This may have been my favorite park. Spread across the wilderness in Montana’s Rocky Mountains, filled with glacier-carved peaks and valleys, it has something catching your eye at every turn. It’s amazing to be surrounded by a place that is filled with natural beauty. Glacier has some amazing hikes good for all ages. Be wary of the season you go as some of the trails will be closed due to weather. Others may be open, but the amount of fog and mist can make it more difficult. If you’re a cyclist, Going-to-the-Sun Road is a popular destination that hosts cycle and camping trips! Wildlife ranges from mountain goats to grizzly bears. Keep up to date with campground and trail closings as well due to grizzly bear activity.

Typical Costs

Food: $15-$30 per person at mid-range sit-down restaurants which are located on the outskirts of the park. Cheaper options at sandwich stores, grocery stores, and fast food restaurant located outside of the park.

Accommodation: Campgrounds range from $20-$30 a night, Lodges range from $150- $350 per night, Glamping options vary in price (but are worth every penny!)

Where to Stay in Glacier National Park

St. Mary Campground:

• Located at the St. Mary entrance to the park (Northeast), this is a great starting point when making your way through Glacier and down the Going to the Sun Road.
• Price: $23/night – this included a space large enough for two tents, a picnic table, fire pit, parking spot, and was surrounded by trees and a short walk to the public bathrooms.

St. Mary Lodge and Resort:

• Located at the St. Mary entrance to the park (Northeast), this is a great starting point when making your way through Glacier and down the Going to the Sun Road.
• Price:$$$
• One of the nights were too cold for us to sleep outside in the campground, so we were able to rent a room here. If you’re not the camping type, this hotel is a great option and just a 5 minute drive from the entrance to the park!

Glacier Under Canvas:

• Located at the South entrance of Glacier National Park. This camp ground is glamping at its’ finest. Stay in luxurious safari style tents all beautifully decorated with a wood burning stove for those chilly nights! Shared bathrooms are also decorated with a modern flare and facilities are pristine. Also, get to know some of your “glampground” friends at the sunset bonfire with smores they put on every night!
• Price: $$$

What to Do

Going To The Sun Road:

• This is the main and only road going through Glacier National Park. However, it’s on the list of things to do because the drive alone is breathtaking. Take a day to do this drive from start to finish – the views, the wildlife, even the climate changes, will leave you in awe!

St. Mary Falls:

• This is one of the easier hikes in Glacier, but offers just as good of views. Hike along the trail to St. Mary Falls, if you’re up for it, jump in the crystal blue glacier water! Bring a packed lunch and eat by the water before walking back to your car.

Lake McDonald:

• This glacier blue water lake is surrounded by some of the beautiful mountains in Glacier National Park. Take a boat ride with one of the very informative guides and learn some of the amazing history about this park – from before it was even named a national park. You’ll also learn some of the history of how the famous Going to The Sun Road was built!

Logan Pass:

• The pass at the highest point on the Going-to-the-Sun Road is a good for all ages. It’s also a popular starting point for hiking and backpacking trips that lead out onto multiple trails. It’s only open during the summer time and is very weather dependent. On the first day we tried going the fog was so think you couldn’t see your hand in front of your face!

Avalanche Lake:

• This half day hike was a real light at the end of the tunnel type of trip. The hike itself was moderate in difficulty, had some beautiful creeks and views on the way, but when you walk out of the woods and out into the huge open space that over looks Avalanche Lake, you see that light. Give yourself time here and sit and enjoy the nature.