Glacier National Park is full of some of the most beautiful mountains in America, and the adventures here are endless! There are so many things to do in Glacier, you’ll never run out of fun activities for every member of your group.
My name is Ash, and I’m a former park ranger. I’ve spent a lot of time in Montana, and I’m excited to share the best things to do in Glacier with you.
This article includes information on family activities, hiking, biking, winter activities, and so much more.
Keep reading (or if you want to fast-forward, click on the links below) to find the perfect activities for your specific interests!
The Top 10 Things To Do in Glacier
You want to be sure to see all of the can’t-miss activities when you visit Glacier for the first time! Combat your fear of missing out with this list of the top things to do in the park.
If you make it through this top ten list, you can relax knowing that you’ve had a well-rounded, complete tour of Glacier!
When you are ready for more detailed information on these top things to do, including driving directions and trip planning help, click over to this list of things you can’t miss on your first visit to Glacier.
See a Glacier!
Most people want to visit Glacier National Park to see a glacier! It’s actually not as easy to see a glacier in this park as you would think, but there are a few great options.
If you don’t want to embark on a long hike, just stop by the Jackson Glacier Overlook, found on the eastern side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road. For another non-hiking option, the back deck of the Many Glacier Hotel is a great place to see Salamander Glacier.
To get up close to a glacier, try the Grinnell Glacier Trail. This trail is long and strenuous, but it will take you through some absolutely breathtaking mountain scenery to this glacier high on the cliffs.
Hidden Lake Overlook
The Hidden Lake Overlook Trail is a lovely trail that travels through the fragile alpine landscape at Logan Pass. You’ll love the views of Hidden Lake and Bearhat Mountain from this viewpoint.
This trail is 2.8 miles roundtrip with 460 feet of elevation gain.
St. Mary Falls
St. Mary Falls is a powerful waterfall with some of the most vibrant blue water in the park! This trail is 1.7 miles roundtrip with about 260 feet of elevation gain.
Going-to-the-Sun Road
Glacier’s Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the most scenic drives in America. This road travels up into the mountains and through the heart of Glacier National Park. You’ll love the incredible views and miles of trails that you can access from this road!
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is typically only fully open from July to late September. Vehicles longer than 21 feet, wider than 8 feet, and taller than 10 feet are not permitted on this curvy and narrow winding road.
Avalanche Lake
Avalanche Lake is one of the most popular trails in Glacier. This 4.6-mile route travels through the forest to a sparkling lake with giant waterfalls tumbling down the cliffs around it!
Fishercap Lake
Fishercap Lake is a small lake in the Many Glacier area of the park. This lake is a popular feeding spot for moose, and you may also see bears, mountain goats, or bighorn sheep nearby!
BEAR SAFETY 101
You may encounter bears while exploring Glacier National Park. Learn how to prevent an encounter and what to do if you see a bear.
Trail of the Cedars
The Trail of the Cedars is a charming boardwalk that travels through a peaceful old-growth forest full of moss-covered trees. This easy hike is mostly flat and wheelchair accessible, making it a great choice for your entire group!
Grinnell Lake and Boat Tour
Getting to Grinnell Lake is an adventure for hikers of all ages! Take the boat tour across two lakes and search for wildlife as you ride. When you disembark from the boat, an easy 2-mile trail to Grinnell Lake awaits. This trail has a fun suspension bridge and ends at the shores of this peaceful lake.
Lake McDonald
Lake McDonald is the first glacial lake you’ll see when you enter the park through the West Entrance. This large lake provides hours of fun in Glacier! You’ll love the activities available here, such as paddle boarding, canoeing, boat tours, and camping near its shores.
Highline Trail
The Highline Trail is Glacier’s most famous trail and a favorite hike for good reason. This trail travels along the cliffs through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the park. If you love to hike, you definitely don’t want to miss this one!
For more trip-planning information (including driving directions) on each of these stops, check out this list of things you can’t miss on your first visit to Glacier.
How long does it take to see the top ten things in Glacier?
You’ll want no less than three full days of sightseeing to get through this list, but you’ll have to move fast! If you’re able to give yourself four full days, you’ll be able to get through this top ten list with ease.
If you’d like more help, I have a whole article devoted to helping you figure out how many days to spend in Glacier.
Planning a trip to Glacier can be overwhelming.
How do you make a solid plan if you’ve never been to the park before? How do you keep everyone in your group excited and engaged?
