Glacier National Park should top all nature lovers list of must see national parks. Located in West Glacier, Montana, this park is a paradise for hikers and drivers alike. With over 700 miles of trails, hikers won’t soon run out of backcountry to explore. Visitors that are more car-bound can enjoy the scenic drive up Going to the Sun Road. The drive may be slow, especially with construction ongoing, but you wouldn’t want to drive by too quickly and miss admiring the scenery anyway. Allow plenty of time for the 18 mile drive up to Login Pass and back down to the opposite end of GNP. Just don’t plan a winter drive, as the road closes around mid October each year. A shuttle service is offered by the park, free of charge, for those who would rather not hassle with driving at all.

Enjoy the glacial blue waters of lakes and the towering mountains that surround you. Campsites and hotels abound in the area. Be sure to claim campsites early during popular seasons and book hotels in advance. Otherwise, you could find yourself lodging 30 miles or more outside of the park.

Take a hike to Avalanche Lake, starting with the Trail of the Cedars.

View the scene at Logan Pass summit.

Camp out at Many Glacier.

Check out views from Going to the Sun Road.

Located in Glacier National Park, this aptly named 18 mile stretch of road makes drivers feel like they are in fact, going to the sun as you wind up the mountains to Login Pass. Stop at the visitor center at Login Pass for a break, to take pictures, or lunch (if you’ve packed your own, that is) before heading back down the mountain to the East Entrance of the park.

Located on the east side of Glacier National Park, the road to Many Glacier is 12 miles long from the park entrance. If you enter the park from the west, travel along the Going to the Sun Road, exiting the park at Saint Mary. Continue on the same road (toward Babb) until you reach signs to turn left toward the Many Glacier park area. Once you enter the park at Many Glacier, you’ll follow along Lake Sherburne, which touts extraordinary glacial blue waters in the sunshine, toward the camping area and ranger station.

Hotel goers can choose to stay at the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn or the much fancier, Many Glacier Hotel.

Campers will find comfort at the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, including an italian restaurant and a shoppette carrying firewood, hotel chocolate and coffee, drinks, and souvenirs.

Campsites here total 109 and have amble restroom facilities nearby.

For wildlife viewing, bring binoculars and head to the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn’s parking lot to search the mountains for goats, sheep, and the occasional bear. And be sure not to miss the show of colors at sunrise.

This scenic trail is located off of Trail of the Cedars at Glacier National Park. Plan to take Trail of the Cedars to Avalanche Lake trail (an in and out trail, 4 miles roundtrip) and then finish the Trail of the Cedars loop.

For prime parking and less crowded trails, be sure to plan your hike to Avalanche Lake in the morning. It’s a moderate hike with slight elevation gains and loses. And remember to be bear aware on your hike here or anywhere in the park. This sign at the beginning of the trailhead was a bleak reminder of such dangers.

So, take precautions but don’t miss this hike! Pictures can’t begin to capture the amazing views you’ll see along the way and at the end of the trail. The cedars offer a pleasant aroma to complement your hike.

The picturesque view of Avalanche lake at the end of the hike is a don’t miss hike at Glacier National Park.

This loop trail is paved or boardwalked the entire 0.8 mile, allowing all Glacier National Park visitors (this trail is wheelchair accessible) to enjoy its beauty. Lined with towering cedars and hemlocks, hikers stroll through the windy path with Christmas scents in the air.

Bring your camera for this loop and stop to photograph Avalanche Gorge.

Learn along the trail as signs posts interest facts, like this one about Avalanche Gorge.

More adventurous hikers should take the 4-mile detour to Avalanche Lake.