Pass. Visitor centers, shuttles, and lodges are at capacity.

Late September through mid-October: Arguably the best balance. Crowds drop sharply after Labor Day. Fall foliage in the valleys, dusting of snow on peaks. Going-to-the-Sun Road closes to vehicles usually by mid-October at Logan Pass. Grizzlies are hyperactive before hibernation — carry bear spray.

June: Shoulder season. Higher trails may be snow-covered into early July. Going-to-the-Sun Road opens progressively as crews clear snow — Logan Pass typically opens mid-to-late June.

November through April: Most roads and lodges close. The park is accessible on foot via the plowed sections near Apgar and St. Mary. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing from Apgar visitor area.

Getting There

From Kalispell, MT / Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) (32 miles to the West Entrance, approximately 35 minutes): The closest airport with scheduled service (Alaska, Delta, United). Car rental from approximately $60/day at the airport. Recommended.

From Great Falls, MT (148 miles to the east entrance at St. Mary, approximately 2.5 hours): An alternative approach to the less-visited east side (Many Glacier, Two Medicine).

Via Amtrak Empire Builder: Amtrak’s Chicago–Seattle train stops at East Glacier Park and West Glacier stations daily — the most scenic rail approach in the US. Tickets from approximately $80 one-way from Seattle; $60 from Havre, MT. Reserve at amtrak.com. No car needed if you’re based at East Glacier.

Free park shuttle: Runs along Going-to-the-Sun Road late June through Labor Day, stopping at major trailheads, Logan Pass, and both visitor centers. It eliminates the need for a vehicle reservation on the road itself.

Must-See Trails and Attractions

Highline Trail — 11.6 miles one-way (moderate-strenuous, 5–8 hours) from Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet. One of the most celebrated ridge walks in the US. A fixed safety cable protects the first section, which traverses a narrow ledge above a 900-foot drop. Views of the Garden Wall and McDonald Valley throughout. Shuttle back from The Loop saves 11 miles of descent.

Grinnell Glacier Trail — 10.6 miles round trip (strenuous, 5–7 hours) from Many Glacier trailhead with 1,600 ft gain. Ends at the remaining Grinnell Glacier above an aquamarine lake. Pass through prime grizzly habitat. Guided hikes available from the Many Glacier Hotel.

Hidden Lake Overlook — 2.9 miles round trip (easy-moderate, 1.5–2.5 hours) from Logan Pass. Boardwalk and trail to an overlook above a turquoise alpine lake backed by glaciated peaks. Mountain goats frequent the Logan Pass area year-round. The most accessible high-alpine experience in the park.

Iceberg Lake — 9.7 miles round trip (moderate, 4–5 hours) from Many Glacier. A cirque lake that holds floating icebergs into August. Outstanding grizzly viewing terrain.

Two Medicine Valley — Less visited east-side area with no vehicle reservation required. Running Eagle Falls (0.6 miles round trip, easy, 20 minutes) and Twin Falls (3.8 miles round trip, moderate, 2 hours) are excellent introductions. Boat tours on Two Medicine Lake available (approximately $22/person as of 2026).

Apgar and Lake McDonald — The 10-mile-long western valley lake surrounded by cedar and hemlock forest. Boat rentals at Apgar from approximately $20/hour; flat-water kayaking. McDonald Lodge historic lobby worth seeing.

Permits

Day hiking requires no permit beyond park entry and any applicable road reservation.

Backcountry camping requires a backcountry permit. Quota system per camping zone. Advance reservations available starting March 15 each year via recreation.gov (approximately $40 reservation fee covers the entire trip, not per night as of 2026). Walk-up permits available from visitor centers starting 24 hours in advance (no fee). Competition is fierce for popular zones (Granite Park, Bowman Lake, Kintla Lake). Apply on March 15 if backcountry camping is central to your trip.

Going-to-the-Sun Road vehicle reservation: Approximately $2, required mid-May through early September. Distinct from backcountry permits. Book at recreation.gov when windows open.

Accommodation

In-park lodges (operated by Glacier National Park Lodges — book at glaciernationalparklodges.com):

Many Glacier Hotel — 1915 Swiss chalet-style lodge on Swiftcurrent Lake. Rooms from approximately $220/night. The most dramatic park setting. Open June–September. Books out months ahead.
Lake McDonald Lodge — 1914 hunting-lodge style on Lake McDonald’s eastern shore. Rooms from approximately $165/night; lakeside cabins from approximately $200/night. Open May–September.
Granite Park Chalet — Backcountry chalet on the Highline Trail, 7.6 miles from Logan Pass. Hike-in only. Dorm-style, self-catering. Approximately $125/person/night including bedding as of 2026. Book far ahead at graniteparkchalet.com.
Sperry Chalet — 6.7 miles from Lake McDonald Lodge by trail. Rooms with dinner and breakfast from approximately $300/person/night as of 2026. Open July–September. Historic and remote.

Campgrounds (13 in the park): Apgar (194 sites), Fish Creek (178 sites), and St. Mary (148 sites) accept reservations via recreation.gov. Many campgrounds are first-come-first-served and fill before noon in peak season. Sites from approximately $20–23/night.

Gateway towns:

Whitefish, MT — 25 miles from the West Entrance. Full resort town with restaurants, breweries, and hotels from approximately $120/night. The most comfortable base.
West Glacier, MT — Adjacent to the West Entrance. Basic lodges and the Belton Chalet (historically listed) from approximately $150/night.
St. Mary, MT — East-side gateway. Limited accommodation; book ahead. Johnson’s of St. Mary from approximately $110/night.

Packing and Preparation

Bear spray is mandatory for any hike. Glacier has one of the highest grizzly bear densities in the lower 48 states. Carry spray in a hip holster accessible while walking, not packed away.
Hike in groups of four or more in bear habitat — solo and pairs are more likely to surprise bears. Make noise on blind corners.
Layers: Even in July, Logan Pass temperatures can drop to 35°F with wind. Weather changes rapidly above tree line. Pack a waterproof shell even on clear mornings.
Sun protection: High-altitude UV is intense. SPF 50+, sunglasses, and a hat are essential above tree line.
Book Going-to-the-Sun Road reservations and accommodation before your travel dates — both sell out. Mid-July and August are the tightest windows.
Cell coverage: Very limited inside the park. Download NPS app offline maps before arriving.
Start early: Logan Pass fills by 9am in summer. The shuttle is the most practical solution — depart from Apgar or St. Mary on the first morning run.
Bring cash or credit card for the Granite Park / Sperry Chalets, which have limited card infrastructure.