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Welcome to this article about 22 things to do and see in Glacier National Park in Montana, USA.

Based on our own 21-day trip through the Canadian and American Rockies , we'll tell you what you can do and see in Glacier National Park in the USA. This is the seventh national park on our Rocky Mountain road trip, visited after Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada , just 30 minutes from Glacier National Park in Montana, and after passing through the Canadian national parks of Banff National Park , Yoho National Park , Glacier National Park , Mount Revelstoke National Park , and Kootenay National Park.

It's one of the National Parks we missed on our previous road trip along the West Coast of the United States, where we only made it to Yellowston National Park. We were really looking forward to it, and the day finally arrived to visit it on this year's trip!

AN IMPORTANT TIP: Don't travel to the United States without a good travel insurance, avoid major problems. It is one of the first essential requirements for traveling to the USA.
We recommend you the Iati Star We hired this insurance after a good comparison and study between the different ones on the market. It is the only one that exceeds one million euros of coverage. Without a doubt, it is the best for travelling to all of North America, where breaking a leg will cost you €150.000, as happened to a friend of ours in the USA. Another positive thing is that Iati has an app for virtual visits.
I leave you here a link where you have a 5% off for any Iati travel insurance.

Why visit Glacier National Park Montana

Located in the U.S. state of Montana, Glacier National Park is also one of the most visited national parks in the Rocky Mountains , with over 3 million visitors a year.

It is the northernmost National Park in the USA, bordering the province of Alberta in Canada, and one of the most spectacular for its alpine landscape in the American Rockies.

Its main attractions are the lakes, wildlife, alpine mountain peaks, and glaciers , as its name suggests.

Retreating glaciers, since of the 150 glaciers that existed in the 19th century in this National Park, only 25 still exist today.

Sadly, it's estimated that these will disappear by 2030 due to climate change. If anyone still denies climate change today, I don't know how it's possible. They certainly haven't traveled much.

About us

History of Glacier National Park and origin of the name of Glacier National Park in Montana

A park that has had different names over the years. The Blackfeet tribe, the Blackfeet Indians , lived here, and they knew this park as "the backbone of the world."

When George Bird Grinnell , explorer and naturalist, bought these lands from the Blackfeet and had Congress establish the national park in 1910 , he called these mountains "the Crown of the Continent," a nickname still used today. Many also call it the " Switzerland of the USA."

Together with Canada's Waterton Lakes National Park, it now forms part of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park , a World Heritage Site since 1995 and a symbolic place of peace and unity between Canada and the United States. This is one of the interesting facts about Glacier National Park that you shouldn't forget.

Where is Glacier National Park and how to get to Glacier National Park USA?

Glacier National Park in the United States should not be confused with Glacier National Park in Canada , which is about 4 hours away from each other.

Glacier National Park in the United States is located in the state of Montana, in the northern United States and bordering Canada , in its province of Alberta.

On our trip, we arrived in Glacier National Park in Montana from Canada, crossing the border 30 minutes from Glacier. We landed at Calgary Airport , which is the closest airport to the Canadian Rockies, where our trip would begin.

Just 3,5 hours from Calgary you'll find the United States' Glacier National Park.

The best way to get there is with a rental car ; there are very few public transport options, if any, that are direct and easy.

Another major airport nearby and within the United States is Washington, D.C., about 4,5 hours away and a few kilometers further than Calgary. You'll also need to rent a car to get around from Washington, D.C.

My recommendation is to enter through Calgary, which has more flights from Spain and is a little cheaper. 

When to go to Glacier National Park? Best time to visit Glacier National Park

The climate in Glacier National Park in Montana is like that of most destinations in the Rocky Mountains. The climate is generally cold and in summer it is temperate, with even hot days for swimming in the lakes. 

If you're looking to swim in the lakes and do water activities , the ideal time to visit Glacier National Park is in the summer during July and August, which are the hottest months with the best weather.

In spring and autumn you can still enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, and water sports, but with the added challenge of colder weather and the possibility of rain with strong gusts of wind and even snow in this area. We went in early September and, aside from rain and wind, it even snowed on the mountain peaks, and we could even touch snow at Logan Pass!

