Getting There & Around

Getting There & Around

On the east, U.S. 89 accesses Many Glacier and St. Mary; Route 49 reaches Two Medicine. On the west, U.S. 2 goes to West Glacier. The nearest airports are in Great Falls and Kalispell, Montana.

The roads are either paved or gravel and deteriorate from moisture freezing and thawing. Drive slowly and anticipate that rocks and wildlife may be around the corner. Road reconstruction is part of the park experience, as there are only a few warm months in which road crews can complete projects. Scenic pullouts are frequent; watch for other vehicles pulling in or out, and watch for children in parking areas. It's also courteous to pull over if you are traveling slowly and there are cars behind you. Most development and services center around St. Mary Lake on the east, and Lake McDonald on the west.

Glacier Park, Inc. operates a shuttle along the Going-to-the-Sun Road from July 1 to Labor Day. Buses make stops at major trailheads, campgrounds, and other developed areas between Lake McDonald Lodge and Rising Sun Motor Inn. For schedules and fares call 406/226-4041 or see www.glacierparkinc.com. Reservations are suggested. To get between the parks, take Chief Mountain Highway from June to September.