Key Takeaways:
- When To Go: Each Glacier National Park season offers breathtaking magic and unforgettable views.
- East vs. West: Follow east and west side itineraries packed with can’t-miss trails, sweeping vistas, and family-friendly stops.
- Leave Only Footprints: Move mindfully through grizzly country and tread lightly to help keep Glacier beautiful for the next adventurer.
When you arrive at Glacier National Park, the air feels crisper, like stepping into a pine forest after rain. Standing against ancient mountains, it’s easy to feel both impossibly small and infinitely alive. And with so many things to do in Glacier National Park, it can seem like there’s never enough time to do it all.
At The Wander Club, travel is about making the most of every moment you have.
In this article, we’ll examine the best things to do in Glacier Park and how to make every hour count while preserving your spirit of wonder and the world itself.
Best Time To Visit Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park has wildflower meadows, rugged peaks, and glassy lakes. The best time to visit is typically from mid-June to mid-September when the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road fully opens and alpine trails shed their snowpack. Long days and mild temperatures (usually in the high 60s to low 80s) make it perfect for iconic hikes to Grinnell Glacier or calm moments along Lake McDonald.
If you want to avoid crowds and see a wilder side of Glacier, late spring (May to early June) is a hidden gem. You can bike the Going-to-the-Sun Road before it’s open to cars during this time. Alternatively, you can feel the adrenaline rush of whitewater rafting on the Middle Fork Flathead River, powered by spring runoff. Just check which trails and roads remain snow-covered and pack warm layers.
Fall And Winter Magic
Plan a trip in the fall (mid-September to October) for a quiet, golden escape. The trails become hushed, the larch trees glow in fiery gold, and you’ll feel like you have the park to yourself. Fishing and hiking take on a peaceful charm with crisp air and wide-open views.
Winter brings its own charm. While many roads close, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing reveal a serene Glacier draped in snow. Standing along Lake McDonald’s icy shores feels like stepping into a snow globe.
Once-In-A-Lifetime Night Skies
No matter when you visit, Glacier rewards those who linger after dark. If you’re lucky, you might even catch the Northern Lights dancing across the sky – one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have in North America. Curious about other places to spot the aurora? Check out where to see the Northern Lights in North America.
Carry Your Glacier Memories With You
Every visit to Glacier feels like a personal story worth telling. We believe in honoring each adventure with a handcrafted travel token from The Wander Club. Whether ticking off your bucket list hikes or watching the aurora shimmer above hidden valleys, your Glacier token is a timeless way to keep those wild, joyful memories close.
Want more park inspiration? Don’t miss our guides on things to do in Acadia National Park and things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Your next adventure might be closer than you think!
Day 1 Itinerary: East Side Highlights
Kick off your Glacier journey on the park’s breathtaking east side, where glacier-fed lakes reflect the Montana sky. This area is often called the “Switzerland of North America,” and it’s easy to see why. Begin at Many Glacier, a hub for top things to do in Glacier National Park. Hike the legendary Grinnell Glacier Trail, a path lined with wildflowers, crystal-clear lakes, and mountain views that stay etched in your mind long after you’ve returned home. Watch for moose resting in the wetlands and mountain goats perched on rocky ledges. Every turn offers a new story to collect.
Iconic Stops Along Going-To-The-Sun Road
Next, head south on the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road. Pause at Wild Goose Island Overlook for one of Glacier’s most photographed vistas. Here, St. Mary Lake glimmers around a tiny forested island, creating a moment that feels private and almost mythical. Whether you snap a photo or just stand in awe, it’s a classic reminder of why we wander in the first place.
Sun Point And Baring Falls
Continue to Sun Point for a leisurely walk along the lakeshore among towering evergreens and quiet coves. A quick detour to Baring Falls rewards you with a lively cascade framed by mossy rock and spring blooms. It’s a peaceful contrast to the grand alpine vistas earlier in the day.
Wind Down At Rising Sun
Wrap up your day at Rising Sun, a cozy roadside stop perfect for grabbing hearty comfort food and trading trail tales with other adventurers. As twilight washes over the mountains, find a spot by the lakeshore to watch the sky shift from blue to blush.
No matter how you spend your time at Glacier, it’s bound to be a day you’ll never forget. Whether you have an action-packed trip where you conquer every peak or spend all day relaxing at Sun Point with a book, you might want to mark the memory with an engraved Glacier National Park token. Our easy-to-use online personalization tool lets you add up to 30 characters on the back to add a heartfelt message, an important date, or your favorite restaurant. Carry that moment with you, and let it inspire stories for years.
Day 2 Itinerary: West Side Wonders
Begin your second day on Glacier’s west side, a wooded area that feels like stepping into an old storybook. Start early at Lake McDonald, and rent a kayak or canoe for a sunrise paddle if you’re feeling adventurous. For those who go on vacation to wind down, one of the top things to do in Glacier National Park is to take a lakeshore stroll. It’s perfect for the whole family; little ones love skipping stones and watching for loons.
Late Morning Forest Walks
Next, follow the Going-to-the-Sun Road north at an easy pace. This stretch is rich with towering cedars, mossy undergrowth, and the occasional surprise wildlife encounter. Stop at the Trail of the Cedars – a flat, family-friendly boardwalk loop that winds through a lush, fairy-tale forest. For those ready to venture further, branch off onto the Avalanche Lake Trail (a 4.6-mile round-trip). This moderate hike rewards you with a stunning alpine lake framed by towering cliffs and waterfalls, which is ideal for families with older kids or energetic explorers.