During winter , snowy landscapes and skiing are the main attractions in Canada's Glacier National Park. The big problem is that many roads and access routes are closed to vehicular traffic.

It depends on your tastes and preferences for activities, you may prefer one time of year or another. Your budget can also affect your preferences. July and August are high season and everything is more expensive and difficult to book, but if you travel in spring or autumn you can find better prices and fewer people.

Where to stay in Glacier National Park, USA

Surely the best way to visit this great national park is to sleep inside the National Park itself or in one of its main entrance towns. 

So we recommend staying in one of these 55 accommodations located inside Glacier National Park, or at most near its main entrances . Any accommodation within Glacier National Park will be good and ideal.

However, if you arrive late and everything is already booked, or what's left is extremely expensive, I recommend looking outside the Park in the largest town on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation : Browning.

Here, there are a couple of very reasonably priced motels , and it's convenient to stay near the park's three main entrances to the east, which are the least crowded and do not require two of the three QR code reservations for car access.

Many Glacier Hotel, Lake McDonald Lodge or Swiftcurrent Motor Inn are among the best hotels in Glacier National Park.

Campsites Glacier National Park Montana USA

If you prefer camping, like us, who traveled through Canada and the United States in a motorhome, you can check out the Glacier National Park Campgrounds in Montana.

The 4 Visitor Areas of Glacier National Park in the United States

Below, and to give you an idea of ​​how Glacier National Park in the United States is distributed and visited, I will explain the main areas, marked by roads and accesses, that can be visited in Glacier National Park.

Glacier National Park Sun Road: Going- to -the- Sun- Road Scenic Highway

50 kilometers of asphalt amidst incredible landscapes make this road one of the most beautiful scenic roads in the world.

Furthermore, it is the only road that crosses the entire National Park from east to west completely and has the most attractive sights and hikes in Glacier National Park.

However, as attractive as it is, it's equally difficult to access.

Firstly, if your vehicle is longer than 21 feet (6,5 meters), you will not be allowed access . It is prohibited due to the complex and enclosed curves and tunnels.

Another option is the shuttle buses , which is what we took. Although sometimes you need a lot of patience and have to queue to get on and find a seat.

On the other hand, access is equally complicated if you're traveling in a small vehicle and entering through the Apgar Park's west entrance . This is because, from May 24th to September 8th, if you arrive between 6:00 AM and 3:00 PM (after which you don't need a pass), you can only enter if you have a QR code for vehicle access reservation . This reservation must be made online the day before, starting at 7:00 PM on the day you wish to visit.

By the way, if you have any activity booked within the Park or a campsite, you will not need the QR code for access.

They operate from 8 am to 19 pm . The last ones leave Logan Pass at 19 pm towards either the west or east gate.

Finally, there are private tours , offered by various companies and operators. The most iconic is the one with the long red cars, which are a historical landmark in the park.

Many Glacier

This area of ​​Many Glacier in Glacier National Park is the northernmost part and can only be accessed from the east side of the Park , from Babb.

To gain access, you also need a vehicle access reservation QR code . This applies if you visit between May 24th and September 8th and access the park between 6:00 AM and 3:00 PM (after which you won't need a pass). Access is only granted if you have the vehicle access reservation QR code. This reservation must be made online the day before, starting at 7:00 PM on the day you wish to visit.

There are no shuttle buses here, so the only way is by your own vehicle.

It is the area, as its name indicates, where the most glaciers remain , although as I have said, only 25 of the 150 that existed remain and they are expected to disappear in the coming years.

It is an area through which a road of only 20 km passes , going from the turnoff of the small town of Babb to the parking lot a little beyond Swiftcurrent Lake, from where different trails start, such as to Iceberg Lake or Grinnell Glacier Viewpoint , two of the most mythical.

This highway is also famous for being the site where the Great Northern Railway built the Many Glacier Hotel in 1914. The largest hotel in Montana, it was renowned for its idyllic location. Today, it remains open and renovated.

Two Medicine

We can enter Glacier National Park through Two Medicine, near Browning, the largest town east of the park . There, we find the Museum of the Plains of Indians , located on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. A visit we highly recommend if you're in the area.

