Planning your own trip
Official guidance checked September 18, 2026
This itinerary recounts July 2025. For the 2026 season, Glacier does not require vehicle reservations. Logan Pass instead has a ticketed shuttle system and a three-hour parking limit. Check shuttle operating dates, road status, and wildlife closures before travel; these arrangements are not a promise of access in a future year. Carry accessible bear spray and learn how to use it before hiking.
Trip Overview & Quick Tips
- Best Time to Visit:
- Summer into early fall is the window I'd aim for. Going-to-the-Sun Road typically opens fully in late June or early July, but snow and weather determine the date, so don't count on an opening for a specific trip. I went July 1–5, 2025, over the Fourth of July, and it was perfect for us.
- How to Get Around:
- Rental car, fly into Glacier Park International.
- Where to Stay:
- East Glacier Park Village. We booked an Airbnb there and it made a great base.
- My Top Takeaway:
- Bring bear spray, or buy it the moment you land in Montana. This is real grizzly country and closures happen fast. Build flexibility into your plans!
Day by day
Day 01
Arrival, West Glacier & Going-to-the-Sun Road
Land, drive to West Glacier Village, start on Going-to-the-Sun Road, one of the most scenic drives in the country.
Day 02
Hidden Lake Overlook
Hidden Lake Overlook was a highlight, with a huge payoff view. Access arrangements and snow conditions vary by season; check the current Logan Pass parking and shuttle guidance before heading out.
Day 03
Many Glacier & Iceberg Lake
We reached Many Glacier by shuttle, then hiked to Iceberg Lake, one of the best hikes of our trip. This was our 2025 experience, not a standing reservation workaround. Shuttle routes, tickets, and road access change; check the current options before relying on one.
Personal Note: We made friends on the trail who shared shuttle tickets they'd scored for the next day. That set up our whole Day 4. Talk to people out there, you never know! For your own booking, check the operator's rules: don't assume tickets can be transferred.
Day 04
Grinnell Glacier (partial)
Headed for Grinnell Glacier, but the trail past Grinnell Lake was closed for bear activity. Stopped at the lake instead, still beautiful.
Personal Note: This is exactly why flexibility matters out here. Have a backup for every hiking day, plan B can still be incredible.
Day 05
Fly Home
Drive back to the airport, head home.