Looking for the best things to do in Glacier National Park? From driving Going-to-the-Sun Road and hiking to Grinnell Glacier to spotting wildlife in Many Glacier and kayaking on Lake McDonald, this guide covers the must-have experiences in one of America’s most spectacular national parks.

Glacier National Park is one of the most breathtaking places in the United States, a land of turquoise lakes, glacier-capped peaks, wildlife-filled valleys, and the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road. After visiting Glacier twice and hiking everything from the Highline Trail to Grinnell Glacier, these are the absolute best things to do in Glacier National Park.

Whether you have one day or a full week, this guide covers the top attractions, best hikes, scenic drives, and unforgettable experiences in Glacier National Park, plus tips on how to prioritize your time.

If you’re planning your trip, start with our Glacier National Park itinerary for a day-by-day plan, explore our guide to the best hikes in Glacier National Park, or browse our complete Glacier National Park Travel Guide for more ideas.

Avalanche Gorge Glacier NP

The Essentials

LOCATION | Northern Montana

BEST FOR | Scenic drives, alpine hiking, turquoise lakes, wildlife

DON’T MISS | Going-to-the-Sun Road, Many Glacier, Highline Trail, Grinnell Glacier

TIME | Minimum of 2 to 3 days

WHEN TO GO | Mid-July through September

RESERVATION REQUIRED | Vehicle reservation are not required in 2026 but you might need a ticket to ride the park shuttle

In 2026, vehicle reservations are not required.

However, Glacier National Park is piloting a shuttle reservation system, which is new in 2026.

Starting July 1, 2026, parking at Logan Pass will be limited to three hours.

For those who plan to hike the Highline Trail, there will be an express hikers shuttle that leaves from both the east and west sides of the park. Tickets for the shuttle must be purchased online in advance. They will not be available for purchase on the shuttle.

All shuttle tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis on Recreation.gov. The ticket is free, aside from a $1 reservation fee.

There are two booking windows for tickets:

  • A portion will be available 60 days in advance, starting on May 2, 2026, at 8 am MDT, on a rolling basis.
  • The remainder will become available at 7 pm  MDT for next-day entry starting June 30.

IMPORTANT: It’s also worth noting that the National Park Service website states that vehicles may be prohibited from entering the park once parking lots and roads become congested. So, plan to enter the park early to avoid any delays entering the park.

Glacier National Park is one of the US National Parks that require an advance reservation. For the full list, read our guide to the US National Parks that Require an Advance Reservation.

Turquoise lakes shimmer beneath jagged, glacier-carved peaks, waterfalls tumble down sheer cliffs, and wildlife roams through wide alpine valleys. Driving the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road or hiking high along the Garden Wall on the Highline Trail is the kind of experience that stays with you long after you leave.

After visiting Glacier twice, we still feel like we’ve only scratched the surface. From epic hikes like the Highline Trail and Grinnell Glacier to scenic drives, boat rides, and wildlife-rich valleys like Many Glacier, this park delivers unforgettable experiences at every turn.

There are several regions of Glacier National Park.

Going-to-the-Sun Road cuts across the center of the park and this is the most popular and most crowded section of the park. Just to the north is Many Glacier, a wildlife rich, gorgeous area with some of the park’s best hikes. Two Medicine and the North Fork are more remote areas. If you want to leave the crowds behind and journey into the backcountry, visit Goat Haunt.

Here is a map showing Going-to-the-Sun Road and the different regions of the park.

Glacier National Park Map

Glacier National Park Map

1. Drive the Legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road

Going-to-the-Sun Road is not only the most scenic drive in Glacier National Park, it’s also one of the most beautiful drives in the United States. For 50 miles, this road twists and turns through the mountains and over the Continental Divide. It tops out at Logan Pass, where you can park, stretch your legs, enjoy the view, and even take your pick from several hiking trails that start here.

