About Glacier
A showcase of melting glaciers, alpine meadows, carved valleys, and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a paradise for adventurous visitors seeking a landscape steeped in human culture. Relive the days of old through historic chalets, lodges, and the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Things to do: Arts and Culture · Cultural Demonstrations · Live Music · Auto and ATV · Scenic Driving · Astronomy · Biking · Road Biking · Boating · Motorized Boating · Boat Tour · Camping · Backcountry Camping · Canoe or Kayak Camping
Popular trails
Curated routes with approximate round-trip distance. In the app, tap one to log it.
- Grinnell Glacier Trail10.6 mi
- Highline Trail12.0 mi
- Avalanche Lake Trail4.0 mi
- Hidden Lake Trail3.0 mi
- Iceberg Lake Trail9.7 mi
- Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail8.8 mi
- Running Eagle Falls Trail0.6 mi
Camping
Approximately 1000 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reservations are strongly recommended in peak season (July – September).
Best time to visit
Peak season: July – September. The park is open year-round, though some roads and facilities close or run reduced hours in winter.
Glacier's weather is highly variable and can be extreme. Expect warm, sunny summer days but be ready for any type of conditions. In the winter, temperatures can fall well below freezing and typically the park receives considerable amounts of snow. Glacier's geography, straddling the Continental Divide, sets the stage for clashes of two very different climates.
Warm, wet Pacific air moves in from the west, and cold, dry Arctic air flows from the northeast. They meet at the Divide.
Entrance fees
- Entrance - Private Vehicle — (Winter Rate - $25.00, November 1 to April 30) This is an entrance fee for all persons traveling in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle (car/truck/van). The pass is good for seven days and is non-transferable. Visitors can enter the park at any time, if the entrance station is not staffed, a self-registration area is available for purchasing a 7-day park pass.$35
- Entrance - Per Person — (Winter Rate - $15.00, November 1 to April 30) This is a per person entrance fee for a visitor traveling on foot, bicycle, or for individuals traveling together in a vehicle as a non-commercial, organized group. The pass is good for seven days and is non-transferable.$20
- Entrance - Motorcycle — (Winter Rate - $20.00, November 1 to April 30) Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.$30
- Commercial Entrance - Sedan — Entrance fees are based on the seating capacity of the vehicle (driver not included). Commercial Sedan entrance fee is $25, plus $20 per person, 16 years of age or older. The pass is good for seven days and is non-transferable.$25
- Commercial Entrance - Van — Entrance fees are based on the seating capacity of the vehicle (driver not included). Commercial Van entrance fee is $75 regardless of occupancy. The pass is good for seven days and is non-transferable.$75
Annual Entrance - Park: $70. An America the Beautiful pass ($80/yr) covers every national park.
Getting there
Nearest city: Kalispell, MT. Park center: 48.600°, -113.800°.
Glacier National Park is located in the northwest corner of Montana along the spine of the Rocky Mountains. By car you can access Glacier via Highway 2, which runs along the southern boundary of the park. You can reach the east side of the park via Highway 89. The nearest airports are in Kalispell and Great Falls, Montana.
Common questions
How much does it cost to visit Glacier National Park?
Entrance - Private Vehicle: $35. Entrance - Per Person: $20. Entrance - Motorcycle: $30.
When is the best time to visit Glacier?
Peak season is July – September. The park is open year-round, with some roads and facilities on reduced winter schedules. Glacier's weather is highly variable and can be extreme. Expect warm, sunny summer days but be ready for any type of conditions. In the winter, temperatures can fall well below freezing and typically the park receives considerable amounts of snow. Glacier's geography, straddling the Continental Divide, sets the stage for clashes of two very different climates.
Can you camp in Glacier National Park?
Yes — about 1000 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reserve ahead in peak season.
What is the closest city to Glacier National Park?
Kalispell, MT is the nearest major city. Glacier National Park is located in the northwest corner of Montana along the spine of the Rocky Mountains. By car you can access Glacier via Highway 2, which runs along the southern boundary of the park. You can reach the east side of the park via Highway 89. The nearest airports are in Kalispell and Great Falls, Montana.
What are the best hikes in Glacier?
Popular trails include Grinnell Glacier Trail (10.6 mi), Highline Trail (12.0 mi), Avalanche Lake Trail (4.0 mi), Hidden Lake Trail (3.0 mi). The park has roughly 175 named trails.
Plan your trip
The practical bits, so more of the weekend goes to the trail.