TURN VIDEO SOUND ON HERE
Updated November 10, 2026
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Yes, Jay...there are grizzlies in Glacier and plenty of them.
However viewers, don't let this deter you from visiting Glacier and Waterton parks! Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and know what to do during a bear encounter.
Furthermore, if bear activity increases in any particular area or on any trail the NPS will close that trail and post warnings so nothing to get your undies in a twist about. I've made more than one trip to Glacier, have encountered bears (including grizzlies - none of which particularly want human contact) and they've just wandered off once they realized they'd encountered a human.
Note: Although there are gazillions of hiking trails in Glacier and Waterton, during this last trip Jay was nursing an injury and I injured myself during the trip so we didn't do much hiking and kept our activities on the less physical side.
I'll mention some of the easier hiking trails in this post but won't focus on hiking as much as I normally do since we didn't do much hiking this trip.
Pack your patience and plan ahead
Over the past several years I've made 3 trips to Glacier National Park so have seen/experienced the change in number of visitors to the park. Not just in Glacier but many National Parks. Simply put, the parks were never built to handle the crowds that now visit these parks - a 61% increase since about 2020. As a result, the NPS keeps applying ineffective Band-Aids to what amounts to a severed artery - only creating more chaos, confusion and inconvenience for park visitors. The government eliminating park ranger positions only served to make matters even worse.
This situation has gotten so bad that we've backed off from visiting national parks for the most part. For this trip to Glacier we tried to arrange our itinerary to minimize the stress of dealing with hordes of park visitors while still seeing and doing the best of what Glacier and Waterton parks have to offer. And although I'm reluctant to admit this, we actually had a far better time in Waterton National Park than we did in Glacier National Park.
Often referred to as the "Crown of the Continent", Glacier National Park, located in northwestern Montana, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural history, covering over 1 million acres and featuring more than 700 miles of hiking trails.
The park is home to over 130 named lakes, more than 1,000 species of plants, and hundreds of animal species, including grizzly bears and mountain goats. The park's rugged terrain was shaped by glacial activity over millions of years, resulting in dramatic landscapes featuring massive U-shaped valleys and granite peaks.
Glacier tops my list of best national parks due to its rugged beauty and abundance of wildlife. Apparently around 3 million people agree with me for that's how many visitors flock to Glacier National Park annually.
Matt and Cheryl of We're in the Rockies have done a phenomenal video on Glacier Natl. Park. Be sure to check out their website! Tons of great info there!
Glacier National Park 2026 Admission Prices
Private vehicle (covers driver + all passengers, 7 days)
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Summer (May 1–Oct 31): $35
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Winter (Nov 1–Apr 30): $25
Motorcycle (up to 2 motorcycles, 4 total passengers, 7 days)
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Summer: $30
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Winter: $20
Per person (foot or bicycle, age 16+, 7 days)
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Summer: $20
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Winter: $15
Children under 16: Free entry
Non‑U.S. Resident Fee
Each non‑U.S. resident age 16+ pays $100 extra on top of the applicable entrance fee, unless covered by an eligible annual or America the Beautiful pass.
Annual & Special Passes (2026)
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Glacier National Park Annual Pass: $70 (U.S. citizens/residents; covers holder + passengers in one private vehicle, or holder + immediate family on foot/bike; includes $100 nonresident fee for passengers)
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America the Beautiful Annual Pass (U.S. residents): $80 (covers all national parks/federal lands for 12 months; one vehicle or four per‑person fees)
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America the Beautiful Annual Pass (non‑U.S. residents): $250 (includes $100 nonresident fee)
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Senior Annual Pass: $20 (U.S. citizens/residents, age 62+)
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Lifetime Senior Pass: $80 (U.S. citizens/residents, age 62+)
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Free passes available for active U.S. military, veterans, 4th‑grade students, and permanent disability holders
Make sure your passport is current and bring it with you.
We'll be crossing the border into Canada.
Parks Canada Discovery Pass
You might want to consider picking up a Parks Canada Pass.
You can purchase a Parks Canada pass at any park gate. Or you can buy them in advance online. A Parks Canada Discovery Pass, which gets you
entrance to all Parks Canada
destinations for the year, is only $151.25 for a family. Day passes are $11.00 per person, so depending on how many days you are staying, you might want to consider a yearly pass.
You will need a car for this trip so if you're flying in, rent a car at the airport.
Park Shuttles
A fare-free shuttle is available along Going-to-the-Sun Road on a first-come, first-served basis.
Shuttles are wheelchair-accessible. Smoking, pets, and open alcohol containers are prohibited. Bear spray must be safely secured to prevent accidental discharge. Most shuttles have bike racks.
Summer shuttle service begins July 1 and continues through Labor Day.
West Side Shuttle Service
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Shuttles run from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm on the westside of the park, 7 days a week.
