Glacier National Park, Montana
United States and Canada · United States
See also
Overview
Glacier National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site on the northern border of Montana, featuring rugged mountain peaks, over 700 miles of trails, and pristine lakes. It's a premier destination for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
Languages: English
Why go?
Glacier National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site on the northern border of Montana, featuring rugged mountain peaks, over 700 miles of trails, and pristine lakes. It's a premier destination for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
The park is accessible by car via US Highways 2, 89, and 93. Amtrak's Empire Builder stops at West Glacier and East Glacier stations. The nearest major airport is Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) near Kalispell.
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Fees and permits
Entrance fees valid for seven days: $20 for individuals on foot/bike, $30 for motorcycles, $35 for private vehicles, $70 for annual pass. US national park passes accepted. Always carry receipt as multiple entrances require re-entry.
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Getting around
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is the main artery, closed in winter. Shuttle services operate in summer, including Red Bus Tours and Glacier Park Inc. shuttles between lodges and trailheads. Biking is allowed on roads only.
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When to go
Summer (June-September) is the peak season when Going-to-the-Sun Road is open. Winter offers snowshoeing and skiing but most facilities close. Wildfires are common in late summer. Always prepare for varied weather and snow possible any time.
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Where to stay
Accommodations range from historic lodges like Many Glacier Hotel and Lake McDonald Lodge to rustic chalets like Granite Park Chalet. Campgrounds are plentiful, with first-come-first-served and reservation sites. Backcountry camping requires permits.
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Food and drink
Restaurants are available at park lodges. Better options exist in gateway towns like West Glacier, St. Mary, and Babb. Eddy's Cafe in Apgar Village is a notable independent restaurant. Bars are outside the park in Babb and West Glacier.
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Things to do
Over half of visitors hike the 700 miles of trails. Popular hikes include Iceberg Lake, Sperry Glacier, and Hidden Lake. Boat tours operate on Many Glacier, Two Medicine, and Lake McDonald. Fishing for trout is popular without a permit. Horseback riding is available at several lodges. Winter activities include skiing and snowshoeing.
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Safety
Bear safety is crucial: carry bear spray and store food properly. Weather changes rapidly; always bring rain gear. Avalanche risks in winter. Wildlife such as mountain goats and bighorn sheep are common but maintain distance.
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Connectivity
Cell phone coverage is limited to areas near park entrances. WiFi is available at lodges but low bandwidth. The park is intended to unplug.
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Budget
Daily entry fees are $35 per vehicle. Campground fees range $10-$23 per night. Lodges cost $100+. Backpackers should budget for food and gas. Shopping in Montana is tax-free.
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Day trips
Day trips include the Blackfeet Nation Indian Reservation, Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada, Whitefish for skiing, and Kalispell for shopping. Hungry Horse Dam is also nearby.
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Go next
After visiting the park, consider heading to Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada, Whitefish, Kalispell, or the Blackfeet Reservation.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
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Apgar
194 sites (25 can accommodate a trailer or RV), 10 group sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. Apgar campground is the largest campground in Glacier National Park. Amenities include flush toilets, sinks with running water (no showers), and summer evening programming at the Apgar Amphitheater. Apgar Village has a restaurant, gift shops, and a ranger station. Swimming and boating possible in Lake McDonald, and boat rentals and horseback ride reservations are available nearby. Open late Apr to early Oct. The campground itself is situated in trees and provides tent and RV campers with shade and some privacy.
Recorded price: Free in winter, $20 per night in summer (2020 rates)
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Apgar Village Lodge
Cabins on edge of wood near to lake and river. Have showers and toilets.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Avalanche
87 sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. Avalanche campground in located in one of the most popular sections of Glacier National Park west of the Continental Divide. The campground accommodates tent and RV campers, however only 50 sites will accommodate vehicle lengths up to 26 feet. The campground provides access to Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Creek trailheads. Flush toilets, running water (no showers), evening programs at Avalanche Amphitheater. Open late Jun to mid-Sep.
Recorded price: $20 per night (2020 rates)
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Bowman Lake
48 primitive sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. Primitive campsite right on Bowman Lake, with access to Quartz Lake Loop, Bowman Lake, and Numa Ridge Lookout trailheads. Potable water and pit toilets. Open mid-May to early Aug. The drive to Bowman Lake is a very slow, dusty, and bumpy ride on dirt roads. RVs and trailers not advised. The campground is located close to the shore of Bowman Lake and camp sites are within trees for shade and some privacy. Tent campers looking for peace and quiet will enjoy Bowman Lake for its serenity and remote location.
Recorded price: $15 per night (2020 rates)
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Cut Bank
14 sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. Primitive and secluded campsite, with access to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. RVs and trailers not advised. No potable water (bring your own water or some means of purifying water from Cut Bank Creek). Open late May to mid-Sep. The Cut Bank campground is located on the east side of Glacier National Park and provides a sense of peace and quiet that may not be found in larger campgrounds within the park. The campground is accessed by a 5 mile dirt road off of highway 89. Cut Bank Campground operates in primitive status all season, meaning it has no flush toilets or disposal station. The campground should not to be confused with the town 50 miles to the east.
Recorded price: $10 per night (2020 rates)
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Fish Creek
178 sites, 18 of which accommodate RVs or trailers. Large campground near but not directly on Lake McDonald offering flush toilets, running water, and nightly evening programs at the Fish Creek Amphitheater. Access to Howe Lake, Howe Ridge, and McDonald Lake trailheads. Fish Creek is the second largest campground in the park. Fish Creek is one of two campgrounds in the park that take reservations. Advance reservations may be made online or by phone +1-800-365-2267 but are not required. Open late May to early Sep. Sites within the campground are surrounded by trees and provide shade and some privacy to both tent and RV campers.
Recorded price: $23 per night (2020 rates)
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Granite Park Chalet
This historic chalet, dating from ca. 1914, is accessible only through hiking trails. It is the only chalet remaining of the original six operated by Great Northern, and is supplied by weekly or biweekly mule trains. The Granite Park Chalet ($108 first person, $80 each additional person) can be most easily reached by a 7.6 mile hike from Logans Pass along the Highline Trail, and is now a simple backpacker's lodge. A kitchen and composting toilets are available to guests, as well as potable water (which guests are asked to assist in fetching themselves). Accommodations are spartan, and linens are provided for an extra $15. The chalet offers complimentary hot drinks for their guests in the evening. The season is from July to September, and reservations should be made months in advance. All trash must be packed out.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Kintla Lake
13 sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. Glacier National Park's smallest and most remote car-accessible campground. Due to its remote location, the campground is very quiet and is very rarely filled, offering tent campers a sense of solitude. Non-motorized boats allowed on lake, and lake is full of trout. Site is primitive but has a potable water source. Open early Jul to early Aug. It is located in the upper most northwest section of the park known as the North Fork, approximately 40 miles from the west entrance. Access is via a rough dirt road. Trailers not advised.
Recorded price: $15 per night (2020 rates)
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
No cell service in most of park. Low-bandwidth WiFi at lodges.
Culture
Respect Blackfeet Nation land bordering the park.
Money
Entrance fees: $35 per vehicle for 7 days. Camping $10-$23/night. No tax on shopping.
Safety
Bear spray recommended. Weather changes rapidly. Avalanche risk in winter.
Transport
Going-to-the-Sun Road open June-October. Shuttles available in summer.
Water
Potable water at developed campgrounds; backcountry requires purification.
Weather
Snow possible any month. Wildfires common in late summer.