Share this @internewscast.com
Glacier National Park, located at the junction of Montana and Canada, has been hailed as one of America’s top national parks, and the reasons for this accolade are evident.
Known as the Crown of the Continent, this expansive million-acre sanctuary is described by National Geographic as a blend of ‘rock, ice, forest, and water,’ representing one of the most complete ecosystems in the United States. It has been named the Best U.S. National Park for 2025 by U.S. News & World Report.
Visitors to this park have the opportunity to roam through ancient cedar forests, glide across serene alpine lakes, trek to breathtaking mountain panoramas, and after sunset, gaze at the Milky Way illuminating the internationally recognized dark skies.
Glacier National Park, its name paying homage to the Ice Age glaciers that sculpted its dramatic landscapes, currently hosts just 26 active glaciers, a significant decrease from the approximately 80 counted in the mid-1800s, as stated by the U.S. Geological Survey.
This reduction serves as a significant indication of climate change while still offering a mesmerizing view for those venturing on trails such as the challenging Grinnell Glacier trek.
For a more relaxing experience, the Trail of the Cedars presents a leisurely walk through a unique inland cedar rainforest where massive trees reach over 80 feet high.
The cool, mossy boardwalk is one of the park’s most accessible hikes and a favorite for families, ending at Avalanche Falls, a powerful waterfall that cascades through a rocky gorge and is one of Glacier’s most photographed spots.
Beyond the glaciers and cedars, Glacier is home to more than 700 lakes, numerous waterfalls, and two rugged mountain ranges.
Glacier National Park’s soaring mountain ranges and pristine valleys have earned it the nickname ‘Crown of the Continent’
Wildlife thrives in Glacier’s diverse ecosystems, with visitors often spotting moose, mountain goats, and grizzly bears roaming the backcountry
Towering cedar trees create a cathedral-like atmosphere on one of the park’s most popular walking trails
Wildlife flourishes here: moose graze in marshy valleys, mountain goats cling to sheer cliffs, and both black and grizzly bears roam the backcountry.
Birdwatchers can spot golden eagles, loons, and over 270 species of birds.
For those who prefer four wheels to hiking boots, the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road is a highlight.
This 50-mile route, considered an engineering marvel and designated a National Historic Landmark, snakes across the Continental Divide at Logan Pass.
Along the way, drivers are treated to dizzying views of glacial valleys, alpine meadows carpeted in wildflowers, and jagged peaks dusted with lingering snow.
The National Park Service notes that the road also provides access to many of Glacier’s most iconic trailheads.
History buffs can check into the park’s lodges and chalets, many built in the early 20th century by the Great Northern Railway to promote luxury train travel.
Today, grand properties like the Many Glacier Hotel and Lake McDonald Lodge remain on the National Register of Historic Places, offering guests the chance to experience Glacier much as early travelers did.
The Trail of the Cedars offers a shaded boardwalk through towering old-growth cedar trees, some stretching more than 80 feet tall
The park’s designation as an International Dark Sky Park makes it one of the best stargazing spots in North America
Avalanche Falls thunders through a rocky gorge at the end of the Trail of the Cedars, one of Glacier National Park’s most beloved walks
Many Glacier Hotel, built in 1915 by the Great Northern Railway, is among several historic lodges listed on the National Register of Historic Places
By night, Glacier offers some of the clearest skies in the United States.
In 2017, Glacier and Canada’s Waterton Lakes National Park were jointly designated the world’s first International Dark Sky Park that crosses an international border, National Geographic reports.
Summer visitors can join ranger-led astronomy programs at Logan Pass and St. Mary, where telescopes are set up for close-up views of Saturn’s rings or distant galaxies.
The park also hosts ‘star parties’, attracting amateur astronomers from across the globe who gather on mountain summits to marvel at the Milky Way undimmed by artificial light.
While Glacier is open year-round, July and August are considered the best months to visit, with daytime highs in the low 80s and most facilities fully open, according to U.S. News & World Report.
This is also when the park’s free shuttle service runs, making it easier to navigate crowded areas without worrying about parking.
Visitors outside of summer may find quieter trails, but closures are common in spring and fall, and snow can linger well into June and July at higher elevations.
Grinnell Glacier remains one of the park’s most dramatic hikes, where visitors can see the retreating ice fields up close
The 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road (pictured) is both an engineering marvel and a National Historic Landmark, offering jaw-dropping views of the Continental Divide
From wildflower meadows to snow-capped peaks, the park offers stunning scenery in every season
On the west side, valleys tend to be wetter and greener, while the east side is drier, cooler, and often windier.
Like many natural treasures, Glacier faces pressures from climate change and heavy visitation.
The National Park Service has instituted vehicle reservation systems during peak season to manage crowds and protect fragile ecosystems.
Scientists from the United States Environmental Protection Agency warn that the park’s namesake glaciers could disappear entirely within decades if warming trends continue – making today’s visits all the more poignant.
