Why go
Going-to-the-Sun Road crosses the park over Logan Pass and is the reason many people come. Lake McDonald on the west side and Many Glacier on the east are the two areas most worth your time, and the hiking from both is superb.
Wildlife is part of the day here. Mountain goats and bighorn sheep are common near the pass, and this is bear country.
When to go
The season is short. The full length of Going-to-the-Sun Road usually opens in late June or July, once the snow is cleared, and closes again in autumn. July and August are busiest. September is quieter, with cooler nights and some services winding down.
Where to base yourself
The historic lodges inside the park have the locations and the atmosphere, with simple rooms. They sell out far in advance. Whitefish, outside the west entrance, has more comfortable hotels, restaurants and a proper town.
What we would build into your trip
A guided day hike, a boat trip on one of the lakes, and time on the east side with a Blackfeet guide to hear the history of the land from the people whose land it is. We split stays between west and east so you are not driving the pass twice a day.
Good to know
Entry rules change from year to year and timed vehicle reservations have applied in recent summers, so we check the current requirements before confirming dates. Carry bear spray on trails and know how to use it.