Two Medicine is the southeasternmost area of ​​Glacier National Park. Its road is short and passes by two of the three lakes: Lower Two Medicine Lake and Middle Two Medicine Lake, which is the last lake the road reaches. From there, there are many hiking trails, viewpoints, and you can even take a kayak or boat ride.

To access this area, it is the only one where you do not need a vehicle reservation and there are no shuttle buses either.

North Fork 

The fourth zone of Glacier National Park is the northernmost and westernmost, with the only entrance to the west. 

This area is mostly unpaved and offers long day hikes between different lakes. It's perhaps the most inaccessible of all the areas, depending on the vehicle you're traveling in.

To access you also need a QR code for booking access with a vehicle. If you go from May 24 to September 8 and if you access from 6am to 15pm (after that you do not need the pass). You can only access if you have the QR code for booking access with a vehicle. This reservation must be made online the day before from 19pm on the day you want to access. 

There are no shuttle buses here, so the only way is by your own vehicle.

Getting around Glacier National Park Montana, USA

The first difference we notice between North American and European countries is the layout of city and town streets. In the US, streets aren't designed for walking. They're very wide and designed for cars rather than pedestrians.

In Glacier National Park, Montana, USA, you need a rental car if you want total flexibility (which I'll tell you later is relative), but if you want to do without it you can use their shuttle buses and forget about it, but this option is only possible in one of the 4 sectors that Glacier National Park has in the USA.

By rental car through Glacier National Park 

I explained earlier that flexibility with your own rental vehicle is relative, and that's true.

This is because most of the most visited US National Parks have implemented a system for controlling access to private vehicles. You have to reserve a pass the day before, starting at 7 pm , to enter via each road you want to use the following day. Oh, and it's possible, of course, that you might not receive the QR code and therefore be denied entry.

In Glacier National Park there are 3 access zones with online vehicle reservation , out of the 5 zones with access to the National Park, if you are going to access between May 24 and September 8 from 6 am to 3 pm :

• Access to the West to the Going to the Sun Road Scenic Highway (However, if you enter from the east side of St Mary's you do not need to book an entry ticket)
• access to the North Fork
• And access to Many Glacier

To access, remember the day before you want to go, connect to the vehicle reservation website and access at 19pm and reserve your pass.

Also, remember to be in a place with mobile coverage at 19 p.m., which is usually in populated areas. There are many areas without coverage.

IMPORTANT: If you go by motorhome like we did, you will not be able to access the Going To The Sun Road scenic road. Vehicles longer than 21 feet, about 6,5 meters, cannot access this road due to its sharp curves and narrowness. You will only be able to access the Shuttle Bus like us.

Shuttle bus Glacier National Park: Going-to-the-sun-road: Glacier National Park Sun Road

This was our choice, and we truly believe it's one of the best options, not only if you're over 21 feet (6,5 meters) tall, as you won't be able to drive on the main Glacier National Park road, but also if you're traveling on other routes. You park at the trailhead at the Agpar or St. Mary Visitor Centers and forget about your car and parking, which can often be very difficult. Plus, you don't have to book your access the day before. It's all advantages.

3-Day Route Through Glacier National Park Montana USA

The route I propose covers the 22 must-see spots described below, located in 3 of the 4 main areas of Glacier National Park . I've excluded the North Fork area from this route, as access is via unpaved roads, and we didn't visit it due to its difficulty.

Day 1 through Glacier National Park

On day 1, I recommend visiting the Two Medicine area. Enter through the Two Medicine entrance and first park at the end of the road, in the Two Medicine Lake parking lot . From there, you can take one of the hiking trails listed below . We recommend an intermediate route, neither too easy nor too long: a 6.4 km hike to Aster Falls and the Aster Park overlook.

After the route we suggest you rent a kayak and enjoy the lake by kayak , ending with a picnic in its picnic area on the shores of the lake.

After lunch, we'll finish exploring this area of ​​Glacier National Park, and we suggest stopping to see Running Eagle Falls and then Appistoki Falls. These are very easy hikes, less than an hour each.

