Glacier National Park in May: Weather, Trails & What to Expect
90%+ fewer visitors, peak waterfalls, a cyclist's window on Going-to-the-Sun Road, and wildlife at their most active — here's what's open and how to layer for 30°F daily swings.
May is one of Glacier's best-kept secrets. You'll have trails nearly to yourself, bears actively foraging after hibernation, snowmelt-fed waterfalls roaring at full volume, and cyclists claiming Going-to-the-Sun Road before cars arrive. Trade-offs: most lodges stay closed until June, weather swings 30°F in a single day, and high-elevation trails remain buried in snow.
- $35 entrance fee per vehicle (7 days)
- 48–67°F highs; 29–35°F lows
- 38% rain/snow probability any day
- 90%+ fewer visitors vs. peak season
Avalanche Lake — West side · Lake McDonald area
Best in MayGlacier's best May hike — cedar forest lush from runoff, waterfalls at peak snowmelt volume, and dramatic cliffs reflected in clear water.
- Trail of the