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Shuttles are free, wheelchair accessible, and first-come, first-served. Seating is limited.
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Shuttles depart every 15 to 30 minutes.
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There is a Transfer Stop at Logan Pass. To travel the entire Going-to-the-Sun Road, riders must transfer at Logan Pass.
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Travel time is estimated at 90 minutes for shuttles operating between Apgar Visitor Center and Logan Pass.
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Last departure from Apgar Visitor Center with connections to St. Mary Visitor Center is at approximately 4:15 pm.
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Last departure from Logan Pass is at 7:00 pm. Visitors are encouraged to not wait until the last departure of the day.
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Shuttles will make additional runs to pick up passengers who are at the shuttle stops at the time of the last departure.
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Smoking, pets, and open containers of alcohol are prohibited on the shuttles. Bearspray must be safely secured to prevent accidental discharge.
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Some shuttles provide bicycle racks. Riders must load and unload their own bicycles and equipment on the trailers.
Eastside Shuttle Service
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Shuttles run from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm on the eastside of the park, 7 days a week.
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Shuttles are free, wheelchair accessible, and first-come, first-served. Seating is limited.
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Shuttles depart every 30 to 45 minutes.
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There is a Transfer Stop at Logan Pass. To travel the entire Going-to-the-Sun Road, riders must transfer at Logan Pass.
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Travel time is estimated at 50 minutes for shuttles operating between Logan Pass and St. Mary Visitor Center.
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Last departure from St. Mary Visitor Center with connections to Apgar Visitor Center is at approximately 5:30 pm.
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Last departure from Logan Pass is at 7:00 pm. Visitors are encouraged to not wait until the last departure of the day.
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Shuttles will make additional runs to pick up passengers who are at the shuttle stops at the time of the last departure.
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Smoking, pets, and open containers of alcohol are prohibited on the shuttles. Bearspray must be safely secured to prevent accidental discharge.
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Some shuttles provide bicycle racks. Riders must load and unload their own bicycles and equipment on the trailers.
Spring Hiker-Biker Shuttle Service
The hiker-biker season allows recreational access for hikers and bikers beyond vehicle gate closures on Going-to-the-Sun Road prior to the road opening for the season.
Hiker-biker shuttle service is typically offered weekends only beginning on Mother's Day weekend through the last weekend in June or until the day the Going-to-the-Sun Road fully opens, whichever comes first. If the Going-to-the-Sun Road fully opens prior to June 29, the hiker-biker shuttle service will no longer be offered.
Hiker-Biker Shuttle Details
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9 am to 4 pm on weekends only during hiker-biker season.
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Shuttles arrive at designated stops approximately every 15–30 minutes.
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The hiker-biker shuttle stops at Apgar Visitor Center, Lake McDonald Lodge, and Avalanche Creek only.
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Shuttles operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Shuttles board ~15 passengers and are equipped with bike trailers.
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Note: Shuttles are unable to accommodate bikes with tires wider than three inches and/or have extended or full front fenders.
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Shuttle Map
If at all possible bring your own bicycle to the park. I'll explain why...
If you're visiting Glacier during the peak season, this is what you can expect the most used West Entrance to look like. Multiple visitors note that in peak season, lines at West Glacier are usually 10–20 minutes long, if you arrive early before 8 am. The later you arrive, the longer the wait to get through the entrance.
But here's the thing...The NPS reservation system is about managing cars, not people. Your bike is your golden ticket into the park. By planning around the rules or using a service, anyone can get access.
How to Get in Without a Vehicle Reservation
If the reservation lottery doesn’t pan out, don’t worry. Your dream of biking the park is far from over. Here are the tried-and-true workarounds we use all the time:
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Go Early or Go Late. The reservation window is only from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you drive your car through the gate before or after those hours, you don’t need a reservation. For cyclists, an early start is the best plan anyway, you get ahead of the traffic and often the afternoon winds.
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Bike In from Outside. This is a beautifully simple solution. Park your car legally outside the park entrance, hop on your bike, and pedal right in. You’ll still have to pay the standard individual park entrance fee, but since your vehicle never crosses the line, no reservation is needed.
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Book with an Outfitter. Honestly, this is the most straightforward and stress-free way to do it. When you book a guided e-bike tour or shuttle with an authorized company like Glacier Hikes & Bikes, your park access is included. They handle the logistics so you can focus on the ride.
For early‑season biking (before Going‑to‑the‑Sun Road fully opens to vehicles), bike shuttles are the only official way to get your bike into the park from the West side. These shuttles run from West Glacier (about 1.5 miles outside the main West Entrance) to Avalanche Lake and other points, and you can leave your car in the shuttle’s designated parking lot.
Even if you're willing to wait it out to enter the park in your vehicle, one of the best ways to explore Glacier Park is via bicycle. So you might want to bring your bike either way. Bringing our bikes along saved us a whole lot of walking.
