Created in 1910, Glacier National Park provides over one million acres of habitat and
protection for a wonderful variety of wildlife and wildflowers.

The geologic history of Glacier is read in the numerous exposed layers of Precambrian sedimentary rocks. These extremely well preserved sediments date back to over 1 billion years. Subsequent sculpting by massive bodies of ice has transformed this area into a dramatic example of glacial landforms. Today several small alpine glaciers of relatively recent origin dot the mountains.

Glacier National Park contains a particularly rich biological diversity of plant and animal species. This combination of spectacular scenery, diverse flora and fauna, and relative isolation from major population centers have combined to make Glacier National Park the center of one of the largest and most intact ecosystems in North America.

Glacier National Park and Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta were joined together by the governments of Canada and the United States in 1932 as Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, the first park of its kind in the world.

Both parks have been designated Biosphere Reserves. In December of 1995 they were jointly designated the "Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park World Heritage Site."

 

 

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Basic Information for Glacier National Park

Operating Hours for Glacier National Park

Most visitor facilites are open from late May to mid-September. During the winter in-park services are not available.

How to Get to Glacier National Park

What's the Closest Airport to Glacier National Park - The closest airports are Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell, Montana (25 miles from West Glacier) and in Great Falls, Montana (200 miles from West Glacier). Car rentals are available at both airports. Shuttles are available at the Kalispell airport.

How to Drive to Glacier National Park - Vehicles longer than 21 feet or wider than 8 feet (including mirrors) are prohibited on the steepest sections of the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Weather & Climate
Glacier's western valleys generally receive the most rainfall. Daytime temperatures can exceed 90 degrees F. It is frequently 10 to 15 degrees cooler at higher elevations. Strong winds and sunny days predominate on the east side of the park. Overnight lows throughout the park can drop to near 20 degrees F, and snow can fall anytime. In August of 1992, a foot of snow fell on the northeastern corner of Glacier. Prepare for a variety of conditions and pack accordingly. You may start the day in a T-shirt and shorts, and need a parka by evening. Dress in layers. Always bring raingear.

Accessibility
The visitor centers and some facilities are accessible.

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Where to Stay at Glacier National Park

Camping at Glacier National Park
There are 13 seperate campgrounds found within Glacier National Park, located throughout the park. Remember this is bear country, so please practice proper camping techniques so as to avoid possible problems.

Apgar Campground
Open Mid-May thru Mid-October
Located at southern end of Lake McDonald. Largest campsite in the park, with 194 sites (25 can accommodate a trailer or RV), flush toilets, sinks with running water, and summer evening programming at the Apgar Amphitheater. Apgar Village has a restaurant, gift shops, and a ranger station. Swimming and boating possible in Lake McDonald, and boat rentals and horseback ride reservations are available nearby. No showers or reservations. $15/night.

Avalanche Campground
Open June thru Early September
(On Going-to-the-Sun Road. Popular campsite providing access to Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Creek trailheads. Flush toilets, running water, evening programs at Avalanche Amphitheater. 85 sites (50 accommodate RV). No showers or reservations. $15/night.

Bowman Lake Campground
Open Late May thru Early September
North Fork Area Primitive campsite right on Bowman Lake, with access to Quartz Lake Loop, Bowman Lake, and Numa Ridge Lookout trailheads. 48 sites, RVs and trailers not advised. Potable water and pit toilets. $12/night.

Cut Bank Campground
Open Late-May thru Late-September
Primitive and secluded campsite. 14 sites, RVs and trailers not advised. No potable water
$6/night.

Fish Creek Campground
Open Early-June thru Early-September
Located on the Western shore of Lake McDonaldLarge campground near Lake McDonald with flush toilets, running water, and nightly evening programs at the Fish Creek Amphitheater. 178 sites, 18 of which accommodate RVs or trailers. $17/night.

Kintla Lake Campground
Open Late-May thru Mid-September
North Fork area. Glacier National Park's smallest campground, with only 13 sites. . $12/night.

Logging Creek Campground
Currently Closed
Very small, primitive, campground with 7 sites and no potable water $6/night.

Many Glacier Campground
Open Late-May thru Late-September
Large campsite near the Swiftcurrent Motor Lodge, restaurants, token-operated showers. Flush toilets, sinks, and nightly ranger-led talks.. 110 sites, 13 accommodate RVs and trailers. $15/night.

Quartz Creek Campground
Open Late June thru Mid-July
T7 sites and accessible only by a dirt road. No potable water or reservations. Pit toilets. $6/night.

Rising Sun Campground
Open Late May thru Late-Fall
Amenities include showers, flush toilets, a disposal station, camp store, restaurant, and nightly ranger led talk. 83 sites, 10 of which can accommodate vehicles up to 25'. $15/night.

Sprague Creek Campground
Open Mid-May thru Mid-September
Only 25 sites, with towed vehicles and RVs prohibited. Flush toilets, picnic tables, and a communal bear box are provided. Evening programming at Lake McDonald Lodge.$15/night.

St. Mary Campground
Open Late-May thru Mid-September
Large campground on St. Mary Lake. Has flush toilets, running water, shuttle service, and the small town of St Mary about half a mile away, outside the park. 148 sites, 25 of which can accommodate RVs/trailers. $17/night.

Two Medicine Campground
Open Late-May thru Mid-September
99 sites, 13 of which can accommodate RV/trailer up to 35'. Flush toilets.. $15/night.

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What to Do at Glacier National Park

Activities and More Information
Park Rangers conduct naturalist activities at St. Mary, Apgar, Logan Pass, Many Glacier, Goat Haunt, and Two Medicine. A complete schedule of programs is listed in the Nature with at Naturalist publication. Activities include evening slide programs, guided hikes, boat tours, and all day hikes.