10 Things to Know Before Visiting Glacier National Park in Summer
Make the most of your summer trip to Glacier National Park with helpful tips that prepare you for what you’re about to experience at this breathtaking natural wonder.
Summer is peak season at Glacier National Park, with more than three million visitors coming between May and September. Make the most of your upcoming summer trip with helpful insights into what you need to know before you go to Glacier, how to navigate the crowds once you’re there, and how to stay safe in the park.
We’ll be paying special attention to things that will make your trip go smoothly, from getting park reservations to bear safety and crowd avoidance. Let’s dive into what you need to know before visiting Glacier National Park!
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Visiting Glacier in Summer
Located in the far north of Montana is one of the most popular US national parks, Glacier National Park. Throughout the year, it sees millions of visitors, but the best time to visit Glacier National Park is the summer – from May through September.
That’s when the park’s roads and facilities are fully open and operational, and the weather is generally pleasant, making it easier to explore the park’s many attractions.
During the summer, visitors to Glacier National Park can also enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, wildlife watching, and scenic drives as well as visiting the numerous lodges, restaurants, and gift shops in the park.
In addition to the weather and park accessibility, summer is also a popular time to visit Glacier National Park because of the stunning scenery. The park’s alpine landscapes, glaciers, and lakes are at their most vibrant and colorful during the summer months, making for unforgettable photo opportunities.
However, it’s important to note that the popularity of Glacier National Park during the summer also means larger crowds and higher demand for lodging and campsites. Visitors should plan ahead and make reservations well in advance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Let’s take a deeper look at what you need to know before you go to Glacier National Park in the summertime.
1. Secure Park Reservations
One of the most important things to know about visiting Glacier National Park during the summer is that you need a vehicle reservation to get in the park. Each of the areas of the park has different vehicle rules, so read the details carefully when you make your reservations.
Here are the dates and locations that require reservations:
- May 26 – September 10, 2023:ย Vehicle Reservations are required for the Going-to-the-Sun Road westside entrances and the North Fork area from 6 am – 3 pm.
- July 1 – September 10, 2023: Vehicle reservations are required for the east side entrances, including Many Glacier, Two Medicine, and Going-to-the-Sun Road from Rising Sun, from 6 am – 3 pm.
These Glacier National Park reservations book up quickly, so you need to snatch them up as soon as they become available. A portion of these vehicle reservations are released 4 months in advance. The remaining reservations are released just 24 hours in advance.
The 24 hour advance reservations will become available on a rolling basis starting May 25, 2023. This will occur the day prior to a visit at 8 am MDT. If you are unable to secure a vehicle reservation, don’t worry – you can enter the park before 6 am or after 3 pm. The park is open 24/7.ย
2. Book Accommodations Early
As summer in Glacier is peak season, you’ll also need to book your accommodations early. In fact, many hotels in Glacier National Park, such as lodges and campgrounds, fill up extremely quickly during the summer season.
If you’re planning to visit Glacier in summer, make reservations many months in advance. This is also true if you’re planning to camp in Glacier during the summer. Be sure to book a campsite as early as possible.
Alternatively, you can stay outside the park in nearby towns, such as Whitefish or Kalispell, and drive into the park for day trips. Even these accommodations will fill up early – so don’t wait to book!
If you’re unsure if you’re going to be able to make the trip, book your Glacier hotels ahead with a free cancellation policy. Many hotels on Booking.com offer them. This will keep you flexible while ensuring accommodation if you are able to make it to Glacier in the summertime.
Learn all about where to stay for Glacier National Park.
3. Pack for Summer Weather
Summer is the most popular time to visit Glacier National Park because the weather is generally warm and sunny. Temperatures average between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit – making it perfect weather for exploring the park.
However, the summer weather in Glacier National Park can be unpredictable. You’ll need to be prepared for sudden changes in temperature, rain, and thunderstorms. Check the weather forecast before you go and be prepared to adjust your plans accordingly.
Plan to dress in layers and bring rain gear, such as a waterproof jacket and pants. You’ll also need to take sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the aggressive sun.
4. Avoid the Crowds
Glacier National Park can get very crowded in summer, especially at popular trailheads, viewpoints, and attractions. To avoid the crowds in Glacier, it’s a good idea to arrive early in the day, before 9 am, or visit less popular areas of the park.
You can also plan your visit for weekdays instead of weekends, as weekends tend to be even more crowded. If you’re planning to hike, consider taking a less popular trail or hiking early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the trails are less busy.
Fortunately, summer days in Glacier National Park are very long with the sun coming up as early as 5 am and setting around 10 pm. This allows plenty of time on either end of the day to miss the crowds if you plan appropriately.
5. Practice Safe Hiking
Glacier National Park has over 700 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous multi-day backpacking trips. While summer in Glacier National Park is perfect for hiking, you’ll want to choose a trail that matches your fitness level and experience.
