Glacier is the “Crown of the Continent”: a million acres of jagged peaks, hanging valleys and lakes of an unreal blue on the Canadian border. Its centerpiece is the Going-to-the-Sun Road, carved into the mountainside across the Continental Divide. The season is short — July to mid-September — which is exactly why it feels so wild.
Best things to do in Glacier
Going-to-the-Sun Road
50 miles from Lake McDonald to St. Mary over Logan Pass (6,646 ft), with waterfalls pouring onto the road and sheer drops. Allow a full day with stops. Vehicles over 21 feet long are not allowed on the alpine section.
Snow keeps the top closed until late June or July most years; check the plowing updates on nps.gov.
2The Highline Trail
From Logan Pass along a ledge high above the road (a garden wall with a handrail), with mountain goats and bighorn sheep. Hike 7.6 miles to Granite Park Chalet and descend the Loop trail (11.8 miles in total), then take the shuttle back.
3Many Glacier & Grinnell Glacier
The east side’s finest valley, with grizzly bears on the slopes. The Grinnell Glacier trail (about 11 miles return, shortened by the boat across two lakes) ends at a turquoise lake below a shrinking glacier.
Lake McDonald
The largest lake in the park, with colored pebbles on the beach at Apgar and calm water at sunrise.
5Avalanche Lake
An easy 4.5-mile return hike through cedar forest along a gorge to a lake ringed by waterfalls.
6Two Medicine
The quiet south-east corner, with a boat across Two Medicine Lake and fewer visitors.
Glacier entrance fees and reservations
Since 1 January 2026, foreign visitors pay a $100 surcharge here. Do the maths before you go.
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Private vehicle, 7 days | $35 |
| On foot or by bike, per person | $20 |
| Non-US residents aged 16+ | +$100 per person, on top of the entrance fee |
| America the Beautiful annual pass | US residents $80 · non-residents $250 — covers the whole car and the $100 fee |
- No vehicle reservation in 2026. Logan Pass parking is limited to three hours, and the park shuttle is ticketed.
Grizzly country
Glacier has one of the densest grizzly populations in the lower 48 states. Carry bear spray on every trail (you can buy or rent it locally), hike in groups and make noise in dense brush.
Where to stay in Glacier
Split your stay between the west and east sides: crossing Logan Pass takes two hours.
Our 2 hotel picks in Glacier
Photos, facilities and tips →
Boutique$$$$Many Glacier Hotel
Many Glacier, east side of the park, on the shore of Swiftcurrent Lake
The Great Northern Railway’s 1915 hotel on Swiftcurrent Lake, in the heart of the Many Glacier valley.
Boutique$$$$Belton Chalet
West Glacier, across from the historic train station
The Great Northern Railway’s first Glacier lodge (1910), across from the West Glacier station and steps from the west entrance.
Lake McDonald & Apgar
$$$$Best for: the west side
Lake McDonald Lodge (1914), Apgar village and cabins by the lake.
Hotels in Lake McDonald & Apgar partner linkMany Glacier
$$$$Best for: hikers
The Swiss-style Many Glacier Hotel on Swiftcurrent Lake. Books out a year ahead.
Hotels in Many Glacier partner linkWest Glacier & Columbia Falls
$$$$Best for: availability
Cabins, rafting outfitters and restaurants just outside the west entrance.
Hotels in West Glacier & Columbia Falls partner linkWhitefish
$$$$Best for: a real town
A ski town with a lake, 40 minutes away, on the Amtrak line.
Hotels in Whitefish partner linkWeather in Glacier by month
Compare every destination month by month in the when-to-go explorer.
Glacier: your questions
When does Going-to-the-Sun Road open?
The full road usually opens between late June and mid-July, depending on snow, and closes in mid-September to October. The lower sections are open longer.
Do you need a reservation for Glacier National Park in 2026?
No vehicle reservation is needed in 2026. Parking at Logan Pass is limited to three hours and the park shuttle requires a ticket.
How many days do you need in Glacier?
Three days: one for the road and Logan Pass, one for Many Glacier, one for a long hike or Two Medicine.
Can you still see glaciers in Glacier National Park?
Yes, around 25 active glaciers remain, down from about 150 in 1850. Grinnell Glacier is the most accessible on foot.
Written by Kylian Dev · Last reviewed October 21, 2026. Prices are in US dollars, before sales tax.