Trip Report: Many Glacier Campground and Going to the Sun Road
When: 08/1/2017
Location: Many Glacier Campground and Going to the Sun Road
Conditions: Mid 70's daytime. Mid 50's night. Sunshine and patchy clouds.
Duration: 3 days/2 nights
Difficulty: Depends on the your choice of trail.
Kid Friendly: No
Pet Friendly: No
Useful links:
www.nps.gov
www.hikinginglacier.com
The Full Report:
For the last stop on my two-week journey through the Rockies, I departed Canada into Montana to meet two friends at Many Glacier Campground.
Pro tip 1, plan your trip well in advance. Half the sites within this campground can be reserved ahead of time. The rest are first come first served and how many spots open up per day is dependent on how many people leave. Cars show up at 4am during the peak summer season to ensure getting an open spot.
If you want access to the best trails within the park, whether your adventure includes single day trips or a backcountry itinerary, Many Glacier is the place to be. The campground is nice and includes all the amenities you would expect. Showers are also available behind the Motor Inn and there is a small general store if you forget anything.
Any of the trails starting from Many Glacier are worth doing. All offer fantastic views and I was lucky enough to see some of the locals (bear and moose) while out and about.
The other well-trafficked highlight within Glacier National Park is the Going to the Sun Road. If you have less time to spend or perhaps are just passing through, this is the road to take. Minimal effort and maximum view reward. The road itself also offers access to some of the most popular trails within the park and the increased effort is always worth the reward. I drove the road from east to west after departing Many Glacier Campground en-route back to Portland. Even if you do no plan on doing any hiking be sure to budget several hours for photo opportunities, enjoyment of the views, and traffic.
The Full Report:
For the last stop on my two-week journey through the Rockies, I departed Canada into Montana to meet two friends at Many Glacier Campground.
Pro tip 1, plan your trip well in advance. Half the sites within this campground can be reserved ahead of time. The rest are first come first served and how many spots open up per day is dependent on how many people leave. Cars show up at 4am during the peak summer season to ensure getting an open spot.
If you want access to the best trails within the park, whether your adventure includes single day trips or a backcountry itinerary, Many Glacier is the place to be. The campground is nice and includes all the amenities you would expect. Showers are also available behind the Motor Inn and there is a small general store if you forget anything.
Any of the trails starting from Many Glacier are worth doing. All offer fantastic views and I was lucky enough to see some of the locals (bear and moose) while out and about.
The other well-trafficked highlight within Glacier National Park is the Going to the Sun Road. If you have less time to spend or perhaps are just passing through, this is the road to take. Minimal effort and maximum view reward. The road itself also offers access to some of the most popular trails within the park and the increased effort is always worth the reward. I drove the road from east to west after departing Many Glacier Campground en-route back to Portland. Even if you do no plan on doing any hiking be sure to budget several hours for photo opportunities, enjoyment of the views, and traffic.