I have tried to get to this crown jewel of US national parks three times. Expensive airfare, high-priced car rentals, or the lack of lodging availability have always tripped me up. So—the third time was a charm, and planned six months before the trip, I finally got it right. So, benefit from all the research and my on-the-ground experience to plan your best Glacier National Park visit.
In this article, I share 17 helpful and practical tips to ease your travel planning and allow you to enjoy the most memorable and rewarding Glacier National Park experience possible. The tips cover everything from choosing the right time to visit to finding the best accommodation, packing essential gear, and knowing what passes and reservations you need.
Where in the US is Glacier National Park?
Situated in the northwest corner of the US state of Montana, Glacier National Park shares a border with the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia and with Canada’s Waterton Lakes National Park. This enormous park spans over one million acres with over 700 miles of hiking trails, making it a haven for hikers and nature lovers. The Rocky Mountains dominate the park’s landscape, with towering peaks, deep valleys, and glacial-carved terrain.
See where to find it in the quick Google Earth clip below.
Additionally, the park is home to over 130 lakes, including the iconic Lake McDonald, Saint Mary Lake, Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine in Many Glacier. These stunning bodies of water reflect the surrounding mountains, providing a picture-perfect backdrop for visitors.
Glacier National Park is also famous, not surprisingly, for its glaciers. Although they have been slowly receding, the park boasts around 26 active glaciers, including the well-known Grinnell Glacier and Sperry Glacier.
Glacier National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Peace Park, symbolizing the cooperation between the United States and Canada in preserving this precious wilderness.
Glacier National Park entrances & overview.
Glacier National Park is a vast park oriented into two main sections—the west and the east—each offering unique attractions and activities. The west side is known for its stunning alpine scenery, including the famous nearly 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road, which offers breathtaking views of glacial valleys, pristine lakes, and towering peaks. The northeast side of the park, also known as the Many Glacier region, is home to numerous hiking trails, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. The southeast corner is home to the Two Medicine area.
Below is the park map, with its seven entrance stations circled. Click it for a more detailed view.
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7 Glacier National Park entrances.
There are seven Glacier National Park park entrances. It can take anywhere from an hour to three hours or more to drive between each, depending on your starting point and chosen route.
- West Glacier. The busiest entrance offers the most lodging and service options and access to the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
- St. Mary. This quieter eastern entrance has some lodging options and services and provides access to the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
- Two Medicine: In the southeast corner—this entrance provides access to the Two Medicine area. Find limited lodging and services in the nearby town of East Glacier.
- Many Glacier: In the northeast corner, it provides access to the Many Glacier area and limited lodging and services.
- Polebridge: In the northwest, this quieter entrance is next to the tiny town of Polebridge, offering access to the North Fork, the most remote section of the park.
- Camas Creek: A remote and less trafficked western entrance. Access it by driving North Fork Road (Highway 486), which is unpaved the last 10 miles.
Follow Camas Road inside the park to meet up with the Going-to-the-Sun Road. - Cut Bank: This is the least used entrance, about a 30-minute drive from the St. Mary entrance. It provides access to a campground and backcountry trails.
To plan your visit—start by deciding which part or parts of the park you want to explore. Research the trails, attractions, and activities that appeal to you most.
17 helpful tips for visiting Glacier National Park (jump here for all tips).
Here are 17 essential tips and things you want to know before planning a Glacier National Park visit. Click on the link to jump to each section for more details.
- When should you start planning a Glacier National Park trip?
- When are the best times to visit Glacier National Park?
- How long to see Glacier National Park?
- Where to stay in Glacier National Park or around it.
- How to get to Glacier National Park.
- How to enter Glacier National Park: the reservation & pass system.
- How to get around Glacier National Park.
- Stop at a visitor center and talk with a ranger.
- Driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road is worth it.
- Know the best things to do in Glacier National Park.
- Enjoy the daylight.
- Keep your gas tank full & your snacks packed.
- Five ways to stay safe in Glacier National Park.
- Shop here for souvenirs.
- Pack in layers for all types of weather.
- Buy this audio tour.
- Get the best Glacier National Park guidebooks.
Plus, get a quick list of essential planning dates for a Glacier National Park trip to put in your calendar.
