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Crown of the Continent. A million-acre national park containing more than 200 mountain lakes, 30 to 40 living glaciers,
over 1,800 species of plant life, and more than 700 miles of hiking trails. |
Glacier is the US portion of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, which straddles the Montana-Alberta border. It is the first International Peace Park, a World Heritage site, and a World Biosphere Reserve.
The weather in June and early July can be wet, with occasional rain or snow. The park is green and lush with blooming wildflowers, and wildlife such as bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and deer are commonly seen. July and August are the warmest, driest months in the park. Visitors can see snowcapped peaks and glaciers, the ever-changing display of wildflowers, green meadows and jade-blue mountain lakes.
As summer turns to fall, the tamaracks, aspen, birch, and subalpine vegetation change colors and migrating bald eagles occasionally pass through the area. Days are warm and nights are cool. Winter blankets the park with large amounts of snow and visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at their finest.
Plan at least two nights and one full day to explore Glacier National Park. Allow tour clients time for a boat ride or scenic float trip, time for a nature walk, time to soak in the quiet solitude that is Glacier National Park.
The main road in Glacier, and the one not to be missed, is Going-to-the-Sun Road, winding through the heart of the park, up and over the Continental Divide. The road is only 52 miles long, but plan a minimum three hours for driving time. Tours will include the Weeping Wall, Birdwoman Falls, Logan Pass, and many spectacular mountain vistas. Because the Going-to-the-Sun is narrow and winding, the National Park Service has prohibited motorcoach travel on the road. The best way for group tour passengers to see Glacier is by transferring to the famous historic "red buses," which carry between 15 and 20 passengers each. In good weather, the drivers roll back the tops, allowing passengers increased opportunity to view the meadows, lakes and towering peaks. Plan time for photo stops and a rest stop at Logan Pass Visitor Center, and perhaps a walk along the Trail of the Cedars ancient forest. Your own motorcoach can deadhead around the south edge of the park to meet the group on the other side.
US 2 circles the southern portion of the park, crossing Marias Pass at the divide and following the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. A must on the 57-mile stretch of road between East Glacier and West Glacier is a stop at the Walton Goat Lick, where mountain goats gather to lick natural salts from the clay deposits.
General Information
The park is served by commercial air carriers at Glacier Park International Airport near Kalispell and Whitefish and Great Falls International Airport, by Amtrak at East Glacier, Essex and West Glacier (Belton), and by motorcoach via US 2, 89 and 93 (from Canada drive Alberta Highways 2, 5 or 6).
The park is open year-round. Concession service mid-May to October. The through road mid-June to late October. Minimum time: One day. Admission rates (subject to change):
| 1 - 6 seats | $25 plus $12/person |
| 7 - 15 seats | $75 | 16 - 25 seats | $100 | 26 or more seats | $200 |
Call the park service for more information. Limited services for travelers available in East Glacier, West Glacier, and Browning. Full services available in Bigfork, Columbia Falls, Cut Bank, Kalispell, and Whitefish.
For more information:
Superintendent
Glacier National Park
West Glacier, MT 59936
406-888-7800
Website: http://www.nps.gov/glac
Guided Tours
One of the scenic highlights of Glacier National Park is driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The high, winding, narrow nature of the 23-mile central section of the road necessitates limiting travel. Commercial vehicles are not allowed on the central section of Going-to-the-Sun Road. Tour operators may take vehicles from West Glacier to Lake McDonald Lodge (ten miles) on the west side of the park, or from St. Mary Lake to Rising Sun Motor Inn (six miles) on the east side of the park. Commercial tour vehicles are permitted to travel all other park roads. Noncommercial vehicles traveling over Going-to-the-Sun Road's Logan Pass may not exceed eight feet in width and 21 feet in length, including extensions such as mirrors and bumpers. Transportation on Going-to-the-Sun Road and to other destinations within Glacier National Park may be arranged on historic red buses.
For more information:
- Glacier Park Inc.
Dial Corp. Center
Phoenix, AZ 85077-0928
602-207-6816
Fax 602-207-5589 Email: info@glacierpark.com
Website: http://www.glacierparkinc.com
- Scenic tours can be arranged aboard 1936 rollback-top "red buses." The tours are narrated, entertaining, and informative. The cost varies depending on the length of the trip.
- Going-to-the-Sun Road Shuttle Service
Transportation Office
406-888-9187
- Shuttle service is offered daily, July 1 through September 6, between West Glacier and St. Mary Visitor Center. Starting at 7:30am, shuttles make stops at various trailheads and developed areas. Information on schedules and rates is available at hotels and visitor centers in the park. An early morning hiker's shuttle is available from the Many Glacier Hotel at 7:30am to trailheads at Siyeh Bend, Logan Pass, and the Loop.
- Sun Tours
29 Glacier Avenue
PO Box 234
East Glacier Park, MT 59434
406-226-9220 or 800-SUN-9220
- Interpretive tours of Going-to-the-Sun Road from the perspective of the Blackfoot Nation. Air-conditioned 25-passenger window coaches depart daily from the park's east side. Group discounts. Tour buses welcome.
Scenic and Whitewater Float Trips
Whitewater, scenic float, and fishing trips on the Middle Fork, North Fork, and main Flathead rivers, part of the Flathead Wild and Scenic River System, are available along Glacier's boundaries. Trips range from half-day to five days, including lunch and dinner floats. Covered wagon rides and Western chuckwagon dinners also available. Group rates available.
For more information:
- Montana Raft Company
PO Box 330
West Glacier, MT 59936
406-387-5555 or 800-521-RAFT
Fax 406-387-5656
Email: info@glacierguides.com
Website: http://www.glacierguides.com
Boat Rentals and Tours
Daily boat tours of Glacier's most popular and accessible lakes await visitors. Park rangers accompany many cruises and optional guided walks are also available. Special tours for groups can be arranged. Cruises last from 45 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes depending on the lake. Morning, afternoon, and evening departures are offered from from early June to mid-September. Small rental boats available on major lakes.
For more information:
- Glacier Park Boat Co.
PO Box 5262
Kalispell, MT 59903
406-257-2426 or Fax 406-756-1437
Email: gpboats@montanaweb.com
Website: http://www.montanaweb.com/gpboats
Scenic boat cruises at four locations: Many Glacier, St. Mary, Lake McDonald, and Two Medicine. Rowboat, canoes, kayak, and/or motorboat rentals at four locations: Apgar, Many Glacier, Lake McDonald, and Two Medicine.
Trail Rides
Explore Glacier by horseback.
For more information:
- Mule Shoe Outfitters
PO Box 322
West Glacier, MT 59936
406-732-4203
Winter address and phone:
Rincon Ranch
P.O. Box 1108
Wickenberg, AZ 88358
888-684-2338 or 520-684-2328
Fax: 520-684-0842
Website: http://www.mule-shoe.com
Interpretive trail rides in beautiful Glacier National Park. Rides range from 1 hour to all day around Lake McDonald and Many Glacier.
Backcountry Tours
Hike and backpack with a guide among the lakes and peaks of Glacier's backcountry. Join a group or have a trip made especially for you, choose from day hikes, comfy Inn hikes and extended backpacking treks. Equipment available for rent.
For more information:
- Glacier Wilderness Guides
P.O. Box 330
West Glacier, MT 59936
406-387-5555 or 800-521-RAFT
Fax 406-387-5656
Email: info@glacierguides.com
Website: http://www.glacierguides.com
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