Just read these brilliant tips on visiting this national treasure in Montana. Hope you can catch a glimpse of this stunning piece of heaven located right here on earth. I know it’s on my bucket list.
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Destination of the Day
| Glacier National Park |
No matter what time you visit, Glacier National Park is all about the scenery. Called “The Crown of the Continent” and “The Backbone of the World,” the sharp peaks and steep valleys in this section of Montana combine with clear waters and wildflower-filled meadows to yield spectacular landscapes. Whether you enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, backpacking, and cross-country skiing, or if you would just like to take a scenic detour on your cross-country vacation, this national park makes for the perfect outdoor adventure.
| Scenic Drives |
While any drive through Glacier National Park promises to be scenic, the most famous route is practically synonymous with the park itself: the Going-to-the-Sun Road. This 50-mile route begins at the West Entrance of the park in West Glacier, Montana, and crosses the Continental Divide before exiting in the town of St. Mary. It takes at least two hours to complete if you drive straight through, but factor in a few extra hours for photogenic viewpoints, picture taking, and impromptu hikes. Open for the summer travel season as of July 13, the scenic drive will likely be open through mid-October—here’s how to see it this year.
| Best Hikes |
With more than 700 miles of trails, there’s something for everyone here, whether you’re an expert backcountry trekker or a beginner looking for a short hike to a point of interest. Hugging the Garden Wall and offering sweeping views of the valley below, the 11-mile Highline Trail is arguably the most popular in the park. For a no-sweat hike with a big payoff, however, you can reach two different waterfalls—St. Mary and Virginia Falls—just 3 miles from the St. Mary Falls trailhead.
| Where to Stay |
There are 13 campgrounds spread across Glacier National Park, five of which are located on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Most campsites are given on a first-come, first-serve basis, but a couple of campgrounds do use reservation systems. If you prefer not to rough it, there are plenty of accommodation options in the vicinity of the park in nearby towns like Whitefish or Kalispell.
Vacation Like a Pro
Have a Plan B and Plan C ready. Between traffic, summer crowds, road closures, weather, and fires, it’s very possible that what you wanted to see ends up not being an option. Take it in stride and be ready to experience another gorgeous part of the park.
| Angela Brown Contributing Writer |
| Your Packing List |
 The weather in the park can be unpredictable and, at times, severe. As such, it’s essential to come prepared and pay close attention to current day-by-day weather conditions. Bring a rain jacket in the summer months and a thick coat in the winter. Dressing in layers is always a good idea no matter what time of year you visit. |
| Always be cautious of wildlife, keep your distance, and bring bear spray for your trip. As a top choice of park rangers and experienced hikers, Counter Assault is a reliable and effective bear spray that’s reasonably priced. The spray includes a nylon holster, a glow-in-the-dark feature, and a safety cap in case of accidental discharge. |
| Consider packing binoculars for up-close wildlife viewing from a safe space. Hikers of all stripes love the Nikon PROSTAFF 7S 10×30 binoculars for the gorgeous color and clarity they produce with their multilayer-coated lenses and phase correction-coated roof prism. |