To drive the entire length of Going-to-the-Sun Road, it takes approximately two hours, depending on traffic and how frequently you stop for photos. And the first time you drive this road, it’s jaw-dropping.

Expect a lot of cars on this road and frequent traffic jams. There are numerous turn-outs where you can park, get out of your car, and safely enjoy the view.

We’ve driven Going-to-the-Sun Road multiple times, and in my opinion, the stretch of road between The Loop and Logan Pass is the best, but it’s also quite nice from Logan Pass to St. Mary Visitor Center.

Logan Pass Glacier National Park

Going-to-the-Sun Road and Logan Pass, view from the Highline Trail

PRO TRAVEL TIP: There are regulations to the type of vehicle allowed on Going-to-the-Sun Road. Vehicles longer than 21 feet or taller than 10 feet are not permitted on the road. The road is very narrow with rock overhangs, so larger vehicles are too big for these tight spots. Therefore, if you are in an RV or pulling a trailer, you most likely will not be able to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road. You can still get the experience, just take the park shuttle or a Red Bus Tour.

When is Going-to-the-Sun Road open? Typically, this road is open from the end of June/early July through mid-October. Opening and closing dates are dependent on snowfall. Get updates on the official national park website.

2. Experience the Views at Logan Pass

At 6,646 feet (2025 meters), Logan Pass is the highest point on Going-to-the-Sun Road and part of the Continental Divide. This is the highest point in Glacier National Park that can be reached by car.

From here, enjoy sweeping views across Glacier National Park. Jagged mountains, fields of wildflowers, and the chance to see bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and other wildlife are the highlights.

Logan Pass Glacier National Park

View of the mountains and wildflowers along the trail to Hidden Lake, near Logan Pass

Two popular hiking trails start at Logan Pass: Hidden Lake and the Highline Trail.

Parking Restrictions at Logan Pass: Logan Pass is an extremely popular place to visit in Glacier National Park, not only for the views but also for the hikes (both the Highline Trail and Hidden Lake Trail start here). New in 2026, there will be a 3-hour time limit at Logan Pass. If you plan to spend more than 3 hours here (e.g., hiking the Highline Trail), you will need to take the hiker express shuttle and book those tickets in advance of your trip. Learn more here.

US National Park Map

USA National Parks List (+ Free Printable Checklist)

3. Hike Glacier’s Most Scenic Trails

There is no better way to experience the beauty and majesty of Glacier National Park than from a hiking trail. And there are many to choose from.

Whether you are looking for a short, easy hike out to an alpine lake or an epic trail into the backcountry, you have a lot to choose from.

We’ve hiked many of the park’s most famous trails, including the Highline Trail, Grinnell Glacier, Avalanche Lake, and Hidden Lake, and each offers a completely different perspective of the park.

  • Trail of the Cedars – flat boardwalk through old-growth forest
  • Hidden Lake Overlook – big views with a relatively short climb
  • St. Mary & Virginia Falls – quick waterfall stop
Kara on the Trail of the Cedars in Glacier National Park

Trail of the Cedars

Avalanche Gorge on Trail of the Cedars

Avalanche Gorge

Hidden Lake Glacier

Hidden Lake

St. Mary's Falls Glacier National Park

St. Mary Falls

  • Avalanche Lake – one of the most popular lake hikes
  • Apikuni Falls – short but steep with waterfall views
Avalanche Lake Glacier National Park

Avalanche Lake

  • Iceberg Lake – a brilliant turquoise lake backed by cliffs
  • Highline Trail – dramatic cliffside hiking above Going-to-the-Sun Road
  • Grinnell Glacier – glacier views, waterfalls, and wildlife
  • Cracker Lake – an aquamarine lake in the Many Glacier area
Cliff edge portion of the Highline Trail

Highline Trail

Kara hiking the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park

Another view from the Highline Trail

Grinnell Glacier

Grinnell Glacier

For detailed trail stats, difficulty ratings, maps, and planning tips, see our complete guide to the best hikes in Glacier National Park ↓

Hikes in Glacier NP

Best Hikes in Glacier National Park

Looking to do a hike or two while in Glacier National Park? Here are 10 of the best to add to your list.

