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Glacier National Park

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Animal habitat
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Glacier National Park (United States)

Weather…

Glacier National Park, located in northern Montana, is often referred to as the 'Crown of the Continent.' Established on May 11, 1910, the park covers over 1 million acres of land along the Canadian border. Together with Canada's Waterton Lakes National Park, it forms the world's first International Peace Park. The geography is characterized by the rugged peaks of the Rocky Mountains, over 130 named lakes, and the remnants of massive glaciers that carved the valleys during the last Ice Age. A highlight for visitors is the Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile engineering marvel that crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. The park is a vital stronghold for species such as mountain goats, grizzly bears, and lynx. Climate change has significantly impacted the park's namesake features; of the estimated 150 glaciers present in 1850, only about 25 remain active today. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it remains a premier destination for backcountry hiking and experiencing high-alpine ecosystems and turquoise glacial waters like Lake McDonald.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-9-9-50610151492-4-9
Rain mm6658707188111364355627667

📋 Practical info

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Best season
The best time for wildlife viewing is from late June to early September, when high-elevation trails are snow-free and animals are active. Spring and fall offer fewer crowds but colder conditions and possible trail closures.
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Best time of day
Wildlife is most active at dawn and dusk; schedule your viewing for these times. During midday, many species retreat to shade, especially in hot summer months.
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Etiquette
Stay on trails to protect alpine vegetation. Keep at least 25 meters from wildlife like mountain goats - they can become aggressive. Feeding is strictly prohibited.
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What to bring
Binoculars are essential for spotting distant mountain goats and other wildlife. Warm layers, a rain jacket, and sturdy hiking boots are necessary due to changeable weather and rugged terrain.
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Getting there
The park is accessible via Going-to-the-Sun Road, open in summer months. Popular entry points are Apgar and St. Mary visitor centers; parking is limited.
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What to expect
Animals are often distant or well camouflaged - take your time and systematically scan slopes with binoculars. Patience and quiet behavior increase your chances of spotting mountain goats and other species.

Geography

Coordinates
48.75960, -113.78700

Facts

  • Established on May 11, 1910, by President William Howard Taft.
  • The park contains over 700 miles (1,100 km) of hiking trails.
  • Home to over 130 named lakes within its borders.
  • Only about 25 glaciers remain of the 150 present in 1850.
  • The Going-to-the-Sun Road was completed in 1932.
  • Joined with Waterton Lakes in 1932 to form a Peace Park.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Banff / WatertonBanff / Waterton21 km · SWExplore →
East Glacier Park VillageEast Glacier Park Village24 km · SEExplore →
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo JumpHead-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump47 km · WExplore →
Galt Historic Railway ParkGalt Historic Railway Park52 km · NExplore →
WhitefishWhitefish63 km · SExplore →
Bar U RanchBar U Ranch86 km · SWExplore →
Calgary ZooCalgary Zoo106 km · WExplore →
Scotiabank SaddledomeScotiabank Saddledome107 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Glacier National Park (6)

McPartland Mountain🌿 nature

A mountain in the national park offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

Heavens Peak🌿 nature

A high mountain peak in the national park, named for its lofty elevation.

Red Rocks🌿 nature

Striking red sandstone formations in the National Park.

Grinnell Point📍 landmark

A sharp rock point in the national park, named after a prominent geologist.

Weeping Wall📍 landmark

An attraction in Glacier National Park where water seeps from the rock face.

Great Northern Railway Buildings📍 landmark

A historic building complex in Glacier National Park, originally built by the Great Northern Railway.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the 'Going-to-the-Sun Road' open?
It is usually open from late June to October, depending on snowfall.
Do I need reservations for the road?
Yes, a timed entry ticket is required for the 'Going-to-the-Sun Road'.
Are there grizzly bears in the park?
Yes, the park is bear country. Always carry bear spray.
When is the best time for hiking?
July to September gives the best hiking conditions without much snow.
Are there accommodations nearby?
There are lodges and campsites, which book up very early.
Glacier National Park: where is it located?
Glacier National Park is located in United States.
Glacier National Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include McPartland Mountain, Heavens Peak, Red Rocks.
Glacier National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Glacier National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Glacier National Park, located in northern Montana, is often referred to as the 'Crown of the Continent.' Established on May 11, 1910, the park covers over 1 million acres of land along the Canadian border.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Helena — Glacier National Park (United States)
Helena
The capital of Montana, founded after gold discoveries in the 19th century.
Banff / Waterton — Glacier National Park (United States)
Banff / Waterton
Spectacular Rocky Mountain destinations renowned for turquoise lakes, towering peaks, and abundant wildlife.
East Glacier Park Village — Glacier National Park (United States)
East Glacier Park Village
A historic village located on the eastern edge of Glacier National Park, Montana.
Whitefish — Glacier National Park (United States)
Whitefish
A charming mountain town on the edge of Glacier National Park, known for Whitefish Lake and world-class skiing.

More places

Little Bighorn Battlefield — Glacier National Park (United States)
Little Bighorn Battlefield
Commemorates the Battle of the Little Bighorn, where the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho defeated General Custer's 7th Cavalry.
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump — Glacier National Park (United States)
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
Traditional hunting site of the indigenous peoples.
Galt Historic Railway Park — Glacier National Park (United States)
Galt Historic Railway Park
A restored 1890s international train station on the Alberta-Montana border.