Glacier National Park

About

Glacier National Park spans over a million acres of pristine wilderness in northwestern Montana, where rugged peaks, ancient glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes create some of the most breathtaking scenery in North America. Known as the "Crown of the Continent," the park sits along the Continental Divide and protects an ecosystem largely unchanged since pre-colonial times.

The iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road is the park's centerpiece, a 50-mile engineering marvel that climbs thousands of feet through dense forest, alpine meadows, and rocky cliffs to Logan Pass at 6,646 feet. Along the way, visitors are treated to sweeping views of glacier-carved valleys, thundering waterfalls, and wildlife ranging from mountain goats to grizzly bears. You don't need to leave your vehicle to have an unforgettable experience here.

Lake McDonald, the park's largest lake, offers a peaceful setting near the west entrance with boat tours, shoreline walks, and stunning sunsets over the water. The Apgar area provides a welcoming hub with visitor services, dining, and easy access to gentle trails. For those seeking a quieter experience, the Many Glacier and Two Medicine areas on the park's east side deliver dramatic alpine scenery with fewer crowds.

Glacier is a place of living science. The park's namesake glaciers have been retreating for decades, making a visit both awe-inspiring and a powerful reminder of our changing climate. Rangers offer interpretive programs throughout the summer season that bring the park's geology, ecology, and human history to life.

The park is generally open year-round, though Going-to-the-Sun Road and most facilities operate seasonally from late May through mid-October. Summer is peak season with the warmest weather and fullest services. Plan ahead for parking and road access during July and August, as the park has implemented a vehicle reservation system for Going-to-the-Sun Road during peak hours.

Accessibility

Glacier National Park has been making steady improvements to accessibility, and with some advance planning, visitors of all abilities can enjoy this spectacular destination. The America the Beautiful Access Pass is available for visitors with permanent disabilities, providing free entry and discounts on services throughout the park.

Going-to-the-Sun Road itself is the park's most accessible feature, allowing visitors to experience dramatic mountain scenery from their vehicle. Several pullouts and overlooks along the road offer views without requiring extensive walking. The Trail of the Cedars near Avalanche Creek is a paved, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk loop through old-growth forest. The park has also facilitated off-road wheelchair experiences on trails like the one to Avalanche Lake.

Accessible parking spaces are available at major trailheads, visitor centers, and facilities. Restrooms at the Apgar area, Logan Pass Visitor Center, and other developed locations include accessible stalls. The park's visitor centers offer information in multiple formats, including large-print brochures, braille handouts, and audio-described videos for visitors who are blind or have low vision. ASL and captioned video resources are available for visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Service animals are permitted throughout the park in accordance with ADA guidelines. Nearby Lone Pine State Park in the Flathead Valley offers a free Action Trackchair, an all-terrain wheelchair for use on its trail system (reservations at 406-755-2706). Contact Glacier National Park directly at 406-888-7800 for the most current information on accessible facilities, seasonal trail conditions, and any new accessibility improvements.

More accessible places in Montana

• A Carousel for Missoula (Missoula)
• Yellowstone Art Museum (Billings)
• Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site (Deer Lodge)
• Missoula Art Museum (Missoula)
• Big Hole National Battlefield (Wisdom)
• Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area (Fort Smith)

Photo credits

• Glacier National Park - main view of accessible destination: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)
• Glacier National Park - view 2 of accessible destination: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)
• Glacier National Park - view 3 of accessible destination: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)
• Glacier National Park - view 4 of accessible destination: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)