Glacier
National Park


Welcome to Glacier National Park

Superintendent
Dave Mihalic

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Created in 1910, Glacier National Park provides over one million acres of habitat and protection for a wonderful variety of wildlife and wildflowers. Historic lodges preserve the ambience of nineteenth century travel for twentieth century visitors.

The geologic history of Glacier National Park is read in the numerous exposed layers of Precambrian sedimentary formations. 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. Due to its geographic location and geologic history, 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."

Visitation 1,708,887 visits to Glacier National Park were recorded in 1997.

Visitation in Glacier National Park, like many mountain parks in the west, follows seasonal weather patterns. Although open year-round, long cold winters restrict the bulk of visitor use to the months of June, July, August and September. Many visitors are increasingly finding the "off season" (fall, winter and spring) a rewarding time to visit. Less crowded conditions and increased opportunities for wildlife sightings are just a few of the benefits of a visit during the other months of the year.

Location Glacier National Park is located in northwestern Montana on the U.S./Canadian border.
Address Glacier National Park
National Park Service
P.O. Box 128
West Glacier, MT 59936
Telephone (406) 888-7800 voice

(406) 888-7806 TDD

(406) 888-7808 fax

Operating Hours & Seasons Glacier National Park is open year-round, 24 hours per day.

Most park services and facilities are available from late May through September. In late fall, winter, and spring very limited services are available in the park. Surrounding communities provide complete services year-round.
Climate & Recommended Clothing Glacier's weather is as varied as its landscape. In the valleys daytime temperatures can exceed 90 degrees F. Up slope, in areas above treeline, it is frequently 10 to 15 degrees cooler. Strong winds 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 weather conditions and pack accordingly. You may start the day in a T-shirt and shorts and need a parka by evening. Dress in layers.

Summer rainfall averages around two to three inches per month
Directions Access from the east or west is via U.S. Highway 2.
Transportation To Park
Access to park is primarily by private vehicles.

Amtrak stops at both East Glacier (summer only),  Belton (West Glacier), and Essex. Check schedules and times with Amtrak or your travel agent.

Nearest airports are in Kalispell, 25 miles west of West Glacier, and Great Falls, 197 miles east of West Glacier. Rental cars are available at the airports and in the communities surrounding the park.

In Park
Interpretive van tours highlighting Blackfeet culture originate from East Glacier and the St. Mary Lodge. Call Sun Tours at: 1-800-SUN-9220 for information and reservations.

Tours and scheduled transportation are offered on historic red buses between park lodges as well as East Glacier, West Glacier, St. Mary, and Waterton (in Canada). Call Glacier Park, Inc., at: (602) 207-6000 for information and reservations.

Glacier Park Boat Co. offers boat transportation to the Grinnell Glacier and Piegan Pass trails in the Many Glacier Valley and the trails to Upper Two Medicine Lake, No Name Lake, and Dawson Pass in the Two Medicine Valley.

Entrance Fees
As part of the Recreation Fee Demonstration Program instituted by Congress in 1996, entrance fees are collected year round. 80% of all fees collected now stay in the park. In Glacier these new fees will allow closed campgrounds to reopen, improve accessibility at park facilities, and improve park wayside exhibits, trail maintenance, and revegetation efforts.
$5.00 Single Person Entry
Entry into Glacier National Park by foot, bicycle, or motorcycle for 7 days.
$10.00 Single Vehicle Entry
Valid at Glacier National Park for 7 days.
$20.00 Glacier National Park Pass
Valid at Glacier National Park for 1 year from month of purchase.
$10.00 Golden Age Passport
Lifetime pass, available to U.S. residents 62 years old and over, valid at all Federal fee areas.
$50.00 Golden Eagle Passport
Valid at all Federal entrance fee parks or areas for 1 year from month of purchase.
Commercial Tour Vehicle Fees
Commercial tour fees are charged. Operators should contact the park at (406) 888-7800 for specific information on rates.
Facilities and Opportunities Visitor Centers and Exhibits
Park Rangers at the Apgar, Logan Pass, and St. Mary Visitor Centers and the Many Glacier Ranger Station are on duty throughout the summer months to answer questions and provide information. In the winter information is available weekdays at Park Headquarters and on weekends at the Apgar Visitor Center.

The Glacier Natural History Association operates bookstores in park visitor centers. They carry a wide variety of publications and maps designed to make your visit more enjoyable and informative.

Trails
Hiking opportunities abound in Glacier National Park. Over 700 miles of trails invite visitors to get out of the car and experience Glacier close-up.

Roads
For visitors who wish to drive through the park, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is an experience to remember. Bisecting the heart of Glacier, this 50 mile long road follows the shores of the park's two largest lakes and hugs the cliffs below the Continental Divide as it traverses Logan Pass. Numerous scenic turnouts and wayside exhibits allow travelers to stop and enjoy the park at their own pace.

Size restrictions are in effect on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Vehicles longer than 21 feet or wider than 8 feet (including mirrors) are prohibited on the steepest sections of the road. Guided tours are available. (see transportation section)
If you are renting an RV, make sure it is 21 feet or under before leaving the rental agency.

Other roads access different sections of the park. On the east side of the park, roads lead into the Two Medicine and Many Glacier valleys. These areas contain spectacular scenery and offer excellent hiking opportunities. Both are generally less crowded than other locations.

The North Fork area on the west side of the park is approached by one of two dirt roads. Both dirt roads are narrow and going is slow. Large or towed vehicles should use extreme caution. The North Fork was the scene of fires in both 1988 and 1994. The contrast between older forests and recently created meadows highlights this remote section of Glacier National Park. Four of the smaller and more primitive campgrounds, Bowman Lake, Kintla Lake, Logging Creek, and Quartz Creek are located here.

