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Of all the places we've been in the world, Glacier National Park still tops our list. It's my (Sara's) favorite place on earth (it's even better than Alaska in my opinion), and Chris says it's in his top five too. It's also a short drive from other iconic national parks like Grand Teton and Yellowstone, so if you've ever wanted to take the great American road trip, Glacier has to be on the route.
I'll do my best to describe it and show you photos, but here's the truth: you have to stand on Logan Pass or watch the sun come up over Lake McDonald yourself to really get it. This guide answers the questions we get most from first-time visitors: how to get there, when to go, what it costs, how access works now that vehicle reservations are gone, where to stay, and which hikes to start with. If you have a question we didn't answer, leave it in the comments and we'll get back to you.
Here's the quick rundown before you dig in.
What state is Glacier in? Montana
How big is Glacier National Park? About 1 million acres (1,583 square miles)
Visitors per year: About 3.1 million in 2025, the park's third-busiest year on record
Towns near Glacier: West Glacier, Columbia Falls, Whitefish, Kalispell, and St. Mary on the east side
Peak season: July and August
Vehicle reservations: Not required anywhere in the park in 2026
If you've read older Glacier guides (including older versions of this one!), a lot has changed. Here's the short version, so you don't plan your trip around rules that are gone.
Glacier did not require vehicle reservations anywhere in the park in 2026, the first summer without them since the system started in 2021. That's great news if you tried to snag one of those reservations the last few years. It covered the Going-to-the-Sun Road, Many Glacier, Two Medicine, and the North Fork. You still need a regular entrance pass, and the park says it may temporarily turn cars away from busy areas like Many Glacier, Two Medicine, and the North Fork when they fill up, so get there early.
Instead of reservations, the park tried something new at Logan Pass, the highest point on the Going-to-the-Sun Road:
As of this update, Glacier hasn't announced its plan for summer 2027. Since 2026 was a pilot year, the rules could change again. The park usually shares its summer plan in the winter or early spring, so I'd check the official NPS vehicle reservations page before you book anything.
A few things are already on the calendar for 2027:
Even without reservations, parking at trailheads and visitor centers is really limited and fills up early in summer. Be patient, have a backup plan, and please don't park illegally. (We've seen what happens when people fight over spots at Logan Pass. More on that below.)
Glacier National Park is tucked into the rugged northwest corner of Montana, right along the Canadian border, with the Great Plains to the east and the Rocky Mountains running straight through it. Across the border it connects with Canada's Waterton Lakes National Park, and the two together make up the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park.
Lots of people pair Glacier with a bigger road trip through Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Badlands National Park.
Yellowstone National Park to Glacier: 391 miles | ~6 hr 29 min | Google Maps
Grand Teton / Jackson Hole to Glacier: 523 miles | ~8 hr 22 min | Google Maps
Badlands National Park to Glacier: 792 miles | ~12 hr 18 min | Google Maps
Part of what makes Montana so special is how remote it is, so getting to Glacier takes a little effort. You have three main options: fly, drive, or take the train. We go deeper on all three in our guide to how to get to Glacier National Park.
The closest airport is Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell. It's a small airport, but it's served by several major airlines including Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, and United.
The park's West Entrance is about a 30 minute (24 mile) drive from the airport, so plan on renting a car. Avis, Budget, Hertz, and National/Alamo have counters in the airport, and Dollar, Enterprise, and Thrifty are nearby. Shuttles, taxis, Uber, and Lyft are available too, but Glacier involves a lot of driving, so we recommend renting a car.
If you can drive your own car or RV, it's usually the cheapest way to visit Glacier, and the views on the way in are incredible from every direction. Having your own car also gives you the freedom to explore the towns around the park and drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road on your own schedule.
Missoula, MT to Glacier: 2 hours, 34 minutes / 138 miles
Calgary, Alberta to Glacier: 3 hours, 7 minutes / 180 miles (includes a border crossing)
Spokane, WA to Glacier: 4 hours, 44 minutes / 272 miles
Seattle, WA to Glacier: 9 hours, 10 minutes / 550 miles
Salt Lake City, UT to Glacier: 10 hours, 6 minutes / 646 miles
Amtrak's Empire Builder, which runs between Chicago and Seattle, stops at two stations near the park: West Glacier (Belton) and East Glacier Park. West Glacier is served year-round, while East Glacier Park is a seasonal stop from about April to October (in the off season the east side stop moves to Browning). The train only stops once a day in each direction, so plan around the schedule. It's the slowest way to get there, but it's a beautiful way to start the trip.
