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. 

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!

The Quick Facts: 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. 

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.

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.” 

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.

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!