Editor's Pick
Glacier National Park
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Trip length
- 4–7 days
- Budget
- $300–$1,100
- per person · excl. airfare
- Best months
- Jul–Sep
HikingBackpacking
Park entrance: $35 (Entrance - Private Vehicle) · source: NPS
A showcase of melting glaciers, alpine meadows, carved valleys, and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a paradise for adventurous visitors seeking a landscape steeped in human culture. Relive the days of old through historic chalets, lodges, and the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Highlights
- Going-to-the-Sun Road
- Turquoise glacial lakes
- Highline Trail traverse
Photos
Photos via Wikimedia Commons under their respective licences.
Map
Trails (10)· Moderate
- View →Upper McDonald Creek TrailRepresentative2.7 mi0 ft gainModerate~0.9 h
- View →Dutch Creek TrailRepresentative9.3 mi0 ft gainModerate~3.1 h
- View →Howe Ridge TrailRepresentative9.3 mi0 ft gainModerate~3.1 h
- View →Avalanche Lake TrailRepresentative2.5 mi0 ft gainModerate~0.8 h
- View →Avalanche Campground TrailRepresentative2.2 mi0 ft gainModerate~0.7 h
- View →Flattop Mountain TrailRepresentative9.1 mi0 ft gainModerate~3 h
- View →Hidden Lake TrailRepresentative1.5 mi0 ft gainModerate~0.5 h
- View →Saint Mary Lake TrailRepresentative8.7 mi0 ft gainModerate~2.9 h
- View →Lincoln Lake TrailRepresentative8.3 mi0 ft gainModerate~2.8 h
- View →Trail of the CedarsRepresentative0.3 mi0 ft gainModerate~0.1 h
Getting there
- FCA Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) · 33 mi
- MSO Missoula Montana · 123 mi
- GEG Spokane Intl · 187 mi
Straight-line distances to nearby airports. Airfare and drive times are not included.
Permits & access
Reservation required
Backcountry permit for overnight; vehicle reservations for Going-to-the-Sun Road in season — confirm current rules on the official site.
Official permit & conditions ↗Last verified 7/24/2026