Unlock the Spectacular Wonders of Glacier National Park: Your Guide to the Ultimate Trip!
Robert DeckerBest Things to Do in Glacier National Park: Scenic Drives, Hiking, Lakes, Wildlife & More
Planning a trip to Glacier National Park? From the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road to alpine hikes, glacial lakes, wildlife watching, guided tours, and winter adventures, Glacier is one of the most unforgettable national parks in the United States.
Set in the dramatic Rocky Mountains of northwestern Montana, Glacier National Park spans more than a million acres of rugged peaks, reflective lakes, wild rivers, forests, and snow-capped summits. It is a place that can inspire first-time visitors and lifelong park lovers alike.
As a photographer, artist, and outdoor enthusiast who has explored more than 50 of America’s national parks—including Glacier—I can say this with confidence: Glacier is the kind of place that stays with you. Whether you are planning your first visit or returning for another round of mountain air and big views, here are some of the best things to do in Glacier National Park.
- Best known for: mountain scenery, alpine lakes, wildlife, and Going-to-the-Sun Road
- Great for: scenic drives, hiking, boating, camping, photography, and winter recreation
- Ideal for: couples, families, photographers, hikers, and bucket-list travelers
- Top keyword themes: best things to do in Glacier National Park, Glacier hikes, Going-to-the-Sun Road, Lake McDonald, Glacier boat tours
1. Cruise Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road
If you only do one thing in Glacier National Park, make it Going-to-the-Sun Road. Connecting the park’s east and west entrances, this iconic 50-mile drive is one of the most scenic roads in the national park system—and one of the top reasons people visit Glacier in the first place.
Along the way, you’ll pass soaring peaks, waterfalls, dramatic overlooks, glacier-carved valleys, and brilliantly colored lakes. It is the kind of drive where you will want to stop often, breathe deeply, and remind yourself to actually look up instead of just reaching for your camera every few seconds.
- It links the east and west sides of the park
- It delivers some of Glacier’s most famous views
- It is perfect for scenic stops, photography, and first-time visitors
2. Go hiking in Glacier National Park
One of the very best things to do in Glacier National Park is simple: get out of the car and hit the trail. Glacier has more than 700 miles of hiking trails, ranging from short walks to challenging backcountry routes. If you want to truly feel the scale, quiet, and wildness of this park, hiking is the way to do it.
You’ll find hikes for nearly every kind of visitor—families looking for easy scenic walks, photographers chasing light, and experienced hikers ready for alpine elevation and long-mile days. Camping and overnight trips open the door to even deeper exploration.
- Trails range from easy strolls to all-day adventures
- You’ll see landscapes you can never fully appreciate from the road
- Hiking opens up some of the park’s most memorable experiences
3. Explore Glacier’s lakes and glacial waterways
Glacier National Park is also a paradise for water lovers. Whether you prefer a peaceful boat tour, paddling a canoe, kayaking calm water, or rafting a river, getting out on the water is one of the park’s most rewarding experiences.
The park contains more than 700 lakes, streams, and waterways. Lake McDonald is the largest and one of the most popular, but throughout the park, the water itself becomes part of the experience—reflecting mountains, carrying light, and giving you a different vantage point on Glacier’s enormous beauty.
- Canoeing and kayaking
- Rafting
- Scenic boat tours
- Quiet moments along lakeshores like Lake McDonald
4. Join a guided tour for a deeper Glacier experience
If you want to mix scenery with insight, guided tours can be one of the smartest ways to experience Glacier National Park. They can help you learn more about the park’s geology, ecology, wildlife, and history while also taking some of the planning pressure off your shoulders.
Glacier offers a range of guided experiences, from educational field courses to hikes, backpacking trips, horseback riding, boat tours, and more. If you are traveling with kids, new to mountain environments, or simply want local knowledge, guided tours are well worth considering.
- More learning and context
- Family-friendly options
- Help choosing routes and activities
- A mix of adventure and convenience
5. Experience Glacier National Park in winter
Most visitors think of Glacier as a summer park, but winter has its own magic. If you love quiet landscapes, snow-covered forests, and a sense of real solitude, winter in Glacier National Park can be extraordinary.
With fewer visitors and fresh snow transforming the landscape, winter can be a beautiful time for backcountry skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or simply soaking in the stillness. Nearby ski areas can also add downhill options to a broader Glacier winter trip.
- Far fewer crowds
- Beautiful snow-covered scenery
- Excellent conditions for winter adventure
- A completely different side of the park
Why Glacier National Park belongs on your bucket list
Glacier National Park is the kind of place that can reset your sense of scale. It is wild, dramatic, and deeply memorable. Whether you come for the drive, the hikes, the lakes, the wildlife, or the sheer mountain grandeur, Glacier has a way of making the everyday world feel very far away.
If Glacier is not already on your travel list, it should be. And if you have already been, you probably understand why people keep coming back.
If Glacier National Park has captured your imagination, commemorate it with my Glacier National Park poster.
About the artist
Meet Rob Decker, a photographer, artist, and craftsman with a deep love for America’s national parks and the timeless design of the WPA era. At 19, Rob had the rare privilege of studying with Ansel Adams in Yosemite National Park. Today, he carries that legacy forward by creating original national park poster art for a new generation.
Each Limited Edition poster, Artist Proof, and postcard is printed in the USA on “Conservation,” a 100% recycled domestic paper stock using soy-based inks. They are produced in Colorado by one of the most environmentally conscious printers in America.
Glacier National Park FAQ
1. When is the best time to visit Glacier National Park?
The best time to visit Glacier National Park depends on what you want to do. Summer is ideal for hiking, camping, scenic drives, and water activities. Winter is better for skiing, snowboarding, and a quieter park experience.
2. Is Going-to-the-Sun Road always open?
No. Going-to-the-Sun Road typically opens seasonally, often from late June through mid-October, depending on snow and weather conditions.
3. Are there campgrounds in Glacier National Park?
Yes. Glacier National Park has multiple campgrounds. Some are reservable, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
4. Are guided tours in Glacier suitable for families?
Many guided tours are family-friendly and can be a great way for children and adults alike to learn more about the park.
5. Is hiking in Glacier National Park safe?
Hiking in Glacier can be incredibly rewarding, but preparation matters. Stay on designated trails, bring water and proper gear, monitor weather conditions, and follow park guidelines.
6. Can I bring my own kayak or canoe to Glacier National Park?
Yes, visitors can bring their own watercraft, though some lakes and waterways may have specific rules, inspection requirements, or restrictions.
7. Are there places to stay inside Glacier National Park?
Yes. Glacier offers lodges, cabins, and campgrounds, though accommodations can book up far in advance—especially during the peak summer season.
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