Glacier National Park: What to Know Before You Go -even in the off season

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The West is Big! Explore It

The West is Big! Explore It

Күн бұрын

Everything you need to know to plan a trip to my favorite National Park. Including transportation within the park, Bear Safety, Lodging, Hiking areas and the best trails. New for this update I'll tell you how to get a Vehicle Reservation Ticket for the Sun Road and how to get in the park without one. Then, I tell you how to minimize the effects of overcrowding during the busy summer season and also the benefits of visiting "off season".
00:00 Intro
01:42 Lodging
02:48 Boat Tours
04:16 Getting There
06:06 Vehicle Reservation Ticket
11:06 Glacier's Website
13:08 Hiking Areas
20:40 Hiker Shuttles and Red Bus Tours
22:52 Trip Itinerary
31:15 Bad Weather Plan
32:28 Wrap Up

Пікірлер: 119
@joxais
@joxais Жыл бұрын
This video is fantastic and very helpful. It'll be my first time going to Glacier in June, and I'm super excited!
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@TheSRMproject
@TheSRMproject Жыл бұрын
This video just saved the Glacier park leg of our summer road trip. Although I booked our campsite 6 months in advance I hadn’t realized how hard vehicle passes would be to get for the park. Sooooo I was able to book a boat tour at Lake McDonald and it includes a day pass for “Going to the sun “ road for the day of the reservation. Thanks for making this video!
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
You're welcome. FYI- I just learned the Sun Road will not be open before 6am this summer. BTW- some use the super like donation link to help assure I can continue to help folks plan their trips. not necessary but nice.
@ethank97
@ethank97 Жыл бұрын
I worked as a bartender this summer at Lake McDonald Lodge. Fell in love with Glacier! Cant wait to go back
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
Well I may have seen you there. I assume you’ve seen my 2hr vid on the park. it starts with this segment so ffd past it
@kikiperales95
@kikiperales95 Жыл бұрын
I'm looking into visiting Glacier NP on my next road trip. I don't have a specific date but this video has been of great help! Thank you and I love the way you narrate!
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
Thanks. I work hard on the Narration. Fyi - you should watch my 2023 update of that video before u go. The vehicle reservation ticket system is much more strict and it’s hard to get in every area of the park without one- unless you’re an early riser. this is important check my new vid and the park website
@TheOldCowboy1952
@TheOldCowboy1952 Жыл бұрын
Always super quality video published on this channel. Thanks for all you do.
@craigmcguire5676
@craigmcguire5676 Жыл бұрын
We are headed to Glacier late summer. Thanks for the great video!! Really well done and can't wait to visit thanks to you.
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
Lucky you! fyi- im releasing an update to this video tomorrow. there’s 2 changes for 2023 that may effect your trip.
@craigmcguire5676
@craigmcguire5676 Жыл бұрын
@@TheWestisBig Thank you for the updates! So helpful! And can't wait for the trip.
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
it’s a great place. i’m updating my 2 hr gnp video this week. it’ll be up by the weekend
@collinmatthews4176
@collinmatthews4176 Жыл бұрын
Steve, your videos are so comprehensive and well done. Hats off to you my man. I went to Glacier for the first time last October and I watched so many of your videos to prepare lol. I will be going back next summer to see more of the park. Thank you for all of the easy to follow information!
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the comment and for subscribing.
@bradenloveland8191
@bradenloveland8191 Жыл бұрын
This was a great video. I really felt like I went on an adventure with you. I appreciate the time and care you spent with this trip
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks it takes a lot of work to make these and its nice to hear the work is appreciated.
@klyyoung2728
@klyyoung2728 Жыл бұрын
We logged in at 7:55am with our account setup from days before. At 8am, 400 spots were available. 30 seconds later, it was down 25 spots. We were very lucky to get a pass. Be on the ball if you want a reservation pass.
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
good to know
@forkintherode8236
@forkintherode8236 Жыл бұрын
Thorough as usual! Nice job and appreciate your passion.
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
Much appreciated!
@mikewhitt4602
@mikewhitt4602 Жыл бұрын
Steve, your videos are always A+.
