GLACIER
NATIONAL PARK

AREA - 1,013,125 ACRES

EST. 05 11 1910

MONTANA

Planning a Trip to
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a sprawling wilderness of over 1 million acres in the Rocky Mountains of Montana. It is home to more than 70 species of mammals, over 260 species of birds, and thousands of species of plants. Visitors can experience a variety of activities, including hiking, camping, biking, skiing, and more. The park also features a variety of natural wonders, such as towering peaks, deep valleys, pristine alpine lakes, and cascading waterfalls. Glacier National Park is a must-see destination for outdoor lovers, offering breathtaking views and a lifetime of memories.

"the grandest of all special temples of Nature" and "the only one of the world's great parks that could not be improved."
- John Muir

"In God's wildness lies the hope of the world - the great fresh unblighted, unredeemed wilderness. The galling harness of civilization drops off, and wounds heal ere we are aware.
-Theodore Roosevelt

BEST TIME TO GO

The best time to visit Glacier National Park depends on the activity you plan to do. For the most comfortable hiking experience, the summer months are the best time to go. During the summer, temperatures are milder and there is more daylight for longer hikes. For wildlife viewing, spring is the ideal time to visit as elk and bears begin to emerge from hibernation. To experience the park's snow-capped peaks, winter is the best time to go. During this season, the park is blanketed in snow and the landscape is transformed into a winter wonderland. For wildflower viewing, late spring is the best time to visit. The colorful wildflowers are in full bloom and the landscape is alive with vibrant colors. For a unique experience, the fall months are ideal. During this season, the trees are ablaze with fall colors and the wildlife is preparing for winter.

The best time to visit Glacier National Park is during the summer months, from June through August. During this period, the weather is typically warm and dry, making it an ideal time to explore the park's many trails and attractions. The park is most crowded during July and August, so visitors should plan accordingly to avoid the crowds.

During the fall, temperatures cool and snow begins to accumulate in the higher elevations, making it a great time for backcountry skiing and snowshoeing. This is also a great time to experience the changing colors of the landscape.

Winter is the least popular season to visit Glacier National Park due to the cold temperatures and the potential for heavy snowfall. However, the park remains open throughout the winter and offers visitors the chance to experience the majestic beauty of the park in a unique way.

Spring is another great time to visit Glacier National Park. Temperatures begin to rise and the snow melts, revealing green meadows and wildflowers. This is a great time for bird watching and wildlife viewing.

OVERVIEW

Glacier National Park is one of the most stunningly beautiful and wild places in the United States. With over 1 million acres of pristine wilderness, Glacier is a paradise for hikers, climbers, and wildlife watchers. The park is home to more than 700 miles of trails, hundreds of crystal-clear lakes, and dozens of glaciers that feed into the majestic mountains. The best things about Glacier National Park are the stunning views, diverse wildlife, and amazing hiking opportunities. The park is also home to a variety of unique plants and wildlife, including grizzly bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep. From the stunning views of Going-to-the-Sun Road to the challenging hikes of the Highline Trail, Glacier National Park has something for everyone.

WEATHER

Glacier National Park experiences all four seasons, each with its own unique weather pattern. In the summer, temperatures can reach 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and drop to 40 at night. The park receives an average of 15 inches of rain each year, with most of it falling in the spring and summer months. In the winter, temperatures drop to below 0 degrees Fahrenheit and the park can receive up to 90 inches of snow. Fall and spring are mild, with temperatures ranging from 40 to 60 degrees on average. No matter the season, the weather in Glacier National Park can quickly change, so it's important to be prepared with appropriate clothing.

Glacier National Park is situated in the Rocky Mountains of Montana and is home to a diverse array of ecological habitats, including high alpine meadows, subalpine forests, and glacial valleys. The park is known for its dramatic landscapes and diverse wildlife, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The weather at Glacier National Park varies greatly due to its extreme elevation, and can range from mild and sunny to frigid and snowy. Visitors should be prepared for any type of weather as conditions can change quickly throughout the year.

GEAR

Visiting Glacier National Park is an incredible experience, and backpacking through its stunning landscape is even better. To make sure you have the best trip possible, it’s important to have the right gear. Here are our top 10 pieces of gear specifically for backpacking in Glacier National Park: 1. A good backpack with plenty of space and pockets; 2. Waterproof hiking boots; 3. A tent; 4. A sleeping bag; 5. A first-aid kit; 6. Bear-proof food storage; 7. Clothing appropriate for the weather; 8. A map and compass; 9. A headlamp; 10. A stove and cookware. With these items, you’ll be prepared for anything the park throws at you.