1. When should you start planning a Glacier National Park trip?
The best time to plan a Glacier National Park vacation is now. Or if you are an organized, advanced planner, 13 months before your trip.
Why so far in advance? Because the high-demand, prime location, and often surprisingly affordable in-park lodging is limited and opens bookings 13 months in advance. Dates at several park properties fill immediately. Learn more about where to stay here.
Or, if you cannot plan that far in advance due to uncertain vacation availability, consider not worrying about booking in-park lodging and instead stay outside Glacier National Park.
Additionally, the season to visit Glacier is short. Due to its high elevation and harsh winters, the park is typically accessible from late May through early to mid-October, with peak visitation during the core summer months of July and August.
Expect snow on favorite high passes and trails to recede late in the season. The iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road might not be clear of snow and open for vehicle traffic until mid to late June, and snow can fall as early as September. These weather bookends mean competition for lodging, vehicle reservations, and pre-booked activities from Glacier’s nearly three million annual visitors is tight and occurs over a very short period.
2. When are the best times to visit Glacier National Park?
The best times to visit Glacier National Park are mid-to-late June through early October, with July and August being the busiest months. These mid-summer months draw the largest crowds, as the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road is typically open after the winter snow has melted and the weather is warmest.
During this time, expect temperature to range from 44°F at night to 77°F (7°C to 25°C) during the day. The snow has mostly melted, and the hiking trails are accessible, allowing you to explore the park’s dramatic beauty on foot. If you are interested in hiking, viewing wildlife, and enjoying the park’s stunning scenery, visiting in late June or July and August is ideal.
However, this also makes summer the peak tourist season. The park can get crowded, especially on popular trails and scenic drives, where parking lots fill quickly, limiting access to nearly everything. To avoid crowds, if you are visiting during the core summer months, consider starting your day early or leaving your car behind and using the shuttle bus system. Or consider scheduling your visit in mid-to-late June or September, when the weather can still be pleasant and the park slightly less crowded.
Can you visit Glacier National Park in the winter?
Yes! Winter can be an excellent time to visit Glacier National Park. However, expect an entirely different experience, as the park’s infrastructure is limited, with most in-park lodging and many areas closed or inaccessible.
New for winter! Apgar Village Lodge & Cabins has made its Lookout Suites with full kitchens available for winter bookings.
However, there are rewards for the hardy. The park takes on a serene atmosphere during the winter, with frozen lakes, snow-capped peaks, and wildlife in their winter habitat. Determined visitors who know about winter safety and are willing to stay in lodging outside the park can enjoy activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in designated areas. Learn more about visiting Glacier in the winter here.
3. How long to see Glacier National Park?
The time you should spend visiting Glacier National Park is equal to the time you have available to travel. However, three or four days or more are ideal if you have them.
If you only have one day in Glacier, make the most of it by starting early, driving the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, and fitting in time for one moderate hike or walk, such as Avalanche Lake, Hidden Lake, or St. Mary and Virginia Falls.
However, if you have several days—lucky you! You can figure out how you would like to plan your best visit from so many excellent options.
We spent four days in Glacier National Park. We stayed in lodging 10 minutes outside the West Glacier entrance. During our visit, we drove the Going-to-the-Sun Road, picnicked each day, and did several hikes. We stayed at one hotel during our trip and did not change accommodation. This required a lot of driving, up to two hours or more each way.
However, we made the most of our experience by waking early, including our teenager, to enjoy every second in the park. See our full itinerary for the four days here, or click the image below.
If you have a week to visit Glacier National Park, you can easily fit in enough activities to make the most of each day. And if you plan further in advance than we did, you may get your pick of in-park lodging. I recommend splitting your accommodation stay in different park areas, using each as a base to explore and reduce your drive times.
4. Where to stay in Glacier National Park or around it.
When visiting Glacier National Park, you will want to know where to stay. The short answer is wherever you can find lodging. Larger than the US state of Rhode Island, this enormous park spans approximately one million acres or 1,500 square miles.
It takes more than two hours to drive from one end to the other. However, as someone who could only find lodging in one park area, I can attest that all that driving is still worth it.
