Glacier National Park is open year-round, and fall offers a season all its own. Glacial-carved valleys and mountainsides shift into shades of gold, adding depth and color to the already dramatic landscape. With fewer visitors and excellent opportunities for birding and wildlife watching, it’s one of the most rewarding times to explore. Plus, vehicle reservations are not required to enter the park after September 28, 2025. Here are our top eight reasons to visit Glacier in its golden season.
SCENIC DRIVES
Chase fall colors and take in the golden alpine forests that line Glacier’s valleys and hillsides. With landscapes ranging from jagged peaks to wide-open meadows, the park offers some of the most memorable drives in the region.
One favorite is Looking Glass Road, a winding route on the Blackfeet Reservation east of the park. It offers views into Two Medicine and a chance to spot wildlife, like bears and moose, in the valleys below. On the west side, the Hungry Horse Reservoir Loop circles the water on a gravel route, with overlooks of Hungry Horse Dam and plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities. Sometimes the best way to experience Glacier is as simple as a scenic drive.
WILDLIFE WATCHING
One thing that makes Glacier National Park so special is the abundance of wildlife; the park is home to 19 large mammals, including bear, moose and bighorn sheep. As one of the most intact ecosystems in the lower 48 states, there are countless opportunities to view animals in their natural habitat.
In fall, deer, elk and moose are in rut and bears enter hyperphagia (a stage where they eat and drink nonstop to gain weight before hibernation), making it one of the most active seasons for wildlife viewing. As always, remember that wildlife is just that—wild. Stay safe by respecting their space.
BIRDING
Glacier National Park’s well-preserved landscape makes for prime bird habitat—its skies graced with soaring raptors, its lakes and rivers alive with waterfowl and shorebirds, and its meadows and woodlands filled with songbirds. One bird you might spot in fall is the golden eagle—one of North America’s largest and fastest birds of prey—as thousands migrate through the park each year. Be sure to download a Glacier National Park bird checklist before your birding adventure.
BOATING
Glacier National Park is home to some of the clearest waters in the Rocky Mountains. Among its towering peaks, you’ll find expansive lakes, including Lake McDonald, Bowman and Kintla lakes (in the North Fork area), Sherburne and Swiftcurrent lakes (in the Many Glacier area), plus St. Mary Lake and Two Medicine Lake. Exploring the park by boat offers a unique perspective on its serene shorelines and mountain backdrops.
Vessels are permitted on park waters on the west side of the Continental Divide until October 31 and on the east side until the last Thursday in September. All watercraft launched in Glacier National Park must undergo an inspection for aquatic invasive species (AIS) before entering the water.
BIKING
Biking provides a fresh perspective and a breath of mountain air. Ride the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, where each curve reveals sweeping views of glacial valleys and towering peaks. For a quieter experience, try Camas Road, which winds through forests and open valleys, offering a peaceful escape. Families often enjoy the Apgar Bike Path, a gentle route near the village that’s great for riders of all ages. E-bikes are also available to rent, offering a fun way to cover more ground with ease. Read more about restrictions and safety while biking in Glacier National Park.
HIKING
Hiking provides an intimate way to experience Glacier National Park. In the fall, cooler temperatures and quieter trails make it a rewarding time to explore the park’s 734 miles of trails. Walk beneath ancient western red cedars on the Trail of the Cedars, take in wide-open views from Firebrand Pass, or look out over alpine lakes and rugged peaks from the Hidden Lake Overlook. Wherever you go, fall adds crisp air, colorful foliage and a sense of solitude.
CAMPING
Set up camp at one of the park’s front-country campgrounds: Apgar, Bowman, Kintla, St. Mary, Two Medicine or Many Glacier. As a designated Dark Sky Park, Glacier offers incredible night skies, with countless stars visible right from your campsite. Please note that each campground has its own reservation requirements and closing dates, and they are all at “primitive” status this time of year.
SHOULDER SEASON PRICING
Take advantage of shoulder season prices and less crowded destinations. Open year-round, LOGE Glacier National Park in Essex offers a blend of outdoor adventure and modern comfort, along with on-site gear rental for every season. If you’re looking for a guided hike, rock climbing or backpacking excursion, Glacier Adventure Guides operates year-round in and around Glacier National Park. The Glacier Institute also offers guided fall hikes in the park.
Exploring Glacier National Park in the fall is a rewarding experience, especially for travelers who enjoy self-guided tours and spotting more wildlife than people. Autumn provides a quieter, off-the-beaten-path chance to see this part of the Crown of the Continent. Before you go, keep in mind that the Going-to-the-Sun Road typically closes for the season in early October, or earlier if weather dictates, and most lodging, restaurants and concession services in the park close by mid-October.
Please note: We ask that all our visitors and residents recreate responsibly by being mindful of the following: know before you go; plan ahead; play it safe; leave no trace; tread lightly; and help build an inclusive outdoors.
September 8, 2025
Related: Amtrak, Biking, Birding, Boating, Camping/RVing, Columbia Falls, Essex, Fall Fun, Family Fun, Fishing, Getting Around, Glacier National Park, Hiking, Montana, Parks, Road Trips, Stay, Vacation, Wildlife
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