Why Visiting Glacier National Park is a Hot Idea (Road Trip Series Part 10)

It stands tall in the northwest corner of Montana. It’s been called the backbone of the world. It straddles the Rocky Mountains and is a place where two sides of the continent meet. And don’t be scared by its cold name, you can find ways to stay warm while you visit!

The one million acres, or 1,583 square miles, of Glacier National Park, are made up of mostly untamed and breathtaking wilderness. Beautiful all year round, you can bike on the Going-to-the Sun-Road, drink in the fall foliage, or venture out for cross-country skiing.

The Glacier National Park includes lakes, rainforests and meadows. Majestic pine forests line burbling rivers. Many years ago, about 50 glaciers shaped the rivers and lakes and carved out unusual rock formations and steep basins.

Montana is known as Big Sky Country, so you won't be surprised to know that the sunsets in this park create unforgettable views as vivid colors paint the wide-open sky.

What should you see and do when visiting Glacier National Park?

Hiking – Glacier National Park has 734 miles of hiking trails that range from easy to challenging. The best months to take advantage of warm temperatures are July and August.

Biking – The 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road divides the park east to west and is ideal for biking. But there are also unpaved trails you can explore with your bicycle. Beware of abrupt changes in temperature when riding down steep hills.

Fishing – You don’t need a park license to go fishing for as many as 22 species of fish in the many streams, lakes, and rivers in the park.

Wildlife – More than 70 types of mammals roam the parkland, including bears, mountain goats, moose, and lynx. There are hundreds of bird species, from bald eagles to hummingbirds. Remember that wildlife is better viewed from afar, so keep your distance for the sake of safety.

Photography – Picturesque views abound in the park. You may catch perfect photos of wildlife and wildflowers. Savor the sunrises on the east side and sunsets on the west side. Watch for glaciers, waterfalls, and the multicolor rocks that rim the shorelines. On some nights you can even see the northern lights from Lake McDonald and North Folk.

Boating – Dive into rafting, canoeing, or kayaking. Keep in mind that the lakes and rivers are fed by glaciers and are intensely cold throughout the year. Even in hot weather, cold water temperatures mean that hypothermia is a real threat.

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing – There are incredible opportunities to explore isolated areas on skis and snowshoes. However, be sure to check ice and avalanche conditions before you visit.

How National Highway Safety Administration can help--It is our goal to provide additional assistance.  See how our online drivers ed classes help new drivers seeking their learner's permit. Or see how our defensive driving courses or other driver's safety classes to help reduce your insurance rates or even reduce or remove points or fines from moving violations.