Known as the “Crown of the Continent”, Glacier National Park attracts upwards of 3 million adventurous folks from across the globe annually. With a name like the “Crown of the Continent”, why wouldn’t you want to take in its’ beauty!? Glacier National Park is most known for alpine meadows, dramatic terrain, and melting glaciers. Whether you’re searching for an extended stay or a quick getaway, Glacier National Park is the place to be. Are you ready to wander? As a Montana elopement photographer, I’m so excited to bring you my Glacier National Park travel guide to help you plan your adventure!
Must-See Views in Glacier National Park:
+ Going to the Sun Road
Although Going to the Sun Road is a popular attraction, it is not overrated. It truly is one of the most beautiful views to take in a fraction of all the beauty GNP has to offer. Traveling East to West, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop for hikes, endless views, and perhaps some wildlife. Don’t forget to take a stop at Logan Pass’ Visitor Center!
+ Many Glacier Area
Many Glacier is my favorite place to experience the endless wildlife of GNP. Within Many Glacier, there are many ‘gems’ to add to your list:
- Lake Josephine
- Many Glacier Hotel
- Grinnell Lake
- Grinnell Glacier
- Iceberg Lake
- Fishercap Lake (best spot for moose viewing in the fall)
+ Pray Lake
Pray Lake is home to some killer sunrises – and trust me, it’s worth the early wakeup call. The way the sunshine engulfs the the water and reflects the surrounding mountains never gets old. Sun Point is another great spot to watch the sunrise!
+ Bowman Lake + Polebridge Mercantile
There aren’t many opportunities for food within GNP, so make sure to stock up on sweets and beer at Polebridge Mercantile. They are known for their Bearclaw pastry!
Must-Do Hikes in Glacier National Park
The hardest part of hiking in Glacier National Park is that it’s almost impossible to pick the “best”; I’m yet to experience a “bad” hike. The following list is just the start, and I could quite literally go on for 10 days about all the trails in the park. Here’s my round up, though, of some of the most incredible hikes in Glacier National Park (in no particular order):
Hidden Lake (or just to the overlook for a shorter, more moderate hike)
Length: 5.3 mi
Elevation Gain: 1,374 ft.
Level of difficulty: Moderately challenging
Popularity: Very popular
Lake Josephine
Length: 1.8 mi
Elevation Gain: 225 ft
Level of difficulty: Easy
Popularity: Popular
Grinnell Glacier
Length: 11.2 mi
Elevation Gain: 2,181 ft
Level of difficulty: Challenging
Popularity: Very popular
Grinnell Lake
Length: 3.5 mi
Elevation Gain: 220 ft
Level of difficulty: Easy
Popularity: Very popular
Iceberg Lake
Length: 9.3 mi
Elevation Gain: 1,450 ft
Level of difficulty: Moderately challenging
Popularity: Very popular
Mt. Oberlin
Length: 3.5 mi
Elevation Gain: 1,519 ft
Level of difficulty: Challenging
Popularity: Popular, but you can count on some solitude during quiet times of the day
***This is a social trail, that is not apart of the park service trails
Reynolds Mountain
Length: 5.2 mi
Elevation Gain: 1,322 ft
Level of difficulty: Challenging
Popularity: Unlikely to encounter others
***Technical and not for beginners
Avalanche Lake
Length: 5.9 mi
Elevation Gain: 757 ft
Level of difficulty: Moderately challenging
Popularity: Very popular
***Honorable mention – do it once, otherwise, it is too popular!
Paradise Point
Length: 1.4 mi
Elevation Gain: 160 ft
Level of difficulty: Moderately challenging
Popularity: Popular, but you can count on some solitude during quiet times of the day
St. Mary Falls
Length: 2.9 mi
Elevation Gain: 452 ft
Level of difficulty: Moderately challenging
Popularity: Very popular
Barring Falls
Length: 0.7 mi
Elevation Gain: 108 ft
Level of difficulty: Easy
Popularity: Very popular
Must-Do Activities in Glacier National Park
- Visit the visitor center to chat with rangers + learn more about the park
- Get a paddle in on one of the lakes! You can either bring your own water-crafts, or rent from the park. Make sure to check with the rangers for invasive species!
- Do a wildlife tour with a local company
- Whitewater rafting in West Glacier
- Take a dip in an alpine lake
- Try fly fishing
- Pack a picnic and relax on a rocky beach
- Do a sunrise or sunset scenic drive
- Day trip to Polebridge + North Fork area for a bear-claw pastry
Where to Stay in Glacier National Park
- Camp within the park at one of the numerous campgrounds or surrounding areas
- We love St. Mary KOA!
- Local lodges and small resorts in West Glacier
- East Glacier Village
- Airbnb or VRBO near West Glacier (reach out as far west as Kalispell or Whitefish for an easy drive)
Best travel tips in Glacier National Park
- BE BEAR AWARE + respect wildlife
- Keep up-to-date on vehicle reservation information; it changes every year. Some reservations release 120 days in advance, and the rest release 24 hours prior to the date you need them
- Be prepared to stay in the park all day – it gets busy.
- Park early! Rise before sunrise to beat the crowds
- Plan your hikes ahead of the time so you have a plan
- Pack a cooler – there are not many resources for food in the park
So what do you think of my Glacier National Park travel guide?! Let me know over on my Instagram (@sydneybreannphoto)! And as always, you can read up on allllll the Glacier National Park & Montana resources I have available HERE! Are you ready to wander?
