Summit Mountain
Rugged summit along the Continental Divide; drive-up view with hillside trails.
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An idea to explore—not a must-do.
The full road crossing depends on seasonal access—even in summer.
An idea to explore—not a must-do.
An idea to explore—not a must-do.
Parking fills early in summer; plan to arrive early
Carry bear spray and make noise while hiking
Sunset light often enhances the mountain scenery.
Natural Attraction
Summit Mountain is an 8,775-foot peak on Glacier National Park's Continental Divide. Formed by the Lewis Overthrust with Belt Supergroup rocks pushed over younger strata, it was sculpted by Pleistocene glaciers. The main ascent follows the Autumn Creek Trail from Marias Pass for about 5 miles round-trip, starting near the saddle with Little Dog Mountain and gaining roughly 1,820 ft. The prime window is late June through mid-September; prepare for exposed sections and rapidly changing weather.
MAKE ROOM FOR A MEMORABLE STOP
Is this stop worth your time?
Why go
- What Youll See
- Rugged ridges and high-country terrain, exposed Belt Supergroup rocks, and a Continental Divide viewpoint from Summit Mountain Lodge overlook.
- Unique Characteristics
- Oldest-to-younger rock juxtaposition along the Lewis Overthrust; Belt Supergroup rocks ~1.4–1.6 billion years old exposed near the Continental Divide.
When to go
- Best Visit Times
- Evenings and sunsets; late June through mid-September.
- Peak Fill Times
- Parking fills by early morning during peak season.
Getting there and doing it
- How To Get There
- Drive to Summit Campground area and use the Summit Mountain Lodge overlook; parking is limited, with possible overflow parking during peak season.
- Parking Availability
- Parking is limited and often fills by early morning during the summer. Overflow parking may be available.
Getting there & parking
- Distance From Entrance
- Varies
- GPS Coordinates
- 48°21′14″N 113°22′11″W
When to go
- Best Time To Visit
- Late June through mid-September is best; shoulder seasons May–mid June and mid-September to mid-October offer fewer crowds.
- Sunrise Sunset Quality
- Sunset light often enhances the mountain scenery.
- Best Season
- Late June through mid-September
- Busiest Season
- Summer
- Seasonal Access
- Roads/trails open late June through mid-September; shoulder seasons May–mid-June and mid-September–mid-October have fewer crowds; winter access is limited or closed.
- Road Opening Dates
- Roads typically open in late June; winter closures common.
- Snow Lingering
- Snow linger varies; winter conditions limit access.
- Winter Access
- Winter access limited due to snow; expect closures.
- Weather Patterns
- Rapidly changing mountain weather; cold temperatures; snow and ice persistence; potential afternoon thunderstorms in summer.
What you will experience
- Attraction Type
- Geological Formation
- Main Features
- Lewis Range; Continental Divide; Lewis Overthrust Fault with Belt Supergroup rock exposure
- Photo Opportunities
- Sunset over the Divide from the lodge overlook; long-range panoramas of the mountain face and exposed rock strata.
- Photography Spots
- Summit Mountain Lodge overlook; ridgeline exposures along the Continental Divide.
- Best Viewpoints
- Summit Mountain Lodge overlook; ridge vantage along the Continental Divide.
- Common Wildlife
- Grizzly bears, black bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, deer, elk
- Best Wildlife Times
- Dawn and dusk
- Geological Formation Type
- Lewis Overthrust fault; tectonic uplift; Belt Supergroup rock exposure
- Scientific Interest
- Visible evidence of continental-scale thrust; Belt Supergroup rocks 1.4–1.6 billion years old; proximity to Marias Pass; Bailey Willis's 1901 recognition of the Lewis Overthrust
Facilities, fees & access
- Entry Fees
- Included with park entrance fee
- Restrooms Available
- Yes
- Restroom Type
- Handicapped accessible restrooms at Summit Campground
- Water Available
- Yes
- Cell Service
- Very limited; most areas have no reception
- Accessibility
- Location: Summit Mountain sits at 48°21′14″N 113°22′11″W in Glacier National Park. Access requires a hike via the Autumn Creek Trail from the Marias Pass trailhead. The primary ascent to the Continental Divide from the saddle with Little Dog Mountain is about 5 miles round trip. Parking is at the Marias Pass trailhead on the north side of U.S. Highway 2, near the railroad tracks. Parking is limited in peak season and lots can fill early. From the summit, expansive views include the Great Bear Wilderness, the Flathead Range, the Bob Marshall Wilderness, the central Montana plains, and distant peaks along the Continental Divide.
