Visiting Glacier National Park

From its snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes to its spectacular glacier-carved valleys, the park is one of the best places in the lower 48 states to leave the modern world behind. Despite its isolation and vast size—more than 1,500 square miles—the park is easily accessible from the city of Kalispell, Montana.

Going-to-the-Sun Road

Going-to-the-Sun Road is your logical starting point when you visit Glacier National Park. This scenic route is the only road that bisects the park from east to west, crossing the Continental Divide through Logan's Pass and providing access to many areas that would be inaccessible otherwise. Running 50 miles from end to end, Going-to-the-Sun Road provides leads to three visitor centers, several picnic areas and scenic overlooks. Be sure to stop at the Jackson Glacier Overlook the best place in the park to see a glacier from the road.

Visitor Centers

All the information you'll need about things to do in Glacier National Park can be found at the three visitor centers. Known as Apgar, Logan Pass and St. Mary, they offer interactive exhibits, films, ranger-led programs and activities, trip-planning information, water, restrooms and shuttle service to nearby attractions. Be sure to check out these unique features at each:

• Apgar Visitor Center: A flat, paved 0.25-mile biking and walking path to Apgar Village and Lake McDonald.
• Logan Pass Visitor Center: Excellent wildlife and wildflower viewing opportunities, plus trailheads for the Highline and Hidden Lake trails.
• St. Mary Visitor Center: Exhibits on American Indian tribes in Glacier National Park and an auditorium that hosts Native America Speaks programs and events.

Hiking and Biking

You have 734 miles of hiking trails to choose from in Glacier National Park, many of which are also open to mountain bikes. Much of Going-to-the-Sun Road is open to cyclists as well, but some of the most rewarding scenery is off the main road. Pick up a trail map and guide at any of the visitor centers and be sure to explore some of the trails in these areas:

• Lake McDonald
• Many Glacier
• North Fork & Goat Haunt
• St. Mary
• Two Medicine

Guided Tours

Whether you take part in a ranger-guided hike or explore the park on a bus tour, there are plenty of ways to see Glacier National Park with the assistance of a knowledgeable guide and the companionship of fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Other fun options include boat tours of Lake McDonald, guided raft trips on the Flathead River and horseback rides at Many Glacier.

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