Spring

in Glacier National Park

ACTIVITIES

BIKING

Biking the Going-to-the-Sun Road before it opens to vehicles is a must-do springtime activity in Glacier. Check the park website for information about plowing progress and avalanche danger. 

A vehicle reservation is required to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road to Avalanche Creek (where most bicyclists start) from May 26, 2023 to the end of the season.

SUNSET & WILDLIFE VIEWING

Apgar Village is a popular place to take in the scenery and wildlife during the spring. The view of Lake McDonald from the shoreline in Apgar is unrivaled and accessible year-round.

Another popular area to explore is the Camas Road. Take a drive along this scenic stretch and keep your eyes peeled for a diverse abundance of wildlife.
 
Always remember to maintain a safe and respectful distance from any wildlife in the park (75 feet from most wildlife, 300 feet from bears). Never approach or feed wildlife, and observe them with binoculars, spotting scopes, or long telephoto lenses.

early season hiking

As a rule of thumb, hiking trails on the edges of the park tend to be snow-free quicker than towards the continental divide or middle of the park.

In the mid to higher elevations, trails are usually under 100 percent snow cover in the spring. Some trails do not melt out completely until late July or early August.

The most popular option during the spring is to park at the vehicle gate closure and hike past the vehicle closure on Going-to-the-Sun Road.

CAMPING

Camping is limited in the spring but available year-round at Apgar and St. Mary Campground. 

There is no running water and flush toilets at either of these campgrounds in late fall, winter and early spring.

Spring backcountry camping can be challenging since many of the campgrounds and trails are still under snow. For more information and to obtain a permit, visit the park’s wilderness page or call 406-888-7800.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Spring is a beautiful and quiet time to be in Glacier National Park. The season arrives later in the year and is still much colder than most places.

By mid to late May, some roads will be open for vehicle travel, with the exception of the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Throughout the year and even in winter, ten miles of Going-to-the-Sun Road are maintained from West Glacier to Lake McDonald Lodge (this section is closed in winter 2022-23 for construction). 

Plowing of Glacier’s roads begins in late March on the east side of the park and by the beginning of April, plow crews turn their focus to Going-to-the-Sun Road. Plowing can take two and a half to three months to complete before the road fully opens.

During this shoulder season, lodging and other guest services are limited in the park but available in neighboring communities. Most of the concession services in the park reopen for the season in late May to early June.

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