National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS Photo
Glacier National Park
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.
Entrance Fees
Activities
Top Hikes
15.2 mi · 800 ft gain · out & back
One of the most iconic hikes in Glacier, traversing the Continental Divide with stunning alpine meadows, wildflowers, and mountain goat sightings. The trail hugs the Garden Wall with dramatic exposure and panoramic views.
Starts at: Logan Pass Visitor Center
2.8 mi · 460 ft gain · out & back
One of the park's most popular trails from Logan Pass, ascending through alpine meadows with mountain goats and wildflowers to a spectacular overlook of Hidden Lake and Bearhat Mountain.
Starts at: Logan Pass Visitor Center
10.6 mi · 1,600 ft gain · out & back
A premier hike to one of the park's most accessible glaciers, passing turquoise Grinnell Lake with views of towering peaks and waterfalls. A boat shuttle across Swiftcurrent and Josephine Lakes can shorten the hike to 7.2 miles round trip.
Starts at: Grinnell Trailhead, Many Glacier
9.6 mi · 1,200 ft gain · out & back
Hike through wildflower meadows to a stunning alpine cirque lake where icebergs float well into summer. The sheer 3,000-foot walls surrounding the lake create a dramatic amphitheater setting.
Starts at: Iceberg Ptarmigan Trailhead, Many Glacier
Upcoming Events
No upcoming events scheduled for Glacier National Park. Events are updated daily — check back soon or visit nps.gov for the latest.
Best Time to Visit
Best time to visit: May
Pleasant weather with fewer crowds
Weather & Climate
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.