5 Steps to Planning the Perfect Trip to Glacier

Do you love to have a plan?
Get the inside scoop for your upcoming vacation —> this itinerary is the most detailed, epic, and easy-to-follow guide to the park!

STEP ONE: Choose a Time of Year

>> When should I go? <<

Your first task is going to be quick — we’re just getting warmed up.  Grab a piece of paper, a notebook, a spreadsheet…whatever it is you like to take notes on.  You’ll want to keep it handy so that you can keep your research in one place.

Right now, let’s choose a time of year that you want to visit Glacier.

Each season in this park is unique and can give you a completely different experience depending on when you go.  Let’s talk through the pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision on the best time of year for you!

Special note:  You may already have a pretty good idea of when you will be able to go.  For example, traveling during the summer might be the only time of year you can take your family.  I totally understand, but keep reading.  Let’s make sure you know what to expect while you’re there.

Winter (December-March)

A visit to Glacier during the winter can be both enchanting and challenging…but anyone who has been to this snow-covered wonderland will tell you it is well worth the effort!

So, what’s so great about Glacier during the winter?  Those gorgeous mountains covered in snow…the solitude…the snowshoeing!

What You Need to Know

• The snow scares away most travelers, so winter is a fantastic time of year to visit the park if you don’t want to fight through the crowds!

• Winter temperatures in Glacier rarely make it above freezing so be sure to pack your warmest winter clothes.

• Most facilities within the park are closed, with the exception of Park Headquarters {open weekdays from 8-4:30} and the Apgar Visitor Center {open weekends 9-4:30}.

• The only roads open to vehicle traffic within the park are 11 miles of the Going-to-the-Sun Road on the west side, 1.5 miles of the Going-to-the-Sun Road on the east side, and the roads traveling through Apgar Village.

• Free winter camping is available at the Apgar Picnic Area and the St. Mary Campground.

• More information for planning a winter trip to Glacier {including information on snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the park} can be found here.

Spring (April-May)

Glacier National Park begins to emerge from hibernation in the spring and the promise of a new year creates excitement in the air!

Springtime in Glacier is short and sweet….the park is usually still covered in snow well into April and May.  A few lower-elevation trails may be open for you at this time of year, but the majority of the Going-to-the-Sun Road will still be closed.

What You Need to Know

• Crowding within the park is minimal this time of year.

• A trip during the spring is a challenge, as most in-park lodging, dining, and roads don’t open up until the end of May or early June.  Click here to see opening dates within the park.

• Spring weather in Glacier is completely unpredictable.  Be prepared for every kind of weather — rain, snow, hail, sun, wind, biting cold, etc.  You’ll need a big selection of gear!

• The lower elevation trails will likely be mostly clear of snow around the end of April, but many backcountry trails may still be completely covered in snow.  The Going-to-the-Sun Road is still mostly closed at this time of year.

Summer (June-August)

The great thing about Glacier during the summer is that everything is open!  You’ll have numerous lodging and dining options, plus access to all of the main points of interest, tours, programs, and visitor centers.

Your options are endless during the summer, but that comes with a price….crowds.  Be prepared to share the amazing sights of Glacier with people from all over the world during the popular summer season.

What You Need to Know

• July and August are the busiest months of the summer, but that’s because this is the narrow window of time that the entire Going-to-the-Sun Road {and all of the amazing high elevation hiking trails!} are open.

• To better avoid the crowds and traffic jams common to Glacier during the summer, you’ll definitely want to have a solid plan, like this detailed itinerary!  Having a plan will minimize wasted time and make your trip much more enjoyable.

• Summer is wildfire season in Glacier.  You may find air to be smoky from nearby fires, areas may be closed, or fire restrictions may be in place.

• Numerous activities such as horseback riding, boating, and biking are all available during the summer months.  You can check out some of your options here.

• If you have your heart set on seeing raging waterfalls as you drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road, you’ll want to go earlier in the summer.  They dry up as the season goes on.

Autumn (September-November)

A quiet solitude begins to fall over the Glacier landscape as the busy summer crowds start to die off.   A chill fills the air as the animals and plants begin to prepare for winter…and it’s absolutely magical!

Autumn in Glacier is fabulous, especially after Labor Day weekend.  A few highlights of a trip during this season include fall colors, fantastic wildlife watching, and more elbow room to enjoy the sights.

What You Need to Know

• While September still sees a fair amount of crowds, it is still substantially less than during the summer months.  A visit in October will yield even fewer crowds.  A visit in November is possible, but most amenities have closed down by that point.

• Most lodges, campgrounds, and restaurants within the park are closed for the season by the end of September.  Click here to see closing dates within the park.

• Autumn weather in Glacier is completely unpredictable.  Be prepared for every kind of weather — rain, snow, hail, sun, wind, biting cold, etc.  You’ll need a big selection of gear!

• The alpine section of the Going-to-the-Sun Road {the middle, high elevation part} usually closes for the season around the 3rd week of October.  The other roads in the park close by the 3rd week in November.

• Be flexible!  Snow may fall during your Autumn trip.  Many backcountry trails are still accessible in September and October, but weather-related closures are common at this time of year.

Well, there you have it!  I know….it’s a lot of information about the seasons of Glacier.  But now you’re ready to make a decision.

Let’s complete Step One.  Decide what season is going to be best for your trip to Glacier and write it down!

Now you’re ready for Step Two.

Click NEXT to find out how long you should plan to stay in the park!