09/13/2023
When is the best time to visit Glacier National Park?
Right now!
September has always been my favorite time of year to visit, for several reasons...
🚗 Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTTSR) is fully open, and no longer requires reservations after the first part of the month. The general rule is that you need reservations for 1 week following Labor Day weekend.
👨👩👧👧 People largely view this as a signal that the season's over, so park crowds get dramatically lower when the reservation period ends.
🍂 The weather is FANTASTIC. With that said, I have been snowed in Glacier in June, July, and September 🤣 soooooo pack plenty of 'just-in-case' pieces.
🐻 It's the best season for spotting wildlife! Of course, be extremely cautious and give animals a LOT of room when you do see them.
🥾 It's also the BEST hiking season. Trails are open and clear of snow, waterfalls are flowing from snowmelt, and fall foliage starts early here.
Keep in mind that GTTSR historically closes the 3rd Monday in October, but has occasionally closed earlier. Again, September is best! 🍁