Glacier National Park Travel Guide

The Glacier National Park Travel Guide is a resource for those planning to tour Glacier National Park and/or Canada's adjacent Waterton Lakes National Park. The adjacent national parks are typically visited at the same time and offer a variety of experiences. Both parks offer outstanding opportunities to view wildlife.

Using the Interactive Map

Place your mouse pointer on any KEY item or place name on the map. A brief description will appear. Click on the box for a link to detailed information. For easiest use, scroll map to top. Detailed Glacier National Park Map in separate window.

The Many Glacier Region

The scenery of Glacier National Park is often compared to Switzerland and the Swiss Alps. Nowhere is that more true than in the Many Glacier region in the northeast part of the park. In the photo above, the beautiful Swiss-chalet style Many Glacier Hotel sits on the edge of Swiftcurrent Lake, dwarfed by the spectacular mountain scenery in the background. Even more fantastic sights can be reached by hiking trail or tour boat, or a combination of both. Guided horseback trips are also available.

One of the most scenic and popular park attractions is the Grinnell Glacier and (lower) Grinnell Lake below the glacier. The beautiful lake has a turquoise color resulting from the glacier's meltwater. You can hike to Grninnell Lake from the trailhead near Many Glacier Hotel in 3.4 miles (one way) with a 60' elevation gain. It takes 5.5 miles and a 1,600' gain to reach the Grinnell Glacier Overlook. You can combine the hikes with a scenic boat tour which reduces the hiking distance substantially (lake hike becomes 0.9 mile one way, glacier hike, 3.4 miles one way). The tour includes a cruise across Swiftcurrent Lake, a 400 yard walk to Josephine Lake, and a cruise across that lake to the point where you pick up the trails. Ranger and concessionaire guided hikes are available in conjunction with the boat tour.

It is a sad fact that in the past century most of Grinnell Glacier (and other park glaciers) has melted away. In the past 25 years the melting has become extensive due to global warming. As the glacier shrinks away, Upper Grinnell Lake at its base becomes ever larger. See the USGS photo study, Grinnell Glacier from Mt. Gould 1938 - 2006. It's likely that the park's glaciers will melt away completely in the upcoming decades. Enjoy the sight now while there is still a chance!

Another popular attraction is the hike to Iceberg Lake. The beautiful lake sits in a basin (Iceberg Cirque) with a sheer 3,000 foot wall as a backdrop (photo, right)! Its glacier has long since melted but the lake holds a flotilla of icebergs well into the summer. The trail starts near the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, and is 4.8 miles one way, with a 1,000 foot elevation gain. Along the way you will pass beautiful Ptarmigan Falls. Ranger-led hikes to Iceberg Lake are available.

The Swiftcurrent Pass Trail passes through a very scenic valley rich in wildlife. Redrock Lake and Falls is 1.8 miles from the trailhead near the motor inn, with a 100 foot elevation gain. The trail eventually starts to climb the Garden Wall reaching Swiftwater Pass on the Continental Divide after 6.6 miles and a 2,300 foot elevation gain. The Granite Park Chalet and the Highline Trail are another mile further.

The Swiftwater Nature Trail is an easy 2.5 mile level trail around the lake. Numerous other exciting hikes are available. The Many Glacier Ranger Station is near the campground. The ranger can offer more suggestions based on your skill level and condition. Strong hikers shouldn't miss the Ptarmigan Lake and Tunnel. Also, check for the current program and activity schedule. Information is also available at the Many Glacier Hotel.

Moose are especially common in the Many Glacier region. They often can be seen grazing right along the road. Do not approach too close, especially if there is a female moose with its calf. And if you go hiking, be aware that grizzly bears are common to the area as well.

Helpful links

This symbol indicates links into the American West Travelogue.

 The Many Glacier Region
 On the Swiftcurrent Pass Trail
 Many Glacier boat tours, boat rentals, and guided hikes.
 Many Glacier Trail Rides (horseback).
 Backcountry Camping.
 Trails in Many Glacier Area. (Interactive Flash Map - Place mouse on numbered black dots for more info.)

Services in The Many Glacier Region

Food and Lodging

 Many Glacier Hotel. Early June to late September. Classic lodge contructed in 1915 by Great Northern Railroad. On the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake (18 miles west of US-89, north of St. Mary), the lodge features enormous mountain views as a backdrop behind the lake. It offers rooms in rustic lodge rooms, some with views of lake and/or mountains. All have phones and private bathrooms. Beautiful lobby with fireplace. Two lounges, restaurant with picture-window views, and gift shop. Horseback rides, boat tours, ranger programs, etc. Single rooms, moderately priced; suite or family room, expensive. 406-892-2525

 Swiftcurrent Motor Inn (at Many Glacier). Mid-June to mid-September. Inexpensive motel suited to hikers and photographers. About one mile from Many Glacier Motel. Offers rustic cottages with or without bathrooms (common shower/bathrooms nearby). Standard motel rooms have private bathrooms. Casual Italian restaurant, campstore, laundry, and showers. Tourism activities at Many Glacier Hotel. Cottages, very inexpensive. Motel rooms, moderately inexpensive. 406-892-2525

 Granite Park Chalet and Sperry Chalet. The chalets are located high in the Glacier National Park backcountry and are accessible by hiking trail only. Sperry Chalet: Early July to early September. Features guest rooms and a separate dining area. No heat, electricity, or running water in rooms. Toilets and sinks in separate building (no showers). Breakfast and dinners must be pre-ordered. Lunch available for purchase to guests and visitors. Towels and linens provided. Moderately expensive. Granite Park Chalet: Late June to early September. Chalet is basically a shelter for hikers. Hostel-style rooms assigned by size of your party, some bunk bed rooms. Kitchen available to cook your own food. Food and linens may be pre-ordered at an extra charge. No heat, electricity, or running water. Bottled water may be purchased. Inexpensive.

Nearest camping

 Many Glacier. Late May to late September. Popular campground in a spectacular scenic area. Large campground on east side with 110 sites (13 sites can accomodate up to 35' RVs). Water and flush toilets. Take spur road west from US-89, north of St. Mary. Mostly wooded sites. Showers at Swiftcurrent Motor Inn. Activities and programs at nearby Many Glacier Hotel. Area has great day hiking and excellent chances to see wildlife. Access to fee-based concessionaire shuttle bus.

Nearest Visitor Center

The Many Glacier Ranger Station is open daily June to September. Maps and publications are available for sale. Rangers are present to answer questions, issue backpacking permits, provide emergency assistance, etc. Ranger programs are scheduled at the campground and Many Glacier Hotel.

Other services in area

Restaurant, campstore, showers, and laundry at the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn.

Glacier National Park Guide Index

• Introduction & Index to Glacier National Park
• West Glacier, Apgar, & Lake McDonald
• Polebridge & North Fork of Flathead River
• Going-to-the-Sun Road & Logan Pass
• Many Glacier Region
• St. Mary Lake & Two Medicine Valley
• Waterton Lakes National Park & Goat Haunt
• Campgrounds in and around Glacier National Park
• Park Lodging & Travel Services
  
  
• Northern Rockies Travel Guide