Glacier NP

Sights & activities

• Going-to-the-Sun Road: 50-mile scenic drive through Glacier National Park from the West Entrance to the East Entrance, spanning both sides of the park. Passes snow-capped peaks, glaciers, alpine lakes, subalpine meadows, ancient forests, waterfalls, lodges, and visitor centers. Straight-through driving takes ~2 hours for the full 50 miles, but allow several hours to stop at pulloffs and trailheads. Best driven early morning (to catch sunrise and avoid peak traffic) or late afternoon to avoid crowds and permit requirements. reel reel
• Glacier National Park: Montana national park featuring the Going-to-the-Sun Road along with mountain peaks, glaciers, and wilderness areas; one of the prettiest national parks in the USA with alpine valleys, glacial lakes, and waterfalls along the road corridor. Also a striking backdrop of alpine meadows, glacier-fed turquoise lakes, and dramatic peaks. reel reel reel
• Gunsight Lake: Emerald-blue alpine lake visible along the Going-to-the-Sun Road route. reel
• Mountain overlook with valley views: High elevation viewpoint with an expansive vista of green valleys and mountain ranges; good spot for photos/video. reel
• Alpine meadow with wildflowers: Open grassland with wildflowers and a mountain backdrop. reel
• Forest trail with fallen log: Dense coniferous forest trail with fallen logs suitable for sitting. reel
• Turquoise alpine lake: Clear mountain lake with pristine water and a forest shoreline. reel

Practical tips

• West Entrance (Glacier National Park): Requires a timed entry permit June 13–September 28, 2025 if entering between 7am–3pm; no permit needed before 7am or after 3pm. Permits go on sale February 12, 2025. reel
• East Entrance (Glacier National Park): No timed entry permits required; recommended entry point to avoid needing a permit entirely. reel
• Book Going-to-the-Sun Road online reservations in advance at recreation.gov, or arrive before 6am/after 3pm to skip the 6am–3pm reservation window. reel
• Road is typically open late May through early September; check nps.gov for seasonal openings and closures. reel
• Camping or lodging reservations allow entry without needing a separate timed entry permit. reel
• Peak season is summer (June–September); plan for crowds accordingly, and allow plenty of time at viewpoints, trails, lodges, and visitor centers. reel
• Expect to see snow-capped peaks, glaciers, emerald-blue alpine lakes, subalpine meadows, ancient forests, and wildlife along the drive. reel
• The park’s scenery (mountain overlooks, lakes, forests, meadows) makes it a great spot for DIY photo/video shoots (e.g., engagements) using just a smartphone or personal camera; scout multiple locations for variety and aim for clear weather for best visibility. reel