Find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Glacier National Park
Q:Where is Glacier National Park located?
A:Glacier National Park is located in northwestern Montana on the U.S./Canadian border. Access to the park from the east and west is along U.S. Highway 2. Park headquarters is located in West Glacier.
Q:When is Glacier Park open?
A:Glacier National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. In the fall winter and spring, some roads are inaccessible by car due to snow.
Q:What are the entrance fees for Glacier National Park?
A:
7-Day Automobile/Vehicle Permit
$35.00
7-Day Single Entry Permit
$20.00
Entrance Fee by motorcycle
$30.00
Q: Where are the closest airports to the park? Is there transportation from the airports to the park?
A:Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell, Montana is 25 miles west of park headquarters in West Glacier, Montana.
There are also airports in Great Falls, Montana (200 miles east of West Glacier) and Missoula, Montana (156 miles south of West Glacier).
Car rentals are available at airports. Shuttles are available at the Kalispell airport.
Q:What is the closest train station to the park?
A:Amtrak rail lines parallel the southern and southwestern borders of the park. Amtrak stops at West Glacier (Belton), East Glacier (summer only), and Essex (upon request).
Q:What is the recommended stay duration?
A:Minimalist (3 Days)
Driving/Sightseeing: 1 Day
Hiking/Exploring: 1 Day
Activities/Tours/Special Programs: 1 Day
Adventurist (5 Days)
Driving/Sightseeing: 2 Days
Hiking/Exploring: 2 Days
Activities/Tours/Special Programs: 1 Day
Notes: The average visitor spends three to four days in the area, although you easily could fill a week with activities in the park. A drive across going to the sun road is a must, and will require the better part of a day if you want to enjoy the spectacular scenery along the way. There are several pullouts all along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, and you will certainly want to pause often along your journey to take in the sweeping views of the parks breathtaking scenery. On a second day in the park you should consider driving up to the Many Glacier Area or even up into Waterton Lakes National Park (the portion of Glacier Park that lies on the Canadian-side of the border.) The scenery in this area of the park is jaw-dropping and both the Many Glacier Hotel and The Prince of Wales Hotel are two remarkable historic hotels that are definitely worth the drive to visit. The Many Glacier Area is also a great opportunity to see more of the glaciers that this park is known for, as well as some really cool wildlife such as Grizzly's and Moose. There are more than 700 miles of hiking trails to be explored within Glacier National Park. You could easily fill an entire week with hiking adventures alone inside the park, but as most visitors will be on a time-budget, you will probably have to choose only one or two. Still an entire day or possibly two should be set aside for hiking in the park. Some of the most popular trails inside the park include the Avalanche Trail and Trail of The Cedars along the west side of GTTSR, the Trail To Virginia Falls along the east side of GTTSR, and the hike to Hidden Lake or the High-line Trail, both of which can be accessed from the top of the road at Logan Pass. Lastly, there are many great adventure outfitters in the area, and you could easily spend a full day or multiple days taking part in activities like whitewater rafting, fly-fishing in the lakes or streams, horseback riding, flight seeing the park in a helicopter, and much more!
