Calling all outdoor enthusiasts, Glacier National Park is a nature lovers dream. This park covers nearly 1,000,000 acres of breathtaking nature, preserving 1,000 different species of plant life and hundreds of animals, including grizzly bears, moose, mountain goats, and the endangered Wolverine. The parks diverse ecosystems will take you from the prairie to tundra all in one hike.
This was our 11th National Park of our summer trip and it definitely became one of our favorites. You’ve got to put Glacier on your bucket list!
In this post we are sharing 10 amazing things to do in glacier national park.
#1. CHECK OUT A VISITOR CENTER
Start your exploration of Glacier at a one of the visitor centers. Grab a park map & check out the park movie & exhibit. Stop at the restroom and get the latest scoop from the park ranger. Don’t forget to pick up a souvenir at the park store.
#2. DRIVE THE GOING TO THE SUN ROAD
If you’re not interested in hiking then you must drive the Going to the Sun Road. This 50 mile scenic drive winds up and around towering mountains, past waterfalls & valleys, and across the continental divide making this one of the top national park scenic drives.
#3. GET ON A TRAIL
A great way to explore the incredible nature of Glacier National Park. Whether it’s an easy scenic stroll or a challenging day hike, Glacier has something for everyone. The most popular in the park are Avalanche Lake, Grinnell Glacier, Highline Trail, Hidden Lake, and St. Mary & Virginia Falls.
For easy trails consider | Trail of the Cedars, Redrock Falls, Johns Lake, Grinnell Lake, & Upper McDonald Creek.
For moderate trails consider | Avalanche Lake, St. Mary & Virginia Falls, Hidden Lake, Iceberg Lake, & Cracker Lake.
For more strenuous trails consider | Grinnell Glacier, Highline Trail, The Garden Wall, Apgar Lookout, Ptarmigan Tunnel, & Siyeh Pass.
Always carry bear spray when hiking any trail in Glacier. Available for purchase at Apgar, Lake McDonald, Logan Pass, Many Glacier, Two Medicine, & Rising Sun.
#4. BACKPACK THE WILDERNESS
For a more in depth exploration of Glacier National Park pick up a backpacking permit and tour the parks remote wilderness. This is a great way to avoid the crowds and experience the incredible night sky. For more information about back country camping, check out the park website.
#5. RED BUS TOUR
For a relaxing tour of Glacier National Park, jump on a vintage 1930s Red Bus, and learn about the history and geology of Glacier. There are a variety of scenic tours to choose from, such as, Western & Eastern Alpine Tour, Big Sky Circle Tour, Western Mountain Majesty Tour, and the Crown of the Continent Tour.
#6. BIKING
Glacier National Park’s Going to the Sun Road is a hotspot for bicyclists for its steep and curvy scenic roads. Bikers can utilize the hiker/biker shuttle system to drop them off at their desired location. During peak season bikers have to be off the road from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for vehicle traffic.
For more info on biking in Glacier, visit the park website.
#7. GET ON THE WATER
Glacier National Park is home to numerous crystal clear blue lakes which make getting out on the water a popular way to tour this park. All boating rentals and adventures available in Glacier are run by Glacier Park Boat Company and include kayak, paddle board, canoe, & power boat rentals, as well as, scenic cruises.
#8. PARKS AS CLASSROOMS
What better way to learn then by bringing the classroom to the park! The National Park System provides a series of curriculum covering topics such a math, science, social studies, and language arts for elementary and middle school learners. A great option for homeschooling or field trips.
#9. EXPERIENCE THE DARK SKIES
Designated as an International Dark Sky Park in 2019, Glacier National Park provides spectacular viewing of the night sky. For a memorial experience join an evening ranger program or stay overnight in the campground and experience what a truly dark sky looks like.
Comment below your favorite thing to do in Glacier National Park!
