Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park sits in the northern Rocky Mountains on the US-Canada border. When the park was established in 1910 it contained approximately 150 named glaciers; by 2026 fewer than 25 active glaciers remain, most significantly smaller than their historical extent. The landscape records this loss in newly exposed rock and moraines that were covered by ice within living memory. Visiting now means seeing something that will look measurably different in 20 years.

The park pairs with Canada’s Waterton Lakes National Park as the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park (1932), the world’s first international peace park.

2026 Entry Changes

No vehicle reservations in 2026 – for the first time in five years, Glacier is suspending its timed entry reservation system. Visitors can drive into the park at any time without an advance reservation. However, the park will use temporary closures if areas get too full.

For non-US residents: International visitors (ages 16+) now pay an additional $100 surcharge on top of the standard entrance fee. The America the Beautiful Non-Resident Annual Pass is available for $250.

Logan Pass parking limit: Starting July 1, parking at Logan Pass is limited to three hours. Visitors planning longer hikes (including the Highline Trail) must use the park shuttle. Park shuttles in 2026 require reservations through recreation.gov for a $1 processing fee.

Going-to-the-Sun Road

The 50-mile road crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass (2,026 metres) and is the defining visitor experience – the only paved road traversing the park, listed as a National Historic Landmark. Typically fully open from late June through mid-October. Enter before 7am for stress-free access, or arrive after 4pm for sunset light and fewer vehicles.

Hiking

Highline Trail begins at Logan Pass and runs north along the Garden Wall for about 12 miles before descending to the Loop on the road below. Exposed sections have among the best views in the park. Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms.

Grinnell Glacier Trail (11.6 miles round trip from Many Glacier, elevation gain about 1,600 feet) ends at the remaining remnant of Grinnell Glacier above Upper Grinnell Lake. The turquoise colour from glacial silt and the visual contrast between surviving ice and exposed rock is striking.

Avalanche Lake Trail (4.6 miles round trip, directly off Going-to-the-Sun Road) passes Avalanche Gorge through red argillite formations and ends at a lake below a cirque wall with multiple waterfalls. The most accessible quality hike in the park.

Wildlife

The park has healthy populations of grizzly bears (approximately 300 in the larger ecosystem), black bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, moose, and wolves. Mountain goats are often visible from the Logan Pass visitor centre parking lot. Bear spray is strongly recommended on any trail.

Where to Stay

Many Glacier Hotel on the shore of Swiftcurrent Lake is the most scenically positioned of the historic lodges (built 1915). Book at least six months ahead for peak dates. Lake McDonald Lodge near the western entrance dates to 1913. Outside the park, Whitefish (25 miles west) has a broader accommodation range and good restaurants. The Amtrak Empire Builder stops at both West Glacier and Whitefish.

Note: Two Medicine Campground is closed throughout the 2026 season due to construction.