Scenic Point
Experience the 'Crown of the Continent' with majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. A true natural wonder.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better wildlife viewing
Scenic Point
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better wildlife viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the 'Crown of the Continent' with majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. A true natural wonder.
"This was the most breathtaking trip I’ve ever taken!! What a creator we have that painted these scenes for us!!"
🚗 Book Timed Entry Early
Secure your vehicle reservation for Going-to-the-Sun Road online ASAP!
🐻 Carry Bear Spray
Essential for hiking. Know how to use it and keep it accessible.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Going-to-the-Sun Road
East to West crossing of the park
An iconic, breathtaking drive offering unparalleled mountain and valley vistas. A must-do for any visitor.
Hidden Lake Trail
Logan Pass
A popular hike leading to a stunning alpine lake, often with abundant wildlife sightings.
Lake McDonald
West side of the park
Known for its colorful rocks and serene waters, perfect for photography and relaxation.
Scenic Point (Two Medicine)
Two Medicine area
A strenuous but rewarding hike with incredible views and frequent wildlife encounters.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timed Entry Reservations
Wildlife Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Book Timed Entry Early
Secure your vehicle reservation for Going-to-the-Sun Road online ASAP!
🐻 Carry Bear Spray
Essential for hiking. Know how to use it and keep it accessible.
🥾 Hike with Poles
Recommended for steep trails, especially with snow patches.
📸 Capture the Colors
Lake McDonald's rainbow rocks are a photographer's dream.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Book Timed Entry Early
Secure your vehicle reservation for Going-to-the-Sun Road online ASAP!
🐻 Carry Bear Spray
Essential for hiking. Know how to use it and keep it accessible.
🥾 Hike with Poles
Recommended for steep trails, especially with snow patches.
📸 Capture the Colors
Lake McDonald's rainbow rocks are a photographer's dream.
🦌 Wildlife Spotting
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best chances to see goats and sheep.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Glacier National Park for its unparalleled natural beauty, with many calling it the most breathtaking place they've ever seen. The Going-to-the-Sun Road and the abundant wildlife are frequent highlights. Some find certain hikes strenuous and windy, and the need for timed entry reservations can be a logistical challenge.
"My wife and I had the distinct privilege to be led and educated by Lillian from Glacier Guides. Lillian is a seasoned, experienced and highly educated individual who seasonally contracts her skill set out to companies that provide supervised guided tours of areas that require supervision for obvious safety reasons. Her knowledge of botany, geology, zoology, entomology and for any topic pertaining to subjects directly associated with topics that come up during a hike in Glacier National Park was astounding. She also administered and delivered it in a tactful, entertaining and non-pretentious long winded boring professor like dialogue that kept us entertained during a strenuous hike which caught some of us (me) a bit over our heads in terms of experience. She managed to keep experienced and way less experienced hikers engaged and delivered ALL a successful summit and descent safely back to our origin. Lillian is truly an asset to Glacier Guides and an asset to Glacier National Park with her management skills as witnessed at Scenic Point in Two Medicine Glacier National Park."
James Walsh
"This was a tough and very windy hike, but worth the effort. Hardly any traffic on the Saturday we hiked. We did run into 4 sheep on the descent, which was fun. I recommend this trail, but be prepared to push hard."
Patrick H
"Visited Scenic Point Sept 1, 2024. Very underrated spot with few ppl, but is one of the best in Glacier."
Denis
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. Driving is also a popular option, with entrances accessible from various highways.
Yes, Glacier National Park offers a free shuttle system along the Going-to-the-Sun Road during the summer months, which can help you avoid parking hassles.
Driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road is a highlight, but hiking offers a more immersive experience. Consider using the park shuttle to access trailheads. +1
Yes, there is an entrance fee per vehicle, valid for 7 days. Consider purchasing an America the Beautiful Pass if you plan to visit multiple national parks.