You can spend hours on the internet searching for things to do, but you still won’t find the insider tips and first-hand knowledge that I’ve gained from working as a park ranger.
If you’re hoping to see the best sights without getting stuck in traffic, circling parking lots, or being surrounded by people, check out this Glacier Itinerary.
You will see all of the can’t-miss spots, plus get lodging and dining guides, driving directions, and insider tips!
Glacier has an adventure for every skill level and age! Now that we’ve covered the top 10 things to do in the park, it’s time to dig deeper into your own personal interests.
Things to Do in Glacier With Kids
Glacier has a nice variety of short hikes and fun activities for kids. You don’t need to go on a huge hike to get amazing views, see wildlife, or feel like you’re on an adventure!
One of my favorite things to do in Glacier with kids is to spend time on the water. Lake McDonald is our favorite lake to swim in because it’s easy to rent kayaks and paddleboards right from the lakeshore. There’s also a nice picnic area here with a rocky beach where my kids like to hang out and throw rocks while we enjoy the mountain scenery. This lake is fantastic for outdoor activities like paddleboarding or canoeing. If you want to spend even more time on the water, check out the boat tours that run on various lakes in the park. You can catch one right from the Lake McDonald Lodge, but my personal favorite boat tour is the one that runs at Many Glacier.
Grinnell Lake, Hidden Lake Overlook, and Trail of the Cedars are my favorite family-friendly hiking trails. All of these are scenic hiking trails with things to keep your kids’ attention as you go. If you’re hoping to hike with your kids, check out this post on the best easy hikes in Glacier.
Don’t forget to pick up a Jr. Ranger book at any park visitor center. These books have activities that your kids can complete to earn their very own ranger badge. This is one of the best ways to keep kids engaged and excited about Glacier — you’ll probably even learn something, too!
Things to Do in Glacier if You Love to Hike
Glacier National Park truly is a hiker’s paradise! If you’re able to hike longer distances and are feeling extra adventurous, there are so many fabulous options.
The Highline Trail is the most famous trail in Glacier — most people know it for its sheer drop-offs and stunning mountain scenery. You can read all about the Highline Trail (and see photos from the trail) in this guide.
If you’re hoping to get a good look at a glacier, take a hike up to Grinnell Glacier. This trail is strenuous as it makes its way up into the mountains, but the wildlife and scenery in this area are unmatched. Another popular trail nearby is the Iceberg Lake Trail.
The Siyeh Pass Trail is a gorgeous but lesser-known hiking trail along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. If you want to see it all — glaciers, meadows, mountains, and wildlife — this is the route for you.
And if you’re hoping for an even bigger adventure than just a dayhike, check out the Sperry or Granite Park Chalets. These backcountry chalets offer overnight lodging in the park’s incredible backcountry.
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!
Things to Do in Glacier if You Don’t Want to Hike
If hiking isn’t something you’re able or want to do in Glacier, you can still experience the beauty of the park. Enjoying a boat ride on a lake, taking a historic bus tour, or enjoying a scenic drive along the park’s most dramatic roads are some great options for your time here.
You can easily be swept into the spectacular mountain scenery from your car — no hiking required! Some of my favorite scenic drives in the park are:
- The Going-to-the-Sun Road (views of high alpine lakes and mountains)
- Highway 2 (forest and mountain views)
- Camas Road (quiet drive along a river up to Polebridge)
If you like the idea of a guided tour, consider taking a Red Bus Tour. These historic buses travel along the Going-to-the-Sun Road as you learn fascinating information about the area. A boat tour on one of the park’s many lakes is also a great way to see the views from a different vantage point.
Wildlife watching, fishing, rafting, biking, or horseback riding are also great ways to soak in the beauty of Glacier National Park.
Winter Activities in Glacier
If you love to snowshoe or cross-country ski, winter in Glacier can be magical. The weather forces many areas of the park to close during this season, making it a quiet and sleepy time to visit.
Since most of Glacier closes down, you may want to look outside of the park for other winter recreation opportunities. You can spend a lovely day snowshoeing in the park, followed by some fun adventures in the towns of Whitefish or Kalispell.
Things to Do in Glacier if You Love Ranger Programs
Participating in ranger programs can greatly enhance your Glacier National Park vacation. You’ll learn interesting facts, meet other travelers, and connect with someone who loves the park and knows it well! Glacier has wonderful ranger programs, including wildlife talks, guided hikes, and evening programs.