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
thanks!
@judyhannah5811
@judyhannah5811 Жыл бұрын
Just came across these videos…we are planning a trip in September. These are so informative…we need to watch again and take notes! thank you!
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the comment. Sept is my favorite time to go
@MarkH163
@MarkH163 Жыл бұрын
Thank you, very helpful information!
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
You're very welcome! and thanks for suscribing
@ajleslie2
@ajleslie2 Жыл бұрын
Very thorough! Long lost are the days of randomly heading out and finding a place to stay!
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
👍
@grumpyshorts1056
@grumpyshorts1056 Жыл бұрын
Ha... glaciers gone by 2020!!! Way ta go Gore! Love the video, starting to plan a visit for 2024... we'll see if we can get in! :-)
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
Good luck. Congrats on planning early
@soniamariadefigueiredofern8971
@soniamariadefigueiredofern8971 Жыл бұрын
Hi Steve! I hope better conditions for your next travel! Glacier Park is very important, unique, even if it is a little dangerous without a good travel guide like you! I really appreciate your nice experience to help people have security! Have a great week and good luck for your nice plans! Heloisa
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
The cold rain wasn’t fun but it’s still a great place.
@rizkarinaangrenani2566
@rizkarinaangrenani2566 Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for your efforts and hard work to make this video. I live in Indiana and wish to visit this park in the future
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the. comment!! and recognizing the hard work. Please no they expanded the vehicle reservation system to include Many Glacier and two medicine this year! this is very important. keep checking the park website as the park is very over crowded
@CoryTheRaven
@CoryTheRaven Жыл бұрын
I live in Calgary... We're used to being Banff's airport, but this is the first I've heard of us being Glacier's airport! We're actually heading out TOMORROW for our trip to Glacier that was rescheduled from 2020 AND 2021. It's only two nights, but it'll be amazing and SO good to get back!
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
enjoy! Don't forget to stop at Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump
@beachmom19
@beachmom19 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for your video. We were going to stay at your recommended hotel for our last night, but we got lucky and a room opened up at St Mary's. We are so excited. Thanks for all your info.
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
lucky you! Please let the Mini Golden folks know you watched this video.
@beachmom19
@beachmom19 Жыл бұрын
@@TheWestisBig I told her when I first booked that you had recommended her motel. You actually were there at the time.
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
wow. cool!
@donnajean5372
@donnajean5372 Жыл бұрын
We were there two weeks ago. Beautiful place.
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
It really is!
@brandiashlock7587
@brandiashlock7587 Жыл бұрын
Great video. I would love it if you did a video of only easy/moderate hikes.
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
Here’s a list of easy ones Bullhead Lake, Trail of the Cedars, Lower Grinnell Lake, Swiftcurrent Loop, running Eagle Falls, Hidden Lake(moderate), John’s Lake,
@user-qc7hr4my7r
@user-qc7hr4my7r Жыл бұрын
Just visited Glacier for the first time in July and your videos helped our first visit. We stayed in a cabin in Polebridge and also did some hiking in the Flathead National Forest to get away from the crowds. The road to Bowman Lake is the worse road I’ve ever been on, lol. Also it’s good to have multiple plans since parking is an issue and can be frustrating. Didn’t know much about the shuttles so that will be an option next time. Heading back next August to explore Many Glacier for a week.
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
Many Glacier is the best.
@user-qc7hr4my7r
@user-qc7hr4my7r Жыл бұрын
@@TheWestisBig we got in the first time around 5 pm or so and went straight to Fishercap Lake which is a moose hot spot. We got to see a big bull moose and then caught a black bear walking up on the same trail when we were walking back. The second time went around noon to hike and learned the lot fills up quick so I found a cabin on the same road to Many Glacier for our next trip. Was going to stay at Swift Current Inn but learned that theres no little fridges available in the rooms which I guess is the norm for in park lodging. Appreciate your videos on Glacier, they’ve helped a lot!
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
Yep Fishercap is where my moose shots were taken. My longer vid mentions moose are there nearly every night. forgot to put in this one.
