Why Glacier National Park, Montana Should be on your Bucket List

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There are 58 National Parks in the United States. Most people have visited or have Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Yosemite on their bucket lists.

While all of the above parks are nice one of the most overlooked National Parks is Glacier National Park in Northern Montana. This park is approximately a 4 hour drive North from Yellowstone National Park.

From having experienced both Yellowstone and Glacier this is a much better park for hiking.

Glacier National Park borders the Canadian border and when you are in this park there are many views that are similar to what you would enjoy in Banff or Jasper National Park in Canada.

This is the park to visit for pristine lakes, and glaciers.

I spent five days hiking in this park and I could have easily spent more.

I stayed in St. Mary which is only a few kilometers away from the entrance of the park. This location was perfect as it offered easy in and out access and it is reasonably affordable to stay in this town. Because this park is not as popular as Yellowstone you do not have to leave as early in the morning to beat the crowds.

There are literally dozens of hiking trails. I actually found that the better and more scenic trails were on the Eastern Side of the park which made St. Mary an ideal location to stay in. Logan’s Pass is spectacular and is a must see.

There are so many trails that are in-between 8 and 12 kms long which makes this ideal for day hikes. Many longer hikes up to a week long are also available.

I visited in August and I would recommend that you visit in-between June and Mid-September due to the high elevation.

If Glacier was never on your bucket list make sure to add it now. It is one of the most under-appreciated Parks in the United States. The people in Montana are also very lovely and accommodating. It will truly feel like you are in a different country.

 

3 COMMENTS

  1. The place looks heavenly! Sometimes the best places to visit are those that are not too commercialized yet. And five days hiking? Wow, I couldn’t have done that.

  2. I love this post. Thank you for these tips. The pictures are awesome and they really sell the place. This wasn’t on my bucket list, but I would love to do some hicking so I may have to re-think my plans.

    Thanks for recommending to visit between June and Mid-September and I will definitely look into staying at St. Mary

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