Evening programs are held nightly in various locations around the park. These programs can range in topics, and you’re guaranteed to learn something interesting. Stop in at the visitor center to see the schedule and topics available while you’re there.
Daytime ranger programs include wildlife viewing, guided hikes, and talks about the park’s history and features. Be sure to pick up a Jr. Ranger book for your kids — there are special programs just for them as well!
If you like the idea of a guided hike, you can sign up for a boat tour. Specific boat tours each day also include a ranger-led hike to some amazing destinations!
Wheelchair-Friendly Things to Do in Glacier
If you’ll be exploring Glacier in a wheelchair, you’ll be able to enjoy beautiful views and some lovely trails!
Many viewpoints, trailheads, picnic areas, and visitor centers in Glacier have handicapped parking stalls and ramps. The official park website has detailed information about each area of the park and its accessibility.
All park shuttle buses are equipped with a lift and tie-downs. Bus drivers will be there to help you embark and disembark with a wheelchair if needed. Red Bus Tours also have buses that are wheelchair accessible.
Several of the best wheelchair-friendly trails in Glacier are the Trail of the Cedars, Running Eagle Falls, and the Swiftcurrent Nature Trail. You can find out more about each of these trails and a few others in this article (near the end).
Things to Do in Glacier With Your Dog
Due to the large amount of wildlife and efforts to protect them, you won’t find many places to take your dog in Glacier National Park. For more information on things to do with your dog in Glacier, check out this detailed article: Is Glacier Dog-Friendly?
High Adventure Activities in Glacier
If you’re looking for something to get your adrenaline going or to push you out of your comfort zone, consider rafting, horseback riding, or backpacking to a chalet.
Rafting is a fun and adventurous way to add a dose of excitement to your Glacier trip. These rafting trips operate out of the West Glacier area, and you can find a list of options here.
Horseback riding is a popular way to experience the western ambiance of Montana. You can ride a horse within the boundaries of Glacier National Park with Swan Mountain Outfitters.
Backpacking is always an adventure! You can go the traditional route and reserve a backcountry campsite, or if you’re looking for a unique experience, try staying in the Sperry Chalet or Granite Park Chalet for a night or two.
Things to Do in Glacier if You Love to Bike
Biking in Glacier has become a favorite activity for many people! You’ll find some amazing options for biking in the park, including four multi-use bike paths on the park’s west side. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is also a popular place to bike in the spring months before the road fully opens for the season.
Biking is not permitted on any hiking trails in Glacier National Park, so if you’re looking for mountain biking adventures, you’ll want to head out of the park for that. There are many good options in the nearby Flathead National Forest or the Flathead Valley.
Things to Do Near Glacier
The area around Glacier could easily keep you busy for a lifetime! Here are a few of my favorite things to do while I’m in the area:
Recreation opportunities abound in the Flathead Valley, especially near Flathead Lake. You’ll find tons of forest service land surrounding Glacier National Park. This opens up even more hiking, biking, and camping opportunities. Flathead Lake is an amazing destination, too. You’ll find all types of water activities, delicious restaurants, and spectacular views as you travel around this massive lake.
If you have your passport, you may want to head to the national parks in Canada. Waterton Lakes, Banff, and Jasper National Parks are all within a half-day drive from Glacier. If you’re hoping for even more gorgeous mountain scenery after leaving Glacier, Canada is the perfect destination.
Many people also like to explore Yellowstone while visiting Montana. It takes about 6 hours to drive from St. Mary on the east side of Glacier to the town of Gardiner on the north side of Yellowstone. Hitting both Glacier and Yellowstone on the same trip makes for an epic national park vacation!
I hope you have an amazing time working your way through these things to do in Glacier. Have fun!
More Glacier Trip Planning Information
Glacier Itinerary — a detailed hour-by-hour sightseeing schedule.
How to Get to Glacier — the best airports and roads in the area.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Glacier? — itinerary ideas.
The Best Time to Visit — what to expect during each month of the year.
Weather, Hours, and Closures — important weather info and common closures.
Where Should I Stay?— the best options in and around the park.
All About Camping — learn about the park’s campgrounds and how to get a site.
10 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit to Glacier — the top 10 spots.
The Best Easy Hikes — the perfect trails for kids, wheelchairs, and beginners.
The Ultimate Glacier Trip Planning Guide — everything you need to know.
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