In 1932, the Glacier National Park in Montana, USA, broke a world record together with the Watertown Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada, to make the world’s first international peace park. Coined by some as “the Crown of the Continent”, the landscape of Glacier National Park boasts deep, carved glaciated valleys that created a brilliant array of crystal blue lakes over the centuries. The official symbol of the park may be the Mountain Goat – but you’re also likely to spot bears, moose and Bighorn Sheep on your travels.
Few national parks compare to the sheer beauty and natural wilderness as Glacier National Park. It is after all, one of the only spaces in the lower 48 states where Grizzly bears roam in abundance, with some of the country’s most spectacular hiking trails including the spectacular ‘Going-to-the-Sun Road’.
Scattered around the park are historic chalets and lodges reminding visitors of days gone by. The meadows full of wildflowers, the rugged mountain peaks, and stunning glacial lakes all make Glacier National Park a must-see destination when in the state of Montana. This is the perfect place for hikers and photographers looking for some quality time in some of the best wilderness areas in the USA.
Glacier National Park Tours
Three astounding national parks: Yellowstone, Glacier and Grand Teton.
Walking & Trekking
10 Daysfrom£ 3499
Guided Group (Excl. Flights)
Explore the land of glaciers, geysers, wolves and bears
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Glacier National Park during the months of June and July, then prepare yourself for an incredible carpet of wildflowers that signals the start of the summer season. The Iceberg Lake Trail, in particular, is incredibly scenic and thanks to terrain you’ll find the best display of fauna around with a few chances to observe wild grouse, ground squirrels and big-horn sheep. This is a relatively gradual 4.5-mile ascent that leads to Iceberg Lake at 1,200 feet, however, thanks to the spectacular summer scenery you’re bound to encounter, is well worth the steep climbs.
When to go
Glacier National Park’s location means that it’s positioned between the warm and the humid Pacific Northwest and the chillier yet dryer air further inland, which results in a rainer climate. This means you’ll find a rich and abundant range of plants, flowers and foliage – especially resplendent in the late spring/early summer. As snow can still be found during the summer months, packing for every eventuality is always the best advice. Glacier NP has fewer crowds than neighbouring national parks, so visiting during summer is less busy and all roads are more likely to be fully operational. Be prepared for rain but also plenty of peace and tranquillity.
The itinerary was very well done – each day brought something new and interesting to see and do.