4. Explore Wildlife-Rich Many Glacier

This is one of the most beautiful areas of Glacier National Park. Yes, it even beats Going-to-the-Sun Road. With massive, snow-covered mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and of course, glaciers, this is a hiker’s paradise.

Swiftcurrent Lake Glacier National Park

Swiftcurrent Lake and Many Glacier Hotel

Best things to do in Glacier National Park

View from the hiking trail to Grinnell Glacier

Grinnell Glacier and Iceberg Lake are the most popular hikes in the area, but there are many more to choose from. Most of them are longer hikes, coming in at around 10 miles, but they are worth every step you take on the trail.

If you are not a big hiker, you can still get a lot out of your visit here. Stay in the historic Many Glacier Hotel and ride the boat across Swiftcurrent and Josephine Lakes. Just driving the roads here we spotted black bear and other wildlife.

PRO TRAVEL TIP: If you plan to visit Many Glacier on a day trip from another area of the park, try to get here at 8 am. Parking is limited at the trailheads and lodges and on one of the days we were here, park staff were turning visitors away.

5. Discover the Quieter Side at Two Medicine Area

Two Medicine is the area of the park that was first visited, before Going-to-the-Sun Road was constructed in 1932. This is a great area of the park for day hikes and to venture into the backcountry. It doesn’t attract as many visitors as Going-to-the-Sun Road or Many Glacier, so this area feels off the beaten path.

Two Medicine Lake sits at the base of Rising Wolf Mountain, creating one of the most photogenic settings in the park. On calm mornings, the lake reflects the surrounding peaks, and wildlife sightings are common along the shoreline and nearby trails.

This area is ideal for visitors who want:

  • Fewer crowds
  • Easy lake access
  • Moderate hiking options
  • A more peaceful, backcountry feel

Several excellent hikes start here, ranging from short waterfall walks to longer alpine routes with sweeping views. If you’re looking for a scenic hike without the intensity (or parking challenges) of Many Glacier, Two Medicine is a fantastic alternative.

Glacier Two Medicine

6. Relax in Lake McDonald Valley

Lake McDonald is the largest lake in the park. Sitting on the edge of the lake is the historic Lake McDonald Lodge, built in 1914.

From the lake, take your pick from numerous hikes or go horseback riding. You can also take a boat tour of the lake.

Lake McDonald Glacier National Park

Lake McDonald

7. Take a Historic Red Bus Tour

One of the most unique ways to experience Glacier National Park is aboard one of its iconic Red Buses. These vintage 1930s touring vehicles, known as “Jammers,” are the oldest continuously operating tour fleet in the world and have become part of the park’s identity.

With their roll-back canvas tops and open-air design, Red Bus tours offer panoramic views as you travel along Going-to-the-Sun Road and through some of Glacier’s most scenic regions.

Instead of focusing on navigating narrow mountain roads or finding parking at Logan Pass, you can sit back and enjoy the ride while a knowledgeable driver shares stories about the park’s history, geology, and wildlife.

There are numerous tour options to choose from. Take a scenic ride along Going-to-the-Sun Road, visit Many Glacier, or Two Medicine. Tours can last up to 9.5 hours, depending on which one you choose, with prices up to roughly $70 to $100 per person. Book your tickets in advance because they do sell out.

Tours run from the end of June through mid-September.

Click here for full details.

8. See Wild Goose Island

Wild Goose Island is a tiny island located on Saint Mary Lake and it is one of Glacier’s most photographed spots.