Glacier National Park offers a variety of accommodations, including historic lodges, cozy cabins, and campgrounds, catering to different preferences and budgets.
Historic Lodges: The park features classic lodges that reflect early 20th-century heritage, providing a unique experience with rustic charm. These lodges often have creaky floors and hand-carved staircases, offering a step back in time amidst stunning natural scenery.
Cabins and Resorts: Options like The Cabins at Whitefish and North Forty Resort offer cabin-style accommodations with modern comforts. These are ideal for families and those looking for a cozy base after a day of exploring.
Campgrounds:
1. Apgar Campground (reservations available, group sites only)
2. Avalanche Campground
3. Fish Creek Campground (reservations available)
4. Sprague Creek Campground
5. Bowman Lake Campground
6. Kintla Lake Campground
7. Logging Creek Campground
8. Quartz Creek Campground
9. St. Mary Campground (reservations available)
10. Rising Sun Campground
11. Many Glacier Campground (reservations available)
12. Two Medicine Campground
13. Cut Bank Campground
Glamping: For a unique experience, consider glamping options like Under Canvas Glacier, which combines the beauty of the outdoors with upscale amenities, allowing you to enjoy nature without sacrificing comfort.
(This is not an in-park facility)
Jay and I quit fooling around with the NPS accommodations reservations hassle long ago. Most park visitors I've spoken with who stayed in-park reported mediocre, overpriced accommodations staying in the park. Not to mention the crowds and noise while staying in those in-park facilities.
We came up with the perfect accommodations solution for us. I'd been to Kalispell before, it's far less crowded, prices and food offerings are far better.
This trip we stayed at Spruce On the River RV park just outside Kalispell - dodging the park crowds and pricing.
Spruce on the River offers a variety of camping accommodations to meet diverse needs. RV sites include both back-in and pull-through options, equipped with essential hookups and to able to accommodate a variety of RV sizes. For tent campers, designated sites are available, providing a closer connection to your natural surroundings.
Tent sites
We paid $76 per night for our site (pull through with full hookups), shade trees, picnic table, WiFi and it was centrally located between the showers and the river.
The park has a sand volleyball court, a basketball court, a playground for the kids, laundry facilities and the park is pet friendly.
It was only a 30 minute drive to the West Entrance of Glacier and it's gorgeous scenery the entire way so we enjoyed making that drive. The town of Kalispell was only 7 minutes away.
The bonus to doing it this way is if we got OD'd on the crowds in Glacier Park there were plenty of other things to see and do in and around Kalispell. We could take a break from the park crowds if we wanted or needed to.
Other Accommodations in West Glacier
On my second trip to Glacier I stayed at Glacier International Lodge, where I booked a King suite for only $173 per night, plus an AARP discount which brought the price to $155.70 per night.
The King Suite featured a separate bedroom with a King Bed and a spacious separate living space. The suite included a queen-size sleeper sofa, plus two 50 inch UHD flat screen TVs with Chromecast — the perfect way to unwind after a day in the mountains. Equipped with a microwave and mini-fridge.
It's a beautiful lodge with nice amenities, including a free shuttle to and from the Glacier Park International Airport.
Other amenities included:
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Breakfast: Monday thru Friday 6am until 9:30am, Saturday and Sunday 6am until 10:30am. Your choice of eggs and potatoes with sausage or bacon or biscuits and gravy, as well as freshly made waffles, hot oatmeal, fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt, pastries and more.
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Complimentary coffee, tea, hot chocolate and cookies offered at the coffee bar each afternoon.
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Fitness center.
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Pool and Spa hours 7am until 9pm, (8pm until 9pm adults only). Includes a hot tub and pool slide.
In the west end consider staying at the Lake McDonald Lodge while exploring the western section of the park. Just be sure to get your reservations in early! Bookings in July and August are really hard to get.
Money $aving Tip for solo travelers and couples on a shoestring budget:
The Lake McDonald Lodge rents out what are called "Snyder rooms".
These dormitory-style accommodations feature either one set of bunk beds or one double bed. Located on the first or second floor, separate from the main lodge, these rooms have access to communal shared bathrooms. Guests staying in the Snyder Rooms will share a microwave, coffee machine, community phone, iron, and ironing board, all of which are available in the common area.
Starting at $150 per night.
Snyder Room
Another option: Glacier Guides Lodge.
Glacier Guides Lodge is located in West Glacier, just across the street from the intersection of U.S. Highway 2 and the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Turn onto Highline Boulevard and continue 400 feet up the hill. Highline Boulevard is across the street from the Amtrak Depot, just off Hwy 2 East, east of Glacier National Park’s entrance. There is a Glacier Guides Lodge sign marking Highline Boulevard, too.
2026 Lodge Rates
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Spring 2026: May 5th – May 26 : $199.00 per room ($214.92 including Montana’s 8% lodging tax)
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Early Summer 2026: May 27 – June 30: $299.00 per room ($322.92 including Montana’s 8% lodging tax)
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Summer 2026: July 1 – September 5: $359.00 per room ($387.72 including Montana’s 8% lodging tax)
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Fall 2026: September 6 – September 30: $299.00 per room ($322.92 including Montana’s 8% lodging tax)
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Late Fall 2026: October 1st – October 15th: $199.00 per room ($214.92 including Montana’s 8% lodging tax)
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Winter Season: Closed
Top Picks from Local Residents & Travel Bloggers
1. Glacier Guides Lodge
A frequent favorite in local guides, this lodge sits right at the park’s west entrance, making it ideal for hikers and outfitter‑based trips. Bloggers note its walkable access to trailheads, cozy alpine rooms, and a welcoming, “home‑from‑home” feel.
2. Paddle Ridge
Located less than a mile from the west entrance, Paddle Ridge is described by local writers as an authentic outfitter’s retreat with mountain views, a full kitchen, and a relaxed, adventure‑oriented vibe. It’s especially praised for couples and solo travelers seeking a quiet base.
3. Belton Chalet
Opened in 1910, this historic lodge is a gateway to Glacier for over a century and is highlighted in local history‑focused blogs for its charm, classic décor, and proximity to Lake McDonald. It’s a top choice for travelers wanting a “classic” Glacier experience.
4. West Glacier Cabin Village
Local chalet guides recommend this as a flexible, family‑friendly option with modern amenities, decks, and kitchens. It’s close enough to the park for short drives but offers a more residential feel.
5. Going to the Sun Chalet D/Gateway Chalet
This is a well‑equipped entire‑chalet rental ideal for adventure‑first trips. It’s near the Highline Trail and outfitters, with a full kitchen for self‑catering.
Our trip lasted over a week so I'm going to give you our itinerary. I'll point out the DON'T MISS to you so that you can adapt your own itinerary to a shorter stay and still see the best highlights of the 2 parks.
In choosing your accommodations you might want to consider securing both West Glacier accommodations for your stay there and East Glacier accommodations for your visit to East Glacier. It will save you a bunch of driving and you won't have to rush through either area.
Explore the Village of Apgar
Apgar is the largest village in West Glacier. If you need anything you'll find it in Apgar and you'll likely spend as much time there as you will in the Park itself.
Businesses in Apgar you should take note of:
Eddie’s Mercantile: Eddie’s Mercantile is your go-to spot for all the essentials - snacks for the trail, sunscreen, camping supplies or Glacier-themed souvenirs.
West Glacier Mercantile: The West Glacier Mercantile is the most convenient grocery store on the west side of Glacier National Park. The store offers cold beverages (including the largest selection of beer and wine in West Glacier), groceries, deli meats, sandwiches and other supplies.
Glacier Outfitters: For all watercraft rentals. Note that due to invasive aquatic species invading the Glacier lakes you will not be able to bring your own personal watercraft into the park. You must rent watercraft from within the park so they can ensure no one's transporting invasive aquatic species into the park on their personal watercraft.
As far as dining goes, you're going to find limited options that go beyond just mediocre food. I'll go through those as we go along through the itinerary.
Your best bet is to eat outside the park!
You won't need any guided walking tour to get through Apgar. It's easily walkable because it's small in size.
There are some places you might want to stop at though.
Apgar Visitor's Center
Amenities:
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Trip planning information and exhibits, both inside and outside the building
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Restrooms (open year-round)
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Water fountain and water bottle filling station
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Bookstore
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WiFi
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Paved 0.25 mi (0.4 km) biking/walking path to Apgar Village, Apgar Campground, and Lake McDonald
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Parking lot (with plenty of room for shuttle passengers’ vehicles)
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Pioneering, sustainable construction
Here, you’ll find park staff and volunteers who can answer questions about your visit, a gift store operated by the Glacier National Park Conservancy, and publicly available Wi-Fi.
Park your car here to catch a free shuttle, or — if you’ve signed up in advance — board a private tour bus: as both Red Bus Tours and Sun Tours depart from here as well.
This is also where you pick up your free shuttle tickets!
The Center is located just inside of the Park's West Entrance only a very short walk to or from Apgar Village.
Apgar Nature Center
Drop by this little cabin in the woods for family-friendly programs.
At the Apgar Nature Center, kids can explore with all their senses and imagination to bring Glacier’s wildlife and landscapes to life. Put on a fun puppet show, listen closely to see if you can guess which bird is singing, and even discover what grizzly bear fur feels like—along with pelts from animals like coyotes, beavers, or mountain lions. Want to get creative? Build your own mountains and valleys with kinetic sand! And for kids who love clues, you can discover colorful plants and match animals to the places they live on the habitat board.
Throughout the summer, ranger-led talks and children's programs are offered most days in the outside seating area. Join a ranger to learn more about the plants, animals, history, and geology of Glacier National Park. Check for program offerings on the park's calendar for specific dates and times.
