Last Updated on: 16th October 2024, 07:14 pm
Montana’s Glacier National Park is the quintessential hiker’s park, while it’s also home to a thrilling scenic drive. But with so much to see and do, planning for your first trip to the park can be overwhelming. Below we’ll be taking a look at the top things to do in Glacier National Park that those with 4-5 days in the park shouldn’t miss.
For more information on Glacier National Park accommodation and current park entry fees, be sure to check the end of the article.
Hike to Grinnell Glacier
Many visitors to Glacier National Park regard the Grinnell Glacier Trail as their favorite hike in the park. But what makes it so special?
Though strenuous and somewhat crowded, the hike’s scenery constantly evolves. Along the way, you’ll encounter stunning views of turquoise lakes, encounter waterfalls, and finish the hake at Grinnell Glacier itself.
The full out-and-back hike to Grinnell Glacier is 10 miles (16.1 km) with about 2050 ft (624 m) of elevation gain. However, you can shave off a couple of miles by taking a boat across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine – either roundtrip or just one-way.
As you make your uphill climb, it won’t be long before you can catch a view of Grinnell Lake. Its beautiful teal color is a result of the sediment carried down by the flowing water of melting glaciers.
A majority of the Grinnell Glacier hike is pretty straightforward, with only a single possible path to follow. Yet it’s a constant uphill climb, making this one of the park’s most strenuous hikes. But the views certainly do not disappoint.
Eventually, you’ll make it to Grinnell Glacier and the Upper Grinnell Lake which sits below it. While Grinnell Glacier is still classified as a glacier, it’s been gradually shrinking. And the lake only formed as recently as the 1930s.
The lake is quite big, and you can spend a lot of time walking around the area and appreciating the view from different vantage points. Some hikers even celebrate with a swim.
As this is an out-and-back hike, you’ll know exactly what to expect from the descent. But with the sun changing its position in the sky, the lakes below will look even better than they did in the early morning.
It’s easy to see why some even consider this hike the very top thing to do in Glacier National Park.
Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road
Constructed over the course of nine years and completed in the 1930s, Going-to-the-Sun Road is the only way to get from one end of Glacier National Park to the other (without leaving park boundaries, at least).
But more than just a way to get from point A to point B, the drive offers stunning views of Glacier’s mountain and lakes, while numerous hiking trails branch off of it. As such, many consider the drive one of Glacier’s must-do activities.
Going-to-the-Sun Road stretches out to 50 miles, and its highest point, Logan Pass, rises up to 6,646 feet (2,026 m) above sea level.
If you were to do the full point-to-point drive without stopping, it would take you about two hours. But depending on how many stops you make, it could take anywhere from several hours to a full day.
Highlights on the eastern side of the road include Wild Goose Island Viewpoint and the hike to St. Mary and Virginia Falls.
As you approach the center of Going-to-the-Sun Road, the views become increasingly stunning. So be sure to stop at the various turnouts to appreciate the scenery.
The west side of the road is at a much lower elevation, with it mostly running parallel to McDonald Creek. And you’ll encounter various stops from which to admire the flowing water.
The Trail of the Cedars loop trail is easily one of the most popular hiking trails along Going-to-the-Sun Road, but finding parking can be difficult. Largely comprised of wooden boardwalks, it’s even wheelchair accessible.
But while in the area, be sure not to miss the Avalanche Lake Trail which branches off from it.
The full Avalanche Lake hike, which includes the entire Trail of the Cedars loop, is 5.9 miles (9.5 km) long. Expect it to take you around 2-2.5 hours.
The hike to the lake is largely an uneventful walk through a thick forest. But once you reach Avalanche Lake, you’ll surely be glad you came.
When planning your trip to Glacier, keep in mind that Going-to-the-Sun Road is usually only fully open from mid-June or sometimes early July, as the entire road must be plowed. It’s then typically open until late October.
The road can either be entered from the east or west side of the park. While vehicle reservations were required from either side during the first few years of the program, as of 2024, reservations are only necessary when entering from the west.
Alternatively, you could also travel along the road via a free park shuttle or Red Bus Tour.
Hike the Highline Trail
Many who’ve done it call the Highline Trail one of Glacier National Park’s top hikes. While the journey is relatively flat, it takes you through some of the park’s most stunning scenery.
The starting point is Logan Pass, which is also the highest point of Going-to-the-Sun Road. But given the difficulty of finding parking there, plus the total length of the hike (about five hours), you’ll want to dedicate an entire day of your itinerary to this hike.