To end day 1, we suggest visiting the largest town in the area, located in the heart of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Browning . The final plan for the afternoon is to visit the Museum of the Plains Indians , a must-see for anyone wanting to learn about this indigenous tribe of the region.

Day 2 in Glacier National Park

On the 2nd, we suggest taking the scenic Going-to-the-Sun road trip . Remember to reserve your access QR code the day before at 19 pm if you're entering through the western entrance of Apgar; if you're entering through St Mary, it's not necessary.

During this day, the proposal is to stop at the 9 points that I suggest below, from Saint Mery Lake in the east to McDonald's Lake in the west.

3rd day in Glacier National Park

On day 3, we'll do some hiking and a horseback riding tour during our visit to the Many Glaciers area. Remember to book your access QR code the day before at 19pm via the website.

The suggestion is that you get up early and park in the Many Glacier Hotel parking lot. From there we suggest you do the route to Grinnel Glacier but taking the boat tour which I explain in detail below, to save you 6 km on foot and to enjoy the views by boat both on the way there and on the way back.
After the Grinnel Glacier route 12 km, On the way back, we will arrive again at the banks of the Swiftcurrent Lake where we left the vehicle parked in the morning. Now in the afternoon we suggest you do a horse route From the stables in front of the parking lot, it takes one or two hours.

After the tour we will go to rest at our accommodation to finish enjoying our experience in Glacier National Park.

What to see in Glacier National Park: Top Attractions in each area

Below, I will give you the exact coordinates of parking lots and trails for the walking routes of all the best places to visit in Glacier National Park in the USA, a park that the whole family fell in love with.

What to do and see in the Many Glacier area (northeast of the park): 5 must-sees

From the small town of Babb, we can take a 20-km detour into the northeasternmost part of Glacier National Park . This area is known as Many Glaciers. As its name suggests, it has the highest concentration of glaciers in the National Park, although only 25 of the original 150 remain, and it is sadly predicted that by 2030, almost none will be left due to climate change.

Here I try to explain what you can do and what to see in Many Glacier.

Remember, as I explained above, to access Many Glacier you need to book your vehicle access the day before at 19 pm . In addition to having your National Park pass.

Apikuni Fall Trailhead

A great first easy route you can find near the entrance to Many Glaciers National Park is to Apikuni Waterfall. Parking on this side of the road, you can easily hike the 3.2 km round trip with a 213-meter elevation gain.

Visit to the Many Flacieer Hotel at Swifturn lake

Many Glaciers is a famous and accessible area thanks to this hotel on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake .

Parking in the hotel and lake parking lot allows us to enjoy views of Montana's largest hotel and this magnificent lake and its surrounding trails.

Horseback riding from Many Glacier Hhorse Stable on Swiftcurrent Lake

Directly across from the same parking lot as the previous hotel are the stables for the Swan Mountain Outfitters Glacier Division horses . Horseback riding tours to Many Glaciers depart from there.

There are 1- or XNUMX-hour routes, half-day and full-day routes for experienced riders.

Grinnel Glacier Tour, by boat or without boat tour

The Grinnel Glacier route is one of the most iconic long-distance routes in Glacier National Park.

Start at a parking lot down the road from the hotel or at the same parking lot as the Many Glaciers hotel above. 

From there the route is 18 km round trip and 488 meters of elevation gain.

But if you want to shorten it, there's a 12 km round trip version with 488 meters of elevation gain that involves leaving from the Many Glacier Hotel and taking the boat opposite (which is best booked in advance), saving you about 6 km by crossing the lake by boat.

The reward for the route is a beautiful glacial lake and the retreating Grinnel Glacier.

Iceberg Lake Route 

Another of the most legendary routes in the area is to Iceberg Lake, starting from the parking lot at the end of the road in front of a hotel, the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn.

From there a little further up at this point the Iceberg Ptarmigan route starts. A 15 km round trip route with 366 meters of elevation gain.

The precious gift at the end is Iceberg Lake, where we find ice floating in blocks in early summer.

What to see on the Going-to-the-sun Road: 9 essential plans

This 50-km road that crosses Glacier National Park from east to west is the most visited in the entire park . Its viewpoints and breathtaking vistas make it an attraction in itself.

