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 essential tips that will help ease your travel planning, allowing you to enjoy the most memorable and rewarding Glacier National Park experience possible. From choosing the right time to visit and finding the best accommodation to packing essential gear and knowing what passes and reservations you need, you will find it all in the tips below.
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 and Saint Mary Lake, as well as 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, though, which have been slowly receding over the years. However, the park still 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 huge park oriented into two main sections—the west and the east side—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.
See the park map with its seven entrance stations circled below. Click the map 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 with 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 the North Fork Road (Highway 486), with the last 10 miles of which are unpaved.
Follow Camas Road inside the park to meet up with the Going-to-the-Sun Road. - Cut Bank: The least used entrance, about a 30-minute drive from the St. Mary entrance, 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 essential 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 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. These mid-summer months draw the largest crowds as this is when the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road is typically open after winter snow is gone and the weather is the 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 your 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 think about 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! The winter can be an excellent time to visit Glacier National Park. However, expect an entirely different experience as the park’s infrastructure is limited, in-park lodging is shut down, and many areas will be closed or inaccessible.
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 with a knowledge of winter safety and a willingness 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 trip equals the time you have available to travel. Though, three or four days or more—if you have them, is ideal.
If you only have one day in Glacier, make the most of it by starting early by 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 get to figure out from so many excellent options on how you would like to plan your best visit.
We spent four days in Glacier National Park. During our visit, based in lodging 10 minutes outside the West Glacier entrance, we drove the Going-to-the-Sun Road, picnicked each day, and did several hikes. Since we stayed at one inn 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, which included our teenager, to enjoy every second we had 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 areas of the park, using each as a base to explore to 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. Spreading out across approximately one million acres, or 1,500 square miles—this enormous park is larger than the US state of Rhode Island.
To drive from one end to the other takes more than two hours. However, as someone who could only find available lodging in one area of the park—I can attest that all that driving is still worth it.
However, if you are open to moving around 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. Doing so will help you avoid overlong 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 where-to-stay-in-the-park guide, sharing 24 places, 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. Although you may not have your pick of top in-park lodging and will likely have to stay outside the park as we did 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.
For outside-the-park options, choose to stay in hotels, motels, cabins, campgrounds, and private rentals in one of eight nearby communities. Get a list of the best outside-the-park places in this complete lodging guide organized 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.
From any of the above airports, rent a car to drive to and explore Glacier. Just know the demand for auto rentals near Glacier often outstrips the supply. Because of this, expect expensive rentals. Then, reprice your rental reservation a few weeks before your trip. I did this and saved over $400 on our weeklong rental.
Get my top rental car tips, including whether you need rental car insurance—here.
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 take this journey, know that the tiny Hertz lot at the West Glacier station has limited hours and availability. The next closest places to rent a car are in 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.
Another option, if you plan to arrive by train, is to skip disembarking at the Glacier stops and instead get off in Whitefish, where you will have more auto rental options. The 25-mile drive from Whitefish to West Glacier takes about 30 minutes.
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 late May through early September after 6 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.
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 extremely limited. 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 extraordinarily lucky.
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 do an early morning hike of the upper section of the Hidden Lake trail 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 full as well.
Employing plan B, we decided to drive further east to the St. Mary and Virginia Falls trailhead, finding the two small parking strips also full. We opted to wait 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 a bit like a lottery win when a parking space opens when you need it while driving around Glacier, if you have the flexibility, consider taking advantage of the free park shuttles. These shuttles are available from July 1 through Labor Day, with possibly 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 hiker and biker shuttle on the weekends. Learn more about the dates and times that it operates 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 Visitors 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. Joining in for one of these might end up being 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, reaching its zenith at Logan Pass, is a pleasure to see. It is 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 the drive, 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 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.
Or you can pay to catch 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. These activities include:
- Day and multi-day hiking
- Combination boat rides plus hiking
- Driving and sightseeing
- Water activities like kayaking, canoeing, boating, and fishing in the park, and nearby white water rafting
- Guided activities
Hiking.
Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Glacier National Park and with good reason. With over 700 miles of trails to explore that range from strolls to challenging multi-day treks, the park offers hiking options for all skill levels.
On our visit, we hiked the following:
- 5.9-mile Avalanche Lake trail, which included the interpretive Trail of the Cedars.
- 3.1-mile St. Mary and Virginia Falls trail.
- 2.0-mile Twin Falls trail via the west-end boat dock at Two Medicine Lake.
- 7.6-mile Grinnell Glacier trail via the Lake Josephine boat dock.
Given more time, we would have liked to hike the 14.9-mile Highline trail and the 5.1-mile Hidden Lake trail.
Backcountry hiking.
In addition to day hiking, Glacier offers the chance for avid hikers to take multi-day backcountry hikes with stays at remote campsites. This type of trip is known as wilderness camping. If you already have the right gear and knowledge of backcountry safety, you can do these overnight hiking trips affordably and independently. Learn more about reservation lotteries for backcountry sites here.
Or, if you prefer to go into the backcountry guided—as an avid day hiker without the right gear and deep safety knowledge, I can relate. You can book a guided group or private backpacking trip with a company like Glacier Guides.
Chalet stays.
A special treat for hikers in Glacier National Park is an overnight stay in one of two full-service historic backcountry chalets. Although booking an overnight reservation which includes your meals and bed—is difficult due to limited spots and a short season, the effort is worth it. Be prepared to reserve your stay at the in-demand Granite Park Chalet or the Sperry Chalet on the precise date registration opens—typically in January of each year.
However, if you miss the reservation open date and have some buffer room in your budget, know you can still buy a spot. Private outfitter and official park concessionaire, Glacier Guides, offers guided chalet trips for set dates. Buy a space on one of these trips before they are gone.
