Explore Glacier National Park.

Looking for the best resources to help plan your Glacier National Park vacation?

Then you’ve come to the right place!

Hi, I’m Natalie, and I am a national parks-obsessed mom who has compiled all of the details, itineraries, dining guides, and hiking information for the perfect trip to the park that’s earned the title “Crowd of the Continent.”

Whether you need to know how to get vehicle reservations or which trail inside Glacier National Park is best for your kids, you’ll find it here.

I only write about places I’ve been and experiences that I’ve had, so you’re getting up-to-date advice from a parent who has been there.

Family of four standing beside the Glacier National Park sign on a sunny day, with mountains and trees in the background.

Glacier at a glance

  • Covers 1.013 million acres

  • Located in Montana

  • Best known for its incredible mountain views and scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road

  • Has glacier-fed lakes that are brilliantly blue

If you only read one of my Glacier guides, make it this one.

This Glacier National Park with kids guide shares everything you could possibly think about when planning a vacation here from where to stay to where to pick up your Junior Ranger booklets.

Start here.

Glacier National Park with Kids: A Complete Guide

Areas of Glacier National Park

  • Water rushes through a small gorge on Trail of the Cedars

    WEST GLACIER

    Includes Apgar and Lake McDonald, the park’s most popular entrance, a visitors center, and lodging options. One end of Going-to-the-Sun road is here, and you will need reservations to access it from this entrance. Trail of the Cedars, watersports on Lake McDonald, and multiple hiking trails are located in this part of the park.

  • Valley near Logan Pass

    LOGAN PASS

    The half-way mark along Going-to-the Sun Road and location of Continental Divide.

    It also functions as a marker for the highest vehicle pass in the park. There is a small gift store, ranger station, and bathrooms here. It’s the place most likely to have snow in July and where you’re most likely to see mountain goats!

  • Close-up view of layered reddish-brown sandstone rock formations in the Maze district in Canyonlands National Park with natural arches and cavities, under a clear blue sky.

    ST. MARY

    At the eastern end of Going-to-the-Sun Road.

    You will not need a reservation to get onto the road if you’re traveling east to west.

    There are a few stores at this entrance, as well as a visitors center. There are many beautiful hikes, a boat tour, and the Wild Goose Island overlook near here.

  • Bright blue water of Grinnell Lake in Many Glacier

    MANY GLACIER

    Section of park with a separate entrance north of St. Mary that is not accessible via Going-to-the Sun Road.

    There’s a gorgeous chalet-style hotel here and incredible hiking to glacier-fed lakes, including Grinnell Lake. This section of the park isn’t as West Glacier.

  • Double cascade at Running Eagle Falls

    TWO MEDICINE

    Located in East Glacier, which is also a separate entrance of the park and not accessible via Going-to-the-Sun Road.

    It is located south of St. Mary and has a historic lodge, Amtrak train station, easy waterfall hikes (including Running Eagle Falls), and boat tours.

  • Wooden bear carvings stands outside the entrance to the Polebridge Mercantile

    POLEBRIDGE

    Another entrance to the park that’s not along that main Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor.

    To access this cute town northwest of Apgar, you’ll have to take North Fork Road, which is partially gravel and partially pavement. Shop at the historic mercantile for a souvenir while you’re there.

Complete Itineraries

A young boy wearing green sunglasses, a blue long-sleeved shirt, jeans, and a backpack stands in front of tall trees on a forest trail. The trail has a wooden bridge and lantern posts, with lush green foliage surrounding the area.

All you’ll need to do is book the plane tickets and hotel rooms.

These complete itineraries take care of the day to day planning for you with suggestions on hotels, dining, and activities for the entire family.

5 Days at Glacier National Park Itinerary and Tips
The Ultimate 1 Day Itinerary for Glacier National Park
Ultimate 1 Week itinerary for Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton National Parks

Driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road is the best way to see the highlights of Glacier National Park from the towering, snow covered mountains to the summer waterfalls flowing to the valleys.

Here’s everything you need to know about this trip, including reservations requirements, must-see stops, and tips on what to bring.

Take a drive.

