Explore Glacier National Park

Known as the Crown of the Continent and Backbone of the World, Glacier National Park has a dramatic presence and undeniable beauty. Enchanting visitors for years with its wild meadows, emerald valleys, incredible mountain peaks and stunning waterfalls, Glacier National Park is truly unlike any place on earth. From the wild North Fork to backcountry lookout towers and guided hikes to historic attractions, your adventure awaits in Glacier National Park.

If you prefer to explore on foot, set out on the park's forested footpaths, hillside bridle paths or 730 miles of maintained trails. For trails in the park, visit the National Park Service's website. You can also take a guided hiking trip with Glacier Guides.

For a different way to see Glacier, step aboard a scenic boat tour with Glacier Park Boat Company, ride shotgun on a red bus tour with Glacier Park, Inc. or view the park from the Blackfeet Perspective on a Sun Tour. You can also take a guided horseback ride with Swan Mountain Outfitters. Visitors can also take advantage of the free shuttle service operated in Glacier National Park. A hiker shuttle also provides connecting service from the Many Glacier area to the National Park Service Going-to-the-Sun Road transit system. Visit the National Park Service for operating dates and more information.

Another distinct way to see Glacier is to take a guided rafting trip down the Middle Fork or the North Fork of the Flathead River. Glacier Raft Company, Great Northern Resort, Montana Raft Company and Wild River Adventures have permits to operate on the river. Get additional information on raft tours from the National Park Service or visit our guided trips page.

If you're looking for lesser-explored areas of the park, pack your rig and head to the North Fork to cast your line in Bowman or Kintla lakes. Or head over to the Two Medicine—an area of the park that is sacred to the Blackfeet Tribe—for a day or two of exploring this section of the backbone of the world.

Going-to-the-Sun Road

A major highlight when visiting Glacier National Park is the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The road travels 50 miles through the park from West Glacier to St. Mary, crossing the continental divide at Logan Pass. The road typically opens all the way across in early- to mid-June and closes mid- to late-September, weather permitting. For road updates, status, history, plow progress (snow plow crews dig the road out every spring), and FAQs, visit the National Park Service website.