However, if you are open to exploring the park by spending nights at different accommodations and can find availability, arranging your trip this way is ideal. Use each lodging area as a base to explore. This will help you avoid overly long roundtrip drives.
When and where to book your Glacier National Park lodging.
Because Glacier’s best lodging, either in the park or immediately adjacent to it, is limited, you will want to book your accommodation far in advance. Reservations open 13 months in advance and fill quickly.
If you prefer to stay inside Glacier National Park, check out this comprehensive guide, which includes 24 places to stay, including lodges, hotels, rentals, backcountry chalets, and campgrounds.
However, if you cannot plan a Glacier trip a year in advance—do not worry. Due to changing summer schedules, we could never do this either. As you may not have your pick of top in-park lodging, you will likely have to stay outside the park as we did. We chose to book a room at The Great Bear Inn, a small bed and breakfast about a ten-minute drive from the West Glacier entrance. So, no fear—you can still plan five or six months before your visit, and you will have options.
Stay in hotels, motels, cabins, campgrounds, and private rentals outside the park in one of eight nearby communities. Get a list of the best outside-the-park places in this complete lodging guide, which I organize by region and park entrance.
Campers: Glacier National Park has 13 front country campgrounds in the park. Some campgrounds offer basic amenities, while others provide access to showers and laundry facilities. See the complete list of Glacier’s reservation-only and no-reservation campgrounds here.
5. How to get to Glacier National Park.
To get to Glacier National Park—you can drive, fly, or take a train.
Airports closest to Glacier National Park.
If you want to fly to Glacier National Park, there are three main airport options.
- Glacier Park International Airport (in Kalispell, FCA): a 35-minute drive to West Glacier.
- Missoula Montana Airport (MSO): a 2-hour and 35-minute drive to West Glacier.
- Spokane International Airport (GEG): a 4-hour and 45-minute drive to West Glacier.
Additionally, if you do not mind crossing international borders, know the Calgary International Airport (YYC) in Canada is just over a 3-hour drive from Glacier’s St. Mary entrance.
Rent a car from any of the above airports to drive to Glacier. The demand for auto rentals near Glacier often outstrips the supply, so expect expensive rentals. If you reserve one, reprice your booking a few weeks before your trip. You may get a better price. I did this and saved over $400 on our weeklong rental.
Here are my top rental car tips, including whether you need rental car insurance.
How to get to Glacier National Park by train.
To get to Glacier National Park by train, book a passage on Amtrak’s Empire Builder. Start in Chicago and take a two-day and one-night train journey, crossing the upper US until you pull into either the East Glacier or West Glacier stations. See the route below.
If you plan to arrive by train, another option is to skip disembarking at the Glacier stops and instead get off in Whitefish. There, you will have more auto rental options. The 25-mile drive from Whitefish to West Glacier takes about 30 minutes. If vehicles are unavailable or prohibitively expensive in Whitefish due to low supply, other towns to rent cars are Kalispell, near the Glacier International Airport, or Columbia Falls.
Alternatively, if you are a champion advanced planner and booked lodging inside the park during peak summer dates, you may want to skip renting a car and rely on Glacier’s free shuttle system to get around.
Are you looking to add more train journeys to your travel? Get ideas to expand your train travel experiences here.
6. How to enter Glacier National Park: the reservation & pass system.
To enter Glacier National Park, you need two things. First, you need a park vehicle or individual entrance pass. Second—if you plan to enter a restricted entrance area of the park from mid-June through late September after 7 AM or before 3 PM, you need a vehicle, lodging, or in-park activity reservation (e.g., boat tours, horseback riding, guided hikes, etc.) to gain access.
Learn more about both, including which entrances require reservations, in this detailed article about Glacier’s reservation and pass requirements (updated for the 2025 season and the Many Glacier area construction closures).
7. How to get around Glacier National Park.
Driving is one of the best ways to get around Glacier National Park. However, there is one major drawback. Parking is minimal. In high season, expect not to find available parking at your choice of trailhead or pull out unless you arrive very, very early. Or you get fortunate.
Seriously, I cannot emphasize this enough. Parking can be a real pain.
