- Glacier National Park is open year round. However, several entrances can be closed during winter weather.
- More than 700 miles of trails provide many opportunities for both short hikes and backpacking trips
- The Going-to-the-Sun Road is a 52-mile drive that winds through the heart of the park and over the Continental Divide
Overview
Today, Glacier National Park includes over one million acres of wilderness that holds 200 lakes, about 30-40 living glaciers, 63 species of mammals, hundred of species of birds, and over 1,800 species of flowers and plants.
Glacier is a spectacular place to take a hike with over 700 miles of maintained trails. The trails take to the tops of mountains, inside valleys, and around lakes, offering breathtaking scenery the whole way.
Hours/Seasons
Glacier National Park is open every day of the year. Winter weather however, tends to dictate when most visitor facilities open. For the most part, visitor facilities will be open from late May to early September.
Several entrances and roads are closed at certain times of the year. The Many Glacier, St. Mary, and West Glacier entrances are typically open from the end of May through October. Two Medicine is open from the end of May through early September.
Fees/Costs
7-Day Automobile/Vehicle Permit
Summer Rate - $25.00 May 1 - November 30
Winter Rate - $15.00 December 1 - April 30
7-Day Single Entry Permit
Summer Rate - $12.00 May 1 - November 30
Winter Rate - $10.00 December 1 - April 30
Glacier National Park Annual Pass
$35.00
Valid for one year from month of purchase.
Other fees and costs apply for commercial tour travel inside the park, camping, fishing and other park related activities.
Contact
Glacier National Park
Park Headquarters
PO Box 128
West Glacier, MT 59936
(406) 888-7800
Highlights
Going-to-the-Sun Road
One highlight not to be missed is the Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 52-mile drive that winds through the heart of the park and over the Continental Divide. Zigzagging up 6,646 to Logan pass and then taking sinuous turns down to St. Mary Lake, the road is boasted as one of the most scenic drives in the country. Look for waterfalls and wildlife. The road is generally open mid June through September.
Hiking
More than 700 miles of trails through Glacier provide many opportunities for both short hikes and extended backpacking trips. Even a simple summer afternoon hike gives visitors glimpses of the park that scenic drives can't match.
- Take the 9.8-mile, round-trip hike to Iceberg Lake from the Swiftcurrent Inn near Many Glacier. The bluest of alpine lakes at trail’s end may or may not have icebergs, depending on the season.
- The Quartz Lake loop from Bowman Lake Campground leads almost 13 miles from Bowman Campground in the northwest around and between the crystalline Lower, Middle, and Upper Quartz Lakes.
- Many visitors follow the boardwalk from the Logan Pass Visitor Center 1 ½ miles to the Hidden Lake Overlook. Most people will not continue on another 1.5 miles down to the lake itself. Watch for mountain goats.
- A 6.8-mile out-and-back along McDonald Creek shows off an old pack trail, peaceful rivers, exploding whitewater, and a couple of intense waterfalls.
Getting Here
To get from Bozeman to Glacier National Park, follow I-90 west and then turn north on either I-15 or further down on HWY. 93. From I-15, take HWY. 2 west to Glacier National Park. From HWY. 93, take HWY. 2 east into the park.
If you are going to Bozeman from Glacier, just reverse these directions.