The Apgar Nature Center is nestled amongst the cedar trees in Apgar Village. The nature center is staffed by park volunteers, and open daily from 10 am to 4 pm, mid-June to late August.
Stop By Eddie's For An Ice Cream Cone
Tip: Order only one scoop of ice cream. You can see how big the scoops are on Myah's cone at left!
And if it's really hot out, skip the cone and get the ice cream in a cup or you'll have melted ice cream all over yourself. I speak from experience on that one!
Take A Walk Down To Apgar Beach On Lake McDonald
The village of Apgar sits right on the shore of Lake McDonald so it's only a short walk down to the beach.
Agpar Beach on Lake McDonald / Photo credit: We're in the Rockies
Generally, Lake McDonald is the warmest and most easily accessible lake in Glacier. The water temperature in Lake McDonald usually peaks in August at around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
The water in Lake McDonald (like most of Glacier’s other lakes) is so clear that you can see to a depth of approximately 20 feet.
You can swim in any of the waters in Glacier National Park. The question is Do you want to? For example, Iceberg Lake is named for the chunks of ice floating in it. Taking a dip in that lake is usually followed by involuntary shrieks of pain and disbelief that put one's whole body into an instant state of brain freeze. The water is a brain numbing 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Remember the lakes in Glacier are MOUNTAIN LAKES full of intensely cold snow melt-off so they're very cold even in the summer, especially the higher the elevation the lake is at.
Lake McDonald is at a low elevation so is the most pleasant like to swim in and many visitors do from the Agpar beach.
Beginning to get the lay of Glacier West will likely take up most of your first day.
Evening: Dinner - drive 7 miles from the Park to Josephine's Speakeasy. 10245 US Highway 2 E, Coram, MT
I love the bison gyros but other menu items include salmon, ribeye steak, lamb chops, chicken or shrimp skewers, charcuterie boards and more. And in my opinion, the food is better than that of Russell's and it isn't overpriced.
Hours:
Open Monday through Sunday 5pm to 10pm.
Morning: Breakfast at Sunflower Cafe & BBQ - 12070 US-2, West Glacier, MT
Nestled in Glacier Campground just 1 mile from Glacier NP's west entrance, Sunflower Cafe has become a beloved stop for hikers, travelers, and locals alike.
The only thing remarkable about Sunflower Cafe is the food, no matter what meal you eat there.
The "restaurant" is basically a heated outdoor pavilion with counter service, and you pick up your menu off a wooden barrel at the entrance.
The place is so down-to-earth that it makes the unremarkable become remarkable.
It's menu is so varied...everything from a more traditional Eggs Benedict to Korean or Thai breakfast bowls to homemade cornbread or biscuits and gravy.
Hours:
Open Monday through Sunday 5pm to 10pm.
10245 US HWY 2 E, Coram, MT
If you are on the west side of the park, you could find other restaurants in West Glacier, Coram, Hungry Horse, Kalispell, Columbia Falls, or Whitefish.
Explore Going-to-the-Sun Road By Bicycle or Vehicle
This is the #1 attraction in Glacier National Park and therefore, the busiest. I would agree it's probably the most beautiful drive in America.
The Going-to-the-Sun Road isn’t just a road; it’s an engineering marvel that crosses the Continental Divide. As a trans-park route stretching about 50 miles, it features a relentless climb up to Logan Pass, which sits at an elevation of 6,646 feet. Those narrow lanes and historic stone guard walls have been the park’s main artery for decades, shaping how everyone, from motorists to cyclists, experiences this landscape.
There are a few ways you can see Going-to-the-Sun Road.
You can drive it.
If you're going to drive the Going-to-the-Sun road yourself:
6:30 to 7 am: Drive to Logan Pass.
Yes, this is very early but you can save yourself a lot of frustration, traffic hassles and parking nightmares if you get this early start.
It takes just over an hour to drive to Logan Pass from West Glacier. Resist the temptation to stop and take photos. You can do that much easier on the return trip. Drive directly to Logan Pass to ensure that you get a parking space.
NEW FOR 2026: Starting July 1, there will be a 3 hour time limit at the Logan Pass parking lot. If you plan to stay longer than this you will have to use the Going-to-the-Sun Shuttle to get around the park and make a reservation well in advance of your trip.
7 to 8 am: Logan Pass. Enjoy the views and hike to Hidden Lake Overlook (2.8 miles, 1.5 hours). If you only have energy for one hike today, this is the one I recommend. It’s a beautiful walk and not only do you get to see a beautiful lake but there is also a very good chance that you will see mountain goats along the way.
Logan Pass
10 am: Drive to St. Mary. Continue the scenic drive along Going-to-the-Sun Road until you get to St. Mary. Along the way, enjoy the view of Wild Goose Island and you have the option to hike to St. Mary falls.
