Glacier National Park

Basic information is available here. Additional information is available by choosing the "in Depth" button to the right.

Created in 1910, Glacier National Park provides over one million acres of habitat and protection for a wonderful variety of wildlife and wildflowers.

The geologic history of Glacier is read in the numerous exposed layers of Precambrian sedimentary rocks. These extremely well preserved sediments date back to over 1 billion years. Subsequent sculpting by massive bodies of ice has transformed this area into a dramatic example of glacial landforms. Today several small alpine glaciers of relatively recent origin dot the mountains.

Glacier National Park contains a particularly rich biological diversity of plant and animal species. This combination of spectacular scenery, diverse flora and fauna, and relative isolation from major population centers have combined to make Glacier National Park the center of one of the largest and most intact ecosystems in North America.

Glacier National Park and Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta were joined together by the governments of Canada and the United States in 1932 as Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, the first park of its kind in the world.

Both parks have been designated Biosphere Reserves. In December of 1995 they were jointly designated the "Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park World Heritage Site."

Park Headquarters
West Glacier, MT 59936
(406) 888-7800 - Visitor Information
(406) 888-7806 - Visitor Information

By Plane
The closest airports are Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell, Montana (25 miles from West Glacier) and in Great Falls, Montana (200 miles from West Glacier). Car rentals are available at both airports. Shuttles are available at the Kalispell airport.

By Car
NOTE: Vehicles longer than 21 feet or wider than 8 feet (including mirrors) are prohibited on the steepest sections of the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

By Plane
Public transportation options are limited. Shuttles from airports and train stations provide some service to visitors to the park.

Getting Around
Guided Tours are available from two companies. Sun Tours offers interpretive tours in Glacier from June 10 to September 15. Tours highlight Blackfeet cultrue and history relating to Glacier national Park's natural features. For reservations information call 1-800-786-9220

Glacier Park Inc., offers tours between lodges. For reservations call 406-755-6303

Glacier's western valleys generally receive the most rainfall. Daytime temperatures can exceed 90 degrees F. It is frequently 10 to 15 degrees cooler at higher elevations. Strong winds and sunny days predominate on the east side of the park. Overnight lows throughout the park can drop to near 20 degrees F, and snow can fall anytime. In August of 1992, a foot of snow fell on the northeastern corner of Glacier.
Prepare for a variety of conditions and pack accordingly. You may start the day in a T-shirt and shorts, and need a parka by evening. Dress in layers. Always bring raingear.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Auto Touring
• Biking
• Boating
• Camping
• Climbing
• Educational Programs
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Swimming
• Wildlife Viewing
• Backpacking
• Bird Watching
• Nature Walks
• Cross Country Skiing
• Snowshoeing

Recommended Activities
Park Rangers conduct naturalist activities at St. Mary, Apgar, Logan Pass, Many Glacier, Goat Haunt, and Two Medicine. A complete schedule of programs is listed in the Nature with at Naturalist publication. Activities include evening slide programs, guided hikes, boat tours, and all day hikes.

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