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.
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
What You'll See
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Welcome
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Saint Mary Lake
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What's in a Name?
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The Blackfoot Confederacy
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Auto Parks
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Saint Mary Overlook
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Wild Goose Island Overlook
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Settlers Arrive
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Big Beaver Money
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Fool's Gold
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Sun Point Nature Trail
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Red Eagle Mountain
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Geology
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Saint Mary Falls
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We're Going to the Sun
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Jackson Glacier Overlook
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Glaciers
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Piegan Pass Trail
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George Grinnel
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Tree Line
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Hidden Lake Trail
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Logan Pass
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Glacial Formations
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Triple Arches
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Paradise Meadow
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The Weeping Wall
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Bird Woman Falls Overlook
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The Hardy Ptarmigan
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Elk and Sheep
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The Loop
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The West Tunnel
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Forest Fires
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Creating the Park
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Continental Divide
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Lichens
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Trail of the Cedars
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Glacier National Park Goes to War
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John's Lake Loop Trail
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Lake McDonald Lodge
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Marine Life
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Cold-Blooded Critters
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Lake McDonald
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Apgar Village
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West Entrance
Additional Information
What do we do?
Simply put, Action Tour Guide is an audio guide, map, and tour book – all in one app! We are a GPS-enabled app-based tour that narrates information based on your location right on your phone. You can experience our driving and walking tours at your own pace and literally at any time of the day!Â
Lifetime Validity
​Changing travel date? No worries! All individual tours come with lifetime validity.Â
No Network Needed
The tour works offline, so you do not need your phone network to enjoy the tour. However, we do suggest you download the tour at your home, hotel, visitor center, etc., before you head out for a completely immersive experience.
Not an Entry Ticket
This is not an entry ticket. For entry ticket information & information on vehicle reservations, please visit nps.gov.
How many tours should I buy?
Since this is a driving tour, you only need to buy one tour per car.