Things to Do in Glacier National Park
Glacier's best experiences split between an iconic scenic drive and some of the finest alpine hiking in the Lower 48, concentrated in the short window when high-country trails are snow-free.
Quick Answer
The best things to do in Glacier are driving Going-to-the-Sun Road, hiking the Highline Trail along the Garden Wall, taking the Grinnell Glacier trail in Many Glacier, walking to Hidden Lake Overlook from Logan Pass, and kayaking Two Medicine Lake.
Going-to-the-Sun Road
This 50-mile road crossing the Continental Divide at Logan Pass is one of America's great scenic drives, cut into cliffside rock with sweeping views of glacially carved peaks and valleys the entire way.
- 50 miles across the Continental Divide
- Logan Pass is the high point
- Fully open roughly mid-July through September
Highline Trail
Starting at Logan Pass, the Highline Trail follows a narrow ledge along the Garden Wall with a cable handhold for the exposed opening stretch, then opens into some of the park's best alpine views — a bucket-list hike for strong day hikers.
Many Glacier Hiking
The Many Glacier valley holds Glacier's best hiking concentration, including the Grinnell Glacier trail and Iceberg Lake, both climbing toward glacial cirques with a strong chance of grizzly and mountain goat sightings.
Hidden Lake And Two Medicine
The Hidden Lake Overlook is an easy 1.5-mile round trip from the Logan Pass visitor center, often with mountain goats near the boardwalk. Two Medicine, in the park's quieter southeast, offers kayaking and boat tours beneath Rising Wolf Mountain.
Plan And Track This Park
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous thing to do in Glacier National Park?
Driving Going-to-the-Sun Road is Glacier's signature experience and the most accessible way to see the park's scale in a single day.
What is the best hike in Glacier National Park?
The Highline Trail from Logan Pass is widely considered the park's best day hike, though the Grinnell Glacier trail in Many Glacier is a close rival.
Will you see wildlife in Glacier National Park?
Yes, grizzly bears, black bears, and mountain goats are regularly seen, especially in the Many Glacier valley and along high alpine trails. Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
More National Park Guides
Itinerary
Glacier National Park Itinerary
Plan a Glacier National Park itinerary with Going-to-the-Sun Road, Many Glacier, and current vehicle access rules.
Where to stay
Where to Stay Near Glacier National Park
Compare where to stay near Glacier National Park, including West Glacier, Apgar, Lake McDonald, Many Glacier, St. Mary, Whitefish, and Kalispell.