Location Information Operating Hours News Programs/Activities Reservations Visitation Trails/Roads Food/Concessions Accessibility Other Attractions Additional Info. Lodging Info. Local Weather

Visitation

Visitor Impacts

1,720,805 visits to Glacier National Park were recorded in 1996.

Visitation in Glacier National Park, like many mountain parks in the west, follows seasonal weather patterns. Although open year-round, long cold winters restrict the bulk of visitor use to the months of June, July, August and September. Many visitors are increasingly finding the "off season" (fall, winter and spring) a rewarding time to visit. Less crowded conditions and increased opportunities for wildlife sightings are just a few of the benefits of a visit during the other months of the year.

Visitor Center

Park Rangers at the Apgar, Logan Pass, and St. Mary Visitor Centers and the Many Glacier Ranger Station are on duty throughout the summer months to answer questions and provide information.

The Apgar and St. Mary Visitor Centers provide gateway orientation for park visitors. Both have large relief maps of the park and exhibits relating to the geologic history and biological diversity found throughout the park. The St. Mary Visitor Center has an introductory slide program that is shown throughout the day.

The Logan Pass Visitor Center houses a new alpine ecology exhibit installed in 1993. Displays enlighten park visitors to conditions encountered by plants and animals in the one third of Glacier that is above tree line.

Staff at the Many Glacier Ranger Station provide visitors with hiking and trail information as well as general information about the park.

Climate

Glacier's weather is as varied as its landscape. In the valleys daytime temperatures can exceed 90 degrees F. Up slope, in areas above tree line, it is frequently 10 to 15 degrees cooler. Strong winds predominate on the east side of the park. Overnight lows throughout the park can drop to near 20 degrees F, and snow can fall anytime. In August of 1992, a foot of snow fell on the northeastern corner of Glacier.

Prepare for a variety of weather conditions and pack accordingly. You may start the day in a T-shirt and shorts and need a parka by evening. Dress in layers.

Summer rainfall averages around two to three inches per month.