Here I try to explain what you can do and what to see during your road trip along the Going to the Sun road.

Remember, as I explained above, to access the Going to the Sun road from the west side of the Apgar entrance between 6 am and 15 pm, you need to reserve your vehicle access the day before at 19 pm ; otherwise, you will not be allowed entry. This is in addition to having your National Park pass.

This road also has a positive aspect: you can access the main tourist attractions by free shuttle bus .

Visitor Centres 

Along this road you will find 3 Visitor Centres . One at the eastern entrance to Saint Mary , another halfway along the route at its highest point at 2000 meters , the Logan Pass , and another at the western entrance to Apgar.

Any of the three are worth a visit to see their exhibits, videos, and gather interesting information. And if you're bringing children, don't forget to fill out the Junior Ranger booklet so they can receive their badge at the end.

Saint Mary Lake

During the first stretch of road we can admire the great lake of Saint Mary.

To stop, we can first go to the Rising Sun picnic area . Further along, if we want to see the viewpoint overlooking Wild Goose Island, we can stop briefly at a small parking area by the side of the road . Or, a little further on, at another parking area where we can also see Baring Falls , a small waterfall.

The last landmark of Lake Saint Mary is at the very end of the lake, where you can park and take a short walk to St. Mary Falls , a waterfall near the lake, similar to the previous ones. These are emerald green and flow from the middle of a curious rock. The shuttle bus for this road also stops in this same parking area.

Jackson Glacier Viewpoint

From a small parking area by the road, we can stop and admire the distant views of the Jackson Glacier . A short but lovely stop.

Logan Pass and the Hidden Lake Route

In the middle of the road we reached an iconic landmark. Logan Pass is the highest point on the road, exceeding 2000 meters in altitude.

Here we find the Logan Pass Visitor Center and the starting point of many interesting routes.

The most interesting and affordable route is undoubtedly the Hidden Lake route, an 11 km round trip with 202 m of elevation gain.

Another interesting fact about this spot is that we find the Continental Divide point, where the waters divide and each goes to one side or the other, Pacific or Atlantic.

Paradise Meadow

This place is an iconic stop on the Going to the Sun road; the views of a paradise meadow are breathtaking.

Just stop and enjoy the views.

Weeping Wall

We continue along the road to the east of the National Park and we will pass by the Weeking Walls.

Walls that look like waterfalls , which translates to "walls that cry." We'll give the car a shower while we're at it, hehe.

Red Rock Point

From another small parking lot on the road we can access some small waterfalls with reddish rocks , which is one of the easy stops you can make during the road trip if there is space in the parking lot.

Trail of the Cedars Nature

This trail is one of the easiest and flattest in all of Glacier National Park . A 1,5 km loop hike through a beautiful forest with wooden boardwalks.

To do this you have to park next to the road.

Glacier National Park McDonald Lake renting a canoe

The last must-see stop west of the Going to the Sun road is Lake McDonald, where you can park and eat at one of its restaurants , take a horse ride in the stables behind it, or rent a kayak and explore it by kayak.

What to do and see in the Two Medicine area: 8 essential plans

This small road that leads to the Two Medicine lakes and the various very beautiful hiking trails is, firstly, the easiest to access and, secondly, the one that receives the fewest people in the Park.

You don't need a QR code to reserve your vehicle access to enter and it is usually much more peaceful and quiet than in other areas of Glacier National Park in the United States.

Below, I show you the main attractions of this area.

Running Eagle Falls 

After passing through the National Park entrance booth with the rangers, the first stop you can make is at the parking lot to take a short 20 - minute round-trip walk to some beautiful waterfalls , the Running Eagle Falls.

Route to Scenic Point

If we continue along the same path as Appistoki Falls, on a total route of 12 km round trip and 723 meters of elevation gain , we can reach Scenic Point , a place with breathtaking views.

A beautiful route but of moderate difficulty due to the gradient.

Boating or kayaking on Two Medicine Lake

The last stop in this area of ​​Glacier National Park is right on the shores of Two Medicine Lake. 

