Belly River Valley
A vast park with over 700 miles of trails, offering diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and iconic scenic drives.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Belly River Valley
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast park with over 700 miles of trails, offering diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and iconic scenic drives.
"Glacier National Park defies words: it is vast, breathtaking, and humbling. An adventure for the spirit."
🎯 Book Ahead for Passes
Timed-entry passes are essential for popular areas. Book on Recreation.gov ASAP!
🐻 Carry Bear Spray
Essential for safety. Make noise on trails and never approach wildlife.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Going-to-the-Sun Road
Main scenic drive
An epic journey with jaw-dropping views around every hairpin turn. A photographer's paradise!
Ptarmigan Tunnel
Belly River Valley
Hike through a historic tunnel offering stunning views of the Belly River Valley and surrounding glaciers.
Many Glacier Hotel
Swiftcurrent Lake
Iconic 1915 lodge with dreamy Swiss chalet vibes and jaw-dropping views of Grinnell Point.
Iceberg Lake Trail
Many Glacier area
Hike to a pristine alpine lake dotted with icebergs for a truly unique glacial experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timed Entry is Key
Bear Safety First
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Ahead for Passes
Timed-entry passes are essential for popular areas. Book on Recreation.gov ASAP!
🐻 Carry Bear Spray
Essential for safety. Make noise on trails and never approach wildlife. +1
🚗 Park Pass Logistics
Timed entry pass is separate from park entrance fee. Research the process carefully.
👟 Comfortable Hiking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and hiking on varied terrain.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead for Passes
Timed-entry passes are essential for popular areas. Book on Recreation.gov ASAP!
🐻 Carry Bear Spray
Essential for safety. Make noise on trails and never approach wildlife. +1
🚗 Park Pass Logistics
Timed entry pass is separate from park entrance fee. Research the process carefully.
👟 Comfortable Hiking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and hiking on varied terrain.
📸 Capture the Views
Glacier is a photographer's paradise. Bring your best camera gear! +1
🛶 Boat Tours Available
Historic boat tours on Lake McDonald offer a unique perspective.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Glacier National Park is overwhelmingly praised for its breathtaking, postcard-worthy scenery and majestic mountain landscapes. Visitors are humbled by its vastness and beauty, with the Going-to-the-Sun Road being a highlight. However, the park's popularity leads to significant challenges with its timed-entry reservation system, which can be confusing and frustrating to navigate, and parking can be extremely difficult to find.
"Glacier National Park is, without a doubt, one of the most breathtaking places on earth. The scenery is simply stunning—from the moment you enter, you are surrounded by dramatic peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and lush forests that make you feel like you've stepped into a postcard. We were brought to tears by the sheer beauty of it all. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is an epic journey in itself, with jaw-dropping views around every hairpin turn.
It's a photographer's paradise and a hiker's dream, and we felt incredibly lucky to experience such a majestic place.
The only real challenge is navigating the reservation system. For some of the most popular areas, like the Going-to-the-Sun Road, you need a timed-entry vehicle pass. This can be a bit tricky to secure, as the passes are released online at specific times and go very quickly. We had to be on the Recreation.gov website right when the reservations dropped, but once we had them, it made the experience much smoother.
It's important to remember that this pass is in addition to the standard park entrance fee. While it can be a little frustrating to plan so far in advance, the system does help manage the crowds and makes the park feel more accessible and less congested. So, my advice is: plan ahead, be persistent with the online pass system, and you will have the trip of a lifetime. The views are more than worth the extra effort."
H Ait
"“In string theory, all particles are vibrations on a tiny rubber band; physics is the harmonies on the string; chemistry is the melodies we play on vibrating strings; the universe is a symphony of strings, and the ‘Mind of God’ is cosmic music resonating in 11-dimensional hyperspace.”
Yeah… I repeated that for a while dragging myself up one of Glacier’s long, soul-crushingly gorgeous hikes. The views? Unreal. The vibe? Humbling. The legs? Suffering.
This park makes you feel small in the best possible way, like the universe is laughing with you, not at you. Sadly, no bear sightings (which honestly feels like Glacier’s version of a refund). But I did snag a sweater at the visitor center, staff were so kind I half expected them to adopt me.
And let’s be real: you’ll probably run into a crew of hot Canadians wandering over the border like it’s no big deal. Glacier has everything, cosmic philosophy, scenery that’ll fry your brain circuits, kind staff, and bonus eye candy from the north. 11/10, would string-theory again."
tarek hamami
"It’s true that there are breathtaking Mountain Views and we did admire those views. However, the overall experience was quite disappointing. This park is very overrated. We spent 3 days in Glacier National park from 9/16/25 to 9/18/25, which was after peak season had ended. The process of purchasing the online timed entry pass for the park was confusing and time consuming. There is NOT an obvious link on Reservation.gov. You have to key in these words in the search bar: “Timed entry to Glacier national Park”. Then you have to create an account and enter your name, address, email, phone number; then create a user name and password. Then even if you have a senior pass, you have to pay $2.00 for the entry fee and then put in your credit card info, because you can only pay with credit card online. Then when we drove to both Logan’s pass and Apgar Village, the parking lots were packed with several cars driving around. So he dropped me off and I walked around almost 1/2 hour while he circled the lots and NEVER found a parking space, so we left and he never was able to get out of the car and see anything. I would hate to see what it is like during peak season. We only saw one glacier, from Jackson Overlook across the mountain range and it was very, very far away. There were not many waterfalls either. The one that we were able to get closest to, was in Two Medicine and it was called Running Eagle. We hoped to see wildlife in the park and we only saw 2 chipmunks during our 3 days there. We did not even see one single bird in the entire park. We did not hear or see any birds or insects either; no bird songs, no chirping or tree frogs, no cicadas, no bees buzzing, no crickets, just silence. Not worth the visit. Overrated."
