Location: Montana

Permit: Yes

Recommended time: 2-4 days

Glacier National Park offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the U.S. Whether you're hiking to iconic spots like Iceberg Lake, or driving along the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, this park will be an adventure you'll never forget. In this post, I’ll share some of the best hikes, camping options, and tips for making the most of your time in this epic park.

Permit Info: Glacier NP permit requirements can be a little confusing. You will need a permit to drive the infamous ‘Going to the Sun’ road (in addition to the entry fee). If you plan on doing any backcountry camping, you will also require permits.

In 2025, a timed entry vehicle reservation is required for two areas of the park: Going-to-the-Sun Road (coming from the west), and the North Fork, from 7 am to 3 pm. Each location has unique details and requires a separate timed entry vehicle reservation. See the recreation website for permits.
Note: Visitors will be able to access the Going-to-the-Sun Road from the east side at St. Mary and Two Medicine without a vehicle reservation.

Quick Notes

• Best time to go: Late June to early October (Going-to-the-Sun Road is usually fully open mid-July).

• Park entrances: You’ll want to base yourself on both sides if you’re doing the full experience—West Glacier for Lake McDonald, St. Mary or Many Glacier for Highline/Iceberg.

• Start early for hikes and to beat the parking chaos.

• There are so many more hikes in the park, these are just my favourites!

2-Day Option (Highlights Sprint)

Day 1: Lake McDonald + Going-to-the-Sun Road

• Morning:

  • Sunrise or early morning coffee by Lake McDonald—easy stroll or chill by the dock.

• Midday:

  • Start driving Going-to-the-Sun Road eastbound.

  • Stop at Lake McDonald Lodge, Trail of the Cedars, The Loop, Weeping Wall, Logan Pass.

  • Hit the short Hidden Lake Overlook trail (from Logan Pass).

• Afternoon/Evening:

  • End up in St. Mary or Many Glacier area.

  • Sunset at Wild Goose Island Overlook.

Day 2: Iceberg Lake Hike

• Early start from Many Glacier.

• Hike to Iceberg Lake (~15.3 km / 9.5 mi round-trip, moderate, 600 m / 1,500 ft gain).

  • Takes 5-7 hours round-trip.

• Pack lunch and chill at the lake—sometimes there are still icebergs floating even in late summer.

• Optional: Short evening stroll around Swiftcurrent Lake if you’ve got energy left.

3-4 Day Option (More Chill, Less Rush)

Day 1: Lake McDonald + Scenic Stops

• Same plan as above but move slower—more time to walk Trail of the Cedars or do the short Avalanche Lake hike..

• Stay overnight in West Glacier.

Day 2: Going-to-the-Sun Road to Logan Pass + Hidden Lake Overlook

• Take the day to enjoy all the scenic stops

• Hidden Lake Overlook (3 miles / 4.8 km) is a great leg stretcher.

• Drive to Many Glacier and sleep there.

Day 3: Iceberg Lake

• Full day for the Iceberg Lake hike.

Day 4: Highline Trail (short or full version)

• Start at Logan Pass.

• Options:

  • Short out-and-back to Haystack Butte (approx. 11.2 km / 7 mi RT).

  • OR full Highline to The Loop hike (~18.5 km / 11.5 mi one way, arrange shuttle or park at The Loop and shuttle up).

• Views: Ridgelines, alpine meadows, mountain goats, possibly your new favorite trail.

Campgrounds Inside Glacier National Park

Free / Dispersed / BLM-Style Camping

These are outside the park boundary. No facilities — pack in/pack out and follow Leave No Trace.