Whether you’ve got just a day or a whole vacation to spare, Glacier National Park is one of those bucket list destinations that’ll leave you breathless. We’re talking about a million acres of pure, jaw-dropping natural beauty. This huge park is full of stunning mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and glaciers. This place can be called a haven for various wildlife, such as the grizzly bears, the majestic antelope, and mountain goats. You can conquer the park’s spine by driving the legendary Going-to-the-Sun-Road, a twisting engineering marvel of a highway. Or go full-on wilderness warrior and lose yourself on Glacier’s epic backcountry hiking trails.
1. For Smaller Crowds
You can visit Glacier National Park during winter, between October and April. The park’s least-busiest times are during this time, and you’ll feel like you’ve got the whole park to yourselves. You’ll also have the chance to try some of the park’s unique activities, such as going on a cross-country ski run on the Going-to-the-Sun-Road, one of the park’s highlights.
Some park services are closed during winter, and Montana’s weather can be unpredictable. For those seeking a quieter atmosphere, spring or Autumn may be a more suitable time to visit. There will still be some seasonal closures – some roads will close in October, and hiking trails will only open in the spring once the ice has melted. These shoulder seasons offer many unique attractions, especially around the park’s perimeter.
2. For Good Weather
For better weather and park visit Glacier National Park between July and September. Due to the park’s remote and mountainous location, the weather conditions can vary significantly within an hour or two. If you’re looking for a sunny day in the park with warm weather for hiking, try visiting between this time. The climate in the western portion of the park is generally warmer and more humid. Bring layers, such as a rain jacket and a hat, whenever you visit to prepare for changing weather.
3. For Lower Prices
The best times to visit Glacier National Park for lower prices are during the winter months (November through April) when entrance passes drop in price and the park offers “fee-free days“. These promotions can help you save money, but be aware that they come with higher-than-average crowds. To cut costs on flights, rentals, and hotel stays near the park, it’s best to avoid the high summer months. July and August alone account for half of Glacier’s visitors for the year, so lodging and service prices are at an all-time high due to fierce competition.
4. For Wildlife Spotting
Since its founding in 1910, Glacier National Park has been home to various wildlife. The park has something for everyone, from moose and elk to bighorn sheep and deer, as well as mountain goat, wolf, bear, and mountain lion populations. The best time to spot most of these animals is in the fall when the park is quiet, and the animals prepare for winter.
Although seeing a wild animal in Glacier National Park is a top priority for many visitors, it is important to do so safely. Keep at least 300 feet from bears and 75 feet from all other wildlife. You must be extra careful when camping on the Glacier.
5. For Photography
If you’re visiting Glacier National Park, you’ll have plenty of chances to take pictures throughout the year. For wildflower photography, the best time to visit is from late June to mid-August, when the wildflowers are plentiful, and the mountain backdrop is ideal. Logan Pass is a great starting point for wildflower photography, as it is home to various blooms, including yellow and purple fleabane and pink monkeyflower.
When it comes to waterfall photography, the spring season is the ideal time to visit, as the snow on the mountains above is melting away, and the water is at its highest level. Additionally, photographers can capture wildlife throughout the year, glaciers, sunsets, sunrises, and the night sky, which is the most popular backdrop for photography in the park. If you want to see the northern lights, the best time is between January and March.
6. Going-to-the-Sun-Road
If you only have time for one epic adventure in Glacier, make it the Going-to-the-Sun-Road. This 50-mile engineering masterpiece cuts right through the heart of the park, connecting the east and west sides in one scenic, white-knuckle drive. You’ll be able to stop at some of the biggest attractions in the park, including the Jackson Glacier Overlook and Logan Pass, as well as Lake McDonald.
The road crosses the Continental Divide and passes over Logan Pass, a peak of 6,646 feet above sea level. Due to the road’s elevation, some parts of the route experience heavy snowfall and are closed during winter and spring. If you want to drive the entire route (and you should), you’ll want to plan your trip from early July to October, when the road is usually fully open. July and August may also be your best bet for the best wildflower viewing while driving.
RV Living Adventure: Timing and Tips for Exploring Glacier National Park
Anthony Smith, the Founder of RV Properly, provides insights on hiking, camping, and other activities in Glacier National Park:
“As a seasoned explorer with over a decade of RV living [under my belt], Glacier National Park never loses its allure for me. What stirs my passion is RV camping, a notably engaging activity in this vast park. The element of timing can greatly enhance this experience. For instance, visiting during the fall (September-October) can be a unique experience. The park is less crowded, offering solitude while letting you enjoy the dramatic transformation of foliage into fiery autumnal hues.
For hiking enthusiasts in my community, July through September is considered optimal. This is when the park’s famous Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully operational, and [a majority of] hiking trails are snow-free.
These timings [not only] increase the chance to spot unique species like mountain goats and grizzly bears [but also] provide thrilling stories to share with the mobile living community.”
When to Plan Your Visit?
Selecting the appropriate time for your visit will depend on your preferences and objectives. Summer is the warmest time of year, and the park offers access to all areas, but it’s also the busiest season.
Spring and Fall are quieter with wildflowers and beautiful fall colors, but some areas might be closed because of snow. Winter caters to a very specific group of visitors who are looking for a peaceful, snow-covered wonderland. If you want to avoid crowds and fully experience the park’s diverse beauty, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons. Glacier National Park is a year-round wonderland with something for every nature lover.
Guest Author: Saket Kumar
