Glacier National Park, often called the “Crown of the Continent,” is known for its rugged mountains, deep valleys, and pristine lakes. The park’s dramatic scenery was carved by massive glaciers over millennia. While the entire park offers spectacular experiences, the main attraction is the Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTSR). This historic mountain highway provides the most accessible and concentrated display of the park’s iconic views, serving as the primary route for visitors seeking the high alpine environment.
Going-to-the-Sun Road
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is a 50-mile route that bisects the park, connecting Lake McDonald on the west side with St. Mary on the east side. Dedicated in 1933, this route is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. The road was designed to blend into the environment, utilizing native stone for its bridges, retaining walls, and guardrails.
The highway crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass, the highest point on the road at 6,646 feet. Along the route, drivers encounter numerous viewpoints, including Bird Woman Falls, which drops 492 feet. Another feature is the Weeping Wall, where snowmelt and springs cascade directly onto the road, often dousing passing vehicles in early summer.
The road is typically open only from late June or early July until mid-October, depending on snow conditions. Due to its popularity and narrow nature, a vehicle reservation system is often required during peak summer months. A timed entry reservation is necessary for vehicles entering the West Entrance between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. during the reservation season, though entry from the St. Mary side does not require this.
Glaciers and Alpine Hikes
The park’s namesake feature, the glaciers, remains a powerful draw, even as they shrink due to climate change. In the mid-19th century, the park contained an estimated 150 glaciers over 25 acres in size, but by 2010, only about 25 active glaciers remained. Hiking into the high country is the best way to experience the park’s glacial legacy and alpine environment.
The Continental Divide, crossed by the GTSR at Logan Pass, creates the rugged landscape that defines the park’s hiking experience. Trails often begin in the subalpine zone and climb into the exposed, rocky terrain above the tree line. These routes offer direct views of the cirques and U-shaped valleys carved by ancient ice sheets.
The Grinnell Glacier Trail leads hikers to a close-up view of one of the park’s most significant remaining glaciers. The Hidden Lake Overlook Trail, starting near Logan Pass, provides a shorter alpine experience with views of the lake and surrounding peaks. The Highline Trail follows the Garden Wall cliff face and offers continuous panoramic views of the park’s western valleys.
Other Essential Destinations
Beyond the GTSR, Glacier National Park is home to several distinct areas offering unique experiences.
Many Glacier Valley
The Many Glacier Valley, located on the park’s east side, is often called the park’s hiking capital due to its concentration of trailheads. This area features U-shaped valleys, lakes like Swiftcurrent and Josephine, and the historic Many Glacier Hotel. Visitors can take scenic boat tours, which provide access to trailheads that would otherwise require long hikes. The valley is also renowned for exceptional wildlife viewing, including frequent sightings of moose, bighorn sheep, and grizzly bears.
Lake McDonald Valley
The Lake McDonald Valley, on the west side, contains the park’s largest glacial lake, stretching ten miles long and nearly 500 feet deep. The lake is characterized by colorful, smooth rocks visible through the clear water, a result of ancient sedimentary layers exposed by glacial action. The historic Lake McDonald Lodge, with its Swiss-influenced architecture, sits on the lake’s eastern shore.
Two Medicine Area
Further south on the east side is the Two Medicine area. This is a quieter, more remote destination known for its scenic boat tours and spiritual significance to the Blackfeet Nation.