Overview
America's Crown of the Continent — towering peaks, turquoise lakes, and more grizzly bears per square mile than almost anywhere in the lower 48, all accessible from a single legendary road
Airport
FCA, GTF
From/day
$70
Best months
Jun, Jul, Aug
Local Tips
Safety
Bear country — carry bear spray and know how to use it. Going-to-the-Sun Road is narrow and not for nervous drivers. Snow can close high passes into June.
Cultural Norms
The park borders the Blackfeet Nation. Be respectful of tribal lands and cultural sites. Leave no trace principles are strictly enforced.
Language
English
Currency
USD
Tipping
15-20% at restaurants, $5-10 per day for guided tours.
Getting Around
Public Transit
Walkability
Neighborhoods
West Glacier
The main western gateway with lodges, outfitters, and the Apgar Visitor Center on Lake McDonald.
Best for: Park access, rafting, and accommodation options
East Glacier / St. Mary
The eastern gateway with dramatic mountain views, St. Mary Lake, and proximity to the Blackfeet Reservation.
Best for: Sunrise views and less-crowded trailheads
Many Glacier
A remote valley with the historic Many Glacier Hotel, surrounded by peaks and glacial lakes.
Best for: Serious hiking and wildlife spotting
Whitefish
A charming resort town 40 km west of the park with restaurants, breweries, and Whitefish Mountain Resort.
Best for: Dining, nightlife, and a base for the park
Activities & Interests
How Glacier National Park scores across 15 travel interests
Suggested Itineraries
3-Day Trip
Going-to-the-Sun Road
- •Drive the full Going-to-the-Sun Road, stopping at pullouts
- •Short hike to Hidden Lake Overlook from Logan Pass
- •Sunset at Lake McDonald Lodge
Many Glacier Valley
- •Hike to Grinnell Glacier or Iceberg Lake
- •Spot mountain goats and bighorn sheep on the trail
- •Evening at the historic Many Glacier Hotel
Two Medicine & Wildlife
- •Boat tour on Two Medicine Lake
- •Hike to Running Eagle Falls
- •Drive the eastern edge for wildlife viewing at dawn or dusk
7-Day Trip
West Glacier Arrival
- •Explore Apgar Village and visitor center
- •Kayak or canoe on Lake McDonald
- •Evening ranger talk at Apgar Campground
Going-to-the-Sun Road
- •Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road with stops at The Loop, Bird Woman Falls, and Weeping Wall
- •Hike Hidden Lake Overlook from Logan Pass
- •Stop at St. Mary Falls on the east side
Highline Trail
- •Hike the Highline Trail from Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet
- •Lunch at the chalet with panoramic views
- •Return via the Loop Trail or arrange shuttle
Many Glacier
- •Hike to Grinnell Glacier — one of the park's iconic trails
- •Look for moose and bears along Swiftcurrent Lake
- •Dinner at the Many Glacier Hotel dining room
Iceberg Lake & Wildlife
- •Morning hike to Iceberg Lake
- •Afternoon wildlife drive through the Many Glacier valley
- •Stargazing in one of the darkest skies in the lower 48
Two Medicine
- •Boat tour across Two Medicine Lake
- •Hike to Twin Falls
- •Visit the Museum of the Plains Indian in Browning
Whitefish & Departure
- •Morning at Whitefish Lake for swimming or paddleboarding
- •Explore downtown Whitefish shops and cafes
- •Farewell lunch at a Whitefish brewery
Flights
Estimated round-trip prices from major US hubs
LAX
Round-trip estimate
$280
Best priceORD
Round-trip estimate
$320
JFK
Round-trip estimate
$400
ATL
Round-trip estimate
$440
MIA
Round-trip estimate
$460
Prices are estimates based on historical data. Check airlines for current fares.
Daily Budget
Estimated daily cost per person including accommodation, food, transport, and activities
Budget
$70
per day
Moderate
$140
per day
Luxury
$280
per day
7-Night Trip Estimate (1 person)
Budget
$770
incl. flights from LAX
Moderate
$1,260
incl. flights from LAX
Luxury
$2,240
incl. flights from LAX
When to Go
Jan
✗
Feb
✗
Mar
✗
Apr
—
May
—
Jun
✓
Jul
✓
Aug
✓
Sep
✓
Oct
—
Nov
✗
Dec
✗
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | -3° | -12° | 13d | Deep winter; heavy snow, most roads closed. |
| Feb | -1° | -11° | 11d | Cold and snowy; cross-country skiing available. |
| Mar | 4° | -7° | 11d | Still wintry; Going-to-the-Sun Road remains closed. |
| Apr | 10° | -2° | 9d | Snowmelt begins; lower elevation trails start opening. |
| May | 15° | 2° | 11d | Spring arrives at lower elevations; high passes still snowed in. |
| Jun | 20° | 6° | 11d | Going-to-the-Sun Road usually opens mid-to-late June. Wildflowers begin. |
| Jul | 26° | 10° | 6d | Peak season; warm and sunny with long days. Book everything in advance. |
| Aug | 25° | 9° | 6d | Excellent hiking weather; wildfire smoke possible. |
| Sep | 19° | 4° | 7d | Fall colors begin; fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. |
| Oct | 11° | -1° | 8d | Larch trees turn golden; some roads begin closing. |
| Nov | 3° | -7° | 11d | Winter returns; most facilities closed. |
| Dec | -2° | -12° | 13d | Deep winter; limited access but serene snow-covered landscapes. |
Temperatures in Celsius. Rain days = days with measurable precipitation.