During peak season (typically late May to mid-October), a timed entry vehicle reservation is required for the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor and other popular areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a timed entry vehicle reservation is required for certain areas, including the Going-to-the-Sun Road, from late May through early October. Book these online in advance.
The entrance fee is typically around $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. Check the official NPS website for current pricing.
The park is open year-round, but many facilities and roads, like the Going-to-the-Sun Road, are only fully accessible from late June to mid-October, depending on snow conditions.
While entrance fees are collected at the gates, timed entry reservations must be secured online in advance. Arriving without one may result in being turned away.
Yes, the America the Beautiful Pass provides free entry to all national parks and federal recreational lands for a year. Senior and military passes are also available.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular hikes include Hidden Lake Trail, Highline Trail, Avalanche Lake, and the strenuous but rewarding hike to Scenic Point in Two Medicine. +1
Keep an eye out for grizzly bears, black bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, and deer. Always maintain a safe distance and never feed wildlife.
No, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is typically only fully open from late June to mid-October due to heavy snowfall. Check the NPS website for current road status.
Pack layers of clothing, rain gear, sturdy hiking boots, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, bear spray, and plenty of water and snacks.
Yes, there are lodges and campgrounds within the park, but they book up very far in advance. Consider staying in gateway towns like Whitefish or Columbia Falls.
📸 📸 Photography
Iconic spots include Lake McDonald for its colorful rocks, the Going-to-the-Sun Road for panoramic vistas, and various overlooks like Wild Goose Island. +1
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting, with golden hour casting a beautiful glow over the mountains. Midday can be harsh. +1
Yes, but always maintain a safe distance and use a telephoto lens. Never disturb or feed wildlife for a photo opportunity.
No, drone use is prohibited in all national parks, including Glacier, to protect wildlife and preserve the visitor experience.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens is useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions and long exposures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families with older children, consider shorter, well-maintained hikes like the Trail of the Cedars or parts of the Hidden Lake Trail. Always pack plenty of snacks and water, and be prepared for changing weather. Wildlife sightings, like mountain goats or bighorn sheep, are always a hit with kids!
🚗 Road Trippers
Plan for frequent stops at pull-offs to soak in the scenery and take photos. Consider downloading offline maps as cell service can be spotty. Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the scenic spots, and be prepared for winding roads and potential delays due to wildlife or construction.
🥾 Avid Hikers
Be sure to carry bear spray, wear appropriate footwear, and check trail conditions before heading out. Many higher-elevation trails may still have snow well into the summer. Consider bringing hiking poles for added stability, especially on steep or uneven terrain.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road
Along the route, you'll encounter numerous pull-offs and viewpoints, each offering a unique perspective of the park's grandeur. Key stops include Lake McDonald, Logan Pass (the highest point on the road), and the Weeping Wall. Be prepared for winding roads, steep drop-offs, and potential wildlife sightings. It's advisable to start your drive early in the morning to avoid crowds and increase your chances of seeing wildlife.
Remember to check the park's official website for current road status, closures, and reservation requirements before your visit. The drive itself can take several hours, especially with stops, so allocate ample time to truly savor the experience.
Hiking and Wildlife Encounters
When hiking, always carry bear spray and know how to use it. The park is home to both grizzly and black bears. Stick to marked trails, make noise to avoid surprising animals, and never feed wildlife. Other common sightings include mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, and deer. Early morning and late afternoon are generally the best times for wildlife viewing.
Be prepared for varying trail conditions, including snow patches well into summer at higher elevations. Hiking poles can be very helpful, especially on steeper or snow-covered sections. Always check trail conditions before you go and be aware of your surroundings.
Photography Opportunities
For wildlife photography, patience is key. Use a telephoto lens to capture animals like mountain goats and bighorn sheep from a safe distance. Early morning and late evening light, known as the 'golden hour,' offers the most flattering and dramatic illumination for both landscapes and wildlife. Consider visiting spots like Wild Goose Island Overlook for iconic shots.
Remember that drone photography is prohibited within the park. Always respect wildlife and maintain a safe distance to avoid disturbing them.
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