
Garden Wall Glacier National Park
A majestic mountain wilderness with dramatic peaks, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife, offering unparalleled hiking and scenic drives.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best weather, open roads

Garden Wall Glacier National Park
Best Time
Best weather, open roads

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A majestic mountain wilderness with dramatic peaks, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife, offering unparalleled hiking and scenic drives.
"It feels like you are home where you can relax and enjoy the scenery with peaceful surrounding."

🚗 Arrive at Logan Pass Early
Parking fills by 7 AM! Eat breakfast and watch the sunrise before your hike.
🐻 Bear Safety is Crucial
Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Make noise on trails.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Highline Trail to the Garden Wall
Logan Pass
Hike along the Continental Divide with breathtaking panoramic views and potential wildlife sightings.

Grinnell Glacier Trail
Many Glacier Entrance
A challenging but rewarding hike offering stunning views of glaciers, icebergs, and alpine scenery.

Going-to-the-Sun Road
Park-wide
An engineering marvel offering unparalleled vistas, connecting lush forests to alpine tundra.

Hidden Lake Overlook
Logan Pass
A relatively short hike to a stunning alpine lake with dramatic mountain backdrops.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Going-to-the-Sun Road
Book Accommodations and Tours Early
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive at Logan Pass Early
Parking fills by 7 AM! Eat breakfast and watch the sunrise before your hike.
🐻 Bear Safety is Crucial
Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Make noise on trails.
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Boots Needed
Trails can be rocky and steep; good footwear is essential for comfort and safety.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially on longer hikes. Refill stations are limited.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive at Logan Pass Early
Parking fills by 7 AM! Eat breakfast and watch the sunrise before your hike.
🐻 Bear Safety is Crucial
Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Make noise on trails.
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Boots Needed
Trails can be rocky and steep; good footwear is essential for comfort and safety.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially on longer hikes. Refill stations are limited.
📱 Download Offline Maps
Cell service is spotty. Download park maps and trail info beforehand.
🧥 Layer Up for Weather
Mountain weather changes rapidly. Be prepared for sun, wind, and even snow.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Glacier National Park for its breathtaking mountain scenery, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. The Highline Trail and Going-to-the-Sun Road are frequently highlighted as unforgettable experiences. Some travelers note that crowds can be significant, especially during peak season, and parking at popular trailheads is a challenge.
"A majestic vista point with both view of the trail side and the Many Glaciers basin. Perhaps one of the best view in the park. The short hike from the junction can be challenging especially when it’s windy. I saw bear one year and mountain goat the other year. Best before sunset."
赵震
"It may only be .9 miles, but it's about 1500+/- feet up. It was worth the struggle getting up to see the sights.
If you're doing Highline or any other trail near this, go for it."
Josh Pruitt
"What a stunning place. You are right on the continental divide overlooking the Grinnell Glacier and the Many Glaciers area. You are surrounded by wildflowers and wild life. Look for mountain goats and big horn sheep! I love the wildflowers! It is easily accessible from the Logan pass area."
travis higley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The closest major airport is Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, Montana. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle to the park entrances. Driving is also a popular option, with the park accessible via US Highway 2 on the south and US Highway 89 on the east.
Yes, Glacier National Park offers a free shuttle system along the Going-to-the-Sun Road during the peak season (typically late June to early September). This is a great way to avoid parking hassles.
Yes, a vehicle reservation is typically required for the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor during peak season. Check the official NPS website for the most current information and reservation windows.
The main entrances are West Glacier (off Highway 2), St. Mary (off Highway 89), and Many Glacier (off Highway 89). Each offers access to different areas and trailheads.
Parts of the park, including the Going-to-the-Sun Road, are closed in winter due to snow. However, some areas like Lake McDonald Lodge and Apgar Village remain accessible for winter activities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an entrance fee per vehicle, valid for 7 days. You can purchase passes online or at park entrance stations. Consider an America the Beautiful Pass if you plan to visit multiple national parks.
While the Going-to-the-Sun Road requires a vehicle reservation, most day hikes do not require separate reservations. However, some areas like Many Glacier may have their own entry reservation requirements during peak times. Always check the NPS website.
