Hi. I'm going to be in glacier for 2 days next week, and i have no idea where to spend my time. Is it best just to drive through, or to get out and hike? That's just one of my questions. Any info is welcome. Thanks a million.

Going to the Sun Road is one of the most spectacular drives in the US. You will see a LOT of beauty if you do nothing but drive this road. However, you will see a lot MORE, better, and isolated beauty if you get out of your car and walk!! Even walking ten minutes away from the roads will enhance the beauty immensely. Check out

www.nps.gov/glac

for more info.

I agree with the above message. I was there last wk. We stopped overnight (while on a cross-country train trip) and it was definitely worth the stop! I am a big chicken with heights, so we didn't go all the way up, but it is spectacular just driving and stopping and walking along McDonald Creek, which roars along the road. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the beautiful (spititual, I thought) surroundings.

During the '96 Atlanta Olympics, my 20yr old son and I left Atlanta and went to Glacier for a week of hiking and stayed in various B&B's. Drive "Going to the Sun" at least once but get a hiking trail map in the park and hike as many trails as possible. Some are short and easy and some are long and more difficult. This trip was in the top 5 highlights of my life. A combo hike and return raft trip down the Flatrock river was super also.
Have fun.
Dr. Mike

JUST VISITING GLACIER IS A CHANCE OF A LIFETIME. ANYTHING YOU DO IS CORRECT. GOING TO THE SUN HIGHWAY IS NO LESS THAN SPECTULAR, HIKING ANY TRAIL WOULD BE FANTASTIC IF ONLY FOR 1/2 HOUR. IT IS ONE OF THE MOST INSPIRING PLACES I HAVE EVER BEEN. ENJOY

The Sun Road is fabulous. But, you have to walk to really enjoy the park. I can name many hikes I have personally taken.

I can recommend several, but it would help to know your stamina level and hiking zeal.

I assume you like parks like Glacier or you would not go.

Email me and I will fill you in.
I have three favorites; 2 of them long.

For a really varied one, take the Highline Trail north from Logan Pass. You can cut this one off at any point. The initial part of the trail is cut into the Garden Wall (a glacial ridge) that is the
trademark of Glacier. If you walk along it about four miles, you will have spectacular views all the way out and all the way back. The return trip is headed toward Logan Pass and it is spectacular.

The other two are from the Many Glacier area.
1. Take the Grinnell Glacier hike. It is long however. You will need food and water.

2. Take the Iceberg Lake trail. It leads to a lake that now thaws totally in the summer. The distance is 10 miles round trip. The mountains rise straight up over your head about 3,000 feet worth.
It is spectacular.

I can name some more, but these will do for starters.
I am happy to respond; I enjoy it.