Sharon Doyle
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The closest major airport is Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, Montana. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle to the park. Many visitors drive, especially from nearby states like Washington or Canada. +1
Yes, but a timed-entry vehicle pass is required for certain areas, including the Going-to-the-Sun Road, during peak season. These passes are in high demand and must be booked in advance online.
While driving your own car is an option with the correct pass, the park also offers a free shuttle system along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which can be a great way to avoid parking hassles.
Yes, the park is adjacent to Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada, forming the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. You can cross the border between the two parks.
Visiting early in the morning or later in the evening can help. Utilizing the park shuttle system can also alleviate some of the congestion associated with personal vehicles.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a timed-entry vehicle reservation is required for the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor and other popular areas during peak season. These are separate from the standard park entrance fee.
Park entrance passes can be purchased at park entrances or online. Timed-entry vehicle reservations must be obtained through Recreation.gov.
The standard entrance fee is $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. Additional fees may apply for specific areas or activities, and timed-entry reservations have a small processing fee.
Glacier National Park is open year-round, but access to certain roads and facilities is seasonal. The Going-to-the-Sun Road typically opens in late June or early July and closes in mid-October due to snow.
Yes, the America the Beautiful Pass covers the park entrance fee. However, it does not exempt you from needing a timed-entry vehicle reservation for specific areas.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Going-to-the-Sun Road, Lake McDonald, Many Glacier Lodge, Grinnell Glacier, Hidden Lake Overlook, and the Ptarmigan Tunnel are highly recommended. 
Popular hikes include the Highline Trail, Grinnell Glacier Trail, Iceberg Lake Trail, Hidden Lake Trail, and the Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail.
Glacier is known for its abundant wildlife, including grizzly bears, black bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, moose, and various bird species. Always maintain a safe distance. +1
Yes, there are many family-friendly trails and activities. Shorter hikes, boat tours, and scenic drives are great options. Ensure children are supervised and aware of wildlife safety.
Pack layers of clothing, rain gear, sturdy hiking boots, sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, and plenty of water. Bear spray is also highly recommended.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are dining options available at lodges like the Many Glacier Hotel and Lake McDonald Lodge, as well as at some visitor centers and campgrounds.
Options range from casual cafes and delis to more formal dining rooms. Many offer scenic views. It's advisable to make reservations for sit-down meals, especially during peak season.
Absolutely! Packing your own snacks and meals is a great way to save money and enjoy picnics amidst the stunning scenery. Remember to pack out all trash.
There are limited general stores within the park, primarily at larger lodges and visitor centers, offering basic supplies. It's best to stock up on groceries in gateway towns like Whitefish or Columbia Falls before entering.
Gateway towns like Whitefish, Columbia Falls, and Kalispell offer a wide variety of restaurants, from casual diners to upscale eateries.
📸 📸 Photography
Iconic spots include the Going-to-the-Sun Road viewpoints, Wild Goose Island Overlook, Lake McDonald at sunset, and the Many Glacier area. +2
Sunrise and sunset offer the best light for landscape photography, creating dramatic colors and soft shadows. Midday can be harsh, but still offers stunning vistas.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens is useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod is recommended for low-light conditions and long exposures.
No, drone use is prohibited in all national parks, including Glacier, to protect wildlife and preserve the visitor experience.
These are colorful, multi-hued rocks found along some of the shores, particularly Lake McDonald, due to their mineral composition. They make for unique photographic subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Going-to-the-Sun Road
Once inside the park, driving the road itself is an experience. Expect slow speeds, frequent pull-offs for photos, and potential traffic delays. The road is also narrow in places, so drivers should be comfortable with mountain driving. Many travelers recommend using the park's free shuttle system to navigate the Going-to-the-Sun Road, as it eliminates the stress of finding parking at popular viewpoints and trailheads. This allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the scenery without worrying about their vehicle.
Key viewpoints along the road include Logan Pass, Wild Goose Island Overlook, and Jackson Glacier Overlook. The road is typically only fully open from late June or early July through mid-October, depending on snow conditions. Always check the park's official website for current road status and closures before your visit.
Hiking in Glacier: Trails and Safety
+2Wildlife encounters are common, especially with bears. It is imperative to carry bear spray and know how to use it. Making noise while hiking, such as talking or singing, can help alert bears to your presence and avoid surprise encounters. Never approach or feed wildlife, and always maintain a safe distance. Many visitors share stories of bear sightings, underscoring the importance of preparedness.
When planning your hikes, consider the elevation gain and trail length. Many trails involve significant elevation changes, so be prepared for a workout. Always check trail conditions and weather forecasts before heading out. Bringing plenty of water, snacks, and layers of clothing is essential for a safe and enjoyable hiking experience.
The Allure of Many Glacier
This region is a hiker's paradise, serving as the trailhead for popular routes like the Grinnell Glacier Trail and the Iceberg Lake Trail. These hikes are renowned for their stunning alpine scenery, turquoise lakes, and the chance to see glaciers up close. The sheer beauty of the landscape here is often described as overwhelming and dreamlike.
+1Beyond hiking, the Many Glacier area offers opportunities for boat tours on Swiftcurrent Lake and Josephine Lake, providing a different perspective of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The area is also known for its abundant wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for bears, moose, and mountain goats.
Social
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