Glacier National Park in Montana
One of America's bucket-list parks, Glacier National Park is often an add-on to a Yellowstone vacation.
Nicknamed the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier National Park sits in the northwest corner of Montana. It’s just a scenic day’s drive north from Yellowstone. In their ability to wow visitors, Yellowstone and Glacier share a common bond. But as with any great destination, there are some adventures that are found nowhere else. Glacier preserves over 1,000,000 acres of forests, alpine meadows and lakes. Its diverse habitats are home to over 70 species of mammals and over 260 species of birds. The spectacular glaciated landscape is a hiker’s paradise, containing 700 miles of maintained trails that lead deep into one of the largest intact ecosystems in the lower 48 states.
Fishercap Lake
Hit the trail to explore places like Fishercap Lake, which is a great place to spot a moose. From Many Glacier Campground, go to the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn parking lot. The trailhead is on the west end. You’ll find the lake less than a mile down the trail. Continue 1.5 miles to Redrock Lake and take a spur to Redrock Falls.
Going to the Sun Road
You cannot visit Glacier without driving this legendary road that connects the park’s east and west sides. Opened July 15, 1933, it’s nearly 50 miles long and takes at least two hours to drive one way.
A National Historic Landmark, Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the most scenic roads in North America, not to mention one of the most complex to build. The final section, over Logan Pass, was completed in 1932 after 11 years of work. Considered an engineering feat, the construction of the road forever changed the way visitors would experience Glacier National Park. Future visitors would be able to drive over sections of the park that previously had taken days of horseback riding to see. This road is one of the activities we recommend if you have 48 hours to visit the park.
During the summer season, you will need an advance reservation for Going-to-the-Sun Road unless you drive outside of peak hours.
Where to Stay
Glacier National Park has some amazing lodges to stay in while you are there. And you’ll find all sorts of options from grand historic lodges to vintage-style motels.
For more information:
www.nps.gov/glac/
Glacier Country
glaciermt.com
More: 102 Things to Do in Glacier Country
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