Glacier National Park

Established in 1910 Glacier National Park covers over one million acres of land from mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, lakes and diverse wildlife (mountain goats, moose, black bears, mule deer, bighorn sheep, bison etc). Glacier National Park is part of the world’s first International Peace Park (Waterton-Glacier Peace Park). Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada and Glacier National Park located in Montana, USA. This park represents “a vision of a world in which people’s set aside their differences to work collectively in the interest of all life, for all time. This sacred place is the living embodiment of hope.” In 1995 The International Peace Park gained worldwide recognition when it was designated as a World Heritage Site.

Glacier National Park has 762 lakes (131 named, 631 unnamed).  The largest lake in the park is Lake McDonald which is 9.4 miles long, 1.5 miles wide, and 464 feet deep.  Glacier National Park has a total of 175 mountains, the tallest is Mt. Cleveland at 10,448 feet. Although Glacier National Park is home to over one million acres a large portion of the park is only accessible by backcountry.  

Fun Fact: From Triple Divide Peak (southeast of Logan Pass) a hand’s width can determine whether a raindrop becomes part of the Columbia, Mississippi, or Saskatchewan river systems. (see below)

The Park has 5 sections: 

• Lake McDonald (West Entrance, near West Glacier)
• Many Glacier (Many Glacier Entrance – North of St.Mary Entrance – on the East side of the park) 
• St.Mary (East – St. Mary Entrance) 
• Two Medicine (Southeastern – Two Medicine Entrance)
• North Fork and Goat Haunt (North – only accessible by backcountry or boat) 

​Many sections of the park are not connected by roads. This means if you wish to visit Many Glacier or Two Medicine you will need to leave the park and enter the park through a different entrance. ​Make sure you incorporate adequate driving time to get between sections so you don’t miss anything! 

Hiking in Glacier:

One of the main reasons Glacier National Park was on my bucket list for so long is its incredible network of hiking trails. With over 700 miles of trails, you’ll find everything from scenic day hikes to challenging backpacking trips. Since this visit was part of a multi-day road trip, we focused on some iconic day hikes. Check out a few options below that won’t disappoint!

Other Activities to do in/near the park:

Bridge Jumping (West Glacier): If you find yourself right outside of the park in West Glacier be sure to ask about the Old Belton Bridge.  Here locals gather to take a dip in the Flathead River, and the more adventurous take turns jumping from the bridge. This is a perfect spot to get away from the crowds of the park, drink a beer and enjoy the scenery.  

WhiteWater Rafting: West Glacier (right outside the park) you can find many guides and rafting companies that will take you on a floating adventure down the Flathead River.  Great for families and adventurous travelers. They have different options of trips, for example if you are looking for a more thrilling experience (lots of rapids) or a more relaxing float (calm water). 

Going-To-The-Sun Road: It is no doubt that if you have mentioned Glacier National Park to someone who has already been they will rave about the “Going-To-The-Sun Road” that connects the East and West sides of the park (sections Lake McDonald to St. Mary).  This road is about 50 miles (one-way) and will leave you on the edge of your seat as pass by some of the most spectacular views.  Large Vehicles not recommended (anything over 21 feet is prohibited).  Without stopping this drive takes about 2 hours (one-way) plan accordingly.  

Camping/Lodging Near Glacier National Park:

Due to Glacier National Park’s vast size and the challenging accessibility of some areas, it’s important to choose accommodations based on the sections you plan to explore most. I highly recommend researching specific hikes or areas you want to visit, or consider splitting your trip to stay in different parts of the park for easier access. The less time driving, the more time exploring!

Camping Options in the Park:

Apgar Campground, Avalanche Campground, Fish Creek, Many Glacier Campground, St. Mary Campground, Sprague Creek Campground, Two Medicine Campground are all campgrounds that can be reserved here. Summer is the busiest time of the season, so be sure to secure your spot early!

Bowman Lake Campground, Cut Bank, Kintla Lake, Logging Creek, Quartz Creek, Rising Sun are all campgrounds within the park that are first-come first serve campgrounds.

Lodging Inside the Park Includes: Many Glacier Hotel, Lake McDonald Lodge, Cedar Creek Lodge, Rising Sun Motor Inn and Cabins, Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and Cabins and Village Inn and Apgar. You can book these lodges here .

Campgrounds/Lodging Outside of the Park:

St. Mary East Glacier KOA Holiday, West Glacier KOA, Glacier Park Lodge, Summit Mountain Lodge and Steakhouse, Under Canvas Glacier, Beargrass Lodging RV and Resort.

Glacier National Park is an awe-inspiring destination, known for its stunning landscapes, towering mountains, pristine lakes, and diverse wildlife. It’s a place where you can experience the raw beauty of nature, with glaciers, deep valleys, and endless trails waiting to be explored. In August 2018, my family and I took a road trip to Glacier National Park, eager to experience its beauty firsthand. With our last name being Glaysher (pronounced like glacier – ha), it felt like the perfect family adventure. I’ve never been so grateful that our last name is tied to one of the most breathtaking places imaginable. Like most National Parks, there’s never enough time to experience everything it has to offer. For this reason, I’ll definitely be returning in the near future.

Thinking of your next National Park Adventure? Don’t wait – contact me today to help piece your adventure together and seize the day!  Follow me on Instagram: @ Highdeserthorizons