Combo boat and hiking trips.
One of my favorite under-the-radar Glacier experiences is booking a combination boat and hiking trip with another official park concessionaire, Glacier Park Boat Company. Reserve and purchase tickets for their Two Medicine boat ride to hike to Twin Falls, which we did. Or take their Many Glacier ride across two lakes to shorten the hike to Grinnell Lake or Grinnell Glacier trails, which we did as well. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Note: During high season, reserved tickets for a boat ride at Glacier Park Boat Company will allow you to bypass the need for a vehicle reservation to restricted areas, such as Many Glacier or West Glacier. You will show your prepaid boat tickets to the rangers at the gate to gain entry.
Driving and sightseeing.
For Glacier National Park visitors who prefer exploring on wheels—driving on the Going-to-the-Sun Road is a must. This scenic road stretches for 50 miles and offers breathtaking views of the park’s mountains, lakes, and valleys. While on it, stop at Logan Pass and the Jackson Glacier Overlook for some of the park’s most iconic vistas.
However, be prepared for parking to be congested if you visit during the height of the summer season in July and August. Start very early in the morning if you hope to snag a space.
Is it nerve-wracking to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road? Learn more here.
Water activities.
If you love the water, kayaking or canoeing on one of the park’s pristine lakes or rivers is a beautiful experience. Lake McDonald—with crystal-clear waters, is a popular spot for boating and water activities. Fishing is also a favorite pastime, with opportunities to catch trout and grayling. Learn more about boating information and permitting here.
Glacier Park Boat Company offers watercraft rentals at Lake McDonald, Apgar at Lake McDonald, Two Medicine Lake, and Many Glacier. The available rentals depend on the lake and could include—paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, rowboats, or motorboats. Reserve and learn more on its website under the Rentals header.
In addition, you can also book a piloted group boat ride on Glacier’s many lakes with Glacier Park Boat Company. See its website for different boat tour options.
Note: During the high summer season, your reserved and prepaid tickets for a boat ride with Glacier Park Boat Company double as a vehicle reservation, allowing you to enter a restricted area, like Many Glacier and West Glacier. Show your prepaid boat tickets to the rangers at the gate to gain entry.
Guided activities.
When visiting Glacier, take advantage of ranger-led programs. When you first arrive at the park, stop by a Visitor Center to pick up a schedule of activities. Or check the park calendar before you go. The park offers a variety of ranger-led programs, including guided hikes, wildlife talks, and stargazing. Some programs may require a reservation.
Additionally, you can book guided tours inside the park with designated park concessionaires. For example, take a piloted group boat tour with Glacier Park Boat Company. Or, catch a narrated tour on the iconic Red Jammer Bus Tours or with Sun Tours on a more traditional minibus. Be sure to book these in advance, as they will sell out.
Outside the park, your options for Glacier experiences explode with opportunities. Book guided rafting, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, cycling trips, and more with providers like:
- Glacier Guides
- Glacier Raft Co
- Swan Mountain Outfitters
- Glacier Institute: which also offers educational and youth summer programs
11. Enjoy the daylight.
In the height of the 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 get 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 time is a luxury and well put to use in such a beautiful place.
12. Keep your gas tank full & your snacks packed.
If you plan to drive a vehicle around Glacier, know gas stations are few and far between. Gas is not available inside the park. Because of this, you will need to fill up your tank at the park entrances in West Glacier or St. Mary.
Additionally, there are limited food services inside the park. Knowing this, plan by packing picnic lunches, bringing extra snacks, and 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. Then—familiarize yourself with how to use it. Keep it 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. When using these maps, I record my hike within the AllTrails app as I go. I do this in case I lose the trail. So I can backtrack and find my way. Plus, it is fun to keep a record of my hikes. In addition, to save your phone battery, set your phone to airplane and low power mode. And bring along a fully charged battery and USB cord as a 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
When engaging in water activities, such as kayaking or swimming, be aware of the water conditions and temperatures, which could be colder than you expect, and follow safety guidelines. Wear a life jacket and never swim 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 this video below.
14. Shop here for souvenirs.
In addition to photos and videos, be sure to 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.
The high elevation of Glacier National Park greatly influences its weather, making it prone to sudden temperature changes and unpredictable conditions. Because of this, you will want to come prepared for all types of weather when visiting.
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 National Parks visits, Guide Along offers 5-star self-guided audio tours that are GPS-compatible and work offline. Listen to them to hear stories and fascinating park facts, and get tips for visiting.
We bought and listened to the Guide Along tour of Glacier National Park. We found the tour 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
- Glacier Day Hikes
- Lonely Planet Banff, Jasper & Glacier National Parks
Plus—check out the Glacier National Park website for more helpful park and planning information.
Essential Glacier National Park planning dates (to mark in your calendar).
To help with your Glacier National Park travel planning, especially to secure the best lodging and activities, mark these five essential dates in your calendar.
- 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. To get the best seats and fares, the earlier you do this, the better. However, reprice your rental car closer to the dates of your trip. 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 and buy 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 to 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 pair with a Glacier National Park visit.
Your choice of 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 do not mind crossing 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 non-stop 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 a truly 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
- The Best Places To Eat Around Glacier National Park
- Glacier Reservation & Pass: How to Enter This National Park
- 39 Amazing Ideas For Things To See & Do In Missoula
- How To Make The Most Of Missoula In 3 Days
- 49 Things You Need to Do to Plan Your Best Trip (Free Travel Research & Planning Checklist)
- Pack Faster & Better With This Universal Printable Packing List
- Pre-Trip: A Practical Checklist to Close the House & Pack
Feedback & questions.
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