Glacier National Park Vacation Guide: Tips for Families
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Airports | Vehicle Reservations | Lodging/Camping | Hikes | Scenic Float Tour
Planning Glacier National Park vacations can seem daunting due to the many factors involved, as there are many moving parts, complicated reservation systems in place and several entrances to choose from. Fortunately, 18 Summers Atlas has simplified the process by highlighting the three key decisions you have to make: How to get to Glacier National Park, how to get in once you are there and where to stay.
The Many Glacier entrance of Glacier National Park.
Airports Closest to Glacier National Park Are Not Always the Best Option
There are a few airports closest to Glacier National Park, but which one to fly into heavily depends on which side of the park you wish to explore. The west side, with more amenities and easier access, is often more popular. The closest airports are Glacier Park International Airport and Spokane International Airport, with Missoula offering another option based on pricing and availability. Great Falls International Airport is a good choice if you are planning on heading straight to the east side.
Our family had an adventurous start when my husband drove our camper from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Missoula with one of our children. They dubbed it their “Lewis and Clark” trip, having had an unforgettable journey stopping at campground pools and fast food for days. Meanwhile, the rest of us flew into Missoula, which was not quite as historical of an experience going out west as what my husband and child experienced, but arguably much more enjoyable for me and the two younger kids.
The drive from Missoula to Glacier is about 140 miles and takes roughly three hours, with plenty of scenic stops along the way. We found Missoula offered the best combination of timing and pricing, making the drive a delightful start to our adventure. While Bozeman, Montana to Glacier National Park is another option, it’s a five-hour drive, which might start to border on too long of a drive after flying, but worth checking out for good prices.
Before leaving Missoula to head north, we took a quick detour to hit up Black Coffee Roasting Company for the drive to Glacier. Although I took the luxurious flight into the great unknown as my husband was slowly trekking across the country with our camper, I was the one who insisted on a cold brew. We almost missed our window since they closed at 1pm, but this coffee was delicious and highly recommended!
Black Coffee Roasting Company was the perfect place to stop before our drive to West Glacier National Park.
Glacier Reservation System for Vehicles Doesn't Have to be Stressful
One major concern for visitors is the vehicle reservation system, or Glacier reservation system, particularly for Going-to-the-Sun Road. This system can be stressful, but there are ways around it in a worst case scenario. In 2024, vehicle reservations are required for the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road. If you can't secure a reservation, you can enter via the east side at St. Mary’s entrance or enter outside the reservation hours of 6 am-3 pm. Lastly, you can book tours like the Red Bus Tours that take you on Going-to-the-Sun Road, which many prefer as opposed to driving themselves. This back up plan puts a lot of vacationers at ease, as they know their trip won’t be compromised if they don’t happen to get their hands on a pass.
Reservations are released in two batches: 120 days in advance at 8 am Mountain Time and again the day before at 7 pm Mountain Time. It’s crucial to be online a few minutes early and act quickly, especially for securing peak season dates in July and August. Although the Glacier reservation system can be frustrating, it helps manage traffic and ensures the safety and preservation of the park.
Please note that it is typical for Going-to-the-Sun Road to remain closed to vehicles until late June, even early July depending on how heavy the snowfall was the winter prior. Crews work hard to clear the snow from the road and you can even follow along online for updates. Many families with older children, 16 years and above, plan on going around this time to bike Going-to-the-Sun Road before they allow cars. This is on my bucket list one day!
Best Places to Stay in Glacier National Park
Accommodation options in Glacier vary from tent camping to lodges. During our visit, we stayed at Apgar and Many Glacier Campgrounds, both non-electric sites costing $30 a night. These sites are highly competitive and must be booked six months in advance. Our successful strategy involved logging in early and booking right at 8 am Mountain Time. Often times, both my husband and I tried for sites to ensure we got a spot.
No matter where you choose to stay in Glacier, the view will be magical.
Both campgrounds were wonderful, though bear activity can sometimes lead to sudden closures for tent campers, or soft-sided vehicles such as a pop up. One of my favorite memories from our trip was our third night at Apgar Campground, sitting peacefully at the table eating dinner. We had our bear spray within easy reach, but you never really know how you'll react until a bear charges at you. We knew the basics: don’t run, act cool, say “hey bear” really loud and assertive, and have your spray ready. Simple enough, right?
What happens when an adolescent black bear seemingly charges at you? Chaos. The majority of us flew up from the table, the kids abandoned their bikes, and everyone screamed and ran, except for one or two brave souls who appeared ready to sacrifice themselves for the group. It turns out, the bear was actually more terrified of us and wasn’t charging at all—it was just trying to run away and happened to take a path that went right by us for a hot second before darting off.
“Let’s just say “Hey Bear was not the only thing I yelled in that moment...”
For those preferring the comfort of an indoor, bear free table, The Ridge at Glacier luxury cabins, just 8 miles from the West Side Entrance, offers a cozy compromise with affordable rates for an entire cabin. This is one of the best places to stay near Glacier National Park, as it is close but also clean, luxurious and affordable.
West Glacier Hotels include Apgar Village Lodge and Cabins, which provides a middle ground, offering real roofs but maintaining a rustic feel. In a park as large as Glacier, we do recommend staying as close to the park as possible. Some of the lodges you will find say they are close, but in reality they could be half an hour to an hour away due to the windy roads and terrain.
