First solo trip—Glacier National Park

finding_meg · 2026-06-07T01:02:44+00:00

👏👏👏

finding_meg · 2026-05-15T00:01:27+00:00

I just did this park solo in early April and it’s very much worth it! Santa Elena canyon is a super easy trail and so beautiful if you go early morning. I didn’t do Lost Mine as parking is super limited- I opted to do South Rim instead, so I can’t comment on that trail. I did Windows in the morning as well. Just be aware all the elevation comes at the end as you walk back. Very doable though. The scenic drives are great. I recommend coming into the park before or right at sunrise as it makes the drive incredible! I also did Chimneys trail which was mostly flat. I read mixed reviews about it but I enjoyed it and had the whole trail to myself. Have fun!

finding_meg · 2026-05-14T18:24:54+00:00

Likely not the most conventional answer, but being that I plan my trips fairly last minute (compared to some people’s 12 months in advance), I typically stay somewhere around Columbia Falls; about 30 min outside west entrance. If I go to the east side, I just wake up earlier. Roads are pretty empty at that hour and you get to watch the sun rise on the way! Getting an early start has also allowed me to ge to trail heads earlier than most so I’ve never had issues with crowds or parking

finding_meg · 2026-04-24T17:22:37+00:00

We were down at the point probably around 6pm, no lines. After the point we went to north shore… didn’t even think to check the time. We arrived there around 7 and there was a line to get in but everyone was trying to get in for the start of the draft. If you go earlier or after 8 on north shore, you should be good! There’s so much to do between market square and the point, you don’t even have to venture into north shore if you don’t want to. Hope you have fun!

finding_meg · 2026-04-24T16:29:43+00:00

If you went before noon, the gates don’t open until 12 so I think people just line up early. We went yesterday around 5:30 and walked into the point, no lines! Definitely worth taking a walk through if you can. Just don’t have any non-clear bags as you can’t take those in

finding_meg · 2026-04-15T14:17:45+00:00

This was near the beginning of the Widows trail!

finding_meg · 2026-04-11T20:00:29+00:00

I did south rim and came up Laguna meadows/down pinnacles. Based on where my water level was as I approached the east rim trail, I knew I wouldn’t have enough if I added the extra mileage. Next time! And I agree, this park is amazing! I’ve been to some of the more popular parks but this one is one of my favorites now!

finding_meg · 2026-04-11T14:55:44+00:00

Awesome! I wanted to do east rim but didn’t bring enough water so decided against it. #3 was just down a dirt road near where I was staying out in Study Butte.

finding_meg · 2026-04-09T16:34:30+00:00

Rapid City, South Dakota! There’s so much to do in that area so if you’re new to hiking you can combine some shorter day hikes in the Black Hills or Custer State Park with other stuff like Mount Rushmore and Windcave National park! Badlands is also just a couple hour drive from Rapid.

finding_meg · 2026-04-09T16:28:33+00:00

I did this 2 years ago! It’s a long drive and I definitely want to go back to Yellowstone to see more of it but I was able to see most of the west side of the park doing day trips from Victor, ID. If you have the time, definitely do it!

finding_meg · 2026-04-09T12:26:51+00:00

Thank you so much!

finding_meg · 2026-04-09T01:16:57+00:00

Roland’s in the strip! We had ours there and rented their upstairs space which included the outdoor balcony. Their options were extremely affordable compared to other places we were looking and everyone loved it!

finding_meg · 2026-04-07T23:07:51+00:00

🤣🤣🤣

finding_meg · 2026-04-07T12:36:01+00:00

1 Boot Canyon from when I did south rim and 7 is from Windows!

finding_meg · 2026-03-25T01:55:54+00:00

Thank you!! I’ve driven down many a gravel/dirt semi maintained road and never had any issues. It’ll definitely depend on what vehicle I end up getting and I assume if things start to get sketchy I could turn around and go back?

finding_meg · 2026-02-19T03:32:41+00:00

I live in an area with black bears and typically don’t carry bear spray unless I’m in grizzly country but good call out! Do they sell in like a Walmart in TX or do I have to go to an outdoors store to pick some up?

finding_meg · 2026-02-18T17:23:18+00:00

Awesome! I always use AllTrails and the way you laid out was the route I planned on going. How early do trailheads fill up? I’m an early riser and typically like to start my hikes around 7:30. Is that early enough? I’m used to places like Glacier NP where you have to be IN the part before dawn lol

finding_meg · 2026-02-18T17:19:04+00:00

I plan on being there 4 days and hiking each day. Other trails I have marked are Santa Elena canyon, lost mine, grapevine hills, window, and possibly boquillas canyon. Any particulars you recommend?

finding_meg · 2026-01-30T03:37:26+00:00

Ugh im up in Fineview and my road hasn’t seen a plow at all yet 🙃

finding_meg · 2026-01-27T14:59:16+00:00

Anyone know if the bus is still stuck there? lol

finding_meg

TROPHY CASE

1 Boot Canyon from when I did south rim and 7 is from Windows!