Best Scenic Overlooks in Glacier National Park

Per NPS.gov, Logan Pass is the highest elevation point on Going-to-the-Sun Road and the only vehicle crossing of the Continental Divide in the park. The Logan Pass Visitor Center has ranger staff, restrooms, and a bookstore. Mountain goats are frequently spotted in the immediate parking area — no hike required to see wildlife.

Starts at the Logan Pass Visitor Center. The first half of the trail follows a raised boardwalk across the alpine meadow — protecting the fragile vegetation while giving unobstructed wildlife views. At the overlook platform, Hidden Lake sits 755 feet below in a bowl carved by glaciers. The trail continues down to the lake if you want to extend the hike (3 miles total from Logan Pass, 1,360 ft gain).

Located on Going-to-the-Sun Road on the east side of the park, just west of the Saint Mary entrance station. The pullout holds a few vehicles — if full, continue west a short distance and loop back. Sunrise and sunset are prime times: morning turns the peaks golden from the east; evening light paints them pink from the west. The lake is 9 miles long and the island sits near the center, framed by 8,000+ foot peaks on both sides.

Located on the east side of Going-to-the-Sun Road, just east of Logan Pass. NPS interpretive panels at the pullout compare historical photos to the current glacier extent. In peak summer the ice is clearly visible from the road. Binoculars reveal crevasses and blue ice in the upper cirque. Per NPS.gov, the park had 150 named glaciers in 1850; fewer than 25 remain active today.

Located on Going-to-the-Sun Road about halfway up the west side, before the road enters the narrow upper section where large vehicles are restricted. The Loop pullout is a free shuttle stop, making it easy to use as a drop-off for the 4-mile hike up to Granite Park Chalet or as a pick-up point after descending from Logan Pass via the Highline Trail. The valley views from the guardrail are wide and largely unobstructed.

Located on the west side of GTSR above The Loop, the viewpoint is a small pullout on the mountain (inside) side of the road. The falls are fed by snowmelt from Bird Woman Cirque high above, so peak flow hits in June and July. By late August, the flow reduces significantly. Binoculars help because the falls are set back from the road — the cascade is visible but small without them.

Located on the west side ascent of Going-to-the-Sun Road above The Loop, the Weeping Wall is a permanent geological feature — water filters through the porous rock year-round. In winter it becomes a massive ice formation when the road is closed. Summer visitors can park at nearby pullouts and walk under the cascade — it is cold, mineral-rich, and free. The flow is heaviest June through July.

Many Glacier Road branches northeast off US-89 and ends at the Many Glacier Hotel — a historic red-roofed lodge at Swiftcurrent Lake. From the shoreline you look straight up at Allen Mountain, Mount Grinnell, and the hanging glaciers above Grinnell Lake. NPS runs boat tours from this area daily during summer. See our Many Glacier Road scenic drive guide for the complete route breakdown and tips.

The Sun Point trailhead is on the south side of Going-to-the-Sun Road near Saint Mary on the east side of the park. A 0.7-mile path follows the lakeshore to the rocky overlook. The views take in the full length of Saint Mary Lake, Divide Mountain, and the peaks of the Lewis Range in both directions. The trail continues to Baring Falls, an additional 0.7 miles through forest with a dramatic waterfall payoff.

Located on US Highway 2 on the south boundary of Glacier National Park, about 3 miles east of Essex, Montana. Mountain goats gather at the clay cliff face from May through early July to consume minerals — particularly sodium and calcium — that are scarce in their winter range. Per NPS.gov, this is one of the most reliable wildlife viewing spots in the park. Spotting scopes help — the goats are on the far cliff across the river.