Glacier National Park: Where Glaciers Carved Valleys
Glacier National Park
“Where glaciers carved valleys, alpine lakes glow, and wild peaks pierce the sky.”
Park Overview
Glacier National Park protects over 1 million acres of wild, rugged terrain in northwestern Montana. Known as the “Crown of the Continent,” the park is home to dramatic mountain peaks, ancient glaciers, deep forests, and more than 700 lakes. It’s a place shaped by ice and time—where alpine meadows bloom in summer and waterfalls thunder down glacial-carved cliffs.
Established in 1910, Glacier is one of America’s original national parks and part of the world’s first International Peace Park, shared with Canada’s Waterton Lakes. With over 700 miles of trails and countless backcountry destinations, Glacier is a paradise for those who love hiking, solitude, and big mountain scenery.
Fast Facts
| Location | Montana |
| Established | May 11, 1910 |
| Area | ~1,013,000 acres |
| Highest Peak | Mount Cleveland (10,448 ft) |
| Number of Glaciers Today | 26 |
| Lakes | Over 700 |
| Trails | 745+ miles |
| Wildlife | Grizzly bears, mountain goats, moose, wolves, lynx |
What to See & Do
- Going-to-the-Sun Road — This iconic 50-mile highway cuts through the heart of the park. It climbs over Logan Pass and offers views of waterfalls, hanging valleys, and glacial peaks.
- Hike the Highline Trail — One of Glacier’s most famous hikes—follow the Garden Wall above the valley with nonstop alpine views.
- Hidden Lake Overlook — An accessible hike from Logan Pass, with panoramic views and common sightings of mountain goats.
- Avalanche Lake — A classic day hike through old-growth cedar forest to a turquoise lake surrounded by waterfalls.
- Lake McDonald & Two Medicine — Perfect for paddling, photography, or just relaxing beside glassy water and towering mountains.
Wildlife & Wilderness
Glacier is one of the wildest places in the lower 48 states. It’s home to nearly every large mammal that lived here before European settlement, including grizzly bears, wolves, moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain lions.
The park is also a haven for birds, with more than 270 species, and over 1,000 species of native plants. Thanks to its vast protected lands and connected habitats, Glacier remains one of the most intact ecosystems in North America.
The Shrinking Glaciers
When Glacier became a national park, there were around 150 glaciers in the area. Today, only 26 remain. Scientists expect most of them will disappear within the next few decades. While the name “Glacier” still fits, it also reminds us how quickly wild places can change—and why they need protection.
A Symbol of Peace
In 1932, Glacier joined with Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada to form the world’s first International Peace Park—a symbol of friendship and conservation between countries. The combined area is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve.