Things to Do in Glacier National Park

Things to do in Glacier National Park include Going-to-the-Sun Road, day hikes and Lake McDonald, and the guides below cover each one. They help you set trip dates and plan around 2026 rules: no vehicle reservation is required anywhere in the park, but Logan Pass has timed parking and a ticketed shuttle.

Start with Going-to-the-Sun Road and the Calendar

Going-to-the-Sun Road climbs to Logan Pass at 6,646 feet and runs about 50 miles, or about 2 hours without stopping. The road has no set opening date. It is typically fully open by early July and stays fully open until the third Monday of October, weather permitting. The Going-to-the-Sun Road driving guide covers vehicle size limits and speed limits.

Snow can fall at lower elevations as early as mid-September. Read Glacier weather by season alongside the best time to visit Glacier before you pick dates.

Logan Pass Parking and Shuttle Rules for 2026

No vehicle reservation is required anywhere in Glacier National Park in 2026, according to the National Park Service. From July 1 to September 7, 2026, Logan Pass parking has a 3-hour limit, enforced 24 hours a day. Take a free timestamped permit from the kiosk when you park.

The Logan Pass Shuttle runs on the same dates and carries ticketed riders only. Tickets are sold online with a $1 processing fee, and you board at Apgar Visitor Center, Lake McDonald Lodge, St. Mary Visitor Center or Rising Sun Picnic Area. Some tickets release 60 days ahead, starting May 2, 2026 at 8 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time (MDT). The rest release daily at 7 p.m. MDT for next-day rides from June 30. The vehicle reservations and Logan Pass guide walks through both options.

Planning Things to Do in Glacier National Park by Day

Plan each day around fuel and vehicle size, because the park sells no gasoline. Fill up before you enter. An electric vehicle (EV) charger sits across from the Lake McDonald Lodge camp store, so a charging stop fits a visit planned with the Lake McDonald guide.

Vehicles over 21 feet long or 8 feet wide cannot drive between Avalanche Creek and Rising Sun. The private-vehicle entrance fee is $35 in summer and $25 from November 1 to April 30, and a pass is valid for 7 days.

Pick your day hikes from the trail guides, starting with the Highline Trail guide for 2026. For a place to sleep near the West Entrance, see Dark Light Collection's glass pyramids near Glacier, opening 2027. Then set your dates against the road calendar and decide whether to book a shuttle seat or use the 3-hour Logan Pass parking.

Plan

Scenic drives & areas

Trails