Wildflowers along the Iceberg Lake Trail, Glacier National Park
ADOBE STOCK
MONTANA
Glacier National Park
By Spencer Carney
Straddling the North American Continental Divide, Glacier National Park beckons visitors with a pristine landscape of alpine meadows, spectacular lakes and more than 150 named, rugged peaks.
A view from one of the hiking trails at Glacier National Park
In 1885, conservationist George Bird Grinnell took a hunting trip to what would become northwestern Montana. Dazzled by the natural beauty, he returned many times and wrote about the area, which ultimately led to President William Taft signing the bill to establish Glacier as a national park in 1910.
Although open year-round, Glacier is most popular in July and August, during which time there may be crowds at visitor centers and on shuttles, roads and popular trails. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views and free shuttle service along Going-to-the-Sun Road (Glacier’s main attraction) from July through Labor Day, with the understanding that travel of this scenic route is weather dependent; the road is usually closed mid-October to mid-June. Several companies provide guided tours through the park, but one of the most popular is the Red Jammer bus. It’s an excursion that’s equal parts fun and nostalgia. Or, to delve deeper into the park via your own power, take advantage of the park’s enticing network of more than 700 miles of trails.
Visitors have hotel, motel and inn lodging options inside the park, or they can make reservations (up to six months in advance) at Many Glacier, St. Mary or Fish Creek campgrounds.
Many Glacier Hotel on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake inside Glacier National Park
Use Trip Canvas to learn more about Glacier National Park and create an incredible vacation with exclusive AAA Member benefits, inspiration and ideas.
Click to read: Soaking in Winter
