Complete Guide to Glacier National Park, Montana
Last fall after returning from the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) in Europe, we quickly shifted gears and headed to Glacier National Park in Montana. Late September seemed like the ideal time to visit—just before the snow began to fall and the Going-to-the-Sun Road closed for the season. With only three nights to spare, we packed our trailer and set up camp at Apgar Campground on the west side of the park.
I chose Apgar because of its proximity to Lake McDonald, hoping to capture the lake’s famous reflections at sunrise and sunset. Unfortunately, the water was never calm enough during our stay, so those shots didn’t materialize. In hindsight, camping closer to the hiking trails might have been more practical. One thing I hadn’t fully appreciated when planning the trip was the sheer size of Glacier National Park. Driving from one end to the other takes longer than you might expect, especially with frequent stops to take in the views.
Lake McDonald, Glacier National Park
Day 1: Going-to-the-Sun Road and Hidden Lake Overlook
Our first day was dedicated to exploring the Going-to-the-Sun Road, one of the most scenic drives in the country. We drove the entire length from west to east, taking in the dramatic peaks, glacial valleys, and waterfalls. On the way back, we stopped at Logan Pass Visitor Center and hiked to the Hidden Lake Overlook.
Hidden Lake Overlook, Trail
The parking lot was crowded, and it took some time to find a spot. The trail to Hidden Lake Overlook is relatively short and family-friendly, making it a great option for hikers of all ages.
Here are the details:
Distance: 4.3 km round trip (2.7 miles)
Elevation Gain: 165 meters (540 feet)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
The trail begins with a boardwalk section, which transitions into dirt paths and stone steps. Our daughter, Aspen, walked most of the way on her own, enjoying the stairs and rocks along the way. The view from the overlook was stunning, with Hidden Lake set against the backdrop of Bearhat Mountain. We also spotted a few mountain goats grazing nearby.
Hidden Lake Overlook, Glacier National Park
Day 2: Grinnell Glacier Hike in Many Glacier
On our second day, we headed to the Many Glacier area, known for its dramatic alpine scenery. Our goal was to hike to Grinnell Glacier, one of the park’s most iconic trails. The weather looked uncertain when we started—overcast and chilly—but we decided to proceed. Fortunately, the skies cleared somewhat as we hiked, revealing the stunning landscape.
Grinnell Glacier, Glacier National Park
Here are the hike details:
Distance: 17 km round trip (10.6 miles)
Elevation Gain: 488 meters (1,600 feet)
Difficulty: Strenuous
We began at Swiftcurrent Lake and made our way through forests, past alpine lakes, and into a rocky moraine. The trail was challenging, especially with a young child, but the views were worth the effort. At the top, we were rewarded with a close-up view of Grinnell Glacier and the vibrant turquoise waters of Grinnell Lake below. Aspen enjoyed exploring the rocky terrain, and we spent some time taking in the scenery before heading back.
Grinnell Glacier Trail
Glacier National Park
Day 3: Departure and on to Canada
On our final morning, we packed up camp and left Glacier through the Many Glacier area, heading north toward Canada. Our next stop was Waterton Lakes National Park, just across the border. After a day of exploring there, we continued on to Castle Mountain in Alberta, where Matt was competing in the Sinister Sports Castle Alpine 25km trail run a few days later.
Waterton National Park
Castle Alpine Trail
Castle Alpine Trail
Castle Alpine Trail
Glacier National Park is a place of incredible beauty, with landscapes that are both rugged and serene. While I didn’t get the calm waters I’d hoped for at Lake McDonald, the trip was still memorable. The park’s vastness is something to keep in mind when planning a visit—there’s a lot of ground to cover, and it’s easy to underestimate travel times.
Going to the Sun Road, Glacier National Park
If you’re traveling with kids, don’t hesitate to tackle some of the park’s trails. Aspen handled the hikes well, and it was rewarding to see her enjoy the experience. Glacier is a destination that offers something for everyone, whether you’re there for the hiking, the views, or simply to connect with nature. It’s a place I’d gladly return to, with more time to explore its many wonders.
Grinnell Glacier, Glacier National Park