For example, during an early July visit to Glacier, we drove through the West Glacier entrance just before 7 AM Following the Going-to-the-Sun Road, we arrived at the Logan Pass parking lot just before 7:45 AM. We hoped to find a space and hike the upper section of the Hidden Lake trail early in the morning since the lower section had been closed to bear activity. We were far too late.
The lot was packed and busy with cars like ours circling in vain for an empty spot. Even the strip of overflow parking just over the east side of the pass and along the Going-to-the-Sun Road was also full.
Employing plan B, we drove east to the St. Mary and Virginia Falls trailhead, finding the two small parking strips full. We waited until some early morning hikers returned to their cars, and we took their space. It was just past 8 AM, and parking spaces were scarce.
Another note on parking at Logan Pass: On the next day of our trip, we passed through Logan Pass at 6:30 AM, heading east to Many Glacier, and saw that the parking lot was full. However, the overflow strip on the side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road just past it was empty. Given what we saw, if you want a parking spot at Logan Pass in the main lot, I recommend getting there by at least 6 AM in the height of the summer season.
Glacier’s free park shuttle operating times and routes.
Because it feels like a lottery win when a Glacier parking space opens when you need it, if you have the flexibility, consider taking advantage of the free park shuttles to get around and avoid driving altogether. These shuttles are available from July 1 through Labor Day, with some services through mid-September. Learn more about shuttle routes and operating times here. Or click the map below to see more details.
Before July 1, Glacier operates a free weekend hiker and biker shuttle. Learn more about the dates and times of operation here.
8. Stop at a visitor center and talk with a ranger.
Park rangers offer a wealth of resources when getting final input on your proposed Glacier National Park hikes and sightseeing plans. Stop at the Apgar or St. Mary Visitor Center near each entrance and step into line to talk with a ranger. Get input and recommendations for hikes and activities ideal for your preferences and comfort level. Ask about road and trail closures due to snow or wildlife (bear) activity.
Additionally, get a schedule of activities for the week, including guided ranger experiences and educational talks about the park and its history. Attending one of these might be the highlight of your trip.
9. Driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road is worth it.
Driving or seeing the Going-to-the-Sun Road is 1000% worth it. This nearly 50-mile scenic road, which twists through some of the most spectacular sections of the park and reaches its zenith at Logan Pass, is a pleasure to see and a highlight of the Glacier National Park experience.
Is it nerve-wracking to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road?
Admittedly, I was nervous before driving this road. I had seen videos of it, especially in the early summer season when the snow melt cascades down over the curvy roadway and off its steep drop-offs. It appeared treacherous. Then, I tackled driving it on a clear and beautiful early July day. Surprisingly, I found my experience on this well-graded marvel of a road through its narrow alpine section at a low speed—often as low as 15 miles per hour due to slow traffic—not as intimidating as I thought it would be. And far more enjoyable. If I can drive it, most people can too.
How to experience the Going-to-the-Sun Road without driving it yourself.
However, if you prefer to leave the driving to someone else, you can experience the Going-to-the-Sun Road in one of two ways. In season (July 1 through Labor Day), you can catch a ride on the free Glacier National Park shuttle from any stop in the park, taking it up to Logan Pass and riding it back down. You can also pay for a narrated tour on the iconic Red Jammer Bus Tours or a more traditional minibus with Sun Tours. Just book these in advance, as they will sell out.
10. Know the best things to do in Glacier National Park.
When visiting Glacier National Park, you will want to know all the best things you can do to make the most of your experience. To do this, check out this comprehensive guide, which shares nearly 40 things you can do inside the park and its surrounding communities.
Activities include:
- Self-guided and guided day and multi-day hiking
- Combination boat rides plus hiking
- Driving and sightseeing
- Water activities like kayaking, canoeing, boating, and fishing, and nearby white water rafting
- Horseback riding
- Ziplining
- Eating
- Animal experiences
- Aerial adventures (skydiving and helicopter tours)
- Golfing
- Day trips
Get the details here. Or click the image below to access this helpful activity planning list.
11. Enjoy the daylight.
In the height of summer, the sun rises in Glacier National Park as early as 5 AM and sets as late as 10 PM. This elongated day of daylight is a gift for outdoor lovers. You have more time to explore without worrying about getting caught in the dark on a trail or an unlit road far from your lodging. This abundance of daylight is a luxury and well worth using in such a beautiful place.
