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Glacier National Park
Operating Hours & Seasons
 

Glacier National Park is open every day of the year. Winter weather however, tends to dictate when most visitor facilities open. Generally from late May to early September, facilities are open to welcome the flush of summer visitors.

Many people enjoy the "off-seasons" as a time when the park is a bit quieter. Late September and October can be spectacular, but visitors will need to be more self relient, as facilities are closing down for the season. Winter provides a carpet of snow that makes for some good cross-country skiing opportunities. Spring tends to arrive late and last a very brief time, but can provide an interesting and quiet experience.

Roads
Plowing on the Going-to-the-Sun Road begins in April. Ten miles of the Going-to-the-Sun Road (from park headquarters at West Glacier to Lake McDonald Lodge) are maintained throughout the winter providing access to winter recreation opportunities at the head of the lake. Due to road rehabilitation, for the next 8-10 years, weather permitting, the entire Going-to-the-Sun Road will be open for public vehicle access from mid-June to mid-September.

Other park roads generally open in May, weather permitting.

For the status of all park roads, please click here.

Frequently asked questions and answers about the Going-to-the-Sun Road can be found here.

Dawson Pass  

Did You Know?
The "Backbone of the World" is the Blackfeet tribal name given to the greater Glacier National Park ecosystem.

Last Updated: May 15, 2008 at 15:06 EST