In this parking lot , you will find not only a beautiful lake where you can rent a kayak or take a boat tour , but also a shop, restaurant, picnic area, restrooms and the starting point for several trails.

Paradise Point

One of the easiest trails starts from the parking lot at Two Medicine Lake, at the South Shore Trailhead trailhead , and leads to Paradise Point , a beautiful lake viewpoint. It's an easy 2,2 km round trip.

Aster Falls and Aster Park Overlook

If the previous hike isn't enough for you, you can also take another route from the same Two Medicine Lake parking lot, at the South Shore Trailhead hiking starting point , to Aster Falls.

Easily accessible waterfalls that, if you walk a little further, lead to a spectacular viewpoint in the Park: the Aster Park Overlook.

In total, the route to the waterfalls is 4 km round trip and to the Aster Park viewpoint 6,4 km round trip.

Rockwell Falls

If the 6,4 km seems short to you, you can continue walking on the previous route and reach Rockwell Falls, a waterfall that to get there is a total route of 12 km round trip and 114 meters of elevation gain.

Upper Two Medicine Lake

The last must-see in this area of ​​Glacier National Park is the upper Two Medicine Lake. A 16 km round trip with only 107 meters of elevation gain , it's the route of choice for many.

This route starts from the same Two Medicine Lake parking lot, but not from the same spot. The starting point is at North Shore Trailhead , above the campground in the area.

Map of what to see in Glacier National Park Montana, USA

Below, I've included an interactive map with everything to do and see in Glacier National Park , including Glacier National Park parking and campgrounds , to help you plan your visit to Glacier National Park in Montana, USA.

Tips for planning your trip to Glacier National Park

Below are some tips for visiting Glacier National Park that you may find useful.

Pass to access Glacier National Park in Montana, USA

To access the United States National Parks you must have a pass that must be kept inside the vehicle you are traveling in and carried with you at all times.

There are national park passes that are valid for 7 days for about $35 , or if you are going to be there for more than 7 days or for more parks in the United States, we recommend that you buy the Annual Pass, as we did last year on our trip through the National Parks of the West Coast of the United States and Yellowston.

Fill up your gas tank before entering Glacier National Park

To access the National Parks of the United States and Canada, as a general rule, make sure your gas tank is full; there are no gas stations inside the national parks, and if there are, the price is sometimes much more expensive.

There are no gas stations in Glacier National Park. You'll find gas stations at the main entrances, but they're more expensive than those located further out.

What to bring to Glacier National Park

Below, I'll tell you what we packed in our suitcase for a 21-day trip through the Rocky Mountains in August – early September , and what was great to take to Glacier National Park.

First of all, above all, keep in mind that the best thing to do when trekking in the mountains due to the Rocky Mountain tick is to always wear long pants, closed shoes, and long socks.

La clothing that we brought and that we had nothing left over or missing:

• 3 complete changes of long technical summer mountain trousers + short-sleeved T-shirt 
• 2 changes of shorts + short t-shirts 
• 5 changes of underwear and socks
• 2 fleece or long-sleeved sweatshirt-type jackets
• 1 light down jacket, the kind that folds into a Decathlon bag 
• 1 cap
• 1 raincoat
• 1 flip flops
• 1 swimsuit
• 1 microfiber bathrobe
• 1 Gore-tex trekking shoes
• Toiletry bag with solid soap and bamboo toothbrush to be sustainable

Things we carry apart from clothes which were very useful to us and some were necessary for going camping as we did:

• Canada plug adapter
• Decathlon tent If you are not going in a motorhome or camper
• Binoculars to see the wildlife
• Small Italian coffee maker + a packet of ground coffee, if you are a coffee drinker like us and you are going to campsites, bungalows or apartments like us. American coffee is the worst.
• Foldable memory foam travel pillow, if you have trouble sleeping on those thin pillows from Ikea, which is what they will give you in the rental motorhome. Also, it is useful for the plane, which low-cost airlines do not provide.
• A couple of small travel blankets, for the cold-blooded people in the house and for the plane, which low-cost airlines don't provide. 
• 2 extendable skewers for barbecues and making marshmallows 
• 1 multi-purpose knife with a whistle for the mountains and a compass if possible
• 1 lighter to light the barbecues
• Mosquito repellent
• Sunscreen

Above all, keep in mind that the following items are not allowed in your luggage on the plane to the United States: fresh foods such as fruits, cold cuts, meats or fish, and also dangerous products such as antibacterial sprays, which if you buy one you will not be able to take back with you.

