- About the park:
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Glacier National Park is a 1,583-sq.-mi. wilderness area in Montana's Rocky Mountains, with glacier-carved peaks and valleys running to the Canadian border. It's crossed by the mountainous Going-to-the-Sun Road. Among more than 700 miles of hiking trails, it has a route to photogenic Hidden Lake. Other activities include backpacking, cycling and camping. Diverse wildlife ranges from mountain goats to grizzly bears.
A hiker’s paradise, Glacier National Park provides an exceptional backcountry experience, the perfect summer vacation for families and adventurers. Glacier National Park was established in 1910, covers about one million acres of land, and contains 25 “active” glaciers that move due to thawing and melting. There are a number of beloved areas in Glacier National Park. "Going-to-the-Sun Road", a 50-mile trek that provides some of the most amazing views in Montana, is Glacier National Park’s most popular destination. North Fork is only accessible by dirt road and has incredible views of some of the park's many lakes, as well as a historic homestead site. Goat Haunt is a remote and tranquil location that crosses the US-Canadian border. Glacier has numerous hiking trails and abundant fauna. Two Medicine is a more remote destination for the adventurous visitors who want a taste of true wilderness. Also found in Glacier National Park, Triple Divide Peak is situated at the hydrological apex of North America. Water can flow from here into the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic oceans.
Fun Facts about Glacier Park
- Mountain goats are the symbol of the park:
The official symbol of the park due to its prevalence and perseverance in the area. - The park is home to 26 glaciers:
Glacier National Park is home to 26 glaciers, down from approximately 150 in 1850.
That number is expected to continue its rapid decline as climate changes shrink their size,
according to the US Geological Survey (USGS) - The train takes you to the park's doorstep:
Amtrak's Empire Builder route stops at East Glacier Park station in East Glacier Park Village,
just steps from the park entrance. - Plenty of various plants and animals:
Plant and animal species thrive in Glacier National Park, with 71 species of mammals, 276 species of birds,
and 1,990 total species of plants documented.
- Mountain goats are the symbol of the park:
A showcase of melting glaciers, alpine meadows, carved valleys, and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a paradise for adventurous visitors seeking wilderness steeped in human history. Relive the days of old through historic chalets, lodges, and the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road. A vehicle reservation is required for four areas of the park: Going-to-the-Sun Road, the North Fork, Two Medicine, and Many Glacier. Each location has unique details and requires a separate reservation. Here is the Vehicle Reservation page for details.