@DC-ok6bk
@DC-ok6bk Жыл бұрын
Great information, footage and inspiration. It seems like you acquired permission to use a drone within the park, thanks for securing this special permission and for sharing these vantage angles. Really helps understand what is there!
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
All the drone shots are outside the park! Didn’t even try to get permission to fly inside the boundary. I suppose I should have put text up stating that. My have to do a quick update so folks don’t think they can in the park.
@DC-ok6bk
@DC-ok6bk Жыл бұрын
@@TheWestisBig No worries… those who would abide by the rule likely already know. Also with the software updates that “ Ground” many drones if they fly into restricted space, the incidents seem to be less reoccurring. Again, impressive work here!
@martinjdesmond
@martinjdesmond Жыл бұрын
Great comprehensive video. Glacier is a great place although I am concerned about the increasing frequency of damaging wildfires.
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
The smoke from wildfires can ruin a trip
@macperkins1467
@macperkins1467 Жыл бұрын
Did Grinnell today. Awesome hike. Thanks for the recommendations.
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
how bad was the smoke?
@macperkins1467
@macperkins1467 Жыл бұрын
@@TheWestisBig It was bad on the drive-in, but once I was out there it really wasn’t an issue. Definitely my favorite hike so far. So much better to get away from the crowd going farther out that way early in the morning
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
Its my fave! great news on the smoke. I’m thinking about going this month.
@macperkins1467
@macperkins1467 Жыл бұрын
@@TheWestisBig I’ll be out here a few more weeks for work.
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
do you work at one of the hotels or MotorInns ?
@travelingfool9096
@travelingfool9096 Жыл бұрын
yes, getting out early is the key. went there in 21 have reservation for the road, but if you don 't get to logon. by 6, parking can be difficult. Be early in. many glacier parking is the same the early driver gets the good spot. ( I did the spectacular Swiftcurrent overlook as well as the tunnel, two of the best hikes there for me) was there 9 days in early July almost perfect weather and a small car is good for parking
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the confirmation.
@soniamariadefigueiredofern8971
@soniamariadefigueiredofern8971 Жыл бұрын
Great video! Heloisa
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
Thanks Heloisa!
@asinhack3333
@asinhack3333 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the detailed explanation. We (a group of 5 from NC) have planned a trip this weekend and this video had all the details we have been looking for. One of the things we plan to do in our trip is stargazing/night sky viewing in Glacier. Is there a video or a blog that we can refer to?
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
down load the app stellarium. and learn where the mts are relative to where u r or want to be
@cynthiamgentles6781
@cynthiamgentles6781 Жыл бұрын
You might consider a portable electric bear fence for camping in bear country. 2.4 lbs for huge peace of mind.
@planbee2285
@planbee2285 Жыл бұрын
love your videos! very informative and inspiring! would love to visit the park and do the highlights but the heights might be a little too much for me. is it worth visiting if you dont do the GTTSR??
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
the east side is great! And we’ll worth it even when the Gttsr isn’t fully open- that’s what I did in June. and- only the alpine section is twisty
@cynthia4388
@cynthia4388 Жыл бұрын
Hi Steve Thanks for the video very helpful!! We are planning a trip next September. Those 5 trail maps would come in handy and i would like to download and print them out but i could not click on the links?
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
You can get them on the park's web site. www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/hikingthetrails.htm
@jamesarnone6797
@jamesarnone6797 Жыл бұрын
Great video! Since construction lasts til 6am is it possible to make Logan Pass parking lot from the west side before it fills up?
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
It will depend on the crowd that day
@atdickey
@atdickey Жыл бұрын
Kinda wish they would do the Alps system like they did in Yellowstone so a person can at least get in at some point
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
Lucky! Be sure to tell the Mini Golden you heard about them because of this video. maybe I'll get comped.
@girl-xf1cu
@girl-xf1cu Жыл бұрын
I’m hoping it’s not too crowded for my solo trip in mid October !
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
Please note the Sun Road closes Oct 1
@Izaguirre96
@Izaguirre96 Жыл бұрын
The wife are planning on going to Montana on June 10th - 18th. The first 3 days will be at Glacier. Did he say the weather is snowy in June?😅 Just a Texan trying to get some insight.
