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Complete Visitor Guide: Glacier National Park Guide

  • By Kate Moore
  • on 
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With over 800 miles of hiking trails, Glacier National Park in Montana is a hiker’s paradise.

Pristine lakes, colorful wildflowers, and spectacular mountain views make this park one of the best places to visit for adventure seekers.


The Visitors Guide To Glacier

west glacier national park entrance station

Navigating the reservation system

Advanced reservations are required in many areas of Glacier. Find out how to make reservations and how to plan a last-minute trip without one.


mountain goat on the boardwalk at the hidden lake overlook trail in glacier national park montana

Best Things To Do

Don’t miss these top-rated activities in Glacier National Park! The best scenic drives, tours, hiking trails, and accommodations.


grinnell glacier overlook trail

Top 15 Hiking Trails

The best family-friendly hikes, backpacking routes, and overlooks in Glacier National Park.


camping tent at apgar campsite in glacier national park

13 Best Camping Sites In Glacier

The best tent and RV campsites. Primitive campgrounds, and wilderness campsites. Find out where to get reservations and how to plan ahead.


Exploring Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is broken up into 9 distinct sections. Each area of the park has its own feel and activities.

Going-to-the-sun road cuts all the way through the park from the west Glacier entrance to St Mary Lake on the east.

This is one of the only paved roads within the park and the most convenient way to get around.

map of areas and sections within glacier national park including waterton lakes, north fork, goat haunt, belly river, lake mcdonald, many glacier, st mary, walton, and two medicine

Areas of Glacier National Park

  • Waterton Lakes National Park (Canada)
  • North Fork
  • Goat Haunt
  • Belly River
  • Lake McDonald
  • Many Glacier
  • St Mary
  • Walton
  • Two Medicine

Glacier National Park Facts And Information

What is the Glacier National Park entrance fee?

The cost to enter is $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass; $70 annual pass, or $80 America the Beautiful Pass. There is a $10 discount when visiting in winter between November 1 to April 30. Remember that advanced reservations are required for entering many areas of the park.

What are the Glacier National Park hours?

Tourists are welcome to visit Glacier National Park 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, however several roads will be closed during winter months including Going-to-the-Sun Road, Many Glacier Road, and Two Medicine Road. Entrance fees are still required when unstaffed.

What time of year does Glacier National Park open?

Glacier National Park is open year-round but the visitor centers are closed between late September and May. Most roads are also closed during winter including Going-to-the-Sun Road, Many Glacier Road, and Two Medicine Road.

What are the visitor centers in Glacier National Park?

Glacier National Park has three visitors centers: St Mary Visitor Center on the east side of the park, Apgar Visitor Center on the west side of the park, and the Logan Pass Visitor Center located on Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Where is Glacier National Park located?

The closest city to Glacier National Park is Kalispell, Montana which is located about 40 miles southwest of the park.

How far is Glacier National Park from Missoula?

Driving from Missoula to Glacier National Park takes approximately 2.5 hours. They are 137 miles apart.

How far is Glacier National Park from Bozeman?

Driving from Yellowstone National Park to Glacier National Park takes approximately 5.5 hours. They are 287 miles apart.

How far is Glacier National Park from Yellowstone?

Driving from Yellowstone National Park to Glacier National Park takes approximately 8 hours. They are 441 miles apart.

How big is Glacier National Park?

Glacier National Park is 1,012,837 acres and 1,583 square miles making it the 12th largest National Park in the US.

How many Glaciers are in Glacier National Park?

As of January 2023, there are 26 Glaciers in Glacier National Park. The largest is the Harrison Glacier.

When was Glacier National Park established?

May 11, 1910

How many people visit Glacier National Park each year?

In 2019 there were 3,049,839 visitors in Glacier National Park.

Download Glacier National Park Hiking Maps


Kate is the lead content creator for ParkedInParadise.com and has spent over two years living in a camper van conversion. She has traveled through 48 US states and writes about van life, camping and RV living.