For a first visit, I'd give yourself at least three days. Here's how we'd use them:
If you have five days or more, add Many Glacier as its own day, a longer hike like the Highline Trail, a boat tour, or a day on the Flathead River.
Glacier is beautiful in every season, but the best time to go depends on what you want to do.
Summer (July and August) is the best time if hiking is your priority. The weather is usually warm, most trails are snow-free, and the full Going-to-the-Sun Road is typically open. The wildflowers are out too. It's also peak season, so expect crowds and book your stay well ahead.
Late spring (May and early June) and early fall (September and October) are quieter. The full Going-to-the-Sun Road usually doesn't open until late June or July because of snow, so in spring you may only be able to drive part of it, but lower elevation hikes are often open and the wildlife is waking up. In the fall the crowds thin out and the larches turn gold. The weather in these shoulder months can swing fast, so pack layers.
Winter in Glacier, roughly November to April, is a completely different park. Most roads and facilities close, including most of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, but it's quiet and beautiful for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. It takes more planning, but you'll have a lot of it to yourself.
Glacier asks you to come prepared. You can get snow and 90 degree days in the same week, plus plenty of wildlife. Here's what we bring no matter when we visit.
Binoculars: We bought these binoculars right before a trip to Alaska and have taken them to every national park since. If you don't have a pair, get some.
America the Beautiful Pass: We buy one every year because it saves us so much money. It's $80 for U.S. residents and covers entrance to every national park for a year (more on fees below).
Bug spray: This is a must. The mosquitoes can be terrible, especially in the first half of summer. You'll want a good bug spray just about every time you step outside.
Sunscreen: I never leave home without my favorite sunscreen.
Bear spray: Glacier is grizzly country. If you're going to set foot on any trail, carry bear spray in a holster where you can reach it, and know how to use it.
Lots of layers: Layers let you add or take off clothes as the temperature changes through the day. Here's what we pack for Glacier:
Offline maps: Cell service is spotty to nonexistent in most of the park, so download your maps and trail info before you go.
Glacier charges an entrance fee, except on a handful of free days each year. In 2026, those free days were for U.S. citizens and residents only: Presidents Day (February 16), Memorial Day (May 25), Flag Day (June 14), July 3 to 5, the National Park Service Birthday (August 25), Constitution Day (September 17), Theodore Roosevelt's Birthday (October 27), and Veterans Day (November 11).
Here's what it costs right now. Passes are good for seven days. For the latest, check the official NPS fees and passes page.
Per car: $35 May 1 to October 31 / $25 November 1 to April 30
Per person (walking or biking): $20 in summer / $15 in winter
Motorcycle: $30 in summer / $20 in winter
Glacier annual pass: $70
Visitors who live outside the U.S.: Since January 1, 2026, non-U.S. residents ages 16 and up pay an extra $100 per person on top of the entrance fee, unless they have an annual pass.
MONEY SAVER: Get the America the Beautiful Pass. We buy one every year, and if you'll visit any other national park this year, like Yellowstone or Grand Teton, it pays for itself fast. It's $80 for U.S. residents and $250 for nonresidents, and the nonresident pass also covers that $100 surcharge. Seniors pay $20 a year or $80 for a lifetime pass, and the pass is free for military members and veterans.
Where you stay shapes your whole trip. Inside the park you can choose historic lodges with incredible views or campgrounds right next to the trails. Outside the park, Columbia Falls, Whitefish, and Kalispell have hotels, motels, and vacation rentals, plus restaurants and shops. Whatever you choose, book early, especially for July and August.
These days most campgrounds in Glacier need a reservation. Apgar, Avalanche, Fish Creek, Many Glacier, St. Mary, and Sprague Creek are reservation only on Recreation.gov during the summer, and the smaller, more remote campgrounds are first come, first served. A few things to know for planning:
If you're going for a first come, first served site, get there early and be patient. Keep circling until you see someone pack up. We've always managed to get a first come, first served spot when we needed one, but it hasn't always been fast.
