Glacier National Park

Introducing Glacier National Park

You better visit soon, because this park might have to change its name in the near future. Home to 150 glaciers in 1850, today the park only has 26 named icefields left. And those that do remain are shells of their former selves, climatologists say, and melting quickly. Yes, Montana’s most beautiful and revered attraction has now become another victim of global warming.

For now, however, the park’s beauty supersedes its seemingly doomed future. Dramatic, rugged and desolate alpine terrain is filled with lush valleys, clear crystal lakes and rushing waterfalls. Wildlife enthusiasts will have a field day in Glacier. Spotting animals, from cougars, grizzlies, black bear to elk, is common. Most visitors tend to stick to developed areas and short hiking trails, which is a shame. This is one park where you should definitely explore off the beaten path.

Created in 1910, Glacier’s spectacular landscape continues uninterrupted north into Canada, where it is protected in less crowded Waterton Lakes National Park. Together the two parks comprise Waterton–Glacier International Peace Park. In 1995 the parks were declared a World Heritage Site for their vast cross-section of plant and animal species. Although the name evokes images of bi-national harmony, in reality each park is operated separately, and entry to one does not entitle you to entry to the other.

The park is open year-round; however, most services are open only from mid-May to September.

Last updated: Mar 2, 2009