The Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park may be one of the nation's most popular national parks, but thanks to its spacious 1,583 square miles of wilderness — home to more than 762 lakes and 700 miles of hiking trails — it's maintained a sense of solitude. The preserved piece of land is a haven for 71 animal species, 276 documented types of birds, and the three million human visitors it draws each year.

It doesn't matter if you visit for a week or a single day, or if you prefer to hike or explore by car — there's plenty to do and see (even virtually). And that's true whether you visit in July or January. While the park is open year-round, there are certain benefits to visiting during particular seasons. To help you plan your trip, we've compiled a little guide on the best (and worst) times to visit Glacier National Park.

The Best Time to Visit to Avoid the Crowds

While approximately three million people visited Glacier National Park in 2021, most choose to come in the summer, when the weather is warm and the entire Going-to-the-Sun Road is open. However, if you want to avoid the crowds (and enjoy a reduced entrance fee), plan to visit during one of the park's off-season times.

You can catch the fall colors in October (weather permitting), but keep in mind that mid-October is also when sections of the Going-to-the-Sun Road start to close. In the winter, visitors can cross-country ski or snowshoe on the closed sections of the road. Spring, meanwhile, may be the park's quietest season. In lower elevation areas, Glacier National Park's hiking trails will start to reopen as things thaw. According to the park's website, the "trails on the edges of the park tend to be snow-free quicker than towards the Continental Divide or middle of the park."

The Best Time for Wildlife Spotting

Glacier National Park has been a refuge for wildlife since it was established in 1910. Its varied terrain is home to many animals, including moose, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, mountain goats, wolves, bears, and mountain lions. The best time to see most of these creatures is in the fall, when the park quiets down and the animals make their winter preparations.

While seeing a wild animal is at the top of the list for many park visitors, you'll want to do it safely. Stay at least 300 feet from bears, 75 feet from all other wildlife, and be mindful when camping in the park.

The Best Time for Photography

It goes without saying that there are plenty of picture-perfect photo ops in Glacier National Park. For fields of wildflowers with mountain backdrops, visit between late June and mid-August, when you'll find yellow lilies, purple fleabanes, and pink monkeyflower blooms, to name a few. In general, Logan Pass is the place to start your wildflower search.

For waterfall photography, visit in the spring, when the snow above is melting and the water is flowing.

Throughout the year, you can also capture wildlife (fall is ideal), the night sky (including the northern lights), glaciers, and endless sunsets and sunrises.

The Best Time to Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road

The 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road is arguably the park's biggest attraction, connecting the east and west sides and cutting through the middle. If you only have one day to explore, make this your priority. You can stop off at some of the park's biggest draws — Jackson Glacier Overlook, Logan Pass, Lake McDonald — while covering serious ground.

Going-to-the-Sun Road takes you across the Continental Divide and over Logan Pass, which peaks at 6,646 feet. Because of its elevation, certain parts of the route get a lot of snow and are closed during the winter and spring. To experience the entire route (which you should), plan your trip for July through October, when the road is typically fully open. For wildflowers, July and August may be your best bet.

The Best Time for Warm Weather

Due to the park's northern mountainous terrain, weather is always unpredictable. It can go from sun to rain (and back again) in mere minutes. If you have your heart set on experiencing the park on a sunny day with warm, hike-friendly weather, try to visit between early July and late October, when nearly everything is accessible and the weather is mild.

No matter when you visit, make sure to bring layers, including a rain jacket and hat, in case the weather shifts midday.

The Worst Time to Visit Glacier National Park

Even though the summer is noticeably more busy, certain activities like driving the entire Going-to-the-Sun Road are impossible in the winter and spring. In general, you'll want to steer clear of visiting during the winter season when there are fewer wildlife sightings and more limited accessibility (unless you're open to exploring on skis).

The Cheapest Time to Visit Glacier National Park

During the winter (November through April), passes to Glacier National Park drop in price. While a seven-day private vehicle pass typically costs $35, it drops to $25 during the winter months. And the per-person entrance fee goes from $20 to $15.

According to the NPS, "A vehicle reservation is required for vehicles entering Going-to-the-Sun Road and the North Fork area between May 27 and Sept. 11, 2022. In addition to a vehicle reservation, you will also need a park pass."

It's also a good idea to plan your lodging and dining options in advance. Accommodations vary, from a historic lodge to wilderness campsites, motels, motor inns, and even two backcountry chalets, but make sure to book ahead.