The Highline Trail can either be done as an out-and-back or point-to-point hike. Those doing the out-and-back version usually turn around at the Granite Park Chalet, making for a 14.8-mile (23.9 km) hike.
The point-to-point version, meanwhile, entails descending to a spot called The Loop after reaching the Granite Park Chalet, making for an 11.6-mile (18.6 km) hike. While quite long, this could be considered a moderate hike, as it only has an elevation gain of about 800 ft (244 m).
If you’ve already made the journey across Going-to-the-Sun Road and wish you could’ve gone much slower to take everything in, you’ll definitely want to hike the Highline Trail – easily one of the top things to do in Glacier National Park.
The main destination of the standard Highline Trail hike, the Granite Park Chalet, is about 7.6 miles from the trailhead. But shortly before that, you’ll have the option of making a detour to the Grinnell Glacier overlook. Taking this would add 1.2 miles to the total hike.
The overlook offers an alternative view of the same Grinnell Glacier mentioned above. You shouldn’t, however, consider it a replacement for the Grinnell Glacier hike in the Many Glacier district which is a very different hike.
Eventually, you’ll arrive at the Granite Park Chalet. It was built in 1914-15 by the Great Northern Railway Corporation to provide lodging for backcountry hikers. And it’s still even possible to stay there to this day. Otherwise, you can step inside to purchase some beverages or use the restroom.
If you’re hiking the Highline Trail as an out-and-back hike, it’s past the chalet that you’ll descend via the Granite Park Trail.
In comparison with the mostly flat hike up to this point, the sudden steep descent is rather jarring. And at 4 miles (6.4 km), it’s not exactly a quick journey, either. But there are still some nice views to appreciate, not to mention a high likelihood of spotting wildlife.
Seek Out Wildlife
Wildlife is abundant at Glacier National Park, and when hiking the trails, you’re bound to see some. One animal that’s fairly common yet always exciting to see is bighorn sheep.
Male bighorn sheep, which can weigh up to 30 pounds, are known for their large horns. They’re also very adept at climbing steep terrain. And they’re even regarded as the symbol of the park.
Deer and mountain goats are also quite common to see when out hiking. And you might even spot a small and cute mammal known as a pika.
Moose are one of the most coveted wildlife sightings at the park, and they can often be seen in and around lakes. While you might happen to spot one during a hike or boat tour, there’s one particular lake that many people visit in hopes of seeing one.
Located along the Swiftcurrent Pass Trail in the park’s Many Glacier district, Fishercap Lake is one of Glacier National Park’s top spots for moose watching.
Moose come here to feed on the plants that grow on the lake floor, and there’s a high chance of spotting one if you come in the early morning or evening.
Of course, Glacier National Park is synonymous with bears – both of the black and grizzly variety. And while many people visit in hopes of seeing one from a comfortable distance, Glacier’s trails are somewhat infamous for close bear encounters.
In my case, I somehow managed to avoid a single encounter – even after encountering various warning signs about bears in the area. I did, however, spot numerous bears from a distance in Many Glacier.
While you could potentially see bears anywhere, the most well-known trail for bear sightings/encounters is Many Glacier’s Iceberg Lake trail.
Having bear spray on you at all times is a must when visiting Glacier. Just be sure to research in advance how and when to use it. You can learn more here, while there are plenty of great YouTube videos on the topic.
While you can find some good deals online, you’re not allowed to fly with bear spray, so you’ll have to buy it locally unless you’re driving from home.
Visit a Lesser-Known District
Glacier National Park is home to numerous districts, though a large majority of visitors spend their time in three main areas: Many Glacier, Going-to-the-Sun Road, and the Lake McDonald area.
But there’s still a lot more to explore. In the northwest part of the park is The North Fork, which can only be reached via unpaved roads. As one of the least-visited districts, it’s a great way to escape the crowds. At the time of writing, advanced vehicle reservations are required.
Located in the east part of the park, another lesser-known district is Two Medicine. It too is known for its – you guessed it – lakes and hiking trails. While advanced vehicle reservations were required in the past, they no longer are at the time of writing.
Even more obscure is an area known as Goat Haunt which seems to function as its own little district. Hiking trails do connect it with various other parts of the park, however.
Goat Haunt is so remote that it can’t be accessed by road. The easiest way to get there, in fact, is by boat from Canada!
Speaking of Canada, just across the international border is Alberta’s Waterton Lakes National Park. The two parks, in fact, make up the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park.
While the park probably won’t wow you as much as Glacier, it’s a pleasant place to enjoy various overlooks, short hikes and a boat tour without breaking much of a sweat.