If you want a real bed and Glacier right outside your door, there are lodges inside the park. On the west side we'd recommend Lake McDonald Lodge or the Village Inn at Apgar. On the east side, Many Glacier Hotel might have the best views in the whole park. The lodges cost more than camping or a hotel in Whitefish, but waking up in the middle of it all might be worth it to you.
Staying in one of the nearby towns makes dining, shopping, and laundry easy. Each town has its own feel and sits a different distance from the West Entrance.
Columbia Falls, Montana to West Glacier Entrance: 17 miles | ~21 minutes | Google Maps
Whitefish, Montana to West Glacier Entrance: 26 miles | ~33 minutes | Google Maps
Kalispell, Montana to West Glacier Entrance: 33 miles | ~43 minutes | Google Maps
Columbia Falls is the closest of the three towns to the park. Cedar Creek Lodge and Conference Center is a solid choice with modern amenities and a short drive to the park. For something more personal, Moss Mountain Inn is a cozy, eco-friendly bed and breakfast.
Whitefish has the widest range of places to stay. The Lodge at Whitefish Lake is the standout, with rustic charm and views of the lake. For a boutique stay right downtown, try The Firebrand Hotel. Grouse Mountain Lodge is a comfortable, budget-friendlier option, and the Best Western Rocky Mountain Lodge has roomy rooms that work well for families.
Kalispell is the biggest town in the valley and closest to the airport. SpringHill Suites by Marriott Kalispell is a comfortable, convenient pick. The Kalispell Grand Hotel has historic charm right downtown, and Homewood Suites by Hilton Kalispell is great for longer stays since the rooms have kitchenettes.
If you can't get a spot inside the park, Montana's state parks nearby are a good backup. They're basic, but you get toilets and showers.
Open May 1 to September 30
This is where we camped. The Whitefish Lake State Park Campground sits right on the lake, about 2.5 miles from downtown Whitefish. The only downside is the train track that runs right next to the campground. It woke us up more than once, but nothing else was available around Glacier at the time, so we made it work and still had a great trip. Bring earplugs.
Whitefish Lake State Park to West Glacier Entrance: 29 miles | 41 minutes | Google Maps
We haven't stayed at this one, but we've spent time on Flathead Lake and it's a gem. The campground sits on the lake near Bigfork.
Wayfarers State Park to West Glacier Entrance: 40 miles | 45 minutes | Google Maps
If you want something more off the beaten path, much of the Flathead National Forest, which borders the park to the west and south, allows free dispersed camping. You can set up camp wherever it's allowed as long as you follow Leave No Trace and the Forest Service rules, like staying at least 100 feet from lakes and streams and 150 feet from roads and trails. There are no restrooms or drinking water, so come ready to be self-sufficient.
Glacier is over a million acres of forests, mountains, lakes, and glaciers, with more than 700 miles of trails. You can raft the Flathead River, ride a historic boat across a mountain lake, watch mountain goats near Logan Pass, or just sit by Lake McDonald and take it in. Here's where we'd start.
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is a must. It runs along lakes and rivers before twisting up and over the Continental Divide, and the views never stop. Just keep your eyes on the road! At the top, Logan Pass, you'll find a visitor center and several trailheads.
VERY IMPORTANT: If your vehicle is longer than 21 feet, taller than 10 feet, or wider than 8 feet (including mirrors), you cannot drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road!
If your vehicle is too big, you can still see the road four ways:
1. Bike it (more below)
2. Take the shuttle (it's transportation, not a guided tour)
3. Take a guided tour, like the historic Red Bus Tours
4. Rent a smaller car for the day
NOTE: In summer, the Logan Pass parking lot fills up early. We've actually watched people bump into each other's cars fighting over parking spots, with the whole family in the car. It's not worth it. In 2026, Logan Pass parking was capped at three hours from July 1 to September 7, so for longer hikes the shuttle was the way to go.
Keep in mind the Going-to-the-Sun Road is not a loop. Once you reach the east side you can drive back the way you came, take Highway 2 around the south end of the park, or stay the night on the east side. We'd recommend at least one night on the east side, but there are far fewer campsites and hotels over there, so book early. Highway 2 is much less scenic, so if you do the whole road in one day, we'd go back the way you came.