You might also recognize Wild Goose Island from the opening scene of the movie “The Shining.” In fact, the first few minutes of the movie were filmed at Glacier National Park, with video clips of Wild Goose Island, Saint Mary Lake, and Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Wild Goose Island

Wild Goose Island

To get this view, park in the small parking lot on Going-to-the-Sun road, labeled “Wild Goose Island Lookout” on Google Maps.

9. Take a Boat Tour on One of Glacier’s Lakes

The first things that might come to mind when you think of Glacier National Park are probably mountains and glaciers. But this is also a land of lakes.

If you want to take a break from scenic drives and hiking trails, consider taking a boat tour or renting kayaks for a different experience.

Josephine Lake

Josephine Lake

In Many Glacier, you can sit back and take a boat tour of Swiftcurrent or Josephine Lakes. You can also rent kayaks at the Many Glacier Hotel and kayak on Swiftcurrent Lake.

Lake McDonald, Two Medicine Lake, and Saint Mary Lake are also popular places to go on a guided boat tour or to rent kayaks.

Click here to learn more.

If you are looking for a little more adventure, you can also go white water rafting in Glacier National Park. Here are a few options:

 

10. Visit Waterton Lakes National Park

Glacier National Park and Waterton Lakes National Park form the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park.

Waterton Lakes is located in Canada. It feels like a quieter, mellower version of Glacier National Park.

Prince of Wales Hotel
Waterton Lake

One of the best things to do is to take a guided boat tour on Waterton Lake. You will cross the border back into the United States, see remote Goat Haunt, and look for wildlife.

Hiking and biking are popular things to do here, as well as some experiences you wouldn’t expect to have in a national park. Have high tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel, go shopping at the boutique stores in the town of Waterton, or take your pick from one of many great restaurants in town.

You can day trip here from Glacier National Park or spend a night or two. If you have the time in your itinerary, this is a very nice place to take a break from the summer crowds that flock to Glacier.

Learn how to plan your visit in our guide to Waterton Lakes National Park ↓

Waterton Lakes

Best Things to Do in Waterton Lakes

Things to do, where to stay, where to eat, and how to plan your time.

Going-to-the-Sun Road Area

This is the heart of Glacier National Park and the most visited section. The 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road climbs high into the mountains, crossing the Continental Divide at Logan Pass.

Don’t miss:

  • Driving the full length of Going-to-the-Sun Road
  • Hiking the Highline Trail
  • Hidden Lake Overlook
  • Trail of the Cedars & Avalanche Lake
  • Stopping at Logan Pass for alpine views

This area is ideal if you have limited time and want Glacier’s most iconic scenery in one place.

Going to the Sun Road

A view of Going-to-the-Sun Road from the Highline Trail

Many Glacier

Many Glacier is the park’s hiking and wildlife capital. Massive peaks, active glaciers, turquoise lakes, and frequent wildlife sightings make this one of the most dramatic regions in the park.

Don’t miss:

  • Grinnell Glacier
  • Iceberg Lake
  • Swiftcurrent Lake
  • Staying at Many Glacier Hotel

If you love hiking and want classic “Glacier” landscapes, prioritize this area.

Two Medicine

Two Medicine offers a quieter, less crowded experience with equally beautiful scenery. This area feels more peaceful and laid-back compared to the busier Going-to-the-Sun corridor.

Don’t miss:

  • Scenic views around Two Medicine Lake
  • Short waterfall hikes
  • Boat tours across the lake
  • Wildlife sightings in a less crowded setting

Great for visitors looking to escape peak-season congestion.

Lake McDonald Valley

Located near the West Entrance, this area combines easy access with stunning scenery. Lake McDonald’s colorful pebbled shoreline is one of the park’s most photographed spots.

Don’t miss:

  • Sunset at Lake McDonald
  • Trail of the Cedars
  • Avalanche Lake
  • Historic Lake McDonald Lodge

This is a convenient base if you’re staying near West Glacier.

North Fork

The North Fork region is more remote and rugged, offering a true off-the-beaten-path feel. Roads are rougher, services are limited, and crowds are minimal.