12. Keep your gas tank full & your snacks packed.
If you plan to drive around Glacier, know that gas stations are few and far between. Gas is unavailable inside the park, so you must fill up your tank at the park entrances in West Glacier or St. Mary. Additionally, there are limited food services inside the park. Because of this, plan to pack picnic lunches, bring extra snacks, and have backup water. When staying in West Glacier, we stocked up on sandwich ingredients and snacks at the West Glacier Mercantile, a small grocery and supplies store near the West entrance. Learn more about all the places to eat inside and outside the park within this complete guide.
13. Five ways to stay safe in Glacier National Park.
Glacier National Park is a wild and remote wilderness. Expect to have no or weak cell connection while traveling in the park. Because of this and due to the park’s terrain and wildlife, you will want to keep some safety guidelines and precautions in mind. And yes, be prepared to encounter a bear. Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on your perspective, we did not see one. However, hikers only a few minutes ahead of us on the Grinnell Glacier trail did.
Here are five Glacier National Park safety tips to keep in mind:
Wildlife Safety
Bears and other wildlife are present in the park. Observe wildlife from a safe distance and never feed or approach them. Carry bear spray, which you can pick up at stores near the park entrances. Do not buy your spray in advance unless you plan to drive to Glacier. Airlines will not permit you to travel with it in your carry-on or checked luggage as it is considered hazardous.
Once you have your bear spray, familiarize yourself with how to use it. To do this, I searched and watched a top-ranked YouTube video. Keep your spray easily accessible in your pack. Always hike with it. Additionally, when you hike, make noise to alert bears of your presence. Follow these park guidelines for wildlife encounters.
Before our trip, and wanting to be fully prepared to know what to do if we met a grizzly on our trail, I also read these two books, Bear Aware: The Quick Reference Bear Country Survival Guide and Bear Attacks: Their Causes and Avoidance.
Hiking Safety
Stay on designated trails to protect fragile ecosystems, carry a map, and be aware of your surroundings. Inform someone of your hiking plans and estimated return time. Check trail conditions and closures before setting out.
If you do not hike with a GPS, consider downloading an offline map like those available with an AllTrails+ membership on your cell phone. These maps allow you to GPS locate yourself while you follow the trail without being connected to a cell network. Using these downloaded maps, I record my hike within the AllTrails app as I go. If I lose the trail, I can follow this record to backtrack and find my way back. Plus, it is fun to keep a record of my hikes. If you plan to use downloaded AllTrails maps, I recommend setting your cell phone to airplane and low power mode during your hike to avoid draining your battery. Additionally, we always bring a fully charged battery and USB cord for backup.
Weather Safety
Glacier National Park’s weather can change rapidly. Check the forecast before heading out and be prepared for changes in weather conditions. If a beautiful sunny day turns stormy and delays your return to a trailhead or pickup from a park shuttle, you will want to be protected. To do this, dress in layers and bring appropriate supplies, such as rain gear, extra snacks and drinks, and backup batteries.
Water Safety
Be aware of the water conditions and temperatures when engaging in water activities, such as kayaking or swimming. The water in Glacier is typically far colder than expected. Additionally, follow safety guidelines, like wearing a life jacket and never swimming alone.
Road Safety
If driving in the park, obey speed limits and be cautious of wildlife crossing the road. Be aware of other drivers and pull over in designated areas to take in the scenery. If you are not driving with a GPS, remember to download a digital map of the area before you hit the road so you can navigate offline without a cellular connection. Learn to download a Google Map for offline use in the video below.
14. Shop here for souvenirs.
In addition to photos and videos, pick up some Glacier and bear-inspired souvenirs. We shopped at nearly every store at Many Glacier, Two Glacier, and West Glacier. Our favorite stop was West Glacier Gifts, opposite the gas station. It had the best collection of t-shirts, sweatshirts, pajamas, jewelry, and humorous bear-themed greeting cards, which I stocked up on for multiple occasions. My only mistake was not buying more.
15. Pack in layers for all types of weather.
Glacier National Park’s high elevation greatly influences its weather, making it prone to sudden temperature changes and unpredictable conditions. Because of this, visitors should come prepared for all types of weather.