The road is about 50 miles from West Glacier to St. Mary. Without stopping, the drive takes around two hours, but you'll want to stop a lot. Set aside a full day so you have time for the pullouts, a couple of short hikes, photos, and wildlife. From late June to early September, traffic is heavy and parking fills fast, so start early. It's not a race. Take your time.
Hiking is the most popular thing to do in Glacier, and there's something for every level. Be honest about your fitness and how much time you have. If you want an expert's take, talk to a ranger at a visitor center. Tell them how long you're in the park and what you're up for, and they'll point you to great options (that's how we find a lot of our hikes). If you want a lesser known trail, ask for that too.
If it's your first visit, these are the ones to start with:
NOTE: If you're planning to camp in the backcountry, you'll need a wilderness permit, so get that before you head out.
Glacier is home to mountain goats, bighorn sheep, moose, black bears, and grizzlies. Early morning and dusk are the best times to spot them. The Hidden Lake and Highline trails near Logan Pass are good for goats and sheep, and the Many Glacier area is a good place to look for moose and bears. Always keep a safe distance from wildlife, for your safety and theirs. Carry bear spray, make noise on the trail, and hike in groups when you can.
Rafting is a fun way to see a different side of the park, with cold water, rapids, and mountain views. There are commercial rafting companies permitted to run trips on the Middle and North Forks of the Flathead River, which form part of the park's boundary.
One of the best ways to see the Going-to-the-Sun Road is by bike. Every spring, before the road opens to cars, cyclists and hikers can go as far up as the plows have cleared. The timing changes every year depending on snow, so check Glacier's road status page.
You can still ride in peak season, with a few rules. From June 15 through Labor Day, bikes aren't allowed between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM on the stretch from the Apgar turnoff to Sprague Creek Campground (both directions) or going uphill (eastbound) from Logan Creek to Logan Pass. If you're a strong rider, use the long summer mornings and get up the pass before 11. For details, see the park's bicycling page.
If you don't have your own boat, you can rent a kayak, canoe, or paddle board from Glacier Park Boat Company at Lake McDonald, Apgar, Two Medicine, and Many Glacier. What's available depends on the location, and reservations are strongly encouraged. Glacier is one of the busiest national parks in the country, so whenever something takes reservations, make the reservation!
Glacier allows fishing, but not everywhere, and there are rules about where you can fish, what you can keep, and boat inspections. Check the official fishing page before you go. If you love to fish, the clear water and mountain views won't disappoint.
In winter, parts of Glacier become a quiet snowy playground for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Only some areas are open and the weather can be harsh, so come prepared. The park doesn't groom ski trails, so expect a backcountry experience and be ready to take care of yourself. Always check avalanche conditions before heading out, and look for ranger-led snowshoe walks if you're new to it. If you don't have your own gear, you can rent skis or snowshoes in Whitefish.
We travel with our dog Kramer, so we always check this. In Glacier, dogs are allowed in developed areas, front country campgrounds and picnic areas, along roads open to cars, and in boats on lakes where motorboats are allowed. Dogs are not allowed on trails, along lakeshores, in the backcountry, or in any building. Where they are allowed, they need to be on a leash no longer than six feet. The rules protect the wildlife and your pup.
Not in 2026. Vehicle reservations weren't required anywhere in the park. In summer 2026, Logan Pass parking was limited to three hours and a ticketed shuttle served longer hikes. The plan for 2027 hasn't been announced yet, so check the NPS website before your trip.
At least three days for a first visit: one for the west side, one for the Going-to-the-Sun Road, and one for the east side. Five or more lets you add Many Glacier and a longer hike.
The full road usually opens in late June or July, once the snow is cleared, and closes in the fall. Lower sections near Lake McDonald and St. Mary open earlier. Check the park's road status page for the current conditions.
$35 per car from May through October and $25 from November through April, good for seven days. Non-U.S. residents ages 16 and up pay an extra $100 per person unless they have an annual pass.
Split your stay if you can: a few nights on the west side (Apgar, West Glacier, Columbia Falls, or Whitefish) and at least one night on the east side near St. Mary or Many Glacier.
There's a reason they call Glacier the "Crown of the Continent." There's more adventure and beauty here than you can see in one trip. Every time we visit, we're already planning our next trip back before we leave. If you've been, we'd love to hear your favorite hikes, campsites, and tips in the comments. And if you're planning your first trip and have questions, leave those too. Happy trails, friends!
