Montana
Glacier National Park is located along the Canadian-US border in Montana. The nearest airport to the park is in Kalispell and will likely require at least one stop with any flight plans. Glacier is likely to see over 2.9 million visitors in the year 2023. In 2022, it was the 10th most visited park in 2022, but that position will likely change for 2023. Glacier has seen so many visitors that they will be implementing a vehicle reservation system in 2024. Vehicle reservations will be required for parts of the park from May 24 to September 8 and from the hours of 6:00 am to 3:00 pm. Reservations will be available approximately 4 months before the date you will need them. Glacier NP is a very large park at almost a million acres. You could definitely spend an entire day just driving the park and the travel time between areas of the park is something to consider when planning.
My trip to Glacier was a little on the spoiled side because I went with a travel company. And while I didn't have to plan the trip, I can still share a lot of the itinerary and information about areas of the park. The travel company started us out in the Lake McDonald area of the park which is one of the first and most easily accessible areas of the park. A highly recommended trail near the area, though very popular, is Avalanche Lake via Trail of the Cedars.
I would recommend getting to the trailhead super early or arranging alternate means such as the park bus. The header image is actually of Avalanche Lake. Avalanche Lake trail is a 4.6-mile trail with 500 feet of elevation gain. You can spot waterfalls and rushing streams along this trail. Keep an eye out and an ear to surrounding conversations because bears do wander near the trail. If you have the ability, stay at the Lake McDonald Lodge. The lodge is located right along the lake and there are a few trails that are accessible from the lodge. Lake McDonald is a gorgeous lake with colorful rocks and chilly water. A great way to spend an evening here is by taking a dip to let the cool water help ease any hiking soreness or by renting out a paddleboard for an hour. Walking along the shoreline is also a great way to end the day and enjoy the park's beauty. After Lake McDonald, we embarked on a 14-mile through hike starting at the Logan Pass Visitor Center and continuing along the Highline Trail, Swiftcurrent Pass, and Redrock Falls trails. At any point in time, this can be turned into an out-and-back trail by turning around. The through option results in a little over 3000 feet of elevation gain and some incredible views when you cross the continental divide. Ending this trail puts you close to the Many Glacier Hotel which is another amazing place to stay if you can get the change. Along the trail, there is the Granite Park Chalet. You can actually stay in the Chalet with advanced reservations, but it will require you to bring your own gear and you do have to hike to and from. I have not had the opportunity to stay here but it's on my travel bucket list.
Last up on the Glacier itinerary is the famous Grinnell Glacier. Not to be confused with the Grinnell Lake hike, Grinnell Glacier Viewpoint is a 10.6-mile out-and-back trail with 1,600 feet of elevation gain. Grinnell Glacier is one of the few remaining named glaciers in the park, so make sure to go see it while it's still here. This hike is definitely a super popular one in the Many Glacier region and it is no surprise as to why. If you take this hike during the summer months, you will be met with impressive green valleys surrounded by towering mountains with the remains of snow fields and glaciers. The further into the hike you go, the more impressive the sights. Some of the most beautiful blue lakes are located along this hike. You pass a waterfall on the trail and depending on where you stop, you may be met with chipmunks attempting to steal any snacks. There are several incredible viewpoints along the hike to the glacier, so be sure to stop a take in the immense views as you go. Once you get to the glacier, take some time to stop for lunch. And if you dare, brave the icy cold waters of Upper Grinnell Lake. I tried and I could not get in any further than my feet, but several of my trail buddies made the plunge if only for a second. During my trip, we actually got to watch someone ski down the glacier with his dog. While I can't promise you will get to enjoy such sights, it was definitely a unique thing to watch. Some additional things to note about the park:
It is bear country and the park is home to both black bears and grizzlies. Be sure to study up on how to respond to sightings and bring bear spray.
Glacier NP is actually partnered with Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada to form the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. You can technically cross the border inside of Glacier NP but it will require being on the eastern side of the park. If you choose to go to Waterton, note that Canada does post speed limits in kilometers. If you can manage it, the Prince of Wales Hotel is an incredible place to stay with amazing views of the lake, even if it is a little outside of town.
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