During the summer months, from June to September, temperatures can range from 44°F at night to 77°F (7°C to 25°C) during the day. However, even in the summer, snow may still be at higher elevations. And since thunderstorms are common in the afternoon, you will want to be prepared for rapid changes in conditions. So, bring warm layers, a waterproof jacket, sturdy hiking boots, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
16. Buy this audio tour.
For US road trips and visits to National Parks, Guide Along offers 5-star self-guided audio tours that are GPS-compatible and work offline. Listen to them to hear stories, learn fascinating park facts, and get tips for visiting.
We bought and listened to the Guide Along tour of Glacier National Park. We found it to be top-notch, equal parts educational and entertaining. Plus, we loved listening to it while cruising along the iconic and breathtaking Going-to-the-Sun Road. I highly recommend it if you plan to drive around Glacier, too.
17. Get the best Glacier National Park guidebooks for trip planning.
I love reading guidebooks before any trip I take as a comprehensive and unbiased resource. For visiting Glacier National Park, here are the top guidebooks I recommend checking out:
- Moon Guide Glacier National Park
- The Best of Glacier National Park
- Best Easy Day Hikes Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks
- Lonely Planet Banff, Jasper & Glacier National Parks
Plus—check out the Glacier National Park website for more helpful park and planning information. Or, look at my comprehensive list of Glacier articles covering where to stay, where to eat, what to do, and more below.
Essential Glacier National Park planning dates (to mark in your calendar).
Mark these five essential dates in your calendar to help with your Glacier National Park travel planning, especially to secure the best lodging and activities.
- Lodging (13 months before). Bookings for limited in-park or park-adjacent lodging open and fill immediately. See more about it here. However, if you plan to camp, see here. Or, if you plan to stay outside the park, try to book at least six months before your trip.
- Transportation (12 to three months before). Book your flight or train tickets and reserve your rental car. The earlier you do this, the better, as you’ll get the best seats and fares. However, reprice your rental vehicle closer to your trip dates. I saved hundreds by requoting our auto rental two weeks before our trip. Get the best tips for rental cars here.
- Guided activities and tours (12 to three months). Book guided activities and tours. These will sell out, so purchase them in advance. If you are unsure of your trip dates, purchase tickets for your best guess and take note of cancellation terms, which can sometimes be flexible up to a few days before the activity, depending on the provider.
- Campgrounds (6 months): If you plan to camp, reserve (bookable) campgrounds. However, some campgrounds reserve only four days in advance. Learn more about Glacier National Park camping and site reservations here.
- 4 months (or 120 days): Purchase your 1-day vehicle reservation(s) for restricted entrances. Learn more here.
Where else can you visit on a Glacier National Park trip?
If you want to extend your time in the great northern outdoors, here are three suggestions for the best destinations to accompany a visit to Glacier National Park.
Canadian National Parks: Waterton Lakes, Banff, & Jasper.
The stunning topography that makes up Glacier National Park continues north of the border into Canada, becoming Waterton Lakes National Park. If you want to expand on your Glacier experience and plan to have a passport to cross an international border, know it is only slightly over an hour’s drive north from the Many Glacier entrance to Waterton Lakes. Perhaps during your visit, you can even splurge to stay at the stunning Prince of Wales Hotel overlooking Waterton Lake.
From Waterton Lakes, you could head back the way you came. Or, if you have the luxury of time, continue experiencing the magic of the northern Rocky Mountains by driving four hours north to Banff National Park. And from Banff, the fun continues. It is only another, just over a 3-hour drive to Jasper National Park. To start in Glacier, you could fly or train to your choice of its nearby airports and then return home from Calgary, a 3.5-hour drive from Jasper.
Depending on the company, you can typically drive rental cars across the US-Canada border. However, you may require rental car insurance. Learn more about whether you do or do not need rental car insurance for international rentals here.
Missoula, Montana (US).
Or do as we did and drive 2.5 hours south from Glacier National Park to spend a few days in the thriving town of Missoula, stopping at the town of Bigfork in Flathead Lake or the CSKT Bison Range en route.