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
Yes i did say it can snow any month of the year. i was there last june and it snowed in the mts. The Sun Road will likely not be open when you’re there. Many trails will also be closed because of snow. Remember to get all the vehicle reservation tickets too. Check the parks website for more info including trail status. btw- im based in Dallas
@ricktalley3820
@ricktalley3820 Жыл бұрын
If I can go in early October what kinds of things and places can and will I be able to see and do please let me know if there is a certain video to watch we have reservations for October 9th thru the 14th 2023 and we are staying 30 minutes from glacier. Thank you in advance.
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
I was there in early Oct in Glacier: The Hiker's National Park revised kzfaq.info/get/bejne/npmkodqYzZzKhJ8.html. The beginning of the video and the Sun Road section includes lots of video and info from that Oct trip. this year the Sun road closed very early due to construction. What u can do depends on weather and related closures. Get to know the park website and check it often as things change
@ricktalley3820
@ricktalley3820 Жыл бұрын
@@TheWestisBig thank you
@tinujatinpatel
@tinujatinpatel Жыл бұрын
Would love to know which trails are short and flat and wheel chair accessible.
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
Only the trail of the Cedars on the west side to truely wheel chair accessible. The Swiftcurrent lake trail is also classified as wheel chair accessible. It's flat and dirt when not muddy I guess I would agree.
@dmerth
@dmerth Жыл бұрын
Planning a trip for the last week of June. I want to hike the Highland trail. Should I be concerned that I won't be able to access that trail head if Logan pass is still closed or does the Going to Sun Road usually open all the way to Logan Pass parking with the remaining road past Logan Pass sometime thereafter?
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
First I think you meant the Highline trail. last year the GTTSR didn't open until the first few days of July (from Memory). I was there in early June last year. I think snow made the trail dangerous. Id check with the Trail Status page on the park website. Last years trail opening date should still be listed. This year they are have average snow fall- so far. In an average year the road will be open by late June. The weather will determine. You can hike up there via Swiftcurrent Pass from Many Glacier- its 2400 feet of climbing and 15.2 miles to Logan Pass from there.
@dmerth
@dmerth Жыл бұрын
@@TheWestisBig Your knowledge of Glacier is astounding! Thank you for the response and AMAZING videos that could easily be sold by the NP service gift shops.
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
Thanks. If i say so myself, my videos have much more info than the ones available in the park. I have decades of instructional Design experience comes in handy.
@dmerth
@dmerth Жыл бұрын
@@TheWestisBig I've dabbled with video editing and learned so much respect for the creators of quality. You've got a full production going with beauty, tips, and humor all rolled in! I can imagine you narrating a travel app. No doubt I'm not the first to say that.
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
thanks for noticing. I have a degree in film and have directed over 100 commercials and numerous other productions for local and national audiences. Too bad i can’t get paid to make travel video guides. maybe one day
@love5283
@love5283 Жыл бұрын
Out of curiosity is it possible to get to Logan pass in early october?
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
I was there in early Oct in 2020 and it was possible to get to Logan Pass. The lot was filled by 7:30am - and that’s when few were traveling. but it depends on weather and construction plans. Check the park website.
@heavysighs
@heavysighs Жыл бұрын
NEXT YEAR in 2023, the time zone permanent change will affect this park. But how, idk. In winter, the Sunrise will be around 9:00 AM.
@gordonpirie6466
@gordonpirie6466 Жыл бұрын
Can’t seem to find the dashboard. Any help on this is appreciated.
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
Google glacier np dashboard. also called general info display. weirdly it was 2 names
@danielfegley2735
@danielfegley2735 Жыл бұрын
I understand limited parking and security checks you need to keep the park pristine no trash , graffiti or invasive plants and animals at the same time it sounds like a lot of hassle maybe I'll park the car outside the park and walk in through the Continental divide no one checks you that way since covid getting into Canada is really tough this summer I was near it but I couldn't get in there you had to have a reservation made 2 months in advance and you had to make it look like you had business up there like it was part of your job to be there you had to have papers proving that you had all your shots that you were not sick at the time and you had to have a plan as to what to do if you got sick while up there if you got sick while you're up there you could not leave until you were well you had to stay in your room, the historic hotel reminds me of The shining
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
I suppose you are aware the Park’s Sun road is the road in the beginning of the shining
@davidblocher1949
@davidblocher1949 Жыл бұрын
I just got back from GNP two weeks and we just got to the park begfore 6am. That reservation is impossible get.