There are regulations to the type of vehicle allowed on Going-to-the-Sun Road. Vehicles longer than 21 feet or taller than 10 feet are not permitted on the road. The road is very narrow with rock overhangs, so larger vehicles are too big for these tight spots. Therefore, if you are in an RV or pulling a trailer, you most likely will not be able to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road. You can still get the experience, just take the park shuttle or a Red Bus Tour.
Typically, this road is open from the end of June/early July through mid-October. Opening and closing dates are dependent on snowfall. Get updates on the official national park website.
Bike Going-to-the-Sun Road
Biking the Going-to-the-Sun Road is the most popular bike trip in Glacier. Most seek to ride portions of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, recognized as an engineering marvel, during the early season while cars are restricted due to plowing operations.
Only those experienced at riding with heavy vehicle traffic in two directions should consider bicycling on Going-to-the-Sun Road during peak summer season.
Going-to-the-Sun Road becomes extremely busy in the late afternoon. To protect public safety and limit congestion, peak season restrictions have been established. Due to limited sight distance, exposed ledges, and sections of narrow, steep, and winding road, the Apgar to Logan Pass section of Going-to-the-Sun Road is closed to bicycle use from when Going-to-the-Sun Road opens fully to vehicles through September 27 during the following times:
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From when Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open to vehicles though September 27, bicycles are prohibited from Apgar to Logan Pass going eastbound between 12 pm and 6 pm.
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From when Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open to vehicles through September 27, bicycles are prohibited from Logan Pass to Apgar going westbound between 3 pm and 6 pm.
Regardless of where you ride, be sure to gather seasonal information such as available services, bicycling restrictions, area closures, and road and weather conditions.
OTHER RESTRICTIONS:
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Bicycles are allowed only on paved roads, unpaved roads, and multi-use paths (bike paths), unless otherwise posted.
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A fee is charged when entering the park via bicycle.
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During Spring Hiker/Biker Season, road crew closures are in place Monday through Thursday during plowing. Visitors may advance to the Avalanche Hazard Closure when road crews are not working. Avalanche Hazard Closures are in place at all times. Progressive closure locations are determined weekly on Thursdays. Visitors are prohibited from going past the hiker/biker closures. Violators are putting their safety and the safety of our park rangers at risk and could face up to a $5,000 fine and up to 6 months in jail. You can find closure information on the Road Status Page.
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Bicycles are not allowed on any of Glacier's hiking trails or in any backcountry areas.
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Bicyclists in the park must obey the same rules and regulations that apply to motorized vehicles.
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Electric bicycles (e-bikes) are allowed if the motor is less than 750 watts (1 hp) and engaged only while pedaling.
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When roadways are open to vehicles, riding a bicycle abreast of another bicycle is prohibited. Keep well to the right in single file.
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Bicyclists must use pull-outs to allow traffic to pass when they are available and must pull off the road, coming to a complete stop, when four or more cars have stacked up behind them.
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During low visibility and between sunset and sunrise, bicyclists must display a white light or reflector on the front and a red light or reflector on the rear.
One of the best ways to explore the Park in general is by bicycle. If you haven't brought your own bike, you can rent one from Glacier Guides, 11970 US Highway 2 E, West Glacier.
They rent both regular bikes and E bikes for paved surfaces only. They have both adult bikes and kids bikes however, you must be 18 years of age to rent an E bike.
If you're not used to biking regularly I recommend getting an E bike as some bike trails are steep.
Almost every major area of Glacier has something that you should go check out on your bike.
Your last option is taking a park shuttle, Red Bus or a Sun Tour on Going-to-the-Sun Road. This is actually the smartest way of doing it because you'll miss most of the scenery if you're busy watching the brake lights of the vehicle in front of you. Let someone else do the driving so you can sit back and enjoy the scenery.
You get your free West Glacier shuttle ticket at the Apgar Visitor Center Shuttle Stop in West Glacier, MT, starting at 7:30 a.m. each day, on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
Visitors who would like to make reservations with Sun Tours should visit the Sun Tours website. Visitors who would like to make reservations for a Red Bus Tour should visit the Glacier National Park Lodges website.
The Sun Tours are not the same thing as the park shuttles. Sun Tours is operated by lifelong members of the Blackfeet Nation and narration is presented from the Blackfoot Native American perspective. A couple of my friends took a Sun Tour and said it was excellent, that in a way it was more of a spiritual perspective than the NPS park tour narrations give you.
Sun Tours
As long as we're on the subject of cycling I'll cover some of the other bike trails in West Glacier.
Explore West Glacier By Bicycle
Apgar Bike Trail
This is probably the easiest bike trail in West Glacier.
The Apgar Bike Path is a hit with bikers, wheelchair users, dog-walkers, and more. The Apgar Bike Path has several entry points in Apgar Village. The other end of the path is in the town of West Glacier. It is paved, relatively flat, and shaded.