A Guide to Glacier's Going to the Sun Road
Glacier National Park Vehicle Reservations Guide
A scenic view of a snow-capped mountain in the distance, with forested hills in the foreground, seen from behind a stone wall and partial rock formation on the right, under a clear blue sky.

Take a tour.

The author's dad stands next to one of the Red Bus Tours at Apgar Visitors Center

The iconic Red Buses are the best way to see the park if you’re not interested in driving yourself.

With both half- and full-day routes from West and East Glacier, you can find the best one that fits your itinerary and interests.

Red Bus Tours at Glacier National Park: A Review

Kid-Friendly Hiking Trails

  • Scenic view of the turquoise Grinnell Lake surrounded by tall mountains with snow patches and a clear blue sky.

    Grinnell Lake Trail in Glacier: A Hiking Guide

    One of the best easy hikes in the entire park with a brilliant blue lake at the end.

    Read more
  • A narrow mountain stream flowing through Avalanche Gorge in a dense forest with moss-covered rocks and tall evergreen trees.

    Trail of the Cedars in Glacier Hiking Guide

    A beautiful loop hike through ancient cedar trees and past a fairytale gorge

    Read more
  • Running Eagle Falls in Glacier National Park cascading into a pool surrounded by rocks and green trees, in a natural outdoor setting.

    Running Eagle Falls: A Trail Guide

    A short, easy hike to a double cascade in East Glacier

    Read more

Where to Camp

While Glacier National Park has several campgrounds inside the park, we prefer to stay just outside of the west entrance.

This allows us easy access to the park and to Going-to-the-Sun Road, as well as gas stations, grocery stores, and other local attractions like the Hungry Horse Reservoir.

There are many campgrounds near West Glacier, but we love Beargrass Lodging and RV Park, which has options for big and small rigs, tent campers, and even those who’d prefer a cozy motel room.

It’s family owned and very kid-friendly!

An RV campsite with a row of various RVs parked among tall trees in a wooded area, with a mountain in the background. There is a picnic table and bicycles in the foreground, and the ground is a mix of gravel and grass.
Exterior of a motel with two doors numbered 3 and 5, wooden benches, and a flower planter with red flowers.
An outdoor swimming pool, 9 feet deep, surrounded by a concrete deck with benches, a black fence, and a small building with a sloped roof in the background, with trees and a utility pole visible.
Beargrass Lodging and RV Resort: A Review

Glacier National Park Must Haves

  • GuideAlong Audio Tour

    We LOVE these inexpensive but excellent tours for our national parks visits. Purchase the Glacier National Park GuideAlong audio tour to learn about the park’s history, geology, wildlife, and important figures as you drive.

    It doesn’t need wifi after you’ve downloaded the tour, and it starts and stops automatically as you approach areas of interest!

  • Hiking Shoes

    To truly experience the beauty of Glacier National Park, you’ll want to make sure that everyone in your family has the proper footwear.

    I swear by my Altra Timp Trail Runners, which are lightweight and sturdy.

    I also love my Keen Newport H2 hiking sandals, but only bring these if you’re visiting Glacier in the summer.

  • AllTrails + National Park Pass

    Do not go to Glacier National Park without this incredible deal!

    For just a few dollars more than the cost of a regular NPS annual pass, you can get an annual AllTrail subscription and your national parks pass bundle.

    Now, you’re ready to hit the trail and explore the parks!

  • Garmin InReach Mini

    I never go hiking without this tiny GPS attached to my pack.

    Since I’m often hiking alone with my kids, the Garmin InReach gives me peace of mind that we could get help quickly if one of them (or me!) got hurt or sick on the trail.

    Glacier has terrible cell reception, but you can always reach help with this unit.

  • Rental Car

    While there are public shuttles along Going-to-the-Sun Road during peak season, I’d still recommend the flexibility of your own vehicle while exploring the park.

    Check for the best rates at DiscoverCars.com with convenient pick-up options at all area airports.

    If plans change, they also offer free cancellation up to 48 hours before you were scheduled to get your car.

  • Travel Insurance

    Glacier National Park is a trip of a lifetime, and you don’t want to let sickness or flight delays to ruin your trip.

    Be sure to secure travel insurance from Visitors Coverage before you leave, and you’ll be ready for whatever life throws at you.

Other Helpful Resources