How to Avoid Crowds in Glacier National Park
Enjoy Glacier’s Beauty Without the Hustle
Glacier National Park is one of the most breathtaking destinations in the world, attracting over 3 million visitors each year. While the park’s popularity is well-deserved, it can also mean crowded trails, packed parking lots, and long wait times—especially in peak summer months.
But don’t worry! With a little planning, you can avoid the crowds and experience the park’s stunning landscapes in peace. Here’s how.
1. Visit During the Shoulder Season
If you want to experience Glacier National Park with fewer people, consider visiting in May, early June, late September, or October. These months offer:
🍂 Smaller crowds – Fewer visitors mean quieter trails and scenic drives.
❄️ Cooler temperatures – Perfect for hiking without the summer heat.
🐻 Active wildlife – Fall and spring are great times for wildlife viewing.
🚨 Note: Some areas of the park may still have snow in May and June, and services begin shutting down in October—so plan accordingly!
2. Start Your Day Early (or Go Late)
Most visitors enter the park between 9 AM and 3 PM, making trailheads, scenic viewpoints, and parking lots extremely busy. To avoid this:
🌅 Arrive before sunrise – Not only will you get ahead of the crowds, but you’ll also enjoy incredible sunrise views.
🌙 Explore in the evening – Many people leave by late afternoon, making sunset a peaceful time to visit.
3. Take an E-Bike Tour Before the Roads Open to Cars
One of the best ways to experience Going-to-the-Sun Road without crowds is by joining an E-Bike Tour before the road opens to vehicles in late June or early July.
🚲 Why ride an e-bike?
✅ No car traffic—just you and the stunning scenery!
✅ Easier than a regular bike—let pedal assist help you up the hills.
✅ Best chance to see wildlife—early morning rides often include grizzly, elk, and mountain goat sightings.
4. Visit Less-Traveled Areas of Glacier
While Going-to-the-Sun Road is a must-see, there are plenty of less crowded areas where you can enjoy Glacier’s beauty without the masses.
🥾 Many Glacier – Stunning hikes like Grinnell Glacier and Iceberg Lake, but go early to avoid parking issues.
🦬 The Bison Range – Just outside the park, this 18,000-acre wildlife conservation area offers an incredible chance to see bison, elk, deer, and bears without the Glacier crowds.
🌊 Two Medicine – Fewer visitors and equally breathtaking scenery, plus a historic boat tour across Two Medicine Lake.
🚗 North Fork & Polebridge – A rugged, off-the-grid area with epic views and famous huckleberry bear claws from the Polebridge Mercantile.
5. Use Shuttles or Book a Guided Tour
🚐 Many Glacier Shuttle – Parking is extremely limited in Many Glacier, so booking a shuttle guarantees you won’t miss out on iconic hikes like Grinnell Glacier or Iceberg Lake.
🥾 Guided Hikes – Let an experienced guide take you on a less-traveled trail where you can enjoy National Forest in peace.
🚲 E-Bike Rentals & Shuttles – Avoid parking headaches by shuttling into the park from Whitefish and riding an e-bike on Going-to-the-Sun Road.
6. Hike Early, Late, or Take an Alternative Trail
The most popular hikes (like Avalanche Lake and Hidden Lake Overlook) are packed by mid-morning. To avoid the crowds:
🌅 Hike at sunrise or in the evening for a quieter experience.
🏞 Choose alternative trails – Instead of Avalanche Lake, try Snyder Lakes or Otokomi Lake.
7. Explore Flathead National Forest
For an incredible outdoor adventure away from Glacier’s crowds, head into Flathead National Forest. This vast wilderness borders the park and offers stunning mountain views, remote hiking trails, and great wildlife spotting—without the crowds.
🌲 Great alternative hiking trails – Try Jewel Basin, Columbia Mountain, or Stanton Lake for breathtaking scenery with fewer people.
🚣♂️ Lakes, rivers, and waterfalls – Paddleboard or kayak on Hungry Horse Reservoir or hike to Holland Falls.
🦌 Wildlife viewing – Less traffic means a better chance of spotting moose, elk, and even bears in their natural habitat.
Enjoy Glacier Without the Crowds!
With a little planning, you can experience Glacier National Park without feeling overwhelmed by crowds. Whether it’s visiting during the shoulder season, biking Going-to-the-Sun Road, or exploring quieter areas like Two Medicine, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the park’s beauty in peace.
Book Your Crowd-Free Adventure Today!
🚲 Take an E-Bike Tour
🚐 Reserve a Many Glacier Shuttle
🥾 Plan Your Guided Hike
