Things to Do in Glacier National Park
The best things to do in Glacier National Park are driving Going-to-the-Sun Road, hiking from Logan Pass to Hidden Lake Overlook or along the Highline, walking to Avalanche Lake, getting on the water at Lake McDonald, and joining a ranger-led program. Glacier has 734 miles of trails (NPS), so the real work is picking the right few for your group and season. This guide is written for groups of 8 to 18 traveling together, which changes how you plan vehicles, pacing and meals.
What is the single best thing to do in Glacier National Park?
If you do one thing, drive Going-to-the-Sun Road. It runs about 50 miles between the West Entrance and the St. Mary Entrance and climbs to 6,466 feet at Logan Pass (NPS), where it crosses the Continental Divide (NPS). Parts of the road stay open all year, but snow means a drive across the whole road is only possible in summer.
Two rules matter for groups. First, vehicles or combinations longer than 21 feet or wider than 8 feet (including mirrors) are prohibited between Avalanche Campground and the Rising Sun picnic area parking (NPS). Large rental vans and trailers need a plan. Second, entry rules change year to year. NPS did not require vehicle reservations in 2026 (NPS). NPS has not published 2027 rules. Check the NPS vehicle reservations page and Going-to-the-Sun Road page before you travel.
What can you do at Logan Pass?
Logan Pass is the highest point on Going-to-the-Sun Road. It has the Logan Pass Visitor Center, restrooms, shuttle service to both sides of the park, and the trailheads for Hidden Lake Overlook and the Highline (NPS). In 2026, NPS used three-hour timed parking at Logan Pass (NPS). Treat 2027 parking rules as unknown until NPS posts them. For a group, a drop-off plan or the park shuttle (where running) beats circling the lot in three cars. Bring layers: the pass is much colder than the valley.
Is the Hidden Lake Trail worth it?
Yes. It is the obvious first high-country hike for mixed-ability groups. The trail starts behind the Logan Pass Visitor Center on wooden boardwalk and packed soil. Hidden Lake Overlook is 1.3 miles one way with 608 feet of elevation gain. Hidden Lake itself is 2.5 miles one way with 639 feet of gain (NPS). Trail sections in the park can close for bear activity, so check NPS trail closures the morning you go.
How hard is the Highline Trail?
The Highline is a long, exposed trail for fit hikers who are comfortable with heights. NPS lists it at 11.8 miles one way, with 2,388 feet of gain and 4,773 feet of loss, and warns that "much of the Highline Trail is exposed, which means there is a higher risk of falling" (NPS). Granite Park Chalet is 7.6 miles from Logan Pass via the Highline (NPS). Many groups hike out a set distance and turn back. A one-way hike needs a vehicle or shuttle plan at the far end.
What is the easiest hike in Glacier National Park?
Trail of the Cedars. It is a 0.9-mile boardwalk loop at the Avalanche Picnic Area along Avalanche Creek, and NPS lists it as wheelchair accessible (NPS). It is also the way to the Avalanche Lake Trail, which is 2.3 miles one way with 741 feet of gain and climbs through old-growth forest to an alpine lake with waterfalls (NPS). That pairing is the strongest family day in the park. Arrive early, because parking in this area is limited.
What are the best things to do in Glacier besides hiking?
Get on the water, join a ranger, or take a tour. NPS runs ranger-led programs "from easy walks and evening talks, to all-day hikes and boat tours," and rangers and concessioners lead tours, including boat tours on Lake McDonald. Private boats need a free permit and must pass inspection before launch. You don't need a fishing license inside the park, but rules and limits vary by body of water. Cyclists can ride Going-to-the-Sun Road during the designated hiker/biker season (NPS). For a group, one scheduled boat or bus tour gives everyone the same highlight without anyone driving.
What is there to do in Glacier in winter?
Winter is quiet and access is limited. The plowed section of Going-to-the-Sun Road from West Glacier to Lake McDonald Lodge is open year-round, weather permitting. Beyond Lake McDonald Lodge the road is unplowed and becomes a popular ski and snowshoe route. NPS offers ranger-led snowshoe walks on winter weekends, and park partners run guided snowshoe and cross-country ski tours (NPS winter). Most lodging and dining in the park close for the season, so a valley base matters more in winter.
How many days do you need to see Glacier?
Plan three full days for a first visit: one for Going-to-the-Sun Road and Logan Pass, one for Trail of the Cedars, Avalanche Lake and Lake McDonald, and one for a longer hike, a boat tour, or a flex day for weather. Groups based in the Flathead Valley can add lake and town days on either side.
| Day | Morning | Midday | Afternoon and evening | Group note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1: Sun Road | Early start to Logan Pass | Hidden Lake Overlook | East-side pullouts, return west | Use as few vehicles as possible; check the 21-foot limit |
| 2: West side | Trail of the Cedars to Avalanche Lake | Picnic on the Lake McDonald shore | Dinner back at the house | Best day for kids and grandparents |
| 3: Big day or flex | Highline out-and-back (fit hikers) or a ranger program or boat tour | Split by ability | Weather backup: a Flathead Lake public beach day | Regroup for dinner |
Pre-trip checklist: NPS road status and current-year entry rules; park pass; bear spray for every hiking group; one confirmed driver per vehicle; tour or boat tickets booked; warm layers for Logan Pass.
Where should a group stay to do all of this?
Stay in the Flathead Valley and drive in. Kalispell, Whitefish, Somers and Lakeside have grocery stores, restaurants and whole homes big enough for a group. Trailstead has two Montana homes: The Evergreen, a six-bedroom home in Somers, and The Tamarack, a six-bedroom home in Lakeside with overnight occupancy limited to 10. Neither home has private lake access. Guests reach Flathead Lake through public beaches, boat ramps, marinas and parks. For help picking a base, see Choosing a Flathead Valley base and our large-group Flathead and Glacier guide.
FAQ
What is the number one thing to do in Glacier National Park? Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road to Logan Pass. Several of the park's best-known hikes start there.
What is the easiest hike in Glacier? Trail of the Cedars, a 0.9-mile boardwalk loop at the Avalanche Picnic Area that NPS lists as wheelchair accessible.
Is the Hidden Lake Trail good for beginners? The overlook is a good first high-country hike: 1.3 miles one way with 608 feet of gain, per NPS.
Is the Highline Trail dangerous? NPS says much of it is exposed, with a higher risk of falling. It suits fit hikers who are comfortable with heights.
Do you need a fishing license in Glacier National Park? No. NPS says no license is needed inside the park, but rules and limits vary by body of water.
Do you need a vehicle reservation for Glacier in 2027? NPS has not published 2027 rules. Reservations were not required in 2026. Check the NPS vehicle reservations page before you travel.
Where should a large group stay near Glacier? In the Flathead Valley (Kalispell, Whitefish, Somers or Lakeside), in a whole-home rental.