Glacier Nationwide Park in Montana is a gem that shines with its pure magnificence. This park, residence to over one million acres of wilderness, is a haven for these searching for serenity in nature. The park’s crown jewel is the Going-to-the-Solar Street, which is a marvel of engineering that gives breathtaking views of the park’s landscapes. Guests may admire the varied wildlife, together with grizzly bears, moose, and mountain goats, whereas mountaineering the greater than 700 miles of mountaineering trails, excellent for these searching for an adventurous trek.

Glacier National Park has a rich history, tracing again to the Native People and early European explorers. Vacationers can study this previous on the many customer facilities scattered all through the park. There isn’t any denying that this nationwide park, with its majestic mountains, pristine forests, and spectacular lakes, is a vacation spot price exploring for just a few days.

This whole information to Montana’s beautiful nationwide park provides the most effective issues to do to persuade you why it’s worth the scenic drive to Glacier National Park.

Issues To Do In Glacier Nationwide Park

Glacier Nationwide Park is a haven for nature lovers, with loads to maintain guests busy for days on finish. From mountaineering to boating and all the pieces in between, the record under outlines among the high issues to do on this Montana attraction.

1
Drive Alongside The Going-To-The-Solar Street


Driving the Going-to-the-Sun road in Glacier National Park
Shutterstock

Driving the Going-to-the-Solar highway in Glacier Nationwide Park

The well-known Going-to-the-Sun Road stretches 50 miles throughout Glacier Nationwide Park, providing breathtaking views of the park’s landscapes. It’s an unforgettable expertise, with the highway winding by way of mountainsides, previous waterfalls, and over the Continental Divide at Logan Move.

Alongside the route, there are quite a few pullouts for sightseeing and images.

There’s a automobile reservation payment of $2 to make use of this highway except for the park’s automobile entrance cross.

Explorers with out their very own autos can use the free Going-to-the-Solar Street shuttle service supplied by the nationwide park.

  • Tackle: Glacier Nationwide Park, West Glacier, MT 59936, United States
  • Hours: Open 24 hours (seasonal restrictions could apply)
  • Value: Car Entrance Move: $35; Particular person Entrance Price: $20; Car Reservation

Guests ought to test the park’s web site for highway standing and doable closures on account of climate circumstances.

2
Hike To Hidden Lake Overlook


View from the Hidden Lake Overlook in Glacier National Park
Picture by Kelsey Thomas through Shutterstock

View from the Hidden Lake Overlook in Glacier Nationwide Park

Hidden Lake Overlook is a well-liked mountaineering vacation spot in Glacier Nationwide Park that’s accessible through a path that begins at Logan Move. This path leads hikers by way of alpine meadows plentiful with wildflowers, providing beautiful views of the encircling peaks.

Plus, there are possibilities of sighting quite a lot of wildlife, together with mountain goats, that are widespread alongside this path. The hike is a reasonable 2.7-mile round-trip, however the reward is gotten on the overlook, which boasts a spectacular view of Hidden Lake.

  • Path Size: 2.7 miles (4.3 km) roundtrip
  • Period: 1.5 hours
  • Problem: Simple

3
Go to Apgar Village


The street in Apgar Village
Picture by melissamn through Shutterstock

The road in Apgar Village

Apgar Village is an enthralling hub inside Glacier Nationwide Park, positioned on the foot of Lake McDonald. It provides a spread of facilities together with lodging, eating, procuring, and out of doors actions.

The village is residence to the Apgar Customer Heart, the place park info and ranger-led actions can be found. Apgar is a good place to calm down, benefit from the lake view, or begin an journey.

  • Tackle: Apgar Village, West Glacier, MT 59936, United States
  • Hours: Open 24 hours (particular person enterprise hours could differ)
  • Value: Free with park entrance payment

4
Discover Logan Move


Boardwalk in Logan Pass, Glacier National Park
Picture by Ed Hathaway from Pixabay

Boardwalk in Logan Move, Glacier Nationwide Park

Logan Pass, the very best level on the Going-to-the-Solar Street, is a must-visit in Glacier Nationwide Park. It provides panoramic views of Reynolds Mountain and Clements Mountain, in addition to alpine meadows, and glacial valleys.

There’s additionally a customer middle discovered right here, the place guests can be taught extra concerning the park and its wildlife. For these eager to discover even additional, two fashionable mountaineering trails, the Hidden Lake Path and the Highline Path, start right here.

  • Elevation: 6646 ft (2025 meters)
  • Hours: Open 24 hours (climate allowing)
  • Value: Free with park entrance payment

Guests can choose to take the park’s free shuttle to Logan Move to keep away from the effort of driving and searching for parking.

