Wows and Woes
This is one of the last places in the U.S to see grizzly bears in the wild. Many Glacier Hotel is an awesome 19th-century lodge high in the mountains with panoramic views of the Continental Divide. Going to the Sun Road is one of the most scenic drives in the country and passes by such natural wonders as the "weeping wall."
The weather can be cold here in the park until late June, but when summer kicks in, it's spectacular.
Insider Tips
Glacier Park Inc. operates a historic 1930s style bus with a convertible roof known locally as a "Jammer." It's more than worth the effort to cross the border and visit the picture-perfect town of Waterton, Canada. Save money by camping or renting a cabin up the road from Many Glacier Hotel, then come to the lodge for dinner or drinks in the amazing lakefront dining room or cathedral-like lobby.
Bottom Line
For raw alpine beauty, Glacier National Park is unsurpassed in the continental U.S., and wildlife abounds.
Author's Most Memorable Moment
Jumping from glacial iceberg to iceberg in Iceberg Lake, a cloudy blue lake high up on the Continental Divide that is the end point for a massive glacier, was a great moment. The hike takes all day and affords some of the most spectacular mountain views worldwide.
Article Written By Vincent Madrone
Based in San Francisco, Vincent Madrone is a professional freelance travel writer and voiceover artist. He has written extensively for online and print publications, including USA Today Travel Tips, A to Z World Travel and Viva Travel Guides. Madrone also writes health-related articles for various online publications.
