Glacier National Park Travel Guide
Glacier National Park Travel Guide
Plan Your Trip
If you're researching things to do in Glacier National Park Montana, you're looking at one of the most dramatic landscapes in the American West — a 1-million-acre wilderness of jagged, glacier-carved peaks, turquoise alpine lakes, and cascading waterfalls along the Canadian border. Established in 1910, Glacier National Park earned the nickname "Crown of the Continent" for its position straddling the Continental Divide, and it remains one of the last places in the Lower 48 where grizzly bears, wolverines, and mountain goats roam freely across intact ecosystems. The park's centerpiece is the Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile engineering marvel completed in 1933 that climbs to 6,646 feet at Logan Pass, making it one of the most scenic drives in the entire National Park System.
Travelers come to Glacier National Park for the sheer variety of experiences packed into a relatively compact footprint: world-class hiking, historic chalet-style lodges, wildlife viewing, and photogenic overlooks around every switchback. Unlike many national parks that require hours of driving between highlights, Glacier National Park Montana concentrates its best scenery along a handful of corridors, making it ideal for a self-guided road trip. Whether you're chasing waterfalls at Avalanche Lake, watching mountain goats near Logan Pass, or simply soaking in the drive along the road to Sun Glacier National Park is famous for, this destination rewards travelers who take their time. A self-guided driving tour is one of the smartest ways to experience Glacier National Park without missing its best-kept secrets.
Top Things to Do
Glacier National Park Montana offers a remarkable range of activities for every type of traveler, from casual sightseers to hardcore hikers. Below are the top things to do in Glacier National Park that should anchor any visit, whether you have one day or five.
Drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road — This 50-mile alpine highway is the single most iconic thing to do in Glacier National Park, crossing the Continental Divide at Logan Pass (6,646 feet). Built in 1933 and designated a National Historic Landmark, the road to Sun Glacier National Park travelers rave about winds past waterfalls, hanging valleys, and jaw-dropping overlooks like the Weeping Wall. It typically opens fully by early July and closes by mid-October depending on snowfall.
Hike to Avalanche Lake — A moderate 4.5-mile round-trip trail through old-growth cedar forest leads to a stunning glacially carved lake framed by waterfalls. It's one of the most popular and accessible hikes near the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor.
Explore the Many Glacier Area — Often called the "Switzerland of North America," this valley on the park's east side offers dramatic peaks, historic lodging, and some of the best grizzly bear habitat in the Lower 48.
Swim or kayak at Lake McDonald — The park's largest lake features crystal-clear water and colorful lakebed rocks visible right through the surface, making it a favorite photo and recreation spot along Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Ride the Historic Red Buses or Sun Tours — These vintage 1930s touring vehicles and Native-led interpretive tours offer a guided alternative to self-driving the Sun Road, with stories about the park's history and Blackfeet heritage.
Visit Logan Pass Visitor Center — Sitting at the highest point on Going-to-the-Sun Road, this is prime territory for spotting mountain goats and bighorn sheep, plus access to the popular Hidden Lake Overlook trail.
Stop at Goose Island Overlook — A quick roadside pull-off along the Sun Road frames a tiny, goose-shaped island in St. Mary Lake — one of the most photographed viewpoints in the park.
Take the free Glacier Shuttle — During peak season, a free shuttle runs the length of Going-to-the-Sun Road between Apgar and St. Mary, letting visitors hop off at trailheads without worrying about parking.
Download the Complete Travel Guide
Includes:
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✓ Complete travel guide
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✓ Printable map
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✓ One-day itinerary
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✓ Hidden gems
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✓ Travel tips
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✓ Offline access
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✓ Bonus recommendations not included on this page
Our Self Guided Tour
The Glacier National Park Sun Road Driving Tour is a self-guided audio driving tour follows the entire route of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, narrating the history, geology, and hidden stories behind Glacier National Park's most famous corridor as you drive. It's designed for road trippers, families, and history buffs alike who want context and storytelling without needing a live tour guide or fixed schedule. Because the tour plays directly from your phone, it enhances a self-driven visit to Glacier National Park by turning a scenic drive into a narrated journey — perfect for travelers who want depth without the crowds of a bus tour.