Glacier National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round. However, access to certain roads and facilities is seasonal due to weather conditions.
Yes, it is highly recommended to purchase your park entrance pass and any necessary vehicle reservations in advance online through recreation.gov to guarantee entry.
Yes, discounts are available for seniors, military personnel, and those with disabilities. An America the Beautiful Pass covers entrance fees for a year for all national parks.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular hikes include the Highline Trail to the Garden Wall, Grinnell Glacier, Avalanche Lake, Hidden Lake Overlook, and St. Mary & Virginia Falls. The best hike for you depends on your fitness level and desired scenery.
You might see mountain goats, bighorn sheep, bears (grizzly and black), deer, elk, and marmots. Always maintain a safe distance and never feed wildlife.
The Highline Trail is considered moderate to hard, especially if you extend it to the Garden Wall or Granite Park Chalet. It's a long hike with significant elevation gain.
The Garden Wall is a prominent ridge in Glacier National Park that the Highline Trail traverses. It offers spectacular views and is a key feature of the park's dramatic landscape.
Yes, Glacier National Park offers ranger-led programs and boat tours in areas like Many Glacier. These can enhance your understanding and experience of the park.
📸 📸 Photography
Iconic photo spots include Logan Pass, Lake McDonald, St. Mary Lake (especially at sunrise/sunset), and viewpoints along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The Garden Wall and Grinnell Glacier offer dramatic landscapes.
Sunrise and sunset offer the best light for landscape photography, creating beautiful colors and soft shadows. Midday can be harsh, but good for wildlife spotting.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes, while a telephoto lens is useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light conditions and long exposures.
No, drone use is prohibited in all National Parks, including Glacier, to protect wildlife and preserve the visitor experience.
Include a person or a recognizable object in your frame to give a sense of scale. Shooting from a lower vantage point can also emphasize the height of the mountains.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider utilizing the park's shuttle system to avoid parking stress. Pack plenty of snacks and water, and be prepared for changing weather. Wildlife spotting can be a huge hit with kids, but always emphasize safe viewing distances. The Going-to-the-Sun Road itself provides incredible scenery accessible by car, with numerous pull-offs for short breaks and photo opportunities.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Safety is paramount for solo hikers. Always inform someone of your hiking plans, carry bear spray, and stay aware of your surroundings. Downloading offline maps is crucial as cell service is unreliable. Consider joining a ranger-led walk or a guided tour to enhance your experience and meet fellow travelers.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For wildlife photography, patience is key. Keep your telephoto lens ready for potential sightings of bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep. The Highline Trail and Grinnell Glacier areas are prime spots for both landscape and wildlife photography. Remember to respect the park's regulations, including the prohibition of drone usage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Highline Trail and Garden Wall
Many visitors opt for a portion of the Highline Trail, turning back at various points. However, for the truly adventurous, extending the hike to Granite Park Chalet or even taking a spur trail to the Grinnell Glacier Overlook offers an even more immersive experience. Be prepared for exposure, narrow sections with cables for support, and the possibility of encountering wildlife like mountain goats and bighorn sheep.
Tips for the Highline Trail: Arrive at Logan Pass extremely early, as parking fills up by 7 AM. Pack plenty of water, snacks, and layers of clothing, as weather can change rapidly. Bear spray is essential, and making noise on the trail is recommended.
Navigating the Going-to-the-Sun Road
Due to its popularity and narrow, winding nature, the road is only fully open seasonally, typically from late June or early July through mid-October, weather permitting. Vehicle reservations are often required during peak season, so it's crucial to check the official Glacier National Park website for the latest information and to secure your reservation well in advance.
Key viewpoints along the road include Lake McDonald, Logan Pass (the highest point on the road), Jackson Glacier Overlook, and Rising Sun. The road is also the gateway to many popular trailheads, including the Highline Trail and Hidden Lake Overlook.
Wildlife Encounters in Glacier
Bears, both grizzly and black, also inhabit the park. While sightings are exciting, it's crucial to maintain a safe distance and carry bear spray. Hikers are advised to make noise on trails to avoid surprising bears. Other common sightings include deer, elk, marmots, and various bird species.
Remember that these are wild animals, and their behavior can be unpredictable. Always observe from a safe distance, never feed them, and be aware of your surroundings. Responsible wildlife viewing ensures both your safety and the well-being of the animals.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit