Glacier National Park Guide
Nestled in northwestern Montana, Glacier National Park is an expansive and picturesque landscape comprised of towering peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and a nearly endless amount of wildlife. This rugged and wild park is truly deserving of it’s nickname, “The Crown of the Continent". Be sure to check out our in-depth profile on Glacier National Park, as well as our step-by-step guide of the Avalanche Lake Trail and Apikuni Falls Trail for even more information!
Park Information
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Between West Glacier and Babb, MT
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over 1 million acres
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3 million
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$35
Map of Glacier National Park (courtesy of USGS.gov)
While you could spend a lifetime at Glacier National Park and still never see everything it has to offer, the park is definitely doable in a few days as well. Glacier National Park is comprised of multiple regions which, for the most part, are isolated from each other. Careful planning is required for those who only have a day or 2 to spend in the park! So, how many days should you spend in Glacier National Park? Well, it all depends on how much you want to see of this incredible landscape!
How Many Days Do I Need In Glacier National Park
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Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road, See Lake McDonald, Visit the Many Glacier Hotel, Hike the Trail of the Cedars
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1 Day Itinerary plus: Hike Avalanche Lake Trail, Explore the North Fork, Visit Two Medicine, Take a ferry across Swiftcurrent Lake
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2 Day Itinerary plus: Hike Grinnell Glacier, Hike Apikuni Falls, Kayak Two Medicine Lake
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3 Day Itinerary plus: Visit Goat Haunt, Visit Bowman Lake
While much of Glacier National Park can be visited in 2 days, if your travel plans allow it, a 3 or more day trip to this wonderful park will give you far more time to explore the vastly different regions of this expansive wonderland! For those more pressed for time, stick to the Lake McDonald and St.Mary’s regions of the park to get the most out of your limited time to Glacier National Park.
While Glacier National Park offers stunning sights throughout the year, each season brings with it a unique experience for all visitors! The park is open 24 hours a day, so while you are always able to access this wonderful wilderness, the weather can often dictate what and where you are able to see and explore. This is especially true of the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road which is typically closed from October to mid-June due to heavy snowfall.
When To Visit Glacier National Park
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Mild temperatures (20-60F), lower crowds, Going-to-th-Sun Road closed, possibly rainy conditions, incredible waterfalls due to snowmelt
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Excellent weather from 40-75F with rare rainstorms, heavy crowds, Timed entrance for Going-to-the-Sun Road
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Mild temperatures (30-70F), typically very dry conditions (waterfalls slow to a trickle), medium crowds, access to Going-to-the-Sun Road
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Colder temperatures (14-30F), occasional snowfall (especially at higher elevations), light crowds, rapidly and dramatically changing weather conditions
While Glacier National Park is certainly not in the easiest to access area of America, there are ample amenities all around Glacier National Park, as well as within the park. This gives you plenty of lodging, eating, and shopping options both within park boundaries and just outside the gates!
Where To Stay At Glacier National Park
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East Glacier Park sits in the southeast corner, St. Mary’s is found in the heart of East Glacier, and the historic Many Glacier Hotel puts you in one of the most picturesque parts of the park
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West Glacier Village is found just outside the West Glacier Entrance and have endless food and shopping options all within walking distance
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Waterton Park (in Canada) puts you right in the heart of the Waterton Lakes-Glacier International Peace Park (passport required)
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There are few options south of the park, but a few ranches can be found between Nimrod and Bison
While every aspect of Glacier National Park should be experienced, check out a few of the must-see sights within the park. Make sure to spend some time hiking the trails, kayaking the glacier-fed lakes, and viewing the incredible vistas of Glacier National Park!
