Immerse yourself in nature's exhilarating embrace at Glacier National Park, a treasured jewel nestled in Montana's Rocky Mountains. Its majestic beauty encompasses a variety of landscapes - mountains, lakes, forests, and meadows - that offer endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Covering more than one million acres, the park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. The national park is an ideal retreat for those seeking tranquility as well as adventure seekers who enjoy hiking, camping, boating, or wildlife viewing. A network of well-maintained roads and trails provides easy access to the park's most captivating sites, while the seasons reveal different aspects of its charm.

Good to Know:

• Getting There: The nearest major airport is Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell, Montana, a 30-minute drive from the park's west entrance. Other entrances include West Glacier (via US Highway 2), Saint Mary (US Highway 89), Two Medicine, Many Glacier, and Polebridge (secondary roads).
• Getting Around: Glacier National Park operates free shuttle services and a Red Bus Tour, ideal for exploring the park without a personal vehicle. Note that there are size restrictions on certain roads. In addition, many roads are closed from late fall to late spring.
• Where to Stay: From campgrounds surrounded by towering conifers in Apgar to historic lodges in Many Glacier with breathtaking mountain views, accommodations in Glacier National Park offer a variety of experiences.
• How Long to Visit: Glacier National Park works well for both short and longer visits. A weekend might be enough to drive the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, visit key viewpoints, and take a short hike or two. On the other hand, a week or more is perfect for a more thorough tour, including long, rewarding hikes and overnight backpacking trips.
• When to Visit: The peak season is summer (June-August), which offers optimal weather and fully accessible facilities and roads. Fall offers vibrant colors but be prepared for unpredictable weather.
• Similar Destinations: Banff National Park in Canada shares many characteristics, from mountainous landscapes to abundant wildlife. Internationally, New Zealand's Fiordland National Park offers similar terrain and opportunities for wilderness exploration.

Highlights:

Going-to-the-Sun-Road:

One of Glacier National Park's main attractions, Going-to-the-Sun-Road traverses 80 km (50 miles) through the heart of the park, revealing a scenic spectacle that changes with every turn. The road is open seasonally, usually from early June to mid-October, with restrictions on vehicles exceeding certain dimensions. The highest point, Logan Pass, offers awe-inspiring panoramic views of alpine meadows and rugged mountain peaks. This scenic road provides access to several trailheads, picnic areas, campgrounds, and visitor centers, making it an integral part of the park experience.

Hikes:

• Trail of the Cedars: An easy 1 km (0.7 miles) loop filled with mature cedar and hemlock trees.
• Saint Mary Falls Trail: A moderate 1.6 km (1.7 miles) loop with spectacular views of a beautiful waterfall.
• Apikuni Falls Trail: A moderate 1.6 km (1.7 miles) round trip to the stunning Apikuni Falls.
• Highline Trail: A challenging 19 km (11.8 miles) point-to-point trail that offers unparalleled panoramic views of the Continental Divide.
• Iceberg Lake Trail: A moderate 15.6 km (9.7 miles) round trip to a stunning alpine lake filled with floating ice even in summer.
• Grinnell Glacier Trail: A challenging 12.2 km (7.6 miles) round trip that offers up-close views of a glacier and beautiful Grinnell Lake.
• Hidden Lake Trail: An easy to moderate 8.7 km (5.4 miles) round trip from Logan Pass to a scenic alpine lake.

Boat Trips:

Glacier National Park's serene and vast bodies of water provide opportunities for memorable boating excursions. Lake McDonald, the park's largest lake, is a favorite for kayak rides and rentals are available on site. Two Medicine Lake offers boat tours that provide an alternative, relaxing way to experience the magnificence of the park, complete with spectacular views of majestic peaks and the surrounding landscape.