Glacier National Park is undoubtedly one of the most famous parks in the country. It’s not surprising considering its stunning mountain peaks, pristine lakes, and deep valleys. The appeal of Glacier National Park is that it offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or an adventure-filled vacation, Glacier has something to offer.
The best time to visit Glacier National Park depends on what you’re looking for. The park is open year-round, but certain places are only accessible in season. The park is most popular in the summer months due to its abundance of activities and the beautiful weather. However, if you’re looking for the best views and scenery (minus the crowds), fall is the perfect time of year to visit.
If you need further convincing, here’s why fall is the best time of year to visit Glacier National Park.
1. Perfect Weather
Let’s face it—if you’re going to the beach, you want it hot, but if you’re going to hike all day, cooler air is preferable. The weather is more forgiving to the skin in September and October than it is in June, July or August. The days are often sunny with temperatures in the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit (17-21 Celsius). The nights can be chilly, but that’s just a reason for some cozy layering. It’s also less likely that you’ll encounter tourists (or bugs) if you’re camping or backpacking.
Glacier National Park’s fall colors are truly some of America’s best. Bring extra batteries for your phone, extra cameras, sketch pads—anything to capture the glory. Between late September and mid-October, when golden larches dot the mountainsides, it’s truly an amazing sight to behold. These yellow leaves create a stunning contrast against dark evergreen trees, providing an unforgettable experience for visitors lucky enough to be here during this time.
2. Nothing Is Closed Yet
If you’re looking to hike, bike, or explore the park by foot, then summer is often the most popular season to go. However, if you’re looking for a view of Lake McDonald in all its glory or want to see the very best of what Going-to-the-Sun Road has to offer (it’s closed during winter months), then fall is your best bet.
The Going-to-the-Sun Road stays open until early November, but it closes earlier if there’s more than 4 feet of snow on the ground. Logan Pass also keeps its gates open until the first week of November. The road is closed during winter months but you can still hike up to Logan Pass and Lake McDonald Lodge as long as you have bear spray and other safety equipment with you at all times.
Sunset viewing at Logan Pass typically occurs between mid-August and mid-September, depending on the weather. You can enjoy views from the comfort of your vehicle or get out and walk around on the overlooks at either end of the road; this allows you to watch as the sun sets behind jagged peaks while snowfields glow pink in its light.
3. Wildflowers
Glacier National Park is home to over a thousand species of wildflowers, and fall is one of the best times of year to see them blooming in alpine areas above treeline and in meadows. The peak season for wildflowers varies depending on elevation and latitude. In general, peak season occurs between mid-July and early September at lower elevations (below 5,000 feet) and between late July and early October at higher elevations (above 8,000 feet).
4. Bears
Yes, you have bear spray with you just in case, but if you’re like most visitors, seeing wildlife is high on your hopes list. In September and early October, bears are still foraging for food before winter hibernation begins, so it’s easy to spot them in meadows or streams or along trails where they’ve been feeding on berries from late summer through fall.
The elk rut (mating season) is over by mid-September but bulls still gather in large groups around cows during this time. Moose calves may be spotted near water sources as mothers teach them to swim between May and July; moose calves grow rapidly during their first few months of life, so it’s not uncommon to see them walking on their own by late summer or early autumn.
5. Landscape Changes
Fall is the season for the leaves to change and for winter to approach. This is a great time to visit Glacier National Park as it’s not too cold and you will still be able to see some of the most amazing landscapes in Montana.
In spring and summer, the park’s trees are in full bloom, and its lakes are still clear enough that you can see fish swimming below you. But in fall, the landscape takes on a whole new look.
As the leaves change color, they create a tapestry of reds, oranges and yellows across the park’s mountainsides. And as winter approaches, those leaves will eventually fall off their branches, leaving behind bare branches that look like skeletal fingers reaching toward the sky. The lakes and rivers turn into ice with snow on top of them, creating a beautiful scene while hiking or driving through the park.
6. Alone Time
Since summer is the most popular time of year for tourists, there are plenty of people visiting during this season. The crowds make it difficult to enjoy your experience, and you’ll find yourself waiting in long lines at the visitor centers and parking lots. However, those who prefer a quieter experience can enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere during the fall.
The Best Way to Get There
If you’re looking to minimize your travel hours while still getting to visit iconic tourist spots heading into Glacier, like Flathead Lakeshores and Bigfork Town, then you’d best fly in and rent a car.
While Kalispell airport is much closer, Missoula, specifically the western route, will give you a more scenic drive. This route is also a popular option for adventurers who have just come from one of the most popular parks in the country which is known for its powerful geysers.
If you are one of the thousands of Americans who want to see Glacier National Park, give yourself the greatest chance to see it in its splendor by visiting at the right time of year. If you want to make the most of your trip, go during the fall. There will be fewer crowds, the weather will be just as beautiful and you get to enjoy milder temperatures with more vibrant colors.