Glacier National Park Overview
Glacier National Park is located in northwestern Montana along the Canadian border and protects alpine valleys, rugged peaks, lakes, forests, glaciers, historic roads, and wildlife habitat within the Rocky Mountains.
Glacier National Park spans more than 1 million acres (4,000 km²), straddling the Canada–United States border. It encompasses parts of two mountain ranges, the Lewis and Livingston ranges, both sub-ranges of the Rocky Mountains. The park boasts over 130 named lakes, including the iconic Lake McDonald and Swiftcurrent Lake. Its pristine ecosystem is at the heart of the "Crown of the Continent Ecosystem," covering a staggering 16,000 square miles (41,000 km²). In 2023, Glacier National Park welcomed nearly 3 million visitors. Attendance dipped in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but rebounded. It remains one of the top 10 most visited national parks in the United States.
The region that would become Glacier National Park was inhabited by Native Americans for thousands of years. European explorers encountered the Blackfeet in the east and the Flathead in the western regions. In 1895, the Blackfeet ceded their mountainous treaty lands to the federal government, which later became part of the park. On May 11, 1910, President Taft signed the bill establishing Glacier as the country's 10th national park. Influential leaders like George Bird Grinnell played a crucial role in advocating for its creation.
The park is home to 71 species of mammals, from the tiny pygmy shrew to majestic elk weighing over 500 pounds. Grizzly and black bears roam its forests. The park's waters host a mix of native and invasive fish species. Visit Wikipedia for more information on the park.
Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the park's signature scenic drives, but access depends on plowing, weather, construction, shuttle operations, parking, and any current entry requirements. The Glacier National Park Conservancy supports several webcam views and conservation projects in the park.
Going-to-the-Sun Road stretches about 50 miles between the West Entrance and St. Mary Entrance, and climbs to 6,466 ft (2,025 m) at Logan Pass. The road is known for its spectacular views, rich history, and large glaciers that are visibly fragile. The road was first conceived by superintendent George Goodwin in 1917, who became the chief engineer of the Park Service the following year. The road was one of the first National Park Service projects specifically intended to accommodate the automobile-borne tourist. There are numerous stopping points along the road, and visitors can take advantage of the many pullouts to take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The road is open seasonally, typically from late June to mid-October, depending on weather conditions. There is a free shuttle that transports visitors along the road. For more information the link is below.
2026 planning and vehicle access can vary by entrance, road corridor, date, time, construction, shuttle service, and park operations. Check Glacier's official 2026 planning, road status, shuttle, vehicle reservation, and current conditions pages before visiting.
For more information see the park's Wikipedia page.
Top Hikes
Glacier National Park is home to some of the most spectacular hiking trails in the United States. There are over 700 miles of trails. For a full list of hikes go to the NPS site.
The NPS has maps and hikes within the park, broken down by area. Click on the links to get more information. Lake McDonald, Many Glacier, North Fork and Goat Haunt, St Mary/Logan Pass and Two Medicine.
Below are several well-known Glacier hikes to compare with official NPS trail conditions before you go.
Highline Trail is 11.6 miles (18.7 km) point-to-point with about 800 feet (244 m) of ascent and about 3,000 feet (914 m) of descent. The difficulty level is moderate, and the length of time required is 6 to 8 hours. The trail starts at Logan Pass and follows the Garden Wall, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trail ends at The Loop, where you can take the free park shuttle back to your car at Logan Pass.
Avalanche Lake: This hike is 5.9 miles (9.5 km) out-and-back and has a total ascent of 500 feet (152 m). The difficulty level is easy to moderate, and the length of time required is 2 to 3 hours. The trail at Lake McDonald starts south of the Avalanche Gorge Footbridge on the Trail of the Cedars and winds its way through old-growth cedars and hemlock forest. The boardwalk meanders along the roaring stream to a beautiful glacial melt lake fed by waterfalls from the surrounding alpine bowl. The trail gradually climbs along Avalanche Creek, featuring spectacular scenery and glimpses of birds and wildlife that inhabit the area. Plant enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse species of flora.
Hidden Lake Overlook: This hike is 5.4 miles (8.7 km) out-and-back and has a total ascent of 1,325 feet (405 m). This hike takes about 3 hours. The trail starts behind the Logan Pass Visitor Center and winds through open meadows, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The trail then leads to the Hidden Lake Overlook, where you can enjoy a sweeping panorama of the glittering alpine lake 750 feet (228 m) below, with Bearhat Mountain looming at 2,300 feet (700 m) over it and Sperry Glacier and Gunsight Mountain to the south.
Glacier National Park Backpacking
Backpacking in Glacier requires careful planning because weather, snow, wildlife, food storage rules, permits, and campsite availability can change by route and season. Carry bear spray where recommended, make noise on trail, use required food storage, bring a water filter, and check official NPS backcountry and Recreation.gov permit information before planning any overnight trip.
Below are three notable backcountry routes or destinations to research with official NPS conditions before travel.
The Siyeh Pass Trail takes you through gorgeous alpine scenery, with stunning mountain vistas, wildflowers, and abundant wildlife. The trail reaches an impressive elevation of 8,000 feet and provides panoramic views of Mt. Siyeh, Going-to-the-Sun Mountain, Matahpi Peak, and St. Mary Lake. The trailhead is located 2.2 miles east of Logan Pass on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Roundtrip the trail is 9.4 miles (15.1 km), with an elevation gain of 2,135 feet (650 m). The highest point of the hike is at 8,000 feet (2,438 m).
Trails of the Cedars & Avalanche Lake is one of the most popular and easier backpacking trips in Glacier National Park due to the lake’s incredibly clear blue waters and the stunning views you will encounter throughout your trip. The Avalanche Lake Trailhead is not far from the West Entrance of the park, just past Lake McDonald. The roundtrip hike is 5.9 miles (9.5 km), with an elevation gain of 757 feet (231 m).
