How to Visit Glacier National Park
Millions flock to Glacier National Park each year to hike, view incredible mountain scenery and drive over the Continental Divide. Glacier National Park lies adjacent to Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada. Visitors often visit both parks to see towering mountain peaks, glaciers and diverse wildlife. Over 700 miles of trails entice hikers to get close to the scenery.
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Instructions
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Stop at a Visitor's Center to get maps and more information about the park. Rangers can give you trail guides, directions or information about various guided tours and other activities. Apgar Visitor's Center is located near the West entrance. Saint Mary and Logan Pass centers are located on the Going-To-The-Sun Road.
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Drive Going-To-The-Sun Road for spectacular views of the park. The 50-mile trail passes by mountain lakes, the Continental Divide and Logan Pass. The park now offers a shuttle bus service along the road with stops at various scenic points and trails. Get on and off the shuttles to explore areas further without the hassle of having to drive your own car.
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Take a boat tour on one of Glacier's many lakes. Guided boat tours take place at Many Glacier, Two Medicine, Rising Sun and Lake McDonald. You can also rent your own boat at these locations. These tours make a nice alternative or addition to guided hikes in the park.
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Hike one or more of Glacier's many trails. Choose the length and difficulty that best suits your needs and head out to explore mountain meadows full of wildflowers or forest areas. Self-guided walks with interpretive signs exist in a number of places within the park as well. Stop at a ranger station near the hike you plan to do to find warnings and recommendations for the trail.
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Horseback ride through portions of the park on your own horse or with a guided tour. Guided rides begin at Many Glacier, Lake McDonald and Apgar. Choose from hour long rides to full-day rides within the park. Make sure to choose a tour matching your riding ability for safety and comfort reasons.
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Snowshoe or cross country ski on Glacier's trails during the winter. Snow doesn't stop the fun in the park as the hundreds of miles of trails offer pristine places to explore even under several feet of snow. Consult with rangers about the best trails for your skill level and remember to dress for the weather.
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Backpack into the back country for quiet vistas and pristine alpine lakes. Leave the crowds behind and feel like you have the park to yourself. Be sure to read the back country camping guide and alert rangers to your intended path.
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