Visiting Glacier National Park in the Winter

Glacier National Park- In the Winter

I visited Glacier National Park in March of 2022 and did not regret it at all. 

If you enjoy the winter, mountains, and snow you will love Montana in the Winter!

Important Winter Information 

• The 50 mile road, Going-to-the-Sun, is closed to vehicles 
• But, you may cross-country ski, walk, and/or snowshoe on the road to access attractions
• The park is open all year 24/7 
• The best way to enter Glacier during the winter is through the west entrance 
• located by the Apgar visitors center 

Fees & passes 

• $35 for a private vehicle for 7 days 
• Passes can now be purchased online at https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74280
• For more information on fees and passes click here

Things to do 

There are many things to do at Glacier National Park even in the winter months! 

Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing 

• No rentals at the park, but rentals for snowshoes and cross-country skiis are available nearby 
• You could also get your own snowshoes or cross-country skiis off amazon for a reasonable price! 

• Guided tours are also available and can be found by clicking here
• There are many trails available which can be found by clicking here

Hiking 

• Even with great hiking shoes it may be difficult to scale some of the uphill terrain 
• I used hiking shoes with attachable ice cleats which where EXTREMLY helpful and also a lot cheaper than cross-country skis or snowshoes! 
• These are the ice cleats I used that worked great

Best Attractions/Trails to Visit in the Winter 

Lake McDonald 

Lake McDonald is best known for its colorful rocks and scenic mountain view. 

It is even more beautiful in the winter with the snow and ice! 

There is a 13.7 mi trail on Lake McDonald & more information on the trail can be found by clicking here. This trail is deemed easy. 

Mount Brown 

The Mount Brown trail is 10 miles long and is all uphill on the way up, and is deemed difficult (definitely need snowshoes or ice cleats for this one!). 

More information about this trail can be found by clicking here

Avalanche Lake Trail 

The Avalanche Lake Trail is 5.9 miles long and a moderate to hard hike, but the views are totally worth it! 

During the winter you will have to hike to the trail first and then do the trail. 

More information on this trail can be found by clicking here