Don’t miss:

  • Bowman Lake
  • Kintla Lake
  • Remote hiking trails
  • A visit to the Polebridge Mercantile

Best for adventurous travelers who want to experience Glacier beyond the main corridor.

Here’s a map of the best things to do in Glacier National Park, organized by region.

Glacier National Park is open 365 days of the year. However, numerous roads in the park are closed due to snow, from September through June. For full details, visit the national park service website. 

Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle in the summer, valid for 7 days; $25 in winter (November through April), valid for 7 days; non-US residents 16 years or older pay an additional $100 fee

Get updates on road conditions and trail closures, as you plan your trip and just before your visit, on the National Park Service website.

Ideally, plan on spending a minimum of two days at Glacier National Park. Even more time is better and you could easily spend a week here and never run out of things to do.

With one day, drive Going-to-the-Sun Road and visit the sights along the drive: Logan Pass, Hidden Lake, Lake McDonald, the Trail of Cedars, Avalanche Lake, and Saint Mary Lake. If you are a big hiker, get to Logan Pass by 7:30 am and hike the Highline Trail.

With two days, follow our one-day recommendation. Spend day two in Many Glacier and hike one of the trails.

With three or more days, add more time to Many Glacier, visit Two Medicine, or visit Waterton Lakes National Park.

For more information, read our Glacier National Park Itinerary ↓

Glacier NP Itinerary

How to Plan Your Glacier National Park Itinerary

Suggestions on how to plan your time in Glacier National Park from 1 to 5 days.

What We Did

So far, we have visited Glacier National Park twice. The first time, Tim and I just visited the park in one day, driving Going-to-the-Sun Road and hiking Avalanche Lake and Hidden Lake. It was nice, but we had no idea what we were missing by skipping Many Glacier.

On our more recent visit, Kara and I spent four and a half days in Glacier. We spent a day and a half in Many Glacier, one day in Waterton Lakes, and two days along Going-to-the-Sun Road (one of these days we hiked the Highline Trail). It was not enough time and there are still so many hikes to come back and do.

Mountain Goat

Mountain Goat on the Grinnell Glacier Trail

The best time to visit Glacier National Park is from mid-July through September, when Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open and most hiking trails are snow-free. This is when you’ll have access to Logan Pass, Many Glacier, and the park’s most iconic alpine hikes.

Going-to-the-Sun Road Opening & Closing Dates

Usually, the road is open by mid to late-June but this varies from year to year. In 2023, Going-to-the-Sun Road opened June 13, the earliest opening since 2005. In 2022, Going-to-the-Sun Road opened on July 13, which is unusually late.

Going-to-the-Sun Road closes by late September or early October.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park Travel Guide

See all of our articles

Where you stay in Glacier National Park has a big impact on how much you can see and how early you can start your days. Lodging inside the park offers unbeatable access to hikes and scenic areas, while accommodations just outside the entrances provide more options and amenities.

Staying Inside Glacier National Park

Staying inside the park is ideal if you want to minimize driving and start your hikes early. Lodges and campgrounds are spread across several regions, including Many Glacier, Lake McDonald, and St. Mary.

This is our favorite area of the park, especially if you plan to hike Grinnell Glacier or Iceberg Lake.

Many Glacier Hotel. This is a grand, historic hotel. It looks amazing on the outside and has an enormous, rustic lobby with stunning views of Swiftcurrent Lake. Kara and I stayed in a standard room. It was a very basic room with a double bed and private bathroom. There is no air conditioning, but it is cool at night so that was not an issue. However, it’s an old hotel. The floors creak and the walls are thin, so if you are a light sleeper, bring ear plugs.

