Glacier National Park construction

Question

We are planning a trip to Glacier in early September and just read about the limited access to Many Glacier valley. Not being familiar with the park, how will it effect our visit? What will we not be able to do? Does it effect driving the Going to the Sun road?

Answer

It's great that you're planning a trip to Glacier National Park! However, it's important to be aware that there will be some construction in the Many Glacier Valley area in early September, and this could impact your visit in a few ways. Here's a breakdown of what to expect:

Many Glacier Valley Access: Due to ongoing construction, access to Many Glacier Valley will be limited, particularly to the Many Glacier Hotel and surrounding areas. You may experience detours or some closures, which could prevent you from getting to some of the iconic spots in that part of the park. This could affect access to hiking trails like Grinnell Glacier and Iceberg Lake, which are both incredibly popular.
Alternative Hiking Locations: While Many Glacier will be affected, there are plenty of other incredible hiking opportunities in Glacier National Park, such as:
- Logan Pass: Located along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, Logan Pass offers access to the famous Hidden Lake Trail and Highline Trail, both of which offer spectacular views and are accessible in early September.
- Lake McDonald: This area offers some fantastic shorter hikes and is a scenic spot to relax and enjoy the beauty of the park, especially in the early fall.
- Two Medicine: A bit off the beaten path but a gorgeous part of the park with lovely hikes and lake views.
Going-to-the-Sun Road: The good news is that the Going-to-the-Sun Road itself will not be closed due to the construction in Many Glacier Valley. This road remains a highlight of Glacier National Park, offering stunning views of the park's landscapes, waterfalls, and wildlife. However, there may be short delays or one-lane traffic due to construction in other parts of the park, but these shouldn't significantly impact your drive along this iconic route.
Shuttle Services: If you're planning to take any shuttle buses, be sure to check if any routes are affected by construction. There may be changes or delays depending on the areas under construction.

In summary, while the construction in Many Glacier Valley may limit your access to some areas, it won't impact your ability to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road. You'll still have plenty of other areas of the park to explore, such as Logan Pass and Lake McDonald, which offer amazing hiking and scenic experiences. Be sure to check for any real-time updates on closures or detours as your trip approaches to ensure you're fully prepared.

Overall, Glacier National Park is a stunning place, and even with the construction, you’ll have an incredible time taking in its natural beauty!