7 Mistakes to Avoid When Planning A Trip to Glacier National Park

Planning a trip to Glacier National Park and want to make sure it goes smoothly?

That’s smart, because this park is breathtaking, but it’s also remote, seasonal, and full of quirks that can catch first-time visitors off guard.

It’s easy to make mistakes. From showing up without a vehicle reservation to underestimating just how quickly the weather can change, I’ve seen (and made) my fair share of mistakes.

The good news? You don’t have to.

This guide is for anyone planning a first visit to Glacier National Park, or even repeat visitors who want a smoother experience the second time around.

Want a quick heads-up? One of the most common mistakes is assuming the Going-to-the-Sun Road will be open. Spoiler: it often isn’t.

In this guide, I’m sharing the 7 biggest mistakes I’ve seen people make while planning a trip to Glacier National Park, so you can avoid them and focus on what matters: soaking up the jaw-dropping scenery and enjoying your time in the mountains.

Let’s make sure your trip to Glacier National Park gets off to a great start.

Watch these 7 mistakes to avoid when planning your itinerary for Glacier National Park on video:

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#7 Not getting a reservation

Rolling up to Glacier National Park thinking you can wing it without a reservation is a huge mistake.  Glacier is extremely popular, especially during the brief and beautiful summer season. The roads became so clogged that the NPS have implemented a time entry reservation system for most sections of the park during the popular summer period.  And those spots typically sell out in seconds.   

So, be sure to book ahead, and secure a vehicle reservation for Going-to-the-Sun Road, the North Fork, or Many Glacier. It’s like having a golden ticket to nature’s wonderland. , 

➡️ For more information about how to get reservations for Glacier National Park (and what to do if you don’t get one), read my Guide to the Glacier National Park Reservation System. 

#6 Not checking the weather

Assuming the weather in Glacier National Park will play nice with your plans can be a mistake. The park’s epic scenery is best enjoyed with clear skies, but the weather can be very unpredictable and changeable. To make the most of those postcard-perfect views, you’ve got to keep an eye on the forecast and be ready to pivot.  

Reservations can make this difficult, but try to build in some adaptability where possible.  

If you’re blessed with blue skies, make a beeline for those panoramic viewpoints and high-elevation hikes where the vistas are unmatched. But if the weather gods roll in the clouds, have a backup plan. That could mean exploring the cedar forests of the Trail of the Cedars or visiting the park’s informative visitor centers. 

#5 Only driving the Going to the Sun Road section

Thinking the Going-to-the-Sun Road is the be-all and end-all of Glacier National Park is another big mistake. Sure, it’s definitely the headliner with its jaw-dropping vistas, but limiting yourself to just this stretch is like going to a buffet and only hitting the salad bar – you’re missing out on a lot of other great stuff!

Branch out to other sections like the Many Glacier area, where you can spot moose and bear, and hike to some seriously stunning spots like Grinnell Glacier.

Over in Two Medicine, you’ll find a quieter slice of paradise with trails leading to gem-like lakes and waterfalls. 

And let’s not forget the North Fork, the less-traveled side of the park that’s perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and find some solitude among the stars.

Each section of Glacier National Park has its own unique flavor and highlights, so spread your wings and explore all the corners of this majestic park. Your inner adventurer will thank you for it.

#4 Staying in your vehicle

Not venturing out into Glacier National Park’s wilds is another mistake – and it’s easy to avoid. Trust me, the real magic happens when you step outside. While Glacier is home to one of the most (justifiably) famous drives in the entire country, this park isn’t just about scenic drives; it’s an outdoor playground begging to be explored.

So if you’re able, leave the comfort of your car and hit the trails – there’s a hike for every level, from the easy strolls around Lake McDonald to the thigh-burning trek up to Iceberg Lake.

➡️ READ MORE: Best Hikes in Glacier National Park

If you’re into water adventures, take a boat tour on one of the park’s many glacial lakes. Want a unique view? Hop on a Red Bus tour for some history and stunning sights, or saddle up for a horseback ride through the wilderness.

Whatever you choose, just remember: Glacier National Park is an immersive experience. You can’t fully appreciate its grandeur or whispering pines from behind a windshield.

#3 Underestimating the hikes

While hiking Glacier National Park’s stunning trails is a truly wonderful way to experience, thinking Glacier National Park’s trails are a walk in the park (pun intended) is a mistake. These are the mountains after all, and it’s easy to bite off more than you can chew.

There are easy trails, but before you tackle any of the trails, I really recommend doing your homework. Check out the hike profiles, know the elevation gains, and respect the distance. A trek to Hidden Lake Overlook might sound like a leisurely jaunt, but the elevation can leave you more tired than you anticipated. And remember, the Highline Trail is a high-altitude challenge, not a high-five-and-you’re-done deal.

Pack plenty of water, snacks, and layers, because the weather can turn faster than a plot twist. And most importantly, know your limits. It’s better to enjoy a hike within your comfort zone than to turn your adventure into an unintended survival reality show. 

#2 Not packing for all conditions

Glacier National Park’s weather can be a fickle friend, serving up a smorgasbord of conditions in a single day. You might start your morning with a crisp chill, get a side of midday sunshine, then finish with an evening sprinkle or even a dusting of snow in higher elevations, regardless of the season. 

To truly enjoy the park’s diverse offerings, you need to come dressed for an all-you-can-weather buffet. That means layers, layers, and more layers.  

Throw in a waterproof jacket, some sturdy, breathable hiking boots, and moisture-wicking clothing to keep you comfortable from dawn to dusk. Don’t forget a hat and gloves – they’re the cherry on top of your well-prepared outfit.  

With the right gear, you’ll be ready to embrace whatever comes your way, leaving you free to feast on the park’s natural beauty. 

➡️ Check out my detailed National Parks Packing Lists 

#1 Not Having a Detailed (& Flexible) Plan

Glacier National Park is massive, wild, and full of jaw-dropping beauty. So, it’s not the kind of place you can just show up and wing it. With over 700 miles of trails, scenic drives like Going-to-the-Sun Road, and multiple regions that aren’t all connected by road, having a detailed plan is essential if you want to make the most of your time.

But planning isn’t just about squeezing in the highlights. It’s also about being prepared for things to change. Snow can linger on high-elevation trails well into summer, roads can close unexpectedly, and parking fills up fast in popular areas like Logan Pass.

That’s why flexibility is just as important as having a solid itinerary. Build in backup hikes and alternate activities so you can shift gears without stress.

I’ve put together a detailed Glacier National Park itinerary to help you see the best of the park and stay adaptable. Trust me – having a plan (and a Plan B) will help you spend less time worrying and more time soaking in the epic views.

➡️ Check out my detailed Glacier National Park Itineraries if you want some help with your itinerary planning. There are 1, 2, 3 and 4-5 – day options. They have detailed hour-by-hour schedules with different options for different activity levels.

Travel Insurance

You should, of course, always have travel insurance, but especially when doing things like hiking.  You just never know what will happen.  Travel insurance also covers things like lost or stolen property, trip cancellation, and emergency repatriation. If you want to learn more about all this, check out my Guide to Buying Travel Insurance (on my other blog) before getting your insurance. 

➡️ A great insurance option is Travelex.  It has coverage for all you’ll need. You can compare Travel Insurance plans here or get a quote right now:

Additional Planning Resources for Glacier National Park

⭐ 15 Tips For Visiting Glacier National Park
⭐ Guide to Glacier National Park Ticketed Entry
⭐ The Best Hikes in Glacier National Park
⭐ How to Get to Glacier National Park
⭐ When is The Best Time To Visit Glacier National Park?
⭐ Visiting Glacier National Park: What To Expect Throughout the Year
⭐ The Airports Near Glacier National Park
⭐ The Closest Airport To Glacier National Park
⭐ 10 Fun Facts About Glacier National Park

Enjoy your trip to Glacier National Park! I hope this Glacier National Park trip planner helped. Do you have any other tips for planning a vacation to Glacier National Park? I’d love to hear about them.  Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more).  

If you liked this article about how to plan your Glacier National Park visit, Pin It to your Glacier National Park board!

About the Author

James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.

He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.

Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for many of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, and other resources will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.

As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Newsweek, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.

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