5
Enterprise Into Many Glacier


A lake in Many Glacier, Glacier National Park
Picture by Mick Kirchman on Unsplash

A lake in Many Glacier, Glacier Nationwide Park

Many Glacier is a hiker’s paradise in Glacier Nationwide Park, recognized for its spectacular trails, plentiful wildlife, and beautiful landscapes that embrace Lake Sherburne and Swiftcurrent Lake.

Right here, guests will even discover the historic Many Glacier Lodge and the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn. From Many Glacier, there are mountaineering trails that result in spectacular locations equivalent to Grinnell Glacier, Iceberg Lake, and Ptarmigan Tunnel.

Explorers additionally get an opportunity to see Apikuni Falls, which is a few mile from Many Glacier Lodge.

  • Hours: Open 24 hours (climate allowing)
  • Value: Free with park entrance payment

Many Glacier is expansive with a number of trails, so guests ought to contemplate staying on the Many Glacier Lodge to spend greater than a day exploring this space.

6
Get pleasure from A Boat Tour On Two Drugs Lake


The dock at Two Medicine Lake
Picture by Sam Solomon on Unsplash

The dock at Two Drugs Lake

Two Drugs Lake is a serene physique of water positioned inside Glacier Nationwide Park, bounded by the Sinopah and Rising Wolf mountains to the west and north respectively.

Guests can greatest seize these mountain views whereas on a ship tour; Glacier Park Boat Company provides tour and rental providers on the lake. The excursions are primarily carried out from July to September when the climate is hotter, and every journey lasts about an hour.

Those that select to exit on their very own could hire a rowboat, motorboat, canoe, or kayak for at the least an hour.

  • Tackle: Two Drugs Rd, East Glacier Park, MT 59434, United States
  • Hours: 8 am – 5 pm (every day)
  • Tour Value: Adults (13+): $19.05; Kids (4 to 12): $9.55; Infants (0 to three): Free

7
Hike The Swiftcurrent Lake Nature Path


Person kayaking on Swiftcurrent Lake
Picture by Nitish Meena on Unsplash

Individual kayaking on Swiftcurrent Lake

The Swiftcurrent Lake Nature Trail is a well-liked mountaineering route in Glacier Nationwide Park, discovered throughout the Many Glacier. The path meanders across the eponymous lake, ranging from the Many Glacier Lodge passing by way of dense forests, and providing beautiful views of the encircling mountains: Angel Wing and Mt. Wilbur.

Hikers can count on to see quite a lot of wildlife, together with deer, eagles, and the occasional bears. Guests ought to, due to this fact, arm themselves with information of all the pieces they need to and mustn’t do with the intention to keep bear safety in Glacier National Park.

  • Size: 2.7 miles (4.3 km) loop
  • Period: 1 hour
  • Problem: Simple

This space is taken into account grizzly bear territory, particularly across the northern finish of the lake so hikers ought to stay vigilant when exploring.

8
Study About The Park’s Geology At St. Mary Customer Heart


A view of the Logan Pass Visitor Center in Glacier National Park
Picture by Royalbroil distributed underneath a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

A view of the Logan Move Customer Heart in Glacier Nationwide Park

The St. Mary Visitor Center is discovered on the jap aspect of Glacier Nationwide Park, providing guests a spot to be taught concerning the park’s geology. With informative shows and educated employees, it gives insights into the formation of the park’s mountains, valleys, and lakes.

The customer middle can also be close to a number of mountaineering trails, together with the Going-to-the-Solar Street.

  • Tackle: Car parking zone, Browning, MT 59417, United States
  • Hours: Open from Might to October
  • Value: Free

9
Head To The Sunrift Gorge


The Sunrift Gorge at sunrise in Glacier National Park
Picture by Jay Yuan through Shutterstock

The Sunrift Gorge at dawn in Glacier Nationwide Park

Sunrift Gorge, a hanging geological formation in Glacier Nationwide Park, is a must-see attraction; a glacially carved channel that’s a photographer’s dream. Fashioned by glacial exercise, the gorge is a testomony to the park’s dynamic geological historical past.

It is simply accessible from the Going-to-the-Solar Street and provides breathtaking views of the park’s panorama. Options like Baring Falls, St. Mary Falls, and Virginia Falls are additionally inside a brief stroll from the gorge.

  • Location: Going-to-the-Solar Street, West Glacier, MT 59936, United States
  • Hours: Open 24 hours

There aren’t any restrooms on this space, so guests ought to put together earlier than setting off.

10
Stroll Alongside The Path Of The Cedars


Boardwalk in the Trail of the Cedars, Glacier National Park
Picture by Harry Beugelink through Shutterstock

Boardwalk within the Path of the Cedars, Glacier Nationwide Park

The Trail of the Cedars is a tranquil strolling path in Glacier Nationwide Park that winds by way of a fascinating forest of historical cedar bushes, providing a peaceable retreat for many who desire a enjoyable trek.

