Glacier is magnificent at any time of the year, but it's not always easily accessible. Most visitors come in summer and it seems as if they all drive along Going-to-the-Sun Road. The 52-mile (84km) two-lane road is open from late May or early June until the third Monday in October, depending upon the weather. During summer months, sunrise is around 5am, and sunset at nearly 10pm, so there's plenty of time for exploring. The shoulder seasons of spring and fall see budding wildflowers and seasonal colors, but these sights can be viewed only from the park's outer boundaries and a limited stretch of the scenic highway.
In winter, road access is limited. Going-to-the-Sun Road is plowed to Lake McDonald Lodge on the west side of the park, 12 miles (19km) from West Glacier, but the remainder of the road is closed. Snowmobiles are prohibited. All unplowed roads become trails for snowshoers and cross-country skiers, who rave about the vast wonderland. Guided trips are a great way to experience the park in winter, or you can strap on a pair of snowshoes and explore it on your own. A popular skiing expedition is to go as far up Going-to-the-Sun Road as your energy permits. Wintertime temperatures average between 15° and 30° F, but extreme lows can reach 30° below. Average winter snowfall is almost 12 feet, and it snows about half of the days from November through February.
If you want to avoid the crowds, travel in the off-season before mid-June, when the park begins to fill, and after Labor Day, when families traveling with youngsters have returned home (August is the busiest month). If that's not possible, consider the following: Since most people congregate in close proximity to the major hotels, find a trail head that is equidistant from two major points and head for the woods.
Going-to-the-Sun Road is nearly always jammed in the summer daylight hours. If you can, make the trip before 8:30 in the morning. In July and August, the parking lot at Logan Pass Visitor Center fills to capacity. Try to visit early in the day or late in the afternoon.
