Park Details
Maps!
Trails Illustrated Map2 - Glacier/Waterton NP
Go to Park DetailsThe geologic history of Glacier National Park is read in the numerous exposed layers of Precambrian sedimentary formations. These extremely well preserved sediments date back to over 1 billion years. Subsequent sculpting by massive bodies of ice has transformed this area into a dramatic example of glacial landforms. Today several small alpine glaciers of relatively recent origin dot the mountains. Due to its geographic location and geologic history, Glacier National Park contains a particularly rich biological diversity of plant and animal species. This combination of spectacular scenery, diverse flora and fauna, and relative isolation from major population centers have combined to make Glacier National Park the center of one of the largest and most intact ecosystems in North America.
Glacier National Park and Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta were joined together by the governments of Canada and the United States in 1932 as Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, the first park of its kind in the world.
Both parks have been designated Biosphere Reserves. In December of 1995 they were jointly designated the "Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park World Heritage Site".
Park Details
Location Information
Glacier National Park is located in northwestern Montana on the U.S./Canadian border.
Address:
Glacier National Park
National Park Service
P.O. Box 128
West Glacier, MT 59936
Telephone:
(406) 888-7800 voice
(406) 888-7806 TDD
(406) 888-7808 fax
Directions:
Access from the east or west is via U.S. Highway 2.
Access to park is primarily by private vehicles.
Amtrak stops at both East Glacier, and Belton (West Glacier). Check schedules and times with Amtrak or your travel agent.
Nearest airports are in Kalispell and Great Falls. Rental cars are available at the airports and in the communities surrounding the park.
In Park
In addition to private automobiles, the following transportation options are available.
Tours and scheduled transportation are offered on historic red buses between park lodges as well as East Glacier, West Glacier, St. Mary, and Waterton (in Canada). Call Glacier Park, Inc., at: (602) 207-6000 for information and reservations.
Glacier Park Boat Co. offers boat transportation to the Grinnell Glacier and Piegan Pass trails in the Many Glacier Valley and the trails to Upper Two Medicine Lake, No Name Lake, and Dawson Pass in the Two Medicine Valley.
Operating Hours/Seasons
Glacier National Park is open year-round.
Most park services and facilities are available from late May through September. In late fall, winter, and spring very limited services are available in the park. Surrounding communities provide complete services year-round.
Reservations/Permits/Fees
Entrance Fees:
Single Person Entry: $5.00
Entry into Glacier National Park by foot, bicycle, or motorcycle for 7 days.
Single Vehicle Entry: $10.00
Valid at Glacier National Park for 7 days.
Glacier National Park Pass: $20.00
Valid at Glacier National Park for 1 year from month of purchase.
Golden Age Passport: $10.00
Lifetime pass, available to U.S. residents 62 years old and over, valid at all Federal fee areas.
Golden Eagle Passport: $50.00
Valid at all Federal entrance fee parks or areas for 1 year from month of purchase.
Commercial Tour Vehicle Fees
Fees are based on vehicle seating capacity, not occupancy.
1-6 seats: $30.00
7-25 seats: $45.00
26 or more: $100.00
Reservations and Permits:
Lodges fill up quickly. Reservations are strongly advised.
No reservations are accepted for park drive-in campgrounds.
Backcountry use permits are required for backcountry
camping.
Reservations for backcountry campgrounds may be made in advance. To obtain a backcountry permit reservation packet write to:
Backcountry Permits
Glacier National Park
West Glacier, MT 59936
Any photography for commercial purposes requires a permit.
Climate, Recommended Clothing
Glacier's weather is as varied as its landscape. In the valleys daytime temperatures can exceed 90 degrees F. Up slope, in areas above treeline, it is frequently 10 to 15 degrees cooler. Strong winds predominate on the east side of the park. Overnight lows throughout the park can drop to near 20 degrees F, and snow can fall anytime. In August of 1992, a foot of snow fell on the northeastern corner of Glacier.
Prepare for a variety of weather conditions and pack accordingly. You may start the day in a T-shirt and shorts and need a parka by evening. Dress in layers.
Summer rainfall averages around two to three inches per month
Recommended Activities/Park Use
Glacier National Park offers a wide variety of recreational activities. Camping, hiking, boating, fishing, and sightseeing are just a few.
Glacier National Park's rich biological diversity and geologic history make this an outstanding location for research and educational activities.
Visitation
1,720,805 visits to Glacier National Park were recorded in 1996.
Visitation in Glacier National Park, like many mountain parks in the west, follows seasonal weather patterns. Although open year-round, long cold winters restrict the bulk of visitor use to the months of June, July, August and September. Many visitors are increasingly finding the "off season" (fall, winter and spring) a rewarding time to visit. Less crowded conditions and increased opportunities for wildlife sightings are just a few of the benefits of a visit during the other months of the year.
Special Events Programs
Blackfeet, Salish, and Kootenai tribal members present special campfire talks on native life and culture at locations throughout the park. The St. Mary Visitor Center hosts weekly native dance troupes during July and August.
Adjacent Visitor Attractions
Blackfeet Indian Reservation - Museum of the Plains Indian
Glacier National Park lies just west of the Blackfeet Indian
Reservation. The Museum of the Plains Indian, in Browning,
features fascinating exhibits and Native American handicrafts as
sales items. The museum is open daily 9 am to 5 pm from June
through September.
The People's Center and Native Ed-Venture, for the preservation of Kootenai and Salish culture, are located south of Glacier National Park near Pablo, Montana. The Center provides educational opportunities, interpretive tours, a museum collection, and a gift shop. Call 1-406-883-5344 for more information.