Discover Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks in Montana

When it comes to natural beauty in the USA, Montana sets the gold standard. The Treasure State’s rugged mountains, endless forests, and rich wildlife remain largely pristine due to effective wilderness preservation programs, low population density, and its sheer size. This vastness allows nature enthusiasts to enjoy all that Montana has to offer.

Given Montana’s unparalleled natural attractions, it’s no surprise that the first national park in the United States was established here. While Yellowstone National Park is shared with neighboring Wyoming and Idaho, Montana serves as the primary gateway to this slice of America’s natural history, showcasing thermal features and wildlife you won’t find anywhere else in the world. At the same time, Glacier National Park—situated entirely within Montana—offers some of the state’s best hiking experiences, with a plethora of trails, towering cliffs, and sparkling lakes to explore.

Glacier National Park

Montana’s Best National Park for Hiking

In Glacier National Park, towering mountain peaks overlook crystal blue lakes surrounded by dense pine forests that are home to the largest concentration of grizzly bears in the world.

For those who enjoy hiking, the park boasts more than 700 miles of trails, most leading to stunning views that cannot be found elsewhere. The most popular routes include:

• Avalanche Lake: A relatively flat and easy trek.
• Grinnell Glacier: A 10-mile out-and-back hike with 2,000 feet of elevation gain, leading to a stunning glacier.
• Highline Trail: Accessed from the parking lot at Logan Pass, offering breathtaking views.
• Hidden Lake Trail: Another must-visit trail for nature lovers.

Visiting Glacier National Park

Planning your visit to Glacier National Park requires serious advance preparation as its roads, hotels, and trails are seasonal. The park has seven entrances, three of which connect to the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road. The most frequented entrances are at West Glacier and the east entrance at St. Mary, both of which are open year-round but may experience closures due to snow.

Several hotel options are available within the park’s boundaries, including historic lodges and a range of campgrounds, some requiring reservations while others are first-come, first-served. For outdoor enthusiasts, backcountry permits are also an option for those interested in wilderness camping.

If you aim to explore the park during the busy summer months, it’s recommended to book accommodations well in advance. Additionally, there is a fee of $35 for entering the park, which contributes to its maintenance and conservation efforts.

Yellowstone National Park

Montana’s Best National Park for Natural History

Yellowstone National Park played a crucial role in the establishment of conservation efforts across the United States. Established in 1872, the park is noted for its unique geological features, such as bubbling hot pots and geysers, with Old Faithful being the most well-known.

Today, Yellowstone captivates visitors with its breathtaking hydrothermal features and diverse wildlife. Spanning 3,471 square miles, the park is home to a variety of iconic animals, including bison, gray wolves, grizzly bears, elk, and bald eagles. These abundant wildlife sightings are among the key reasons over four million people visit each year, primarily in the summer months.

Visiting Yellowstone National Park

Planning a visit to Yellowstone also requires foresight, especially during the peak tourist season in July and August. Various campgrounds with over 500 sites are available within the park. Additionally, neighboring towns like Gardiner and West Yellowstone offer abundant accommodations just outside the park’s borders.

During winter, the park’s access is limited primarily to the road from the north entrance in Gardiner to Cooke City. This period is an excellent opportunity for wildlife aficionados to observe wolves and other animals that gather in the Lamar Valley.

Entering Yellowstone is not free, with a standard entrance fee of $35 per vehicle. However, visitors may consider the National Park Pass for $80, providing access to every national park in the country for a year.

In summary, both Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks showcase the majestic beauty of Montana and offer unparalleled opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation. Exploring these national treasures is essential for any nature lover visiting the American West.