Afternoon By The Water
Break for lunch at Apgar Village. Pack a picnic or sample local bites, but don’t miss out on a scoop of huckleberry ice cream. It’s a sweet and tart local classic. After lunch, head to Apgar Beach or Fish Creek for a fun lakeside afternoon. Kids can splash along the shore, build driftwood forts, or watch osprey hunting overhead. Rent bikes and cruise the paths winding through the trees for more low-key exploration. Curious minds can also stop into the Apgar Visitor Center to learn about Glacier’s rich natural and cultural history, including insights into the Blackfeet Nation.
Evening At Lake McDonald Lodge
Wind down at Lake McDonald Lodge, where you can snag an Adirondack chair on the lawn or cozy up on the back porch. Watch the sky fill with stars as the sun dips below the peaks. The setting is serene and welcoming. It’s a perfect moment to share stories about the day with your loved ones and dream about tomorrow’s adventures.
These family-friendly west side activities highlight how many gems are waiting to be discovered in Glacier National Park. It’s a day designed to bring everyone closer to each other and the spirit of the park.
Safety Tips And Park Regulations
Glacier National Park is as breathtaking as it is wild, so adventurers of every stripe should treat its wonders with care, whether they’re seasoned hikers or first-time visitors. Before you sling on that camping backpack, keep these safety tips and park rules in mind:
- Stay Bear Aware: Glacier is grizzly and black bear country. Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and keep it within reach. Additionally, hike in groups when possible and make plenty of noise with your footsteps to alert wildlife of your presence.
- Stick To The Trails: We know how tempting it is to wander off the beaten path. But forging your own way damages fragile ecosystems, and it’s easy to lose your way in a landscape this big. Stay on marked trails and respect area closures to keep both you and Glacier’s delicate ecosystem safe.
- Water Runs Deep And Fast: The park’s rivers and lakes look dreamy, but the water can be icy cold and fast-moving, even in summer. Swim only in designated places, keep kids close, and use sturdy bridges – your best photos shouldn’t end with soggy sneakers.
- Be Weather-Ready: The weather here loves surprises – sunny mornings can shift to sleet or sudden thunder in a blink. Dress in layers, pack rain gear and carry extra snacks and water. When in doubt, turn back early to adventure another day.
- Leave No Trace: Glacier’s majesty asks only one thing from those who visit – leave it as you found it. Carry out all trash (even that stray granola wrapper), avoid picking wildflowers, and leave souvenir rocks where they belong. Let future wanderers enjoy the same unspoiled magic.
- Respect Local Wildlife: Keep a respectful distance – at least 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from all other wildlife. Never feed animals, and secure food and scented items properly at all times.
- Campfire Wisdom: Fires are only permitted in designated fire rings. Check the latest fire restrictions before striking a match, and make sure to always keep flames small and attended. Before leaving your campsite, fully extinguish your campfire before moving on.
Treating Glacier with care is the best way to preserve its natural beauty. Every thoughtful choice and packed-out crumb helps protect the park, so you, your loved ones, and future wanderers can enjoy its magic for years to come.
Final Thoughts
As your days wind down in Glacier National Park, remember this: adventures are fleeting, but the stories you gather are yours to keep forever. Every trail you hiked and every sunrise you watched will be etched in your memories for years.
At The Wander Club, we believe every journey deserves to be honored. Whether you followed the curves of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, marveled at the Northern Lights, or paused to watch a loon slip across Lake McDonald, these are the moments that shape you. Commemorate them with a handcrafted Glacier National Park token from The Wander Club, which is made to travel wherever life takes you.
Turn each Glacier adventure into a keepsake that sparks stories and daydreams long after you’ve returned home. As you collect your travels, know that the spirit of Glacier will always be close at hand. Here’s to exploring further, savoring each moment, and keeping your memories alive.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Glacier National Park
Can I drive through Glacier National Park?
Absolutely! The iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road offers a winding, wonder-filled drive through the heart of Glacier National Park. This unforgettable stretch connects the park’s east and west sides, offering views of towering peaks, glacier-carved valleys, and cascading waterfalls – all from your car window. Just note that this road is typically only open from late June to mid-September, depending on weather conditions.
How many days do I need for a Glacier National Park trip?
To really savor Glacier’s timeless charm, plan on at least three days. This gives you space to take in scenic drives, shimmering lakes, and a mix of short and longer hikes – maybe even a horseback ride. If you’re someone who loves to slow down and wander without a strict itinerary, four to five days will let you soak in every sunrise and hidden corner. Each morning here feels like an invitation to explore at your own pace and collect new stories.
Do I need a vehicle pass or reservation to enter the park?
Yes, you’ll need a park entrance pass and a vehicle reservation to access the park during peak times. However, you can enter the park for free on holidays like Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Veterans Day. Details and availability can be found on the National Park Service website, so be sure to plan ahead.
What are the park’s entrance fees?
A private vehicle pass costs $35 and is valid for seven days. If you’re arriving on foot or by bicycle, it’s $20 for the week. For frequent adventurers, the annual Glacier Park Pass is $70. These fees support the protection and preservation of this extraordinary landscape.
Can I camp inside Glacier National Park?
You can! Glacier offers classic campgrounds tucked near lakes, rivers, and forest clearings. Many sites are first-come, first-served, but some can be reserved in advance, especially during the busy summer season.
What should I pack for a day hike in Glacier National Park?
Prepare for unpredictable weather. Bring sturdy hiking boots, moisture-wicking layers, and a rain jacket for sudden mountain showers. Toss in a reusable water bottle, plenty of snacks, sunscreen, a hat, a map, and bear spray. And of course, hang a Wanderchain with your favorite travel tokens on your pack as a simple, meaningful reminder of your journeys.