Make sure to bring proper hiking gear and equipment as some of the hikes can be challenging, even for experienced hikers. Pack sturdy hiking boots, thick hiking socks, a day pack with plenty of water and snacks, hiking poles, and of course a map.
You should also be aware of the weather and trail conditions before you go and adjust your hikes accordingly. Make sure to practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out all trash.
Check out the most popular trails in Glacier National Park here.
6. Watch Out for Wildlife
Glacier National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, black bears, mountain goats, and elk. When visiting Glacier National Park in summer, be respectful of wildlife and observe them from a safe distance, like from inside your car or from designated viewing areas. Never feed them.
Summer in Glacier NP is also peak bear season. Make sure to review bear safety protocol before you head out into the park. As you explore, carry bear spray, know how to use it, and make noise to alert wildlife of your presence. It’s also recommended that you hike in groups to help decrease your chances of a negative bear encounter.
Bear spray is typically available at the Glacier visitor centers and most outdoorsy stores in Montana. In some cases, you can fly with it in your checked baggage. Check with your airline prior to packing it. Similarly, not all kinds of bear spray can legally cross the US-Canada border. Do you research before crossing international borders with it.
7. Prepare for Peak Season Traffic
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is a popular scenic drive that runs through the heart of Glacier National Park. It’s typically only open in the summer due to weather conditions, which adds to the popularity of this Glacier road in summer. Despite its crowds, you will definitely want to drive this epic road!
As it is also the only main road through the central part of the park, be patient and expect delays. The road can get busy and be slow-moving in summer. Make sure to drive carefully and follow all road rules, as the road can be narrow and winding with steep drop-offs.
You should also be aware of parking challenges and restrictions in Glacier NP during the summer. Parking lots fill up early and finding places to park can then be a challenge making it difficult to go everywhere you want to in the park.
Plan to arrive early in the day or consider taking the free Glacier shuttle or a guided tour to ensure you are able to explore the park fully. Shuttles are first-come first served, so lines may be long.
8. Plan Your Activities
Summer activities in Glacier National Park may require some advance planning. For example, if you want to do a scenic float through Glacier National Park or go whitewater rafting through the park, you will need to book in advance.
Other activities, like fishing in Glacier National Park, are available to all (for free!) but come with strict guidelines – even though no fishing license is required to fish inside the park. Make sure to be familiar with all of the guidelines, like where you are allowed to fish and their catch-and-release policies to protect the park’s aquatic resources.
Lastly, during summer in Glacier National Park, you’ll have many options for ranger-led programs and tours of the park. Do your research in advance to have the most options available during your trip, like renting a boat or going on a boat tour or even horseback riding in Glacier.
Alternatively, you can wing it by stopping and asking at the visitor centers throughout the summer season in Glacier National Park. They can always tell you what’s going on.
9. Obtain Activity Permits
If you’re interested in doing something more unusual or off the grid in Glacier National Park, such as backcountry camping, boating, getting married in Glacier, etc., you’ll need to secure a permit in advance. These permits help ensure you follow all their rules and regulations to preserve the park and make it enjoyable for all visitors.
For backcountry camping, permits can be obtained online in advance or on a first-come first-service basis at the Backcountry Ranger Stations. They will outline all of the guidelines for food storage and waste disposal to prevent attracting wildlife.
You’ll also need to check for permits regarding commercial filming, commercial operators, spreading of ashes, and non-profit usage.
10. Be Prepared for Emergencies
Anytime you go into the wilderness, you should be prepared for emergencies. This is particularly true when visiting Glacier National Park and going hiking or into the backcountry. You never know what could happen. Fortunately, there are some precautions you can take for a safe trip.
Share your plans with someone who is not going with you and plan a time to check back in with them to verify your well-being. They could be a lifesaver if things don’t go as planned.
Always carry a first aid kit, extra food and water, and a map, compass, or GPS enabled device. Bonus devices include a LifeStraw water bottle to enable you to drink from the local water sources and a multi-tool knife.
You should also have a plan in case of an emergency, such as severe weather or a wildlife encounter. Be sure to carry a charged cell phone and extra battery pack in case you need to call for help. Most phones now are able to make SOS calls even when out of cellular range.
Plan Your Trip to Glacier National Park
Visiting Glacier National Park in summer is not without its challenges, but there’s also a reason why it is so popular. With a bit of planning you can navigate the crowds with ease and see some of the most breathtaking scenery in the United States.
It’s 100% worth the trials and tribulations you may encounter, and besides, with these summer tips for Glacier, you’re going to have an epic time!
Here are some additional posts to help you plan your travels to Glacier National Park.
- Where to Stay for Glacier NP: Ultimate Guide to Glacier National Park Hotels
- Top 5 Hikes in Glacier National Park: The Best Trails for Your Bucket List
- Ultimate Denver to Glacier National Park Road Trip Itinerary: With 10+ Stops!
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