Many Glacier Hotel, the most grandiose option of Glacier, is located on the east side. Rooms range from $300 to upwards of $600 depending on how many beds and the time of year you are booking. We camped, but still enjoyed spending time on the hotel grounds, which offer spectacular views. Although grand in nature, the atmosphere at Many Glacier Hotel is reminiscent of a summer camp which adds a unique charm to it. Guests often gather on the hotel deck, sharing trail stories and binoculars, fostering a sense of community. Your children will love taking the polar plunge in the frigid waters of Swiftcurrent Lake, spotting wildlife like moose at Lake Josephine, and embarking on real-life “bear hunts.”
Many Glacier Hotel, the best place to stay in Glacier National Park
Best Hikes: Glacier National Park (For All Ages and Ability Levels)
Logan Pass and Hidden Lake Trail
Hidden Lake Overlook
Head to Logan Pass, the highest point in the park accessible by car, and stop by the visitor center. From there, take the Hidden Lake Overlook trail—a 2.7-mile round trip with a 540-foot elevation gain—for stunning views and likely a glimpse of mountain goats. While it's described as moderately challenging, most school-aged kids should be able to manage it at a slower pace. Depending on the season and how much snow fell the previous winter, you may still find snow on the trail.
Though the air might be warm enough for shorts and a t-shirt, hiking boots or sturdy shoes are a must for navigating snowy sections. Since weather can change quickly at high elevations, it's always wise to bring warm layers, even if it feels mild at lower altitudes. Also, this area does get pretty crowded so the early you can get there, the better!
Hikes Near Lake McDonald: West Glacier National Park
Hike along McDonald Creek to take in the sights of McDonald Falls and Sacred Dancing Cascade, all in a peaceful, tree-filled setting. This easy trail is perfect for kids of all ages and offers a quick, relaxing way to enjoy the park’s natural beauty.
For a bit more adventure, try the Avalanche Lake Trail. This 5-mile hike with a 730-foot elevation gain is more challenging but still manageable for older school-aged kids, around 8 and up, depending on their sense of adventure. And if you're the type of superdad who enjoys hiking with a 3-year-old on your shoulders, this one’s for you! The creek, lake, and waterfalls make it a favorite with the kids.
East Glacier Hikes for All Ages: Wildlife Spottings and More
Grinnell Glacier Trail
The Grinnell Glacier Trailhead was one of our favorite hikes of the trip, though we didn’t tackle the whole trail with our 2, 6, and 8-year-olds. Our 2-year-old was carried the entire way, but the older two hiked on their own. We took the boat from Many Glacier Hotel across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine, which cut down the hike to about 7.2 miles instead of 10.6. The total elevation gain is 1,600 feet, with some steep sections, especially after getting off the boat. We made it about 2.5 miles from the dock before the kids were ready to turn back, but the views were spectacular the entire way, so we didn’t feel like we missed out. Even if you can’t do the whole hike, I highly recommend it. Just be aware there are some steep areas, so it’s not ideal if anyone in your group has a fear of heights.
Swiftcurrent Lake
We also loved hiking around Swiftcurrent and Lake Josephine, soaking up the beautiful weather, trees, and wildlife. The kids were in awe, exploring nature and feeling like they were on another planet. Always carry bear spray, though! Even close to the hotels and campgrounds, we had a Grizzly encounter. Luckily, we were making plenty of noise, so we didn’t startle her. She knew we were there, and we calmly backed away. It was a good reminder that you can never be too cautious. Traveling in larger groups and talking as you hike is always a smart move, as it alerts wildlife to your presence. Bears generally want to avoid you, so letting them know you’re coming helps keep everyone safe.
When we had the chance to hike without the kids, we chose Ptarmigan Tunnel. This 10.6-mile hike, with a 2,300-foot elevation gain, led us through wildflowers, trees, and past a waterfall before reaching the tunnel. An older child, around 10 years old, could probably handle it if they’re an experienced hiker, but it’s too tough for younger kids. I wouldn’t recommend turning around early on this one—the true “wow” moment is at the tunnel. And that glacier lake you see in the photo? You’ll definitely want to dip your feet in. How long can you last in the icy water?
Family-Friendly Scenic Float Tour Near Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park offers plenty of family-friendly activities, and one of the best ways to take in the beauty of the area is through a scenic float tour on the Flathead River. A half-day float on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River provides a relaxing and effortless way to experience the park’s stunning landscapes. Perfect for families with young children, this tour allows you to sit back and unwind as you drift along the river, surrounded by mountain views. Along the way, you’ll learn about the area’s rich history and have the chance to spot wildlife in its natural habitat. It’s an easy, peaceful way to enjoy Glacier’s natural wonders without the effort of a strenuous hike.
Looking Back on our Incredible Glacier National Park Vacation
Our family loved the adventure we had in Glacier, and as I often say, my heart belongs to that park. Although I wish I had tips while planning a trip to a national park, I'll never forget driving Going-to-the-Sun Road with the kids, hearing their reactions, and watching them explore the world freely. Planning this trip was more challenging than booking an Airbnb in Florida, but the memories we made and the values we instilled in our children about loving and exploring the world and nature were worth it all.
Going-to-the-Sun Road even impressed my 3 year old.
At 18 Summers Atlas, we’re passionate about sharing this knowledge so everyone can experience trips like this. While it felt like a "once-in-a-lifetime" trip, we will certainly be going back to Glacier and we hope you do too!
Check out our complete itinerary for Glacier.
