Glacier National Park Introduction

Glacier National Park preserves more than a million acres of rugged peaks and glacial-carved valleys in the Northern Rocky Mountains. The park is named for its prominent glacier-carved terrain and remnant glaciers descended from past ice ages. A few glaciers can still be seen in the Park, with their blue ice and crevasses distinguishing them from the hundreds of snowfields that lie above the timberline.

Most people visit Glacier National Park because of its wild and majestic scenery that combines vertical, glacier-scoured banded mountains, pristine turquoise lakes, dense ancient forests, and a diverse assemblage of plants and animals. Glacier Park's varied climate influences and its location at the headwaters of the Pacific, Atlantic and Hudson Bay drainages have given rise to an incredible variety of plants and animals.

The Park provides habitats to over 70 species of mammals including the grizzly bear, wolverine, gray wolf, lynx, cougars, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elk, and moose. Additionally, more than 260 species of birds visit or reside in the park, including such varied species as harlequin ducks, dippers and golden eagles.

Outdoor Activities
Glacier National Park has over 700 miles of hiking trails, and taking a hike through the forests and up mountains is very popular part of visiting the Park. There are also 13 campgrounds for visitors and backpacking camps for trips deep into Glacier's wild interior. Visitors can also take boat tours or horseback trips inside the park.

Climate
Weather in the mountains can be fickle. Visitors may experience temperatures high into the 90s with clear and sunny skies, and then see snow showers and falling temperatures all in the same day.

Interesting Fact
Some alpine plants can live to be more than a hundred years old, despite living in harsh weather conditions?

Other Details
Glacier National Park is open every day of the year. Most visitor facilities are open generally from late May to early September, while winter weather forces closures for the other portion of the year.

Glacier National Park
PO Box 128
West Glacier, Montana 59936
Visitor Information
(406) 888-7800

	Lodging near Glacier National Park
	Download 3 Free Trail Guides for Glacier National Park
	Glacier National Park Guide Books
	More Glacier National Park Outdoor Activities
	Glacier Website on NPS.gov

Location