Glacier National Park is one of my favorite places that I have ever hiked and I highly recommend that if you love hiking you should take the time to travel here. My first time visiting this park was planned on a whim and ended up being one of the most chaotic and wonderful times I have ever had. I got the chance to see mountain goats, jump in a glacial lake, and cook pancakes at the Logan Pass parking lot. Located in northwestern Montana, this park is known for its many active glaciers (although they are shrinking in size). This park that has brilliant blue lakes, towering mountain peaks, and vast amount of wildlife. Glacier is separated into several villages that are not connected through one road and offer different experiences.

Due to how busy Glacier has become and how congested it can get a reservation system has been put in place for several locations. You can either apply for the lottery system in advance or the day before at recreation.gov. An allotted amount of reservations will be released exactly 120 days before the designated day at 8 am, while the rest will be released the day before at 7 pm.

Going-to-the-sun road is the most famous road in Glacier National Park and for a good reason. This is one of the most scenic roads I have ever driven and I think everyone should drive it at least once during their trip. A reservation is required if you are going to enter from the west side, while there is not one required for the east side. Besides driving there are some great hikes that you can find along this route.

Hidden Lake Overlook: 3 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 460 feet. This trailhead is located at the Logan Pass visitor center so it is always crowded, but it is a stunning hike. You do have a chance to see wildlife on this trail, I have seen both mountain goats and bighorn sheep.

Highline Trail: 11.6 miles point to point. The trailhead is at the Logan Pass visitor center and the Loop. You can choose to hike as far in as you want or complete the whole hike and shuttle back to your car.

Many Glacier has the most stunning hikes in the park in my opinion. These hikes tend to be longer with more elevation gain, but if you are capable they are definitely worth it.

Grinnell Glacier: 10.6 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 1600 feet. Located behind the Many Glacier hotel this trail takes you past several colorful alpine lakes and to a view of the glacier itself. This might be one of my favorite hikes that I have ever been on solely for the views.

Iceberg Lake: 9.6 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 1200 feet. This trail takes you to a deep blue lake that has several icebergs floating in it even during peak summer. I have some great photos of Dan jumping into this freezing lake.

Ptarmigan Tunnel: 10.6 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 2300 feet. This trail leads to a historic tunnel built in the 1930s that connects Many Glacier to the Belly River Valley. This is another one of my favorite hikes with crazy views the whole time. After walking through the tunnel it opens up to an incredible viewpoint overlooking another alpine lake. This trail is connected to Iceberg lake so you can make it a big day and hike both (this is what Dan and I did and it made it about a 15 mile day).

Swiftcurrent Pass: 14.2 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 2400 feet. We have not hiked this trail but it is on my list due to its incredible views.

Two Medicine is a lot quieter than Going-to-the-Sun Road and Many Glacier but just as pretty so if you have time I would definitely visit. There are a few different things that you can do in this area of the park.

Boat Tour: You can take a boat tour out on the lake. The tour takes you around the lake explaining the history and nature that surrounds you.

Explore the Lake: You can rent canoes, rowboats, kayaks, and motorboats to take out on the lake and explore yourself. We have not had a chance to do this, but on our next visit kayaking the lake is high on our list.

There are a number of lodges that you can chose from inside the park. Here is a comprehensive list of all of the lodges:

If you do not want to stay in the park there are several neighboring towns that have lodging. On the east side of Glacier there is Babb, St. Mary, and East Glacier. On the west side there is West Glacier, Polebridge, and Whitefish.