- Accessibility Level
- Drive-up view; some trails accessible.
- Nearby Services
- Summit Campground facilities; Summit Mountain Lodge
- Nearby Facilities
- Summit Campground restrooms; potable water at Summit Campground; Summit Mountain Lodge viewing area
- Family Friendly Notes
- Exposed edges demand caution; hold hands with children near drop-offs.
Safety
Nearby
- Nearby Attractions
- Continental Divide, Marias Pass, Summit Mountain Lodge, Summit Campground; Belt Supergroup geology
- Connecting Trails
- Continental Divide National Scenic Trail
- Trailheads Here
- Continental Divide National Scenic Trail traverses the upper slopes.
Planning advice
- Insider Tips
- Parking fills early in summer; plan to arrive early
- Carry bear spray and make noise while hiking
- Wear layers and bring traction devices in winter
- Tips Advice
- Parking fills by early morning in summer; arrive early or use overflow.
- Bear spray is highly recommended; make noise on trails to avoid surprise wildlife.
- Dress in layers; ridges cool quickly; traction cleats help in winter.
- Cell service is very limited; download maps and leave a plan with others.
More details
- Park Area
- Glacier National Park
- Elevation Feet
- 8775
- Review Summary
- One 5-star review notes the commanding ridge views and the convenience of drive-up access paired with nearby trails and lodge vistas.
Location
Photos
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need to arrive before 7am to get parking?
Parking is limited and often fills by early morning during the summer; overflow parking may be available.
Is it worth the effort to reach Summit Mountain for the views?
Yes. A drive-up vantage exists at Summit Mountain Lodge, with hiking trails on the upper slopes and a superb Continental Divide perspective.
Is cell service reliable there?
No. Cell service is very limited; plan ahead and download maps.
Can I hike with my dog to the summit area?
Specific leash or pet policies for Summit Mountain aren’t provided here; Summit Campground and lodge areas have clearer facilities—plan accordingly and follow park rules.
Is Summit Mountain accessible for visitors with mobility concerns?
Direct accessibility details for Summit Mountain aren’t specified; Summit Campground provides handicapped facilities, so plan around the campground access and use the lodge overlook for viewing.
Will I see wildlife on the trails?
Wildlife such as grizzly and black bears, mountain goats, and elk inhabit Glacier; carry bear spray, make noise, and maintain distance.
Is there a recommended season to visit for fewer crowds?
Yes—shoulder seasons (May–mid June and mid-September–mid-October) offer fewer crowds; peak summer sees more visitors on the trails and views.
More at Glacier National Park
Pyramid Peak
Granite peak sharpened by glacial ice; scrambling to Pyramid Peak from Pyramid Pass.
Grace Lake
Grace Lake: glacial cirque lake at 3,966 ft, reached via the Logging Lake Trail.
Rising Sun Picnic Area
Pizza with a crispy crust and handmade sauce; big views over St. Mary Lake.
Two Medicine Picnic Area
Huckleberry Shake owns the menu; pancakes arrive in colossal portions.
Monument Falls
215 ft waterfall fed by glacial meltwater; view from Avalanche Lake shore.
Lake McDonald
A west-side lakeshore pause: choose Apgar or Lake McDonald Lodge, then leave room for a separate walk or boat outing.
Sources
- grokipedia.com
- nps.gov
- usgs.gov
- wikipedia.org
- npshistory.com
- mtech.edu
- peakvisor.com
- listsofjohn.com
- bchmt.org
- hikingproject.com
- glacierguides.com
- intrepidtravel.com
- enjoyyourparks.com
- youtube.com
- visitmt.com
- summitmtnlodge.com
- weddingwire.com
- reddit.com
- ultimatemontana.com
- booking.com
- expedia.com
- glaciermt.com
- lonelyplanet.com
- Google Reviews
- YourNPGuide Editorial
Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.
Last updated December 2025. Report an issue.