What to Do in Glacier National Park in May
Visiting Glacier National Park in May is a unique experience, as the park transitions from winter to spring. While many high-elevation trails are still covered in snow and Going-to-the-Sun Road remains closed to vehicles, this time of year offers incredible opportunities for biking, wildlife viewing, and exploring lower-elevation areas without the summer crowds. If you’re planning a trip to Glacier in May, here’s what you need to know!
Bike Going-to-the-Sun Road Before It Opens to Cars
One of the best things to do in Glacier National Park in May is to bike Going-to-the-Sun Road while it’s still closed to vehicle traffic. The road is typically plowed up to The Loop or Logan Pass by late May, making it an unforgettable experience for cyclists.
🚴 Join a Guided E-Bike Tour – With Glacier Hikes & Bikes, you can take an e-bike tour on Going-to-the-Sun Road, enjoying the breathtaking scenery with expert guides and a gourmet sandwich lunch included.
🚐 Bike Rentals & Shuttle Service – Prefer to ride on your own? Rent an e-bike from Montana E-Bikes and take our bike shuttle, which includes entrance into Glacier National Park.
Hiking in Glacier National Park in May
While many of Glacier’s high-elevation trails are still snow-covered in early May, some lower-elevation trails and south-facing routes begin to open as the snow melts.
🥾 Best Hikes for May in Glacier National Park:
Avalanche Lake Trail – One of the first trails to be hikeable, this moderate 4.6-mile round-trip hike leads to a stunning lake surrounded by waterfalls.
Apgar Lookout – A great sunrise hike with panoramic views over Lake McDonald and the surrounding peaks.
Trail of the Cedars – A short, scenic boardwalk trail through a beautiful old-growth forest, perfect for a quick and accessible adventure.
Wildlife Viewing & Scenic Drives
May is one of the best months for wildlife spotting in Glacier National Park. As the snow melts in the valleys, bears, moose, elk, and mountain goats become more active and easier to spot.
🐻 Best Areas for Wildlife Viewing:
Many Glacier – While some roads may still be closed due to snow, this area is a prime spot for grizzly bear sightings in late May.
Lake McDonald Area – Deer, black bears, and even bald eagles can often be spotted along the shore.
Two Medicine – Another great early-season destination, with fewer crowds and abundant wildlife.
Scenic Drives & Exploring Without the Crowds
While Going-to-the-Sun Road isn’t fully open, you can still drive to Avalanche Creek from the west and St. Mary from the east, offering incredible lake views and photo opportunities.
🚗 Other Scenic Areas to Explore in May:
Two Medicine & Running Eagle Falls – A beautiful, often overlooked area with easy access.
Polebridge & Bowman Lake – A great spot for a quiet day trip with stunning mountain views.
Lake McDonald Lodge – Opens mid-May, offering a glimpse of Glacier’s historic charm.
Plan Your Glacier National Park Adventure in May!
While May in Glacier National Park means snow-covered trails and limited access, it’s still an amazing time to visit. Whether you’re biking Going-to-the-Sun Road, hiking lower-elevation trails, or spotting wildlife, you’ll get to experience the park in a peaceful, crowd-free setting.