Glacier National Park Safety Tips: Beware of Bears and Weather

Glacier National Park in Montana is a national park full of wildlife where we must first be very cautious about encounters with bears and other wild animals and then be careful with its climate and normal adversities in a mountain landscape.

For your own safety, it's always essential to be well-equipped in the mountains and nature . Glacier National Park is wild and untamed, which is part of its appeal, but that's why you need to be prepared.

Bear Precautions: How to Avoid Bears in Glacier National Park

How to avoid encounters and what to do in case of sighting a bear?

Many places have signs stating that it's prohibited to enter without bear spray , so it's highly recommended that you buy some and carry it with you. In the United States, it's easy to buy; you can find it at any Walmart or Decathlon. Alternatively, you can purchase it at sporting goods stores or National Park Visitor Centers .

It 's not common to encounter a bear on marked, tourist-frequented trails. But just in case, it's always best to carry bear spray.

Also, from our experience with bears in the United States and Canada, we know that bears are not usually aggressive towards humans; on the contrary, they flee from them. They go alone or with their cubs, and eat fish and berries. They are not stupid and know that humans do more harm than good to their species.

Therefore, if he hears you, he will flee and not even come near.

At every visitor center, they explain that the most effective thing is to speak loudly or sing, like we used to do with the kids: "An elephant was balancing on a spider's web..." Neither carrying a bell nor playing music is more effective than talking. Some rangers even told us that a bell isn't a good idea because it might pique their curiosity if it's a goat or another animal. In any case, spray is only a last resort when the bear is less than 100 meters away.

Frequently Asked Questions About Glacier National Park Montana

Below, I will try to answer your most frequently asked questions and doubts about Glacier National Park, which you are asking us when planning your routes through Glacier National Park in the United States. I hope these frequently asked questions about Glacier National Park in Montana are helpful to you.

When does Going-to-the-Sun Road open and close?

Well, it really depends on the weather conditions of that year. Normally, the road opens at the end of June and can remain open until October or November. But as I said, it depends on when it starts to snow.

The best thing to do is check the official Glacier National Park website where you'll find the current road conditions.

What are the best hiking trails in Glacier National Park?

These would be the best routes:

• Highline Trail Glacier National Park: the most famous route in the park, spectacular views.
• Hidden Lake Trail: a moderate hike with stunning views.
• Grinnell Glacier Trail: one of the most popular trails to see a glacier up close.
• Iceberg Lake Trail: perfect for viewing lakes and mountains in the surroundings.

The one we liked the most was the Grinnell Glacier Trail, the one we would most recommend and undoubtedly one of the best hiking routes in Glacier National Park to prioritize if you only have a few days.

Is it necessary to book in advance for camping?

Yes, and well in advance, especially between July and mid-September, when there are more people. You must book at least 6 months in advance to guarantee a spot at the campsite.

What is the best time to see bears and wildlife?

They can be seen throughout the summer, especially at the end of July and August, when they come down to the forests and meadows to eat berries. Before that, from spring onwards, they are seen more in the rivers, when they eat salmon and trout.

Can you visit Glacier National Park in winter? 

It depends on the area, but there are many road closures. Check the official Glacier National Park website for road and access status.

Conclusion: Why Glacier National Park Should Be on Your Bucket List

Glacier National Park in Montana, USA, is one of the most iconic national parks in the United States.

Firstly, because it's one of the few places where you can see glaciers , although very few remain. And secondly, because the alpine scenery and wildlife are breathtaking.

Without a doubt, after Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon , for us it is one of the best national parks in the United States in terms of scenery that we have visited.

However, if what you really want is to see spectacular glaciers and breathtaking alpine lake landscapes, I recommend taking a trip through the Canadian Rockies as well.