The park is also home to the Crypt Lake Trail – often touted as Canada’s top hike. It’s said to be a thrilling hike that involves ladders and tunnels.
The total hike is 18.8 km (11.6 miles) long and takes a whopping 6.5 hours to complete on average. Needless to say, you’ll have to make special plans and preparations for this hike, especially if you’re coming as a day trip from Glacier.
Additional Info
Glacier National Park can be a very stressful park to plan for. And if you want to leave things in the hands of an expert, there are unfortunately not that many tours to choose from.
One option, however, is this highly-rated East Glacier & Two Medicine Scenic Driving Tour. It doesn’t come cheap, but nothing at Glacier really does.
This West Glacier & Polebridge Scenic Driving Tour, meanwhile, takes you around the western side of the park.
When staying on Glacier’s western side, one possibility is to stay in the park, either at Apgar or Lake McDonald Lodge. But park accommodation doesn’t come cheap.
The nearest town outside of park boundaries is West Glacier. Lodges like Paddle Ridge are quite popular, while the Belton Chalet is a bit more affordable.
The largest town near the park is Kalispell, which is also home to the nearest airport: Glacier Park International Airport. Kalispell is just about 45 minutes from Glacier’s West Entrance. In Kalispell, My Place Hotel and Super 8 are highly-rated and cheaper than their competitors.
Whitefish is another popular option, as it’s home to the nearest Amtrak station. You’ll find both rental apartments, such as Montana Style Downtown Condo, as well as hotels like the Best Western.
During my stay on Glacier’s west side, I stayed in the town of Columbia Falls. It was close enough to reach the Apgar early in the morning to catch the first shuttle of the day in order to hike the Highline Trail. In Columbia Falls, one of the better deals is Meadow Lake Resort & Condos.
There are also numerous other small towns along Highway 2 that you can choose from. Just be sure to calculate the driving distance to the park before confirming your booking.
As we’ll cover in our detailed Glacier planning guide, regardless of where you stay, you’ll want to make your reservations at least several months in advance.
When it comes to choosing accommodation at or near Glacier National Park, you have the choice of staying on the west side of the park or on the east side.
Given the park’s geography, it would be wise to spend some time on both sides of the park throughout the duration of your trip. The east side provides access to the Many Glacier District, the Two Medicine district, the Canadian border (to visit Waterton Lakes), and of course, the east entrance to Going-to-the-Sun Road.
I stayed in the small town of Babb, which is just a thirty-minute drive from Many Glacier. I stayed at the Glacier Elkhorn Cabins and Campground which I’d highly recommend. Accommodation throughout Montana is surprisingly expensive, and that’s especially true of places near the park. With that in mind, Elkhorn is a great value.
While the bathroom was shared, it was a short walk from my cabin. There’s also an on-site restaurant, while the owners can provide great information about the area. As the name suggests, you can also camp here if a cabin is beyond your budget.
Elsewhere on the east side of Glacier is the town of St. Mary. It’s about 30 minutes from the Many Glacier Hotel and it’s also situated near the east entrance to the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Other than St. Mary Village and Duck Lake Lodge, however, there don’t seem to be too many places that are bookable online.
Of course, you can also stay within Many Glacier itself, either at the iconic Many Glacier Hotel or at the smaller Swiftcurrent Motor Inn.
After camping for four nights at Yellowstone, I wasn’t in the mood to do so here, but the area is also home to the Many Glacier Campground. It’s just next to the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and you can make bookings here.
At the time of writing, Glacier National Park costs $35 per vehicle to enter (learn more here).
US National Parks parks typically charge per vehicle rather than per person. However, if you’re traveling by bicycle instead, they’ll charge you for an individual pass which costs $20, while those on motorcycles will be charged $30.
(*Note: These are just the fees for the park entrance passes, which on their own do NOT grant you access to certain areas like Many Glacier or North Fork. Learn more about vehicle reservations in our dedicated Glacier planning guide.)
Considering how many National Parks and National Monuments there are to see in the Southwest alone, the best option for most will be to buy an ‘America the Beautiful’ Annual National Parks Pass.
These cost $80 for the year. In most cases, you’re already saving money by just visiting four National Parks/Monuments anywhere in the country within a full year.
What’s more, is that only one person in your vehicle needs to have the pass. Additionally, seniors can buy the pass for just $20. So if you have someone over 62 in your party, just have them get the annual pass and everyone else will be set.
As for where to get the pass, you can purchase it in person at most National Parks or Monuments. But you can also order it in advance online.
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