Programs, Activities
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.

Lodging and Camping in the Park
Several lodges and hotels are located throughout the park. Click here to access our lodging links.

Thirteen campgrounds provide just under 1000 sites. Most campgrounds are operated on a "first come first serve" basis. Fish Creek and St. Mary campgrounds may be reserved ahead of time through the National Park Service Reservations System by calling (800) 365-CAMP or through the following website: http://reservations.nps.gov/.
Campgrounds often fill before noon in July and August; plan to arrive early.

Food, Supplies, & Gifts
Groceries and gifts are available at:
Eddie's Campstore, The Cedar Tree, Schoolhouse Gifts, and the Montana House of Gifts at Apgar
Lake McDonald Lodge Gift Shop and Lake McDonald Campstore
Many Glacier Hotel Gift Shop and Swiftcurrent Campstore in the Many Glacier valley
Rising Sun Campstore & the Two Medicine Campstore.

Food service is available at:
Eddie's Restaurant and the Cedar Tree Deli in Apgar
Cedar Dining Room and Russell's Trails End Family Restaurant at Lake McDonald
Ptarmigan Dining Room at the Many Glacier Hotel and the Italian Garden Ristorante at Swiftcurrent in the Many Glacier valley
and the Two Dog Flats Mesquite Grill at Rising Sun.

Surrounding communities also offer a complete range of food service.

Other Concession Facilities
Interpretive tours, on air conditioned 25 passenger window coaches, highlighting Blackfeet culture originate from East Glacier and the St. Mary Lodge. Call Sun Tours at: 1-800-786-9220 for information and reservations.

Tours and scheduled transportation are offered on historic red buses between park lodges as well as East Glacier, West Glacier, St. Mary, and Waterton (in Canada). Call Glacier Park, Inc., at: (602) 207-6000 for information and reservations.

Guided Horseback trips are available at Many Glacier, Lake McDonald, and West Glacier. Contact Mule Shoe Outfitters for information and reservations.

Glacier Park Boat Co. offers scenic launch tours and boat rentals in several locations around the park.

Guided backpacking and day hiking trips are available through the Glacier Wilderness Guides.

Public showers are available at Many Glacier and Rising Sun.

Accessibility
A full listing of accessible facilities and programs is available by mail or at park visitor centers and entrance stations.

Special Needs
Visitors in large recreational vehicles should be aware of size limitations on the Going-to-the-Sun Road (see roads section).

Construction on park roads will be ongoing for the next few summers. Information on current construction activities is available by mail or from park visitor centers and entrance gates.

Visitors with pets should be aware that pets are not allowed on any park trails. Pets must be on a leash or caged at all times.
Kennels are available in neighboring communities

Recommended Activities & Park Use Glacier National Park offers a wide variety of recreational activities. Camping, hiking, boating, fishing, and sightseeing are just a few.

Glacier National Park's rich biological diversity and geologic history make this an outstanding location for research and educational activities.

Reservations & Permits Lodging
Lodges fill up quickly. Reservations are strongly advised.

Camping
Most campgrounds are operated on a "first come first serve" basis. Fish Creek and St. Mary campgrounds may be reserved ahead of time through the National Park Service Reservations System by calling (800) 365-CAMP or through the following website:
http://reservations.nps.gov/

Backcountry use permits are required for backcountry camping.
Reservations for backcountry campsites may be made in advance. Complete information on obtaining a backcountry camping reservation is available online on our backcountry camping webpage.

Reservation packets are also available by mail at:
Backcountry Permits
Glacier National Park
West Glacier, MT 59936

Photography
In Glacier special regulations govern commercial photography and filming. A commercial photography permit is required if photography is for advertising a product or service; uses models, sets, or props; creates a potential disruption to visitors; may damage park resources. Obtain permits and further information on commercial photography by calling 406-888-7800.

In Waterton Lakes National Park, commercial photographers need to contact the Superintendent’s Office for information.
Special Programs Blackfeet, Salish, and Kootenai tribal members present special campfire talks on native life and culture at locations throughout the park. The St. Mary Visitor Center hosts weekly native dance troupes during July and August.
Adjacent Visitor Attractions Blackfeet Indian Reservation - Museum of the Plains Indian
Glacier National Park lies just west of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. The Museum of the Plains Indian, in Browning, features fascinating exhibits and Native American handicrafts as sales items. The museum is open daily 9 am to 5 pm from June through September.

The People's Center and Native Ed-Venture, for the preservation of Kootenai and Salish culture, are located south of Glacier National Park near Pablo, Montana. The Center provides educational opportunities, interpretive tours, a museum collection, and a gift shop. Call 1-406-883-5344 for more information.
Future Planning Decisions

 

 Glacier National Park has begun a comprehensive planning effort to help guide future park management. The General Management Plan and accompanying environmental impact statement that results will provide park managers with a framework for making decisions about resource protection and visitor use. The park staff encourage you to get involved! Planning documents for the GMP and other park projects are available online here or by writing to:

Park Superintendent
Glacier National Park
West Glacier, MT 59936.
Park Partners Glacier Fund
Glacier Institute
Glacier National Park Associates
Glacier Natural History Association
Employment Opportunities Click here for information on possible employment opportunities with the National Park Service and Glacier National Park.
Last Update: Monday, 16-Aug-99 13:58:45
http://www.nps.gov/glac/