Glacier National Park

A natural wonder like no other in the world, Glacier National Park has something for everyone. Boasting a trail system with over 700 miles of trail to explore as well as abundant wildlife and postcard perfect scenery in every direction, it is easy to see why they call this area “The Crown of the Continent.” Glacier preserves over 1,000,000 acres of forests, alpine meadows, and lakes. Its diverse habitats are home to over 70 species of mammals and over 260 species of birds. The park contains over 350 structures listed on the National Register of Historic Sites and six National Historic Landmarks.

In 1932 Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Park, in Canada, were designated Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. This designation celebrates the longstanding peace and friendship between our two nations. Glacier and Waterton Lakes have both been designated as Biosphere Reserves and together were recognized, in 1995, as a World Heritage Site.

Finding your way to Glacier National Park is a breeze. The closest airports are Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell, Great Falls International Airport, Missoula International Airport and the Helena Regional Airport. Car rentals are available. If you are driving, please note that vehicles longer than 21 feet or wider than 8 feet (including mirrors) are prohibited on the steepest sections of the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Public transportation options are limited. Shuttles from airports and train stations provide (some) service for visitors to the park.

Guided tours are a great way to discover Glacier National Park. Two companies are licensed to provide guided tours from June 10 to September 15. Sun Tours offers interpretive tours in Glacier and they highlight Blackfeet culture and history relating to Glacier National Park's natural features. For reservations information call 1-800-786-9220. Glacier Park Incorporated offers tours between lodges. For reservations call 406-892-2525

Visitor information centers in Glacier are another way to enhance your educational appetite. Apgar Visitor Center is located at the foot of Lake McDonald, just 2 miles north of West Glacier. The Center is open all year long but only on weekends November through March. Rangers are available to answer questions and assist with trip planning needs. Logan Pass Visitor Center in the center of Glacier National Park is 18 miles west of St. Mary. It’s open early June through mid-October and exhibits highlight the alpine ecosystem which covers almost 1/3 of Glacier National Park. St. Mary Visitor Center, in the town of St. Mary, is open May through mid-October.

If you are wondering about the climate…just remember that Montana is known for swift variations in weather. Daytime temperatures can exceed 90 degrees F. It is frequently 10 to 15 degrees cooler at higher elevations. Strong winds and sunny days predominate on the east side of the park. Overnight lows throughout the park can drop to near 20 degrees F, and snow can fall anytime. In August of 1992, a foot of snow fell on the northeastern corner of Glacier. Prepare for a variety of conditions and pack accordingly. You may start the day in a T-shirt and shorts, and need a parka by evening. Dress in layers and always bring raingear…especially if you’ll be spending time is Glacier's western valleys, which generally receive the most rainfall.

Glacier National Park
Park Headquarters
PO Box 128
West Glacier, MT 59936
(406) 888-7800
(406) 888-7806 (TDD)