When to go (Glacier National Park)

[P.W.]

Hey everyone,
Considering going to Glacier national Park this summer.....When is the best time to go and beat, at least some of the traffic?
Thinking late Aug. but not sure if that's to late.....hate to run in snow anytime we're there.

Thanks for your time and help,
P.W.

 

[RICZ]

Snow can still be blocking the roads into July, so late August is a very good time. As far as beating the traffic; if you find out how, pass it on. It ain't gonna happen.

 

[P.W.]

Lol.....ya I figured it would still be busy in late Aug. but MAYBE a little less......thought I would ask.

Take care,
P.W.

 

[JayBros]

I agree with RICZ. I was unable to bicycle Going to the Sun Road in very late June because of heavy snow and avalanches that kept the road closed.

 

[P.W.]

Any idea on what would be considered "to late" in the year to visit with a Spyder?? Trying to hit the "sweet spot" to visit since this will be a one time vaca trip.
Sorry for all the questions....but thanks for the help!

P.W.

 

[pegasus1300]

Go right after Labor Day. A lot of the pressure will be off by then and most stuff will still open.

 

[fatboy]

A group of us will be there aug 19 Will be staying in browning the night before temps should be around 74 for high 48 for low

 

[Snakeyes]

We went during Memorial Day weekend last year (by car) and many roads and passes were closed. I think what pegasus recommended is spot on - after Labor day will get you great weather and less crowds.

 

[2dogs]

After the kids go back to school there's less traffic and no snow.

 

[fulltimer]

Go right after Labor Day. A lot of the pressure will be off by then and most stuff will still open.

I agree but accommodations for staying in the area start closing down right after Labor Day. We went in early July and got lucky, roads were open and weather was good. You will not out guess the traffic. We did it on our Spyder and just had to be careful. Just accept it. Whatever you do, make your reservations early.

 

[P.W.]

Do you guy's think it's to late to make reservations for most places for week of Labor Day?....only 6 months out..... If so, we'll have to plan on 2021.

Take care and thanks for the input!!!
P.W.

 

[RICZ]

You can give it a try. Some places don't allow reservations more than 3 months out, but that's rare.

 

[canamjhb]

Each Spring, the weather is a little different. Most years June and early July can have snow blocked roads and/or thunderstorms. August is prime time for tourists. I agree with previous comments. Go there early Fall right after school starts and before the snow flys. I've been there 4 times and it is truly one of the most beautiful parts of the country. The last time we went from east to west and stayed on the west side. The next day we had a planned extra day for sightseeing. We then retraced our steps and rode from west to east and made a circle down 89, 49, and 2 back to our motel. It was awesome. I highly recommend it. Have fun..... Jim

 

[krakum1967]

Late July, the weather is best, and its warmest, you can also check out Bear Tooth Pass, its incredible. And Yellowstone.

 

[P.W.]

Late July, the weather is best, and its warmest, you can also check out Bear Tooth Pass, its incredible. And Yellowstone.

Thanks for the info about The Bear tooth Hwy.....Looks like were going to do it all....Bear tooth, Yellowstone, Glacier and Waterton .........Can you say 3 week vacation!

Thanks,
P.W.

 

[fatboy]

ill see your three and raise you one

 

[Rogue Hawk]

Go when the glacier is there

 

[newbert]

We went during Memorial Day weekend last year (by car) and many roads and passes were closed. I think what pegasus recommended is spot on - after Labor day will get you great weather and less crowds.

Just be aware that "less crowds" is a relative term. I went in mid-September in 2013 and STILL couldn't find a parking space at Logan Pass. Sometimes it looks to me that nobody works or attends school anymore - They all just travel.

Some places in the area were already starting to close by mid-September as well.

 

[Pirate looks at --]

We went in Mid July last year. It was wonderful. It rained a bit but not bad. DO NOT STAY IN BROWNING! I would highly recommend the "Historic Tamarack" lodge in Hungry Horse Montana. This place is awesome and just a few miles from the West entrance. Again whatever you do, DO NOT stay at the Glacier Peaks Hotel and Casino in Browning!

 

[blacklightning]

Thanks for the info about The Bear tooth Hwy.....Looks like were going to do it all....Bear tooth, Yellowstone, Glacier and Waterton .........Can you say 3 week vacation!

Keep us posted on this. I am planning a cross country trip, starting in NC and going southwestward until I hit the west coast. Then I intend on hitting all the places that you listed above. My time frame is a 6-8 week trip. Hoping to start in late May and end up back in NC sometimes in July.