Highlights include:
- The construction history behind the road to Sun Glacier National Park engineers spent over a decade building
- Stories about Logan Pass and the Continental Divide crossing
- Wildlife spotting tips for mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and grizzly bears
- Waterfall stops along the Weeping Wall and Avalanche Creek corridor
- Lake McDonald's geology and glacial history
- Native Blackfeet and Salish cultural context for the surrounding land
- Photo-stop recommendations timed to traffic and lighting conditions
Why Take a Self-Guided Tour?
- Start anytime — no need to coordinate with a bus schedule
- No set schedule; drive Glacier National Park Montana at your own pace
- Stop whenever you like for photos or short hikes
- Avoid crowds tied to fixed tour departure times
- Listen on your own device, no app download required for playback
- Perfect for independent travelers and families with young kids
Free Things to Do
Glacier National Park Montana is packed with free and low-cost experiences that don't require expensive tours or gear.
Drive the lower Going-to-the-Sun Road year-round — The sections near Lake McDonald stay open in winter and offer free access to scenic overlooks even outside peak season.
Visit Apgar Village — This lakeside community at the park's west entrance offers free lake access, picnic areas, and photo-worthy views of Lake McDonald.
Hike the Trail of the Cedars — A short, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk loop through ancient cedar and hemlock forest, completely free and family-friendly.
Watch wildlife at Logan Pass — Mountain goats and bighorn sheep frequently graze near the visitor center parking area at no cost.
Stop at Goose Island Overlook — A free roadside pull-off delivering one of the park's most Instagrammed views.
Explore the park's three free visitor centers — Apgar, Logan Pass, and St. Mary all offer free exhibits, ranger talks, and trip-planning help.
Ride the free park shuttle — The Going-to-the-Sun Road shuttle system is free and lets visitors explore multiple trailheads without paying for parking.
Photograph Goat Haunt or Two Medicine at sunrise — Early morning light on the lakes costs nothing and avoids midday crowds.
Food!
Dining options in and around Glacier National Park Montana lean toward hearty, mountain-town comfort food, with a growing number of upscale choices in gateway towns like Whitefish and Kalispell. Because the park itself has limited dining, most memorable meals happen just outside the boundaries in West Glacier, Apgar, or Whitefish. Expect Montana classics — bison burgers, huckleberry desserts, and trout dishes — alongside casual diners and a few genuinely special-occasion restaurants.
Belton Chalet Dining Room (West Glacier) — A rustically elegant historic restaurant near the West Entrance, ideal for a nicer dinner after a day on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Eddie's Café (Apgar) — A casual, family-friendly spot inside the park serving classic American breakfasts and burgers, perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
Buffalo Cafe (Whitefish) — A beloved breakfast institution known for hearty portions, great for families fueling up before a big hiking day.
The Bulldog (Whitefish) — A laid-back pub serving cheesesteaks and comfort food, popular with road trippers passing through.
The Montana Club (Kalispell) — A more upscale steak-and-seafood option for travelers wanting a special dinner near Glacier National Park.
Jerry & Tex (Hungry Horse) — A no-frills sandwich shop favored by locals and budget travelers heading into the park.
Where to Stay
Luxury / Historic Hotels
Many Glacier Hotel — A 1915 Swiss chalet-style lodge on Swiftcurrent Lake in the park's dramatic Many Glacier area, offering a soaring historic lobby and lake views; around $400–$700 per night.
Lake McDonald Lodge — A rustic 1913 lodge directly on Lake McDonald along the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor, blending historic charm with easy trail access; around $250–$400 per night.
The Whitefish Mountain Resort Lodge — An upscale mountain lodge near Whitefish offering a fuller resort experience for travelers combining Glacier National Park with a Whitefish base; around $300–$450 per night.
Mid-Range Hotels
Village Inn at Apgar — A simple, well-located motel-style inn right on Lake McDonald near the park's west entrance; around $180–$280 per night.
Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and Cabins — Basic cabins and motel rooms in the Many Glacier valley, ideal for hikers wanting proximity to trailheads; around $150–$250 per night.
Best Western Plus Kalispell — A reliable chain option in the gateway town of Kalispell, convenient for exploring Glacier National Park Montana on a moderate budget; around $150–$220 per night.
Budget Hotels
Rising Sun Motor Inn and Cabins — Affordable, no-frills cabins near St. Mary Lake on the east side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road; around $120–$180 per night.
Glacier Park Super 8 (West Glacier) — A straightforward budget motel just outside the west entrance, popular with road trippers; around $100–$160 per night.
America's Best Value Inn (Columbia Falls) — A no-frills, budget-friendly base a short drive from the park's west entrance; around $90–$140 per night.
1 Day Itinerary
Most travelers should plan for at least two to three days in Glacier National Park Montana to properly experience Going-to-the-Sun Road, a couple of hikes, and time for wildlife viewing without feeling rushed.
One-Day Glacier National Park Itinerary
Morning
Enter through the West Entrance and stop at Apgar Village for coffee and lake views.
Begin driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road early to beat crowds and midday traffic.
Stretch your legs on the short Trail of the Cedars boardwalk.
Afternoon
Continue up to Logan Pass, watching for mountain goats and bighorn sheep near the visitor center.
Walk part of the Hidden Lake Overlook trail for panoramic views of the Continental Divide.
Stop at Goose Island Overlook and the Weeping Wall for photos.
Evening
Descend toward St. Mary and grab dinner at a casual spot like Eddie's Café or a St. Mary restaurant.
Catch sunset over St. Mary Lake before heading back to lodging.
If staying inside the park, unwind at Lake McDonald Lodge's historic lobby.
Two-Day Glacier National Park Itinerary
Day 1
Morning: Drive the full Going-to-the-Sun Road west to east, stopping at key overlooks.
Afternoon: Hike Avalanche Lake or Hidden Lake Overlook depending on energy level.
Evening: Dinner at Belton Chalet or Eddie's Café, overnight near West Glacier.
Day 2
Morning: Head to the Many Glacier area for a hike or scenic paddle on Swiftcurrent Lake.
Afternoon: Explore Two Medicine or Lake McDonald for swimming and photography.
Evening: Dinner in Whitefish or Kalispell before departing or settling in for an extra night.
Day 3+ (Extended Stays)
Add a full day for backcountry hiking, a boat tour on Lake McDonald, or a day trip into Waterton Lakes National Park just across the Canadian border.
Consider timing your trip for late June through mid-September, widely considered the best time to visit Glacier National Park for full road access and trail conditions.
FAQ's
What are the top things to do in Glacier National Park?
The top things to do in Glacier National Park Montana include driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road, hiking to Avalanche Lake, exploring the Many Glacier area, and spotting wildlife at Logan Pass.
What is the best time to visit Glacier National Park?
Late June through mid-September is generally considered the best time to visit Glacier National Park, since this is when the full Going-to-the-Sun Road is typically open and trails are most accessible.
How many days do you need in Glacier National Park?
Most travelers should plan two to three days in Glacier National Park Montana to comfortably drive the Sun Road, hike a few trails, and explore both the west and east sides of the park.
Do you need a car in Glacier National Park?
A car or a booked tour is essentially required to see most of Glacier National Park, though the free shuttle along Going-to-the-Sun Road offers a car-free option for the main corridor during peak season.
Is Glacier National Park walkable and safe?
While the park itself isn't a walkable destination in the urban sense, its trails and boardwalks like Trail of the Cedars are easy and safe for most visitors; general wildlife safety precautions around bears apply throughout the park.
What is the road to Sun Glacier National Park exactly?
The "road to the sun" refers to the Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile scenic highway crossing Logan Pass at 6,646 feet, considered the park's premier driving route.
Recommended Tours
Glacier National Park: Sun Road Tour — A self-guided audio driving tour covering the entire Going-to-the-Sun Road, ideal for travelers who want narrated history and nature stops without a fixed schedule.
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