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
I get it. Last week at 8:19 they were still available. Might have been a slow day.
@davidblocher1949
@davidblocher1949 Жыл бұрын
@@TheWestisBig Thanks for your videos. They were super helpful before we left. Cant wait to go back because there is way to much to see in 6 days!
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
So true!
@DarthV3622Fkm
@DarthV3622Fkm Жыл бұрын
Iceberg Lake is only on your second tier? We went to GNP a few years ago and many people we talked to thought that was the best hike in the park. Not trying to start any flaming war but I do wonder why you do not rank it in the first tier.
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
Yeah, I'm not surprised by your comment. The view of the lake is great and lots of folks really like the hike. Most of the route to the lake doesn't match up to the views on the other top Tier trails- like Grinnell Glacier, the HighLine, Bullhead, Dawson Pass, of Siyeh Pass in my opinion. I like being above tree line. Also, my opinion might be tainted a bit by my first visit to the park- a man was mauled badly by a bear on that trail- I saw him after the fact. He was the one being loaded onto the helo. That trail is often closed due to bear activity. My Glacier: the hikers NP vid documents my last hike on the trail that required a delay to wait for a moma and 2 cubs to pass by. Not sure those are good reasons but they're mine.
@DarthV3622Fkm
@DarthV3622Fkm Жыл бұрын
@@TheWestisBig Thanks for your reply. We are going to GNP in 2 weeks and we are staying at Swift Current. We have one week at the park and this is our third visit in 6 years. We are over 55 and although we are in fairly okay shape, we likely would take only one long hike. We can't decide whether we should go on Iceberg or Grinnell Glacier. Your video makes it an easy decision for us. Thanks.
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
If you haven’t already, watch the Grinnell and iceberg segments of my 2hr glacier:hikers nat park vid for more details on those hikes. thanks for subscribing
@carolineriedlinger2904
@carolineriedlinger2904 Жыл бұрын
We just get up and out early, before 6 am so we don't use a ticket.
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
good idea
@Ta1kingDirt
@Ta1kingDirt Жыл бұрын
Check the NPS website and map before doing this. Parts of Going to the Sun road are listed as closed for construction from10pm to 6am. You may be able to enter, but may evemtually hit a roadblock that you can't pass untill after 6am.
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
That's a good point! This year the construction continued until 6am. I'll add that to the update
@jeanhuber5057
@jeanhuber5057 Жыл бұрын
Jun22 …horrible road conditions throughout the park
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
I was there 2nd week in June 22. Roads weren’t bad- sun road only partially open. Are you saying Traffic was horrible?
@jeanhuber5057
@jeanhuber5057 Жыл бұрын
@@TheWestisBig Traffic not as Bad After 4 pm ….. roads, unless one has gotten used to American road conditions, atrocious … even compared to 3rd world or former Iron Curtain countries….
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
hmm. the north fork gravel road is rough gravel but was never meant to be a public road.
@johnsingleton7548
@johnsingleton7548 Жыл бұрын
I was just there last week and a native threw a rock and hit my car from a parking spot on highway 2. yelled some white hate stuff and sped off.
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
hmm. That sucks! Yeah many of the Blackfeet don’t want us there. I had a bad experience- surround by a group demanding money in between yelling white hate. Scary. I’m a bit surprised they took it to that level. i’ll add this info to future vids that will be out soon.
@shaggybx
@shaggybx Жыл бұрын
Motorcycles should be alowed in ridiculous
@TheWestisBig
@TheWestisBig Жыл бұрын
hmm. as far as I know they are. next time I’ll add more motorcycle info. wasn’t on my radar for some reason
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