Glacier National Park
National park · Flathead County
Montana
Highlights
Glacial peaks, 700+ miles of trails, diverse wildlife, and scenic drives
Glacial peaks, 700+ miles of trails, diverse wildlife, and scenic drives
"Experiencing record or close-to-record visitation, this park is busier than usual during summer, which can strain parking, shuttles, and visitor services. To avoid disappointment, arrange lodging and permits months ahead, consider lesser-known trails, and prepare for limited on-site amenities due to staffing shortages." - Stephanie Vermillion Stephanie Vermillion Stephanie Vermillion is a travel journalist and photographer covering culture and adventure for Travel + Leisure Outside, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"A showcase for some of the country’s most scenic hiking, with prime access when the Going-to-the-Sun Road opens in early July. Outdoor options include fishing, rafting, and biking, and the park’s east side — at roughly 3,200 feet elevation — tends to be especially cool in the mornings and evenings. Many visitors base themselves in nearby Whitefish to combine lake access with park excursions, or stay at the historic Glacier Park Lodge for grand timber architecture and sweeping mountain views." - Lauren Dana Ellman Lauren Dana Ellman Lauren Dana Ellman is a New York-based writer and editor who specializes in travel, lifestyle, food, and shopping content. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"The park holds hundreds of waterfalls, many of which you can hike to even when the main scenic road is closed to vehicular traffic. Late May and mid-October are highlighted as great times to rent an e-bike and pedal along the famed scenic route: you'll enjoy the views without sharing a high-altitude active motorway, and the effort helps fend off afternoon temperatures that often dip below 40 degrees Fahrenheit." - Brad Japhe Brad Japhe Brad Japhe is a journalist specializing in food, beverage, and travel. He also hosts online video content as an expert in those fields. He’s reported from all 50 states and has visited all seven continents. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"A massive million acres of protected land with verdant meadows, towering peaks, and glittering glacial lakes, offering 700 miles of trails to explore and recognized as the first U.S. Wilderness Quiet Park in 2022." - Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeare
"The Montana park will re-introduce a vehicle reservation system for Going-to-the-Sun Road and the North Fork from June 13 to Sept. 28, 2025. Each area requires a separate reservation." - Alison Fox Alison Fox Alison Fox is a Travel + Leisure contributor. She has also written for Parents.com, The Wall Street Journal, and amNewYork. When she’s not in New York City, she can be found at the beach or on the slope
