5 Best Reasons to Visit Glacier National Park This Year: Untouched Beauty You Have to See to Believe
Montana’s Glacier National Park is raw, majestic, and humbling. With over a million acres of wilderness, glacial-carved peaks, and turquoise lakes, it’s one of the most pristine national parks in the U.S.—and the clock is ticking as the glaciers continue to recede.
5 Best Reasons to Visit Glacier National Park This Year: Untouched Beauty You Have to See to Believe
1. Going-to-the-Sun Road
This 50-mile marvel cuts across the park and offers jaw-dropping views of alpine valleys, waterfalls, and jagged peaks. It’s usually only open in summer due to snow, making it a seasonal treasure. Stop at Logan Pass for hikes or just to spot mountain goats roaming nearby.
2. World-Class Hiking
Whether you want a family-friendly trail like Avalanche Lake or an intense trek like the Highline Trail, Glacier offers something for every level. You’ll see everything from wildflowers to glacial runoff to moose lounging near the trail.
3. Pristine Glacial Lakes
Lake McDonald, with its rainbow pebbles and glassy surface, is a postcard come to life. Many lakes allow kayaking, paddleboarding, and photography from the shore. Bowman Lake and Swiftcurrent Lake are equally stunning and less crowded.
4. Rare Wildlife Encounters
This is one of the few places in the continental U.S. where you can spot both grizzly and black bears, along with bighorn sheep, elk, and bald eagles. Wildlife viewing is best early in the morning or at dusk, so bring your binoculars.
5. A Vanishing Natural Wonder
With fewer than two dozen glaciers left, the park’s namesake features may disappear within decades. Visiting now is both a privilege and a reminder of nature’s fragility. Educational centers and ranger talks highlight the urgency of climate change and preservation efforts.