A common misconception is that Glacier is “closed” once the Going to the Sun Road shuts down for the season. The truth is, this is when the crowds disappear and the magic happens.
Imagine sunsets at Lake McDonald with only a deer family to share it with. Cross country skiing into Two Medicine without seeing a soul, only some fresh mountain lion tracks. Biking or taking a stroll along the closed Going to the Sun road with just an Elk herd for company. Quiet moments of contemplation on the Old Belton Bridge while perfect snowflakes float down slowly from the sky.
These are just a few reasons why Glacier in the winter is pure magic.
Before I gave up my hectic NYC life to chase my dreams in Montana, I really didn’t have much desire to visit Glacier during the winter months. Even some locals had advised me against it, saying that everything was closed down and there was nothing to do. I also heard rumors of months upon months under constant cloud cover. Little did I know that winter was actually Glacier’s best kept secret…. And here are 10 reasons why
1) It’s a winter wonderland.
2) The roads turn into cross country ski trails, and….you get places like Two Medicine all to yourself.
3) You can still hike, just add snowshoes, subtract 500 other people off the trail and add a gorgeous coating of fluffy white snow.
4) Magical sunsets at one of the most popular spots in the park with not another soul to share it with.
5) These guys.
6) If it’s cold enough, the lakes may turn into your own personal skating rink!
7) Sometimes you can even walk on water.
8) You can take a stroll down the middle of the Going to the Sun Road without having to worry about cars, just Elk and occasionally Moose.
9) Towards the end of winter/early spring before the roads open to cars, they turn into bike trails!
10) Did I mention that you often get it all to yourself?!
For more pictures of Glacier and to see my other adventures, you can follow me on Instagram and/or Facebook
Ahh when I have a car next winter I’ll be up!! Can’t wat for some summer adventures again too!
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Winter definitely exceeded my expectations and then some but i’m definitely excited for some summer adventures too! You definitely need to get up here! 🙂
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Awesome post thank so for sharing the experience I can’t wait to get out there!
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That first image for point #3 is epic! (Isn’t that Mount Jackson though?)
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Thank you! The photo is taken from the top of Lincoln Peak but yes that is Mount Jackson you can see.
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Great post Caroline! Will definitely have to make a trip there😃. Great photos too!
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Thanks so much Denn, really appreciate that! It’s definitely a place everyone should see at least once!
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Love seeing you grow from photographer and adventurer, to blogger too! =D
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Aw thanks! I really appreciate all your support 🙂
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Looks awesome Caroline well done
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Thanks Aimee! Hope to get over and visit later this year ❤
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I love the post. Thanks for sharing it with us. One question what are your top 5 national parks in order ?
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Thank you! That’s a tough one as I still have a few to visit which I think would make my top 5. Here are some faves as of now – Glacier, Zion, Yosemite, Tetons and Olympic 🙂
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Fantastic write up Caroline! I love all your photos 😍
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Aw thanks Renee! I really appreciate the love ❤
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Inspiring! Thanks for sharing your experience and beautiful photos.
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Aw so happy you like it! Thank you for following along 💕
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Carol here from @glacier_national_park!!
Fabulous blog Caroline!! Great job! I look forward to seeing more from you! Your photos are amazing as always 💜
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Thanks so much Carol! I really appreciate the kind words 💙
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That’s spectacular. I saw all those places … but not the way you did. Thank you. And, I would be happy to know the grizzlies were less active and less likely to surprise me on the trail. Thanks for visiting Under Western Skies.
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Thank you! And yes that’s definitely another perk of winter! Although I always find it exciting to see grizzlies from a safe distance I definitely dont like surprising them on the trail 😊
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