I dont know where we will stay one over-nite yet, but i was thinking about taking the Sun Road early to some choice parking areas and doing some hiking . (No long hikes/No mountain climbs either.) Can you get to actual glaciers..? Whats the dope on the park. (or in modern lingo- whats the best hack for GNP ?)
Have fun!
Be sure to do “The Road To The Sun” drive.
Pictures my son sent me from there were nice. Watch for bears I suppose is the best advice
Take your passport and visit Waterton as well
Ping...
Need to go there myself soon also.
There’s no part of Glacier that won’t take your breath away, so I don’t have any pointers on that regard...but there’s a kind of strip mall on the main drag going through Kalispell that has a place called “Scotty’s Bar.” Their elk and bison burgers are exquisite. They have a big sign and it’s easy to spot. My wife and I love going there. Another good Kalispell eatery is “Julies.” Locals are friendly and they’ll give directions. It’s a small place and you’ll have no trouble. I’ve got a busy summer planned and won’t get there until fall. I envy you...have fun.
Beautiful park. Ther only place I have ever seen a grizzly in the wild. Going back this September. Last time I was there it was August and it got down to the 30’s Night. I can’t say about Glacier, but the parks have gotten ridiculously crowded the past few years, get an early start and beat the crowds.
Get out of your car. Buy and Carry and be Prepared to use Bear Spray! Go to the Many Glacier area, and be prepared for crowds.
The west side is more rain forest, and the east side is more open. You need to see both.
It’s my favorite place in the world!
The trail at Logan Pass visitor center to Hidden Lake Overlook is nice and not long or strenuous (Get there early or there will be no parking as this is a busy trailhead for multiple hikes). All the other hikes we did (Highline Trail loop, Grinnell Glacier, and Iceberg Lake) were longer hikes.
http://www.hikinginglacier.com/hiking-glacier-national-park.htm
Many Glacier area is a must visit area. There is has a scenic boat ride there. Also, trailheads for numerous hikes.
http://glacierparkboats.com/tour/many-glacier/
Ask them when all of the glaciers will be gone.
Stopped at an overlook on GTTS road one evening and dropped the tailgate and cooked dinner. Great memory.
Don’t keep food in your sleeping bag.
Glacier replaced Yellowstone a decade ago as our favorite park. Yes, drive the Going-to-the Sun Road first. That’s in case it rains later. Visit Lake McDonald Lodge and take the Sunset Boat Tour from there. Weve NEVER beeN to Glacier without seeing grizzlies. Drive up to Many Glacier Hotel. You might not spot a grizzly yourself but just look for people with spotting scopes in the parking areas and ask “where’s the bear?” They’ll be happy to show you. Lastly, STUDY! There are books and videos at your library, and check out YouTube. There’s a great source! And by all means reserve very early. It gets crowded, but there’s a good reason why. Start planning now.
The backcountry is still heavily snowed in and, as of last week, the Going to the Sun Highway wasn’t open yet. They are still removing snow. Be sure to check for road closures. There will be a huge difference from early July to late July.
Whatever you do, be sure to hurry. I hear the glaciers are supposed to be gone by July.
The drive through the park is fine...paved, reasonably wide and guardrails. Driving through your self is better than taking a coach. That way you can stop at pull-offs as you see fit.
An even more interesting drive is out the north east exit of Yellowstone NP through Red Lodge (Bear Tooth Pass).
The glaciers are small and distant.
Drive between Banff and Jasper (The Glacier Highway) in Canada to see “real” glaciers.
I spent time in GNP during a summer class. U. Colorado, 1963. An overlooked but indescribably beautiful area is Upper Two Medicine Lake. We camped near West Glacier.
Out oF West Glacier go toward Lake St.Mary, watch for sign.
Check park brochures for boat tour times.
Have fun.
The missus and I have had a summer and fall place in Ennis, MT. God willing, we will have 5 generations here for the fourth of July week.
right turns, tight lines
Caddis the ancient one
I live in Calgary and have driven that road a couple times. Spectacular views and it would be a great road to drive fast in a sports car, but the speed limits are low and traffic heavy, at least when we were there.
I recommend it, though. Maybe drive over it, then spend the night in Whitefish or Kalispell. Beautiful area, Indeed.
The road could be closed into July!
Don’t drink the water