Glacier National Park Tour - Self-Guided Drive by Action Tour Guide

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Tour Details

Tour Type: Driving
Duration: 2 - 3 Hours
Distance:49+ Miles
Audio Stories: 45+
No of Starting Points: 2
Purchase Qty: One Per Car
Tour At Your Own Pace
Tour Anytime, Any Day
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Welcome to the Glacier National Park Tour

Experience the crown jewel of the national parks with this self-guided driving tour of Glacier, one of the most pristine and awe-inspiring landscapes on Earth. Cruise past crystal-clear glacial lakes, hike across breathtaking alpine tundras, and discover the secrets hidden in this sprawling wilderness. Plus, learn about the Blackfoot Confederacy, an ill-fated gold rush, and lots more along the way.

About the Tour

Your Glacier National Park tour begins at either Saint Mary on the park’s eastern end or West Glacier on the park’s western side. From Saint Mary, you’ll cruise alongside Saint Mary Lake and discover why it’s so clear. You’ll also get acquainted with the park’s distant past, from the Blackfoot Confederacy to early colonization.

A couple of overlooks offer spectacular views of the lake and the tiny Wild Goose Island within—one of the park’s most popular spots for photos.

Beyond that, you’ll hear about a disastrous gold rush before arriving at Sun Point Nature Trail, a super short walk leading to a fantastic vista. Then there’s another trail to Saint Mary Falls, a sparkling waterfall with a distinctive turquoise hue.

Jackson Glacier Overlook waits ahead, offering your first good look at one of the park’s five active glaciers. After that, you’ll hear all about how these glaciers have impacted the landscape, as well as the man who decided they were a resource worth protecting.

Hidden Lake Trail is next, perfect for those seeking a little seclusion. Then you’ll reach Paradise Meadow, one of the best vistas in the entire park (and one you’ll definitely want to remember with a few photos)!

Next, you’ll pass the strange, not-quite-waterfall of the Weeping Wall before reaching Bird Woman Falls Overlook, which is named for the famous Native guide Sacagawea.

You’ll learn all about the local fauna as you head toward the West Tunnel, which boasts observation windows featuring incredible views of Heaven’s Peak. Then, cross the continental divide and hear how wildfires have impacted the park over the years.

The Trail of the Cedars is next, offering an easy, accessible hike that’s a favorite among visitors for a good reason.

As you pass Lake McDonald Lodge, next, you’ll get to know the park’s marine wildlife and find out how some reptiles and amphibians survive in such a cold climate.

Finally, you’ll arrive at Apgar Village on the park’s western end, where your tour will conclude. The tour starts in West Glacier and follows the same route in the opposite direction.

NOTE: For road closures & reservation fees, visit nps.com

2024 Updates:

You’ll need a vehicle reservation if you’re driving on the Going-to-the-Sun Road from May 24 to September 8, 6 am to 3 pm, via the west entrance.
A vehicle reservation is not required when entering through the St. Mary Entrance to access Going-to-the-Sun Road.

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Glacier National Park Map

Where To Start?

Starting Point Addresses

From Saint Mary Entrance: Saint Mary Entrance, Browning, MT 59417

From West Entrance: 64 Grinnell Dr, West Glacier, MT 59936, United States

How Does It Work?

Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.