Visiting Glacier National Park is an amazing experience, and in order to make it even more enjoyable, it is important to have the right gear. Here is a list of the top 10 gear for hiking in Glacier National Park:
1. Hiking boots or shoes with good traction
2. Waterproof jackets and pants
3. A high-quality daypack
4. Sunglasses and sunscreen
5. Maps and a compass
6. A headlamp or flashlight
7. A first-aid kit
8. Insect repellent
9. A multi-tool
10. An emergency shelter, such as a tent or sleeping bag

GEAR UP

HISTORY

Glacier National Park in Montana has a long and fascinating history. It was established in 1910 and is home to over 700 lakes, 130 named glaciers, and over 1,000 species of plants and animals. Before it became a National Park, the land was home to many different Native American tribes, including the Blackfeet, Salish, and Kootenai. In the late 1800s, the Great Northern Railway began bringing tourists to the area, sparking its development as a tourist destination. Today, Glacier National Park is a treasured destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world.

Glacier National Park is home to many legendary stories that have been passed down from generation to generation. One of the most popular is the story of the "Grizzly Bear Woman" who is said to have lived in the park for many years and befriended the wild animals. Another popular story is the legend of the "Two Medicine Monster", a giant creature that is said to lurk in the depths of the lake. Other legends include the "Singing Waterfalls" and the "Mystery of the Missing Peaks". These stories bring a unique sense of mystery to the park and provide visitors with a unique perspective on its natural beauty and fascinating history.

RECOMMENDED

1. Hike on one of the many trails in Glacier National Park. With over 700 miles of trails, there is something for everyone.
2. Take a ride on the historic Red Buses for a scenic tour through the park.
3. Visit the Going-to-the-Sun Road, the most famous and iconic road in the park.
4. Go fishing in one of the park’s many lakes and rivers.
5. Explore historic lodges and chalets.
6. Spot wildlife such as grizzly bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep.
7. Attend an interpretive program in the park for a chance to learn more about the area’s history and natural wonders.
8. Take a boat tour on one of the park’s many lakes.
9. Take a scenic drive on the Chief Mountain International Highway.
10. Experience the park’s night sky, some of the darkest in the country.

Backpacking in Glacier National Park is an unforgettable experience. With its towering peaks, lush valleys, and abundant wildlife, it is one of the most breathtaking places in the world. Here are some of the top things to do for backpacking in Glacier National Park:

1. Trek through the alpine meadows and explore the vast wilderness.
2. Climb up to the summit of one of the park’s many mountains, such as Mt. Siyeh or Mt. Morgan.
3. Take a dip in one of the many lakes or streams that make up the park’s aquatic ecosystem.
4. Spot grizzly bears, bighorn sheep, and other wildlife as you explore.
5. Enjoy a night of stargazing away from the light of civilization.
6. Camp under the stars and listen to the sound of the park’s many waterfalls.

GET HERE

PLAN YOUR VISIT

1. Hike one of the park’s 700 miles of trails. With hundreds of trails to choose from, there is something for everyone.
2. Go camping and enjoy the natural beauty of the park.
3. Take a scenic drive along Going-to-the-Sun Road.
4. Go fishing in one of the park’s many lakes or streams.
5. Look for wildlife and enjoy the park’s abundance of birds, mammals, and amphibians.
6. Visit one of the park’s historic lodges.
7. Attend a ranger-led program to learn more about the park.
8. Take a boat tour and explore the park from the water.
9. Capture the stunning views of the park with your camera.
10. Relax and take in the beauty of the park.

Glacier National Park is home to some of the most stunning campsites in the world. Here is a list of the top 10 campsites to visit in Glacier National Park:

1. Apgar Campground,

2. St. Mary Campground,

3. Two Medicine Campground,

4. Many Glacier Campground,

5. Fish Creek Campground,

6. Sprague Creek Campground,

7. Kintla Lake Campground,

8. Bowman Lake Campground,

9. Quartz Creek Campground,

10. Cut Bank Campground.

Each of these campsites offer stunning views and unique opportunities to explore the beauty of Glacier National Park.

FIND A CAMPSITE

# OF VISITORS/MONTH

Glacier National Park is an immensely popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Each year, millions of visitors flock to the park to experience its stunning scenery and amazing wildlife. According to park statistics, the number of visitors to Glacier National Park has been steadily increasing each year, with the highest number of visitors recorded in 2019, when over 3.3 million people visited the park. On average, approximately 300,000 visitors travel to Glacier National Park each month, and the park is busiest during the summer months of June, July and August. Glacier National Park provides a unique opportunity for visitors to get an up-close look at some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.