The Ultimate Glacier National Park Travel Guide for 2025
- Kayla Mathieu
- Jun 2
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 9
Welcome to your ultimate guide to Glacier National Park—a bucket list destination tucked away in the northern Rockies of Montana. Nicknamed the Crown of the Continent, this stunning park is a wonderland of alpine meadows, glacier-fed lakes, towering peaks, and wildlife sightings you’ll never forget. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re coming back for more hidden gems, this guide is packed with tips to help you plan an unforgettable Glacier National Park itinerary.
2025 Vehicle Reservations & Access Updates
To manage congestion and enhance visitor experiences, Glacier National Park has implemented a vehicle reservation system for certain areas:
Going-to-the-Sun Road (West Entrance): Reservations are required from June 13 to September 28, between 7 AM and 3 PM.
North Fork Area: Reservations are also required during the same dates and times.
Visitors entering from the St. Mary Entrance do not need a vehicle reservation.
Reservations can be made on Recreation.gov. It's recommended to book early, as slots fill up quickly.
Road Construction & Access Restrictions
Be aware of ongoing road construction projects that may affect travel times and access.
Going-to-the-Sun Road: Expect delays due to maintenance work.
Many Glacier Area: Access is limited from July 1 to September 21. Visitors must have a reservation for lodging, a hiker shuttle, or a concessionaire activity (e.g., boat tour, horseback riding) to enter.
Entrance Fees & Free Admission Days
Entrance fees for Glacier National Park are as follows:
Private Vehicle: $35 (valid for 7 days)
Annual Pass: $70
Additionally, the park offers Free Entrance Days on specific dates. Check the official NPS website for the list of dates.
Tips for a Successful Visit
Plan Ahead: Due to high demand, it's advisable to make lodging and activity reservations well in advance.
Arrive Early or Late: To avoid crowds, consider entering the park before 7 AM or after 3 PM.
Stay Informed: Check the NPS website for the latest updates on trail conditions, weather alerts, and other important information.
Redrock Falls | Glacier National Park
Where to Stay in Glacier National Park
When it comes to lodging, Glacier offers something for everyone—from historic lodges to rustic backcountry chalets. Here’s where to stay, depending on your vibe and location preferences:
Lake McDonald Area
Lake McDonald Lodge – A charming, Swiss-style lodge right on the water. Ideal for those who love cozy vibes and classic park architecture.
Motel Lake McDonald – A no-frills, budget-friendly option that’s close to trailheads and lake activities.
Many Glacier Area
Many Glacier Hotel – With its alpine setting and sweeping views of Swiftcurrent Lake, this European-style lodge is Glacier’s crown jewel.
Swiftcurrent Motor Inn & Cabins – Rustic, peaceful, and perfect for avid hikers.
Rising Sun Area
Rising Sun Motor Inn & Cabins – A convenient base for exploring the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Wilderness Chalets (Backcountry)
Granite Park Chalet – Only reachable by trail. Bring your own food and sleeping bag for a true off-grid experience.
Sperry Chalet – Historic and remote, but fully catered. You'll earn your stay with a strenuous hike in.
Tip: Lodging fills up fast and most operate seasonally (late May–mid-September). Book early!
Where to Eat in Glacier National Park
Dining in Glacier ranges from sit-down lodges to casual cafés—just what you need after a day on the trails.
Lake McDonald Area
Russell’s Fireside Dining Room – Located inside Lake McDonald Lodge, this spot serves upscale rustic fare with views to match.
Many Glacier Area
Ptarmigan Dining Room – A step up from typical park food. Think: hearty meals with mountain views.
‘Nell’s at Swiftcurrent – Quick, satisfying meals ideal for fueling your next hike.
Rising Sun Area
Two Dog Flats Grill – Laid-back dining with burgers, fries, and comfort food done right.
Going-to-the-Sun Road | Glacier National Park
Top Things to Do in Glacier National Park
1. Drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road
This 50-mile scenic masterpiece cuts through the heart of Glacier, with must-see stops like:
Logan Pass – The highest point on the road and a great place to spot wildlife.
