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Glacier National Park– an Introduction
The Glacier National Park of Montana is yet another UNESCO World Heritage site in USA. This national park in U.S is one of the widely visited destinations for travel enthusiasts round the world. The stunning beauty of the park has all the goodness to rule your senses. The Glacier National Park is located in the northern boundary of Montana and stands surrounding the Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada. The spectacular nature of Glacier National Park waits earnestly with its picturesque forests, vast stretches of pristine alpine meadows, the undulated mountains and panoramic lakes await the bulk of tourists, who visit this USA national park from different parts of the world and carry back the unforgettable serene charm. It is guaranteed that being in this U.S national park one will be able to live over the faraway time frozen within the solitary wilderness. The Glacier National Park is also the first park of its kind in the world to be designated as International Peace Park.
Visiting Glacier National Park
The Glacier National Park registers an approximate footfall of about two million visitors every year. The diversified facilities and attractions in the park have something to offer to everyone. The first thing to do in the Glacier National Park
tour is to take a drive through the Going to the Sun road, as it one of the most panoramic highways in the world. Traveling through the Chief Mountain International highway from the north to the Waterton Lakes is also another nice idea. It provides an exciting blend of the stretch of prairies and the mountains around. One can also visit the Waterton’s Akamina Parkway and Red Rock Parkwayand has a serene stay over there if time permits. A visit to the Many Glacier, a boat ride in the Two Medicine for a boat ride and a sojourn to the Walton Goat Lick Overlook is other interesting options. A hiking trip or a horseback ride to the old chalets belonging to the20th century constructed by Northern Railway is exquisite sites to be visited. A ride in the historical Red Bus is also an experience in itself.
Camping: There are about 13 developed campsites in the Glacier National Park. All the camping grounds are at accessible distance in case you have a vehicle with you. In general terms, the cams accommodate up to eight people, two tents and one vehicle. It is better if you carry the necessary supplies with you. A vehicle is a must for camping. Some of the important campsites are, Apgar, Avalanche, Bowman Lake, Cut Bank, Fish Creek, Kintla Lake, Logging Creek, Many Glacier, Quartz creek, Rising Sun, Sprague Creek, Two Medicine, St. Mary and others. Camping equipments can be taken on rent from the visitor office of West Glacier.
Guided Tours: There are different types of guided tours of Glacier National Park. The most well- known ones happen to be the day hiking guided tours or the backpacking guided tours. The tour ranges from 1 day to 7 days. Custom Tours are also available.
Opening Hours
The Glacier National Park is open daily throughout the year. The winter season somehow directs the facilities remain open. The general tourist period ranges from late May to early part of September. The later part of September is though referred as off season so seems quieter but the nature is still vibrant will splendid beauty. The winter snow creates a base for the cross country skiing activity. Spring time, though last for a very short period of time but offers a fabulous experience.
How to Reach
Air: One can very well take a flight to the Glacier Park International Airport, which is situated near Kalispell, Montana. The Allegiant Air Las Vegas; Delta Air Lines; Northwest Airlines; United Airlines and American Airlines or Alaska Airlines via Horizon Airlines (are the major carriers serving the airport. The Lethbridge is another important airport in nearness to the national park.
Rail: The railroad track is one of the major ways to reach the Glacier National Park. The Amtrak Empire Builder train service connects Seattle and Portland to northern Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin to Chicago. The East Glacier Park Station, the west Glacier Park Station and the Essex Browning station are the three stations serving the park. Every day a single train arrives from each of the three stations.
Road: If you are going to the West Glacier Park then the way ranges from Kalispell, Montana to a distance of about 35 miles. In order to reach the East Glacier Park the US 2 or US 89 are the ways to be chosen. The US 89 and Mont 17 serve as the shortest distance between Glacier and the Waterton Lakes. If you are approaching from Canada, the Alberta 2, 5, or 6 should be followed.
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