Is Glacier National Park worth it?
Glacier is one of the few parks that genuinely earns the word 'spectacular' without apology.
The Going-to-the-Sun Road alone justifies the drive to northwest Montana, and the depth of activity here, from whitewater rafting and backcountry camping to cross-country skiing and boat tours on cold, clear lakes, means a single visit rarely feels complete. The retreating glaciers add urgency. This is a landscape changing within our lifetimes, and at $20 entry it remains one of the best value propositions in the entire national park system.
Who it is for
Serious hikers, backcountry campers, and anyone who wants a mountain park with genuine four-season range will love it here. Casual visitors can still do very well on the scenic drive and boat tours. Those who dislike variable or cold weather and crowded summer roads should plan carefully.
Highlights
- Going-to-the-Sun Road as a self-guided auto tour, one of the most dramatic paved mountain roads in North America
- Backcountry camping and mountain climbing across more than 700 miles of documented trail terrain
- Winter access for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in a high-alpine environment well below peak crowds
- Boat tours and paddling on glacially carved lakes, with whitewater rafting rounding out the water activity menu
Editor's tipThe Going-to-the-Sun Road has vehicle size restrictions and fills its entry reservations fast in July and August, so check the current timed-entry requirements well before your trip. Arriving before 6am or after 3pm on summer days is the single most effective way to avoid the worst congestion.
