Going-to-the-Sun Road is open to Avalanche Creek on the west side of the park. On the east side, the road is open to Jackson Glacier Overlook. Travel on open sections of the road may change due to spring weather conditions. Visitors should check road conditions before their arrival.
Full details β
Glacier National Park
Montana
A showcase of melting glaciers, alpine meadows, carved valleys, and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a paradise for adventurous visitors seeking a landscape steeped in human culture. Relive the days of old through historic chalets, lodges, and the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road.
About Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is a national park located in Montana. Glacier's weather is highly variable and can be extreme. Expect warm, sunny summer days but be ready for any type of conditions. In the winter, temperatures can fall well below freezing and typically the park receives considerable amounts of snow. Glacier's geography, straddling the Continental Divide, sets the stage for clashes of two very different climates. Warm, wet Pacific air moves in from the west, and cold, dry Arctic air flows from the northeast. They meet at the Divide.
Glacier National Park is located in the northwest corner of Montana along the spine of the Rocky Mountains. By car you can access Glacier via Highway 2, which runs along the southern boundary of the park. You can reach the east side of the park via Highway 89. The nearest airports are in Kalispell and Great Falls, Montana.
π° Entrance Fees & Passes
The general entrance fee for Glacier starts at $20 (which commonly covers entry for a single private vehicle and passengers for up to 7 consecutive days). The park offers several fee options: Entrance - Private Vehicle ($35), Entrance - Per Person ($20), Entrance - Motorcycle ($30), Commercial Entrance - Sedan ($25), Commercial Entrance - Van ($75), Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus ($100), Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach ($200), Nonresident ($100). If you plan to visit multiple national parks this year, purchasing the America the Beautiful National Parks Annual Pass ($80) is highly cost-effective, as general entry to most parks will quickly offset the pass cost.
π₯Ύ Things to Do
Glacier National Park offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Arts and Culture, Cultural Demonstrations, Live Music, Auto and ATV, and 41 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
π¦ Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Glacier
π Visitor Planning Tips for Glacier
- βBeat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Glacier before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- βMonitor Active Alerts: There are currently 1 active alerts for Glacier. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
- βSecure Campsites Early: Lodging and developed campgrounds within and surrounding Glacier get booked out months in advance. Make reservations on recreation.gov as early as the window opens.
- βAltitude & Hydration: The thin air and dry heat in this region will dehydrate you quickly. Pack at least 3 to 4 liters of water per person per day and pack electrolyte replacements.
A showcase of melting glaciers, alpine meadows, carved valleys, and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a paradise for adventurous visitors seeking a landscape steeped in human culture. Relive the days of old through historic chalets, lodges, and the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Frequently Asked Questions about Glacier
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer β National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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