Important Note: There is no Wi-Fi in the rooms and the Wi-Fi is very limited in the lobby. There is no cellular service in Many Glacier. I actually made a collect call to Tim (when was the last time I did that?!) simply because I couldn’t even send a text message. Kara and I were traveling on our own, on a “girls trip,” and since we drove up from Yellowstone, I wanted to let Tim know that we got in safely.

Many Glacier Hotel

Many Glacier Hotel

Swiftcurrent Motor Inn. I liked it here. Again, it’s very basic, with no Wi-Fi, cellular service or air conditioning. But we stayed in a building tucked away in the trees and it was very nice. Our room was enormous, the beds were comfy, and it felt more peaceful than staying at the Many Glacier Hotel.

Best for: Logan Pass access and sunrise photography

  • Rising Sun Motor Inn – Inside the park, near St. Mary Lake.
  • St. Mary Village – Just outside the east entrance with more amenities.

This location makes it easier to reach Logan Pass early before parking fills.

Best for: First-time visitors, access to Going-to-the-Sun Road

  • Lake McDonald Lodge – Historic lodge near the west entrance.
  • Apgar Village Lodge & Cabins – Convenient and close to the lake.

Great base if you’re exploring Avalanche Lake and the western portion of Going-to-the-Sun Road.

WHAT WE DID: We booked our trip last minute (in June for a trip in August). Since we visited so many different areas, and because I booked our hotels so late, we stayed at five different hotels in five nights. In Many Glacier, I could not find a hotel or lodge that had availability for two or more consecutive nights. So, I recommend booking your hotels as far in advance as possible.

Staying Near the Park Entrances

If lodging inside the park is unavailable, staying just outside the entrances is a good alternative.

  • West Glacier / Columbia Falls: Convenient for Lake McDonald and the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road
  • St. Mary: Best access to Logan Pass and Many Glacier from the east side
  • Whitefish: More amenities, but longer daily drives into the park

These locations offer a wider range of hotels and vacation rentals, but expect longer drive times during peak season.

Great Northern Resort. This place is wonderful. It is located in West Glacier, so it is a great place to stay to be near Lake McDonald and Avalanche Lake. We had an enormous room with two beds, air conditioning, and great Wi-Fi. I would stay here again.

Best Western Rocky Mountain Lodge, Whitefish. This is where we stayed our last night at Glacier. The following day we had a flight home so I wanted to stay near the airport. Unless you are having a hard time finding accommodations inside the park, I wouldn’t recommend staying in Whitefish. It’s a 40-minute drive just to get to the west entrance and can take an hour and a half or longer to get to Logan Pass. However, after your visit, Whitefish is a great place to stay. There’s a lot to do here, with outdoor activities and family-friendly experiences.

Now that you know the best things to do in Glacier National Park, here are a few resources to help you plan your visit:

Our detailed 1–5 Day Glacier National Park Itinerary shows you exactly how to organize your time, including where to stay and how to structure your days.

For a full breakdown of the park’s top trails, with distances, elevation gain, and difficulty ratings, take a look at our guide Best Hikes in Glacier National Park.

If you’re planning a larger western road trip, this Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Glacier National Park Itinerary combines three of America’s most spectacular national parks into one unforgettable route.


If you have any questions about the best things to do in Glacier National Park, let us know in the comment section below.

If your visit to Glacier National Park or Montana is part of a bigger road trip, here is more information to help you plan your trip.

Best things to do in Glacier National Park, Montana: Highline Trail, Grinnell Glacier, Going to the Sun Road, hikes in Two Medicine, Logan Pass, Hidden Lake, Many Glacier.
Things to Do Glacier National Park
Best Things to do in Glacier National Park
Best things to do in Glacier National Park

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Julie

About Julie

Julie is the main author for Earth Trekkers. Hiker, foodie, wine aficionado, photographer, and triathlete, she loves discovering new places and turning those experiences into practical travel advice. Her work has been featured by National Geographic, Outside, and Matador Network. Julie’s mission is simple: to make travel planning easier and inspire you to visit new destinations with confidence.

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