Glacier National Park - General Park Information

The park's travel season is roughly from mid-June to mid-October. Visitors can use tour buses for one-way or round-trip travel to various park locations from mid-June to early September. Canoe and motor boat rentals are available at Apgar dock; phone (406) 892-2525.

Note: Vehicles and vehicle combinations longer than 21 feet or wider than 8 feet (including mirrors) are prohibited from traveling Going-to-the-Sun Road between the Avalanche picnic area and Sun Point parking areas, where they may park.
About 700 miles of horseback and foot trails penetrate the park, and many points of interest are within easy walking distance of the hotels and chalets. Mule Shoe Outfitter offers guided horseback rides through the park. Tours depart from Lake McDonald Corral near Lake McDonald Lodge and Many Glacier Corral; phone (406) 888-5121 or (406) 732-4203.

There are more than 60 campsites for backpackers; backcountry camping permits are required ($4 per person per night) and can be obtained at Apgar, St. Mary and Two Medicine visitor centers or the Many Glacier or Poleridge ranger stations. For more information about permits phone (406) 888-7857. Topographic maps can be purchased at the park visitor centers or ordered by mail from Glacier Natural History Association, West Glacier, MT 59936.

Mountain whitefish and cutthroat trout are the most common fish. Lake trout are taken from the larger lakes, principally McDonald, St. Mary and Waterton lakes. Grayling thrive in Elizabeth Lake. No fishing license is required; regulations are available at the visitor centers. When fishing or participating in any activity in or near park water, watch for slippery rocks at the water's edge.
Several concessionaires within the park provide tours. Glacier Park Inc. offers trips by bus. Glacier Wilderness Guides arranges guided backpacking trips. Glacier Park Boat Co. operates guided lake cruises on McDonald, St. Mary, Two Medicine, Swiftcurrent and Josephine lakes. Boats and canoes can be rented at Two Medicine, Swiftcurrent and McDonald lakes and at Many Glacier Hotel. Shuttle services are available at Upper Waterton Lake.

CCInc. Auto Tape Tours of the park are available at Glacier Gift Shop in West Glacier or St. Mary's Lodge in St. Mary; phone (201) 236-1666.
Trail rides ranging from 1 hour to all day depart from Lake McDonald Lodge and Many Glacier Hotel. Daily schedules of naturalist-guided hikes, boat trips and campfire programs are printed as a supplement to the Waterton-Glacier Guide, the park's newspaper, which is handed out at the visitor centers.

Note: Although the animals in the park might appear tame, they are wild and potentially dangerous. Do not approach, feed, molest or tease them in any manner. Bears and mountain lions especially should be avoided; if one approaches, stay in your closed vehicle. Sightings should be reported to park rangers.