You can begin this trail either at the center of Apgar Village, the Apgar Visitor Center, or the Apgar Campground if you are camping there.
The path is 4 miles long and take 1 hour to 1.5 hours to complete.
Challenges include road crossings and some crowded areas. Recommendations are to start early and carry bear spray.
Top 4 Biking Trails in Glacier National Park
Bicycles are permitted on all paved and unpaved roads in the park. Here are some of the top biking routes in the park:
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Going-to-the-Sun Road: This is an iconic bike route. The lower portion of the road from Apgar Village to the Avalanche Lake Trailhead offers scenic views of the towering mountains above and a relatively gentle grade. As soon as you continue past Avalanche Lake Trailhead, the road begins its climb up toward Logan Pass. Get ready to take in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, wildflowers, and waterfalls. The road climbs 3,200 feet up to Logan Pass, and isn’t for the faint of heart!
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Camas Road: Located on the park’s West side, Camas Road offers a quieter alternative to the Going-to-the-Sun Road. You can connect to the North Fork Road via Camas Road and continue on all the way to Polebridge, or even further to the Bowman Lake area.
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Inside North Fork Road: This is a great spot to hit the saddle if you are looking for a car-free, less-trafficked spot to check out the views and see more wildlife. It is recommended to have more of a rugged hybrid/mountain bike for this road, as it is very steep and gravelly in some places.
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Paved bike path from Park Headquarters to Apgar Village: This is a quick trail that you can pick up right at Park Headquarters and take all the way to Apgar village. It is paved the whole way and runs through lush forests of cedars and ferns!
Local touring cyclists also love the Old Flathead Ranger Station Trail, an 8.0 miles (12.9 km) trail leading through forested areas with river views, often completed in about 1 hour 15 minutes.
A Ride Suggested By a Guide at Glacier Guides
From Glacier Guides, head out of their parking lot to Highway 2 where you’ll meet up with the bike path that takes you all the way into West Glacier. You’ll get into town, cross the road and head down “Old Bridge Street,” which winds around the backstreets of West Glacier. Once you reach the bridge, you’ve made it to your first photo opportunity. If you’ve timed it right, you’ll see some friendly Montana Raft guides floating by who will greet you as you take in the scenery.
FRIENDLY MONTANA
RAFT GUIDE
Once you enter West Glacier, take a left just before you hit West Glacier Bridge and head down to the West Glacier river access and dip your toes in The Wild & Scenic Middle Fork of The Flathead River.
After Camel’s Hump Road towards Quarter Circle Bridge Road, continue straight to check out Quarter Circle Bridge. Continue even further to Apgar Lookout to conquer a hike for some epic views.
After visiting Fish Creek Day Use Area, you have the option to hop off the bike and hike Rocky Point Trail; a family friendly beginner hike that gives stunning vistas of Lake McDonald.
After stopping at West Glacier Bridge, head back to the Glacier Guides office.
Lunch:
If you get hungry for lunch Glacier Bike Rentals is only 6 miles from Lake McDonald Lodge, which houses Lucke’s Lounge.
It is a more casual dining option than the other restaurant in the Lodge and often has seating when the main dining room is packed. (Which in part is why I'm recommending it over the main Lodge restaurant, Russell's Fireside Dining Room.)
Lucke’s Lounge is not open for breakfast, but lunch, appetizers, and dinner are offered in this small dining room/bar. You can expect to pay between ~$10-$20 per person for your meal.
No reservations are accepted.
Lucke's Lounge
Lake McDonald Boat Tour
If you’re seeking a peaceful way to take in the breathtaking beauty of Glacier National Park, look no further than the scenic boat tour on Lake McDonald. Departing from the historic Lake McDonald Lodge, this 1-hour tour is the perfect way to unwind.
You’ll be surrounded by tranquil forest, stunning mountain vistas, and the awe-inspiring beauty of the park’s west side. This narrated tour provides fascinating insights into the history and geology of the area, including how glaciers shaped this remarkable landscape.
Begin your journey aboard the DeSmet or the Glacier Lily. These boats were built in the 1930's and were adapted specially just for Glacier Park boat tours. (Glacier Lily has softer seats for a more comfortable ride.)
The great part of this boat tour is that the waters of Lake McDonald are so clear you can clearly see 20' down to the colored rocks on the lake bottom.
All tours are narrated by Glacier Park Boat Company Guides, except the 3pm tour, which is narrated by a NPS Ranger.
Details:
1 Hour round trip scenic tour.
There are no hiking options from this tour.
One-Way tickets are not available.
Wheelchair seating is available on an outside deck for one standard size wheelchair. **Please call for availability before booking.**
Boat Dock/Ticket Office Location & Arrival Time
Going to the Sun Road, behind Lake McDonald Lodge on Lake McDonald, West Glacier.
For GPS Directions type "Lake McDonald Lodge" into Apple or Google Maps.
Arrive in parking lot: 1+ hour prior, allow an additional 30 minutes for delays at the West Entrance.
Check In at Ticket office: 30 min. prior
Boarding Begins: 15 min. prior
*Seating is first come first serve, when inside seating is full outside seating is available.
ADMISSION TICKETS
Adult: $28.75
Child: $14.35
Child under 4: Free See their website for departure times.
These tours book up really fast so make your reservations as soon as you know your trip dates!
Dinner: We cut our afternoon a bit short because I wanted to drive to my fave restaurant for dinner in Kalispell - DeSoto's Grill. Best dang BBQ in Montana!
It takes about 45 minutes to drive to Kalispell from West Glacier.
We ordered the sampler platter - 3 choices of BBQ meats plus 2 sides of your choice.
Excellent as usual!
Jay had never been to DeSoto's before and he was so impressed he bought some meat to take back to the RV with us.
(You can order meat by the poundage to go)
Love the ambiance of this place! The building itself is over 100 years old and inside you feel a bit like you're eating in an old fashioned gas station.
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Not only is the food great, you're made to feel welcome the minute you walk in the door. It's a place you can feel right at home.
Native America Speaks
Following dinner we decided to attend a ranger-led program. We chose Native America Speaks and am so glad we did.
Native America Speaks is the longest-running Indigenous speaker series in the National Park Service, offering cultural presentations by Blackfeet, Salish, Kootenai, and Pend d’Oreille tribal members.
Native America Speaks began in 1982 and provides visitors with opportunities to learn about the history, culture, and language of Glacier National Park’s Indigenous peoples through
storytelling, singing, hands-on demonstrations, and dance performances. The program is designed to connect visitors with the perspectives of the Blackfeet Nation and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, highlighting their historical and contemporary relationships with the park’s lands. This was a program well worth attending and it's FREE.
For summer 2026, the Many Glacier Hotel hosts weekly evening programs every Sunday at 8:00 PM from June 7 to September 20, each lasting approximately 45 minutes. Most programs are free to attend, though some performances by the Blackfeet Singers and Dancers may have associated costs.
Morning: Have breakfast at the restaurant of your choice. We made our own breakfast in the RV.
Spend 2 Days In Many Glacier
Many Glacier is rightfully one of the most beautiful sections of Glacier National Park. Nestled in the eastern corner of Montana’s favorite park, Many Glacier is often dubbed as American Switzerland. With its majestic mountains towering over picture-perfect alpine lakes, gushing waterfalls, and pristine forests and meadows, the place displays the best landscapes in the entire Glacier National Park.
Spending at least one day in the Many Glacier area becomes an almost mandatory excursion in spring and summer. Some first-time travelers even skip the all-time favorite Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor and focus solely on the natural wonders Many Glacier has to offer.
Whether you strive for tedious hikes up the mountainsides or plan to spend the entire day boating on a lake or exploring the immediate surroundings of Swiftcurrent Lake, Many Glacier never runs out of its pristine landmarks to amaze you.
I'll post this for anyone lucky enough to score 2 day timed entry tickets to Many Glacier. Truthfully? If you were to spend 2 days in Many Glacier and skip the more touristy areas of the Park, you'll have seen the very best Glacier National Park has to offer. I wish we'd built 2 days at Many Glacier into our itinerary.
Home to the Many Glacier Hotel, one of the iconic historic structures in the American West, Many Glacier further inspires you to devote at least one day (ideally 2 days) to the area. Built in the finest Swiss traditions in 1915, the world-famous lodge projects oozing opulence and rustic splendor.
Built by the Great Northern Railway in 1914-15, Many Glacier Hotel is situated on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake inside Glacier National Park. This location presents visitors with the Swiss Lounge, Heidi’s Snack Shop, the lakeside Ptarmigan Dining Room as well as a Gift Shop. Red Bus tours, boat cruises, horseback rides, evening ranger programs, and numerous other activities are available at this spectacular lakeside setting, one of the best of any of the national parks.
Partially renovated in 2016, this secluded, five-story hotel contains 2 suites, 7 family rooms and 205 guest rooms offering lakeside, deluxe, standard and value lodging options. All guest rooms at Many Glacier Hotel are rustic, yet comfortable. In keeping with the era in which the hotel was built, the rooms offer guests modest amenities and old-world style accommodations. There are no televisions or air conditioning. All rooms have private bathrooms, direct dial telephones, deluxe king and queen beds or standard double and/or twin beds.
Room types range from Value Rooms to Family Rooms to Suites. There are 3 dining options:
The place sits on the eastern side of the park, north of the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road. The closest incorporated town is Browning, a center for the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.
The Many Glacier entrance, separates this section from the rest of the park. Located approximately 16 miles (25-30 minutes) from St. Mary Village.