While visiting a college friend, we stayed in a VRBO in downtown Missoula, rented bikes to ride along the Clark Fork River, indulged in the lively weekly food truck lunch in Caras Park, caught a float down the river, and took a day hike in the Bitterroot. We paired these activities with delicious meals at restaurants like Top Hat Lounge, Biga Pizza, and the Patio at Rattlesnake Market.
To do this trip, we flew on open jaw, nonstop tickets from our hometown of Chicago into Kalispell at the Glacier International Airport, catching another non-stop return flight home from the Missoula Montana Airport. Each small airport was easy to navigate. Plus, picking up and returning our one-way rental car was a breeze. See more details for our three-day Missoula visit here and discover the many fantastic things to do in this Western Montana town in this article.
Yellowstone and Grand Tetons National Parks, Wyoming (US).
Another idea to pair with a Glacier National Park visit, if you do not mind a long day of driving, is to head 6.5 hours further south to West Yellowstone, the western gateway to Yellowstone National Park. You can visit this park and its southern neighbor, Grand Teton National Park, all in one go. Fly into Kalispell and out of Jackson Hole for an epic US national park experience.
Related reading.
If you are planning a Glacier trip, check out these related articles. Get more information, ideas, and resources to plan better travel and get out the door with less hassle.
- The Best of Glacier NP: An Action-Packed 4-Day Itinerary
- Glacier NP: Ultimate Guide Where to Stay in the Park
- The Best Places To Stay Near Glacier National Park
- Glacier National Park: 37 Amazing Things to See & Do
- 10 Glacier National Park Hiking Trails You Will Love
- The Best Places To Eat Around Glacier National Park
- Glacier Reservation & Pass: How to Enter This National Park
- What to Pack for Glacier NP: You’ll Love This Checklist
- 39 Amazing Ideas For Things To See & Do In Missoula
- How To Make The Most Of Missoula In 3 Days
- Pre-Trip: A Practical Checklist to Close the House & Pack
Do you love to read? I do! Check out the books about or set in Montana—from guidebooks to nonfiction to fiction-set-in place—that I recommend. See all of my destination-inspired reading lists here.
Feedback & questions.
Did this article help? Do you have questions about an upcoming visit? Or updates to the information shared? Please share in the comments below, and I will respond.
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2 Responses
Hi Dan,
Thanks so much for commenting. I’m happy to help. The challenge is early May—for Glacier—is very early in the season, and disappointingly for early season visitors, many of the park’s main areas are closed due to snow cover. The main visitor centers at Apgar Village and St. Mary’s don’t officially open regularly until late or mid-May. However, the Apgar Visitor Center may have some hours during the off-season (early May) weekends. So, if you are visiting over a weekend, try there because my number one recommendation is to head straight to the visitor center (if it is open) and the ranger desk and tell a ranger exactly the same thing you told me. He/she can tell you which hiking paths are open and which parts of the park you can access. Here’s an info page for the Apgar Visitor Center (https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/hours.htm). My other recommendation, especially if you will be visiting during days the visitor center is closed, is to reach out to Glacier Guides (https://glacierguides.com/hike/hiking-trips/day-hikes/), a local private company and official concessionaire (tour partner) for Glacier. You could book an activity or two with them for your family. Their local and expert guides will know where to take you in the early season, and they will have the safety knowledge and training to navigate what still may be snow-covered trails. I hope this helps!!
Have a wonderful trip,
Janice
Hello,
I am bringing my wife and two young adult sons to Glacier for a short visit (we have never been before). We arrive on May 3, 2025 for 3 nights and are staying in Coram before flying out to Yosemite.
I have watched so many videos that it is overwhelming. I know the Going to the Sun Road will not be open and that Many Glaciers will be under construction but I want to make the absolute most of this short trip as I have always dreamed of visiting (I am 59 years old).
Can you give me some advice? I know we won’t need a time entry in May. We will have a rental car and are willing to drive anywhere. I think we would like to see:
wildlife,
tall mountains with snow,
we are able to do short hikes (preferably easy),
and really enjoy waterfalls.
The park is so large and we don’t know what to do to make the most of this trip. We are coming a long way from Florida.
Can you offer any advice?
Thank you
Dan Vogel and The Vogels
West Palm Beach, Florid