The Granite Park Chalet (Loop Trail) in Glacier National Park is a historic wilderness lodge nestled at an elevation of 6,693 feet above sea level. It offers unparalleled backcountry hospitality in one of the park's most panoramic and pristine wilderness environments. The hike to the Granite Park Chalet begins from The Loop, a sharp bend in the Going-to-the-Sun Road on the west side of the park, 13.1 miles east of the Lake McDonald Lodge, near the apex in the bend of the road. You will not need a backcountry permit with a reservation. The Loop trail is 8.4 miles (13.5 km) roundtrip, with an elevation gain of 2,450 feet (747 m). For more information on reservations and accommodations, visit the website.
Campgrounds
Glacier has multiple developed campgrounds, but opening dates, reservation systems, first-come availability, vehicle length limits, services, and road access change by campground and season. Use the official NPS camping pages and Recreation.gov gateway below for current details before planning an overnight stay.
Glacier National Park Lodging
Glacier lodging and dining are seasonal and operated by concessioners. Locations, opening dates, services, room types, and reservations can change, so use the official NPS lodging, restaurant, and services page plus the concessioner links below for current details.
Lake McDonald Lodge is a historic lodge located within Glacier National Park, Montana, United States. The lodge is situated on the eastern shore of beautiful Lake McDonald and was built in 1913 based on Kirtland Cutter's design. The lodge offers a variety of rooms, including standard rooms, suites, and cabins. The rooms are rustic, yet comfortable, and offer guests modest amenities and old-world style accommodations resulting in a one-of-a kind, National Park lodging experience. The lodge has a picturesque location on the northern shore of Lake McDonald with 82 guest rooms split between a main lodge and a row of duplex-style cabins. The lodge is open from the end of May through September.
Many Glacier Hotel is a historic hotel on Swiftcurrent Lake in the Many Glacier area. Check the concessioner and NPS pages for current operating dates, dining, tours, rooms, and access details.
Apgar Village Lodge is situated on the western shore of Lake McDonald and offers rustic lodging at one of the best locations in Glacier National Park. The lodge offers a variety of rooms, including standard rooms, suites, and cabins. The rooms are rustic, yet comfortable, and offer guests modest amenities and old-world style accommodations resulting in a one-of-a kind, National Park lodging experience.
Motel Lake McDonald is situated on the western shore of Lake McDonald and offers rustic lodging at one of the best locations in Glacier National Park. The motel offers a variety of rooms, including standard rooms, suites, and cabins.
Sperry Chalet is a historic backcountry chalet reached by trail. Reservations, access, meals, and operating dates are limited and should be confirmed with the official chalet and NPS information before travel.
Granite Park Chalet is a historic backcountry chalet reached by trail near the Highline and Loop routes. Check official chalet and NPS information for current reservations, services, access, and operating dates.
Restaurants
There are a number of restaurants in Glacier National Park.
Apgar Area
Eddie's Cafe is a family-owned and operated restaurant, gift shop, camp supply, and ice-cream shop located in Apgar Village in Glacier National Park. It has been open in the park for over 60 years and is a popular spot for visitors to the park. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is open daily. The menu includes American cuisine, vegetarian-friendly options, and ice cream.
Lake McDonald Lodge
Russell's Fireside Dining Room is a unique dining space that recalls the building’s hunting lodge origins. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is open daily. The menu focuses on local fare and includes a full breakfast buffet as well as a lighter, continental buffet option. The restaurant seats on a first-come, first-served basis.
Jammer Joe's Grill & Pizzeria is a family-friendly restaurant offers a variety of American cuisine, vegetarian-friendly options, and ice cream. The restaurant is open daily. The menu includes all-you-can-eat lunch buffet, create-your-own-pizza, and fresh soup, salads and sandwiches. Customers have praised the restaurant for its good pizza, friendly staff, and relaxed atmosphere.
Lucke's Lounge is a restaurant located in Apgar Village and offers a relaxed atmosphere with views of shimmering Lake McDonald. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is open daily. The menu includes American cuisine, vegetarian-friendly options, and crafted cocktails.
Many Glacier
Ptarmigan Dining Room offers a continental cuisine with a view of the lake and the surrounding peaks. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is open daily. The restaurant does not accept reservations and seats on a first-come, first-served basis.
Swiss Lounge offers a relaxed atmosphere with views of shimmering Lake McDonald. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is open daily. The menu includes American cuisine, vegetarian-friendly options, and crafted cocktails.
Nell's offers a variety of dining choices in a fast casual environment. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is open daily. The menu includes American cuisine, pizza, and vegetarian-friendly options. Customers have praised the restaurant for its good food, friendly staff, and relaxed atmosphere.
Heidi's Snack Shop & Espresso Stand is a restaurant located in the basement of the Many Glacier Hotel. It offers a variety of snacks, sandwiches, and drinks, including coffee and espresso-based beverages. The restaurant is open daily.
Stores
The stores below are located within Glacier National Park. The stores are listed by location. A link to the NPS site is below.
Apgar: Eddie's Mercantile is a family-owned and has been open in the park for over 60 years. It is a full park mercantile including wine and beer, and is proud to be the only grocery type store in the park. They also offer camping supplies, firewood, and ice.
Lake McDonald: The Lodge Campstore offers a variety of camping supplies, groceries, and souvenirs.
Many Glacier: The Swiftcurrent Campstore is located near Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and offers groceries, coffee, camping supplies, and souvenirs when operating.
Rising Sun: The Rising Sun Campstore offers a wide variety of grocery items, hot coffee, camping supplies, and souvenirs.