by Dil Harré
posted on April 4, 2026
Few places in North America rival the raw beauty of Glacier National Park — a vast wilderness of carved peaks, turquoise lakes, ancient forests, and abundant wildlife, all connected by a remarkable road widely considered an engineering masterpiece. When it comes to the best things to see in Glacier National Park, the variety of landscapes packed into one park makes it easy to tick off several highlights.
Glacier consistently ranks among America’s most beloved national parks for good reason. From iconic scenic drives to world-class hikes and wildlife encounters, this guide covers the top things to see in Glacier National Park, organized by region so you can make the most of your visit.
What you need to know about visiting Glacier National Park
Planning a visit to Glacier National Park requires a bit of planning, but the payoff is extraordinary.
- Entry fee: Confirm the latest pricing on their website. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass is also accepted
- Vehicle reservations: Requirements change year to year. In 2026, vehicle reservations are not required, but Logan Pass parking is limited to 3 hours
- Best time to visit: Late June through mid-September when Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open. August is the peak season as most trails and roads are accessible, and it’s the best weather. Late June/early July means wildflowers and fewer crowds
- Getting there: West Glacier is a main entry point, served by Amtrak’s Empire Builder, and about a 30–45 minute drive from Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell or roughly 3 hours from Missoula, Montana. A car is essential for exploring the park, so be sure to browse for nearby rental options
- Bear safety: Glacier is grizzly country — carry bear spray at all times and know how to use it. Purchase before arriving, but note that it cannot be carried on aircraft
- Park size: Over 700 miles of trails across approximately 1 million acres — plan ahead and prioritize
- Accommodation: Book lodges, campgrounds, and rental cars 6–12 months in advance as they sell out extremely fast
The top things to see in Glacier National Park
Glacier is best explored by region — the west side (Lake McDonald and Going-to-the-Sun Road), the high alpine terrain around Logan Pass, and the dramatic east side (Many Glacier) each offer a completely different experience.
1. Going-to-the-Sun Road
Going-to-the-Sun Road is the defining experience in Glacier National Park — a 50-mile engineering marvel that crosses the Continental Divide through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country.
Allow at least 4–6 hours with stops, though a full day is ideal to truly enjoy it. Key viewpoints include The Loop, Oberlin Bend, and Jackson Glacier Overlook, where you can see one of the park’s remaining glaciers.
The road typically opens in late June or early July and closes by mid-October. Always check conditions in advance. Vehicle size restrictions apply (no vehicles over 21 feet long or 10 feet tall), and Logan Pass parking fills quickly. Red Bus Tours are a great alternative if you prefer not to drive.
- Allow: At least 4–6 hours with stops; a full day to do it properly
- Vehicle note: No vehicles over 21 feet or 10 feet tall — RV travelers must use the park shuttle or Red Bus Tours
2. Logan Pass
At 6,646 feet, Logan Pass is the highest point reachable by car in Glacier National Park and one of its most popular stops. Perched along the Continental Divide, it’s known for sweeping alpine meadows filled with wildflowers in summer.
Wildlife sightings are also common here! Mountain goats and bighorn sheep are often seen right near the parking lot. Two of the park’s most popular trails begin at Logan Pass: the Hidden Lake Overlook and the Highline Trail. In 2026, parking is limited to 3 hours, so arrive early or use the shuttle.
- Arrive: Before 8 am for parking — the lot fills by mid-morning in peak season
3. Many Glacier
Many Glacier is often considered the most spectacular area of Glacier National Park — a dramatic valley of jagged surrounding mountains, glaciers, lakes, and waterfalls. Sometimes called the “Switzerland of America,” it offers sweeping scenery you won’t want to miss.
The historic Many Glacier Hotel sits on Swiftcurrent Lake, with boat tours available across Swiftcurrent and Lake Josephine via the Glacier Park Boat Company. This area is also the starting point for legendary hikes like Grinnell Glacier and Iceberg Lake. Note that Many Glacier is accessed via its own entrance on the east side, separate from Going-to-the-Sun Road.
- Arrive: By 8 am — parking fills fast, and the Many Glacier entrance is sometimes closed to additional vehicles later in the day
4. Lake McDonald
Lake McDonald is the largest lake in Glacier National Park, known for its crystal-clear water and colorful pebbled shoreline. Surrounded by forest and mountains, it’s one of the park’s most peaceful and photogenic areas.
The historic Lake McDonald Lodge (built in 1913) is worth visiting for its rustic charm, even if you’re not staying overnight. You can also take a boat tour or rent a kayak to explore the lake. It’s the first major stop from the West Glacier entrance and a perfect introduction to the park.
5. Saint Mary Lake and Wild Goose Island
Saint Mary Lake, on the east side of Glacier National Park, is the park’s second-largest lake and a stunning entry point via the Saint Mary entrance. Wild Goose Island, a tiny tree-covered island rising from vivid blue water, is one of Glacier’s most photographed scenes.
This area also marks the eastern start of Going-to-the-Sun Road and offers access to several shorter hikes.
Best hikes in Glacier National Park
With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier National Park offers some of the best hiking in North America. These are the standout routes — always carry bear spray and check conditions before setting out.
- Avalanche Lake Trail (easy–moderate, 4.5 miles round trip): One of the most accessible and beautiful lake hikes in the park — old-growth cedar forest leads to a turquoise alpine lake ringed by waterfalls. Starts at the Trail of the Cedars boardwalk near Avalanche Creek.
- Hidden Lake Overlook (moderate, 2.7 miles round trip): Starting at Logan Pass, this hike crosses wildflower meadows with near-certain wildlife encounters (mountain goats and bighorn sheep) before reaching a sweeping overlook above Hidden Lake.
- Highline Trail (strenuous, up to 11.6 miles one way): An epic day hike that runs along a narrow ledge high above Going-to-the-Sun Road with extraordinary mountain views. Starts at Logan Pass and ends at the Granite Park Chalet. Can be hiked one way using the park shuttle.
- Grinnell Glacier Trail (strenuous, 10.6 miles round trip): The park’s signature Grinnell Glacier hike is a long but magnificent route to one of the park’s remaining named glaciers. Cut the distance significantly by taking the Glacier Park Boat Company ferry across Swiftcurrent and Josephine Lakes.
- Iceberg Lake Trail (moderate–strenuous, 9.7 miles round trip): Leads to an otherworldly alpine lake that holds floating icebergs well into summer — one of the park’s most incredible hikes. Starts from the Many Glacier area.
Things to do in Glacier for families
Glacier National Park offers plenty of family-friendly experiences beyond long hikes
- Trail of the Cedars: A flat, paved boardwalk through old-growth cedar and hemlock forest near Avalanche Creek — accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, and genuinely magical
- Glacier Park Boat Company tours: Narrated boat tours on Lake McDonald, Saint Mary Lake, Swiftcurrent Lake, Two Medicine Lake, and Lake Josephine — all excellent for families and non-hikers who want to experience the park’s lakes without strenuous effort
- Fishercap Lake short walk: 1-mile round trip walk from the Many Glacier area to a lake where moose are frequently spotted — known for its reliable wildlife encounters
- Wildlife watching from the car: Mountain goats, bighorn sheep, bears, and moose are regularly spotted from the road in both the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor and the Many Glacier valley
- Red Bus Tours: Narrated tours in vintage 1930s open-top buses through the park — a relaxed and historically rich way to experience Going-to-the-Sun Road without driving it yourself
Things to do in Glacier for non-hikers
Glacier is often presented as purely a hiker’s park, but many of its most spectacular experiences require little to no walking.
- Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road: Even from the car, the scenery is extraordinary. Pull over at the marked viewpoints and let the mountains do the work
- Boat tours on the park’s lakes: Glacier Park Boat Company operates tours on five different lakes — the Many Glacier boat tour, which includes an optional guided hike to Grinnell Lake, is the most celebrated
- Historic lodges: Lake McDonald Lodge and Many Glacier Hotel are both beautiful historic buildings worth visiting for lunch, dinner, or a drink, even if you’re not staying the night
- Jackson Glacier Overlook: This roadside pullover on Going-to-the-Sun Road has direct views of Jackson Glacier visible from the road, with no hiking required
Tips for visiting Glacier National Park
Visiting Glacier National Park is unforgettable, and a few smart strategies with up-to-date information make it even better.
- Book everything early: Lodges, campgrounds, and rental cars fill up 6–12 months in advance — treat Glacier like a hard reservation trip, not a spontaneous one
- Carry bear spray — and research how to use it: Glacier has one of the highest densities of grizzly bears in the lower 48 — bear spray is non-negotiable on any trail and must be accessible, not buried in a pack
- Arrive early: Logan Pass, Many Glacier, and popular trailhead parking lots fill by 8–9 am in peak season — arriving before 7 am is not an exaggeration
- Check current conditions: Trail closures due to bear activity, snow, and washouts are common — check nps.gov/glac and the park’s visitor centers for up-to-date information before heading out
- Trekking poles are helpful: Many trails have significant elevation gain on rocky terrain, and poles make a real difference on longer hikes
- The park shuttle is underrated: The free shuttle along Going-to-the-Sun Road eliminates parking stress and allows you to do one-way hikes
Tip from the author: If you can only choose one area of the park beyond Going-to-the-Sun Road, make it Many Glacier. The scenery rivals anything in the lower 48 — and it’s the part of the park that keeps people coming back.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Glacier National Park
How many days do you need in Glacier National Park?
Ideally, 3–5 days to explore multiple regions, though a well-planned 1–2 days can still cover the highlights.
What is the best time to visit Glacier National Park?
Late June through mid-September, when roads and trails are fully open, is the ideal window. This is when the park is most accessible, including the full length of its iconic scenic drives, and when high mountain passes, alpine hikes, and glacial viewpoints can be experienced without seasonal closures limiting where you can go.
Do you need a reservation to visit Glacier National Park?
Vehicle reservations are not required, but parking restrictions apply in busy areas like Logan Pass.
Is Glacier National Park worth visiting?
Absolutely, it’s one of the most spectacular national parks in the United States, with a breathtaking network of scenic drives that let you experience its glacial valleys, alpine lakes, and towering peaks. It’s not one to be missed!
What should I not miss in Glacier National Park?
Your Glacier itinerary should include Going-to-the-Sun Road, Logan Pass, Many Glacier, and at least one classic hike like Avalanche Lake or Hidden Lake.
Do I need a car to visit Glacier National Park?
Yes — the park is vast, and distances between key sights are significant. While a shuttle does exist, it runs on limited routes and schedules, especially outside peak season. A car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, reach trailheads early before crowds build, stay for sunset, and access quieter, less-visited areas of the park that the shuttle simply doesn’t cover.
Explore Glacier National Park with Turo
A car is essential for exploring Glacier National Park, with regions spread across a vast landscape, and many of the best viewpoints are only accessible by road. Pick up a rental in Kalispell, Missoula, or near Glacier Park International Airport and explore at your own pace. Browse vehicles on Turo and start your adventure on your own terms.
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Dil Harré
Dil is a Sydney-based writer from Aotearoa, New Zealand. Enamoured by the stories of strangers, he travels with the whim of someone who is uncovering a mystery. His favourite travel moments include being guided to Maccu Pichu by a guy who called himself Johnny Cash, and being denied entry from Vietnam on his birthday, only to be given more time to fall in love with the street food and spirituality of Malaysia. As a travel partner, Dil likes to bring a combination of ‘do it for the plot’ and ‘remember to stop and smell the roses’.