The path is wheelchair accessible and provides beautiful views of Avalanche Creek and the encircling forest. It begins close to the Avalanche Creek Campground and is accessible from the Going-to-the-Solar Street.

  • Path Size: 1 mile (1.6 km) roundtrip
  • Period: 20 minutes
  • Problem: Simple

Associated: 10 Trails In Glacier National Park For Experts Only

11
The place To Eat In Glacier Nationwide Park


A grass field near a lake in Glacier National Park
Picture by David Banning on Unsplash

A grass subject close to a lake in Glacier Nationwide Park

Hungry vacationers can discover many locations to seize a chunk whereas touring in Glacier Nationwide Park.

Breakfast/Lunch

Park Café

  • Tackle: 3147 US-89 W, St Mary, MT 59417, United States
  • Hours: Thu – Mon: 12 pm – 7 pm (closed on Tue & Wed)
  • Dishes: Park Cafe pies: Huckleberry, strawberry rhubarb, peach, apple, chocolate cream; basic cheeseburger, buffalo burger, hen sandwich

Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Two Dog Flats Grill

  • Tackle: Browning, MT 59417, United States
  • Hours: 6 am – 9:30 pm (every day)
  • Dishes: Scrambled eggs, omelet, French toast, buttermilk biscuits, breakfast potatoes, beef burger, huckleberry pulled pork sandwich, sautéed native trout

Eddies Cafe & Gifts

  • Tackle: Apgar Village, 236 Apgar Lp Rd, West Glacier, MT 59936, United States
  • Hours: 8 am – 9 pm (every day)
  • Dishes: McDonald Breakfast Burrito, Biscuits and Gravy, Going-To-The-Solar Basic Breakfast, Eddie’s Brewster Burger, Polebridge Pulled Pork Sandwich

Lunch/Dinner

Jammer Joes Grill and Pizzeria

  • Tackle: West Glacier, MT 59936, United States
  • Hours: 12 pm – 8 pm (every day)
  • Dishes: Pizzas: Mediterranean, Nice White, Plain Cheese; Rooster Parmesan, Meatball Parmesan, Spaghetti and Meatballs

Dinner/Drinks

Belton Grill Dining Room & Tap Room

  • Tackle: 12575 U.S. Rte 2, West Glacier, MT 59936, United States
  • Dishes: Bison meatloaf, hen skewers, fettuccine, gnocchi, ribeye
  • Drinks: Bourbon Cherry Smash, Nyack Sazerac, Summer time Rye, Huckleberry Mule

Freda’s Bar

  • Tackle: 180 Going-to-the-Solar Rd, West Glacier, MT 59936, United States
  • Hours: 7:30 am – 9 pm (every day)
  • Dishes: Burgers: Angus Burger, Bison Burger, PB Bacon Burger; Sandwiches: Pulled Pork Sandwich, Italian Hoagie, Buffalo Rooster Wrap
  • Drinks: Huckleberry Mule, Huckleberry Margarita, Whiskey Peach Iced Tea, Home Bloody

12
The place To Keep In Glacier Nationwide Park


A view of Many Glacier Hotel on the lake
Picture by David Banning on Unsplash

A view of Many Glacier Lodge on the lake

From primitive cabins and campsites to luxurious lodges, listed below are among the best places to stay at Glacier National Park.

Lodges

Many Glacier Hotel

  • Tackle: 1 Many Glacier Street, Saint Mary, MT 59411
  • Worth: From $258
  • Facilities: Present store, restaurant, bar, WiFi, parking area

Lake McDonald Lodge

  • Tackle: 288 Lake McDonald Ldg Lp, West Glacier, MT 59936, United States
  • Worth: From $140
  • Facilities: Restricted WiFi, eating spots, parking, king/queen beds

Associated: 10 Unique Places To Stay In Glacier National Park

Campgrounds

Apgar Campground

  • Location: 1 mile northeast of the west entrance close to West Glacier, Montana.
  • Worth: From $10
  • Facilities: Potable water, flush bathrooms, picnic tables, meals storage lockers,

St. Mary Campground

  • Location: half a mile west of the park boundary, close to the city of St. Mary.
  • Worth: From $10
  • Facilities: Hearth rings, picnic tables, flush bathrooms, sizzling bathe, potable water, meals storage lockers

Rising Sun Campground

  • Location: Jap Glacier Nationwide Park, 6 miles from St. Mary entrance
  • Worth: From $20
  • Facilities: Picnic tables, coin-operated bathe, potable water, meals storage lockers

Cabins

Granite Park Chalet

  • Tackle: West Glacier, MT 59936, United States
  • Worth: From $134
  • Facilities: Shared kitchen, eating room, 12-burner double-oven range, linens (elective and paid individually)

Sperry Chalet

  • Tackle: Gunsight Move Path, West Glacier, MT 59936, United States
  • Worth: From $273
  • Facilities: Eating room, wooden range, propane lights, blankets offered

13
Greatest Time To Go to Glacier Nationwide Park


A river flowing in Glacier National Park
Picture by Timothy Eberly on Unsplash

A river flowing in Glacier Nationwide Park

Glacier Nationwide Park has a various local weather with a definite separation of seasons. The best months to plan a go to are from July to September when the climate is heat and most trails are snow-free.

Here is an in depth breakdown of the best times to visit Glacier National Park.

July to September

That is the prime vacationer season in Glacier Nationwide Park, with heat and welcoming climate. Common temperatures throughout this era vary from highs of 70 levels Fahrenheit (21 levels Celsius) to lows of 40 levels Fahrenheit (4 levels Celsius).

The summer season months supply clear skies and minimal rainfall, making it a wonderful time to discover the park’s huge open air. Nevertheless, guests ought to be ready for giant crowds and peak pricing throughout this time.

Associated: How (& When) To View The Northern Lights From Glacier National Park

October to April

From October, temperatures start to drop sharply, with highs of 45 levels Fahrenheit (7 levels Celsius) and lows typically dipping under freezing. The park transitions into its winter part, with heavy snowfall and excessive ranges of humidity.

Though the chilly climate and snow can restrict entry to sure areas of the park, it opens up alternatives for winter actions equivalent to snowshoeing and cross-country snowboarding. Customer numbers are considerably decrease throughout this era, and costs are extra inexpensive.

Vacationers ought to be ready for sudden climate modifications throughout these months and guarantee they’ve applicable winter gear.

Might to June

Throughout these months, Glacier Nationwide Park experiences a mixture of spring and early summer season climate. Temperatures can fluctuate between highs of 60 levels Fahrenheit (15 levels Celsius) and lows of 30 levels Fahrenheit (-1 levels Celsius).

The melting snow results in excessive water ranges in rivers and streams, making it a good time for whitewater rafting.

Nevertheless, there may be occasional rain showers, and a few trails should be lined in snow. The crowds are fewer throughout this era, and costs are comparatively reasonable, making it a horny time for these searching for a steadiness between good climate and affordability.

14
Getting To And Round Glacier Nationwide Park


A rowboat on a lake in Glacier National Park
Picture by Tom Woodgerd on Unsplash

A rowboat on a lake in Glacier Nationwide Park

Vacationers intending to go to Glacier Nationwide Park, Montana, could land at Glacier Park International Airport, a mere 30 miles from the park’s west entrance. This airport welcomes every day flights from cities equivalent to Seattle, Denver, Minneapolis, and Chicago.

As soon as on the park, guests have a number of choices for navigating the world:

Associated: Seattle To Glacier National Park: Why Train Travel By Amtrak Is A Scenic Option

Driving

Most guests desire to discover Glacier Nationwide Park by automobile. The Going-to-the-Solar Street, for example, provides breathtaking views of the park’s panorama and is open from late June to October, relying on the climate circumstances.

Some sections of the highway have automobile size restrictions.

Shuttle

Glacier Nationwide Park operates a free shuttle service throughout the summer season months. The shuttle runs alongside the Going-to-the-Solar Street, stopping at fashionable trailheads and viewpoints. The shuttle service begins operations as early as 7 a.m. and continues till 7 p.m.

Mountaineering

For many who get pleasure from a extra lively strategy, the park boasts over 700 miles of trails. Mountaineering permits guests to expertise the park’s beautiful panorama and plentiful wildlife at a leisurely tempo.

Verify the park’s web site for path circumstances and closures.

Boat

Guests may discover Glacier Nationwide Park’s many lakes by boat. Boat leases and guided boat excursions can be found at a number of places throughout the park. Costs differ relying on the kind of boat and the period of the rental.

Biking

The park’s roads and trails supply a novel alternative for biking lovers. Nevertheless, cyclists ought to be conscious that sure roads and trails don’t allow bicycles. Guests ought to all the time test the park’s web site for present info on biking restrictions.

15
Spending The Excellent Day In Glacier Nationwide Park


A view of Grinnell Lake between mountains, in Glacier National Park
Picture by Daniel Crowley on Unsplash

A view of Grinnell Lake in Glacier Nationwide Park

Start the day in Glacier Nationwide Park with a hearty breakfast at Park Café, then proceed to Lake McDonald for an early morning kayak journey. Take up the tranquility of the lake earlier than embarking on a hike alongside the Avalanche Lake path.

Refuel with a picnic lunch amidst the park’s scenic views, then head to Logan Move to identify some wildlife. Because the day winds down, marvel on the sundown at Hidden Lake Overlook.

Lastly, conclude the day with a comforting dinner at Two Canine Flats Grill and benefit from the starry evening sky, making for an unforgettable Montana expertise.



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