Weeping Wall – A cascading rock face that makes for an epic photo stop.
Jackson Glacier Overlook – One of the few places you can still glimpse a glacier from the road.
2025 Update: Vehicle reservations are required for this route from mid-June to mid-September (7am–3pm). Reserve your entry pass here.
2. Explore Lake McDonald
The park’s largest lake (10 miles long!), famous for its rainbow-hued rocks and stunning reflections.
Don’t miss sunset from the shoreline—pure magic.
3. Hike to Grinnell Glacier or Grinnell Lake
Starting from the Many Glacier area, these hikes are showstoppers.
Grinnell Lake Trail is gentler and family-friendly.
Grinnell Glacier Trail is more strenuous but delivers jaw-dropping alpine views and glacial landscapes.
Access often delayed until mid-to-late July due to lingering snow.
4. Discover Hidden Gems
Ready to level up your Glacier adventure? Try:
Iceberg Lake Trail – A surreal hike to a glacial lake with floating ice chunks.
Avalanche Lake Trail – Shorter and shaded, with a gorgeous lake payoff.
Highline Trail – Not for the faint of heart! Narrow ledges, sweeping views, and big rewards.
Staying Safe in the Wilderness
Glacier is wild—and that’s part of the magic. But it also means staying alert and prepared.
Water Hazards
Even in summer, water temps stay dangerously cold.
Rocks and logs? Slicker than they look.
Never swim alone or in fast-moving water.
Steep Terrain
Stick to marked trails.
Cliff edges can crumble—don’t risk it for the 'Gram.
Wear sturdy shoes with solid traction.
Snow and Ice
Snowfields often linger into July and can hide crevasses.
Don’t trust snow bridges—they collapse unexpectedly.
Always check trail conditions before setting out.
Weather Warnings
Mountain weather is unpredictable. It can go from sunshine to storm in minutes.
Dress in layers—even in August.
Strong winds are common on exposed trails and passes.
Wildlife Safety
Bears are active—especially in Many Glacier in 2025. Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
Hike in groups and make noise (talk, sing—not bells).
If you see a mountain lion: stay calm, keep eye contact, and back away slowly.
Essential Park Rules & Travel Tips
Drones – Not allowed. Leave them at home.
Firearms – You can carry, but don’t use them.
Pets – OK in parking lots and campgrounds only. Not on trails or in buildings.
Service Animals – Must be leashed. Emotional support animals are not considered service animals.
Fishing – No license needed! But no live bait or lead tackle. Boats must pass an AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species) inspection.
Crossing Into Canada: Waterton Lakes National Park
Up for an international side quest? Glacier connects directly to Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada, forming the world’s first International Peace Park.
Border Requirements
Bring a valid passport or approved ID.
Leave behind bear spray, firewood, firearms, and certain pets—Canada prohibits them.
Border Crossings
Roosville (US-93) – Open 24/7.
Pigeon/Carway (US-89) – Daytime only.
Chief Mountain (MT-17) – Seasonal (mid-May to early October).
Don’t Miss in Waterton:
Bear’s Hump Trail – Short but steep. Unreal views.
Afternoon Tea – Held daily at the Prince of Wales Hotel (reservations recommended).
Scenic drives, waterfalls, and wildlife watching galore.
Why Glacier National Park Should Be on Your Bucket List
This place is more than just pretty scenery:
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
A designated Biosphere Reserve
Part of the first-ever International Peace Park
An International Dark Sky Park (bring binoculars!)
From glacier-carved valleys and stargazing nights to adrenaline-pumping hikes and peaceful lake paddles, Glacier is where adventure and serenity meet.
Insider Tip: Join a ranger-led Dark Sky program in August for unforgettable stargazing!
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Want a visual guide to everything Glacier National Park has to offer? Check out our Wandering Past Limits YouTube video for an up-close look at some of the park’s most breathtaking scenery, family-friendly hikes, wildlife encounters, and insider tips. From Going-to-the-Sun Road to hidden waterfalls and scenic overlooks, this video gives you a real feel for what it’s like to explore Glacier. Watch below and don’t forget to subscribe for more national park travel guides and RV adventure tips!
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