What You'll See

Welcome
Your tour begins at the Saint Mary Visitor Center by the park's east entrance.
Saint Mary Lake
Cruise alongside the pristine waters of Saint Mary Lake and find out why it's so clear.
What's in a Name?
Discover the original name of Saint Mary Lake, as well as the debate around who actually changed it.
The Blackfoot Confederacy
Learn about the Blackfoot Confederacy, a powerful alliance of tribes who once called this region home.
Auto Parks
Drive past one of the park's oldest auto parks and discover what it can tell us about Glacier's history.
Saint Mary Overlook
Gaze out across the sparkling lake from this incredible viewpoint.
Wild Goose Island Overlook
Stop and snap a few photos of Wild Goose Island, one of the park's most-photographed features.
Settlers Arrive
Hear what happened when settlers first arrived in this region.
Big Beaver Money
Find out what the Astors have to do with the fur trade around these parts of the country.
Fool's Gold
Uncover the history behind a Montana gold rush, including why the whole venture was ill-conceived in the first place.
Sun Point Nature Trail
Take a quick, easy stroll to an unbelievable vista point.
Red Eagle Mountain
Learn to identify some of the key peaks towering over Glacier National Park.
Geology
Turn back the clock to the late Cretaceous to see how this incredible landscape formed.
Saint Mary Falls
Embark on a short hike to see a lovely waterfall surrounded by picturesque wilderness.
We're Going to the Sun
Discover why the main road through Glacier might feel a little familiar and find out where it gets its distinctive name.
Jackson Glacier Overlook
Get your first good look at Jackson Glacier, one of the park's famous (and enormous) glaciers.
Glaciers
Learn how the glaciers first formed, how they have changed over the years, and what the future holds for them.
Piegan Pass Trail
Check out an arduous but immensely rewarding hike featuring views of Blackfoot Glacier.
George Grinnel
Get to know the man responsible for making Glacier a national park in the first place.
Tree Line
Spot the tree line separating one biome from another and learn what it means.
Hidden Lake Trail
Take a detour to a beautiful lake tucked away from the park's usual crowds.
Logan Pass
Drive through an impressive mountain pass known as a great place to spot mountain goats.
Glacial Formations
Find out how glaciers have shaped this landscape and how geologists can tell.
Triple Arches
Cruise across a remarkable bridge and hear how engineers constructed it.
Paradise Meadow
Snap some photos from one of the most unbelievable overlooks in the entire park, encompassing sweeping meadows and towering mountain peaks.
The Weeping Wall
Discover what makes this wall weep as you drive past one of the park's more unusual features.
Bird Woman Falls Overlook
Dispel the myths and hear the true story of Sacagawea at this breathtaking viewpoint.
The Hardy Ptarmigan
Get familiar with one of the more unusual critters you might see around the park.
Elk and Sheep
Learn how you can identify elk without even seeing them and how to spot bighorn sheep even when there appear to be none around.
The Loop
Stop for another great view at this overlook with a fantastic hiking trailhead attached.
The West Tunnel
Find out how workers in the early 1900s carved this tunnel out of solid rock.
Forest Fires
Hear about the important role forest fires play in this ecosystem, as well as the destruction they can cause when they grow out of control.
Creating the Park
Listen to the history behind the park's creation, including a controversy that persists to this day.
Continental Divide
Cross the continental divide and find out why it's such an important landmark.
Lichens
Get acquainted with one of the park's more humble yet fascinating residents: the lichen.
Trail of the Cedars
Walk one of the park's most popular trails, which leads through a lush cedar forest full of trees that are centuries old.
Glacier National Park Goes to War
Find out what unexpected role Glacier National Park played during World War II.
John's Lake Loop Trail
Stroll along an easy trail which loops around a pond so clear and still it could be a mirror.
Lake McDonald Lodge
Untangle the complicated history of one of the park's oldest and most sought after hotels.
Marine Life
Learn about the bountiful marine wildlife in the park, as well as the invasive species threatening the ecosystem.
Cold-Blooded Critters
Get to know the few cold-blooded species who have managed to survive in this frigid climate.
Lake McDonald
Stop for a great view of this enormous glacial lake and get the history behind its name.
Apgar Village
Find out who built this little village alongside the shores of Lake McDonald.
West Entrance
Your tour concludes just past the west entrance. You may also take this tour in reverse, beginning from the west entrance.

Preview The Tour

Tour FAQs

The best time to visit Glacier National Park is during the summer months from late June to early September when most of the park’s facilities and roads are open.

Yes, the glaciers in Glacier National Park have been shrinking due to climate change and are expected to continue melting.

Yes, you can drive through Glacier National Park on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which offers stunning views of the park’s landscapes.

Yes, Glacier National Park is home to both black bears and grizzly bears. Visitors should take precautions and follow guidelines to ensure safety.

Yes, dogs are allowed in certain areas of Glacier National Park but must be leashed and are restricted from many trails and backcountry areas.

To fully explore Glacier National Park, plan on spending at least 3 to 5 days, although even a shorter visit can be rewarding.

Yes, fishing is allowed in Glacier National Park, but you need to have a valid fishing permit and adhere to park regulations.

Wildfires can occur in Glacier National Park, particularly during dry summer months. Park authorities closely monitor and manage any fire incidents.

Yes, the Northern Lights can occasionally be visible in Glacier National Park, especially in the darker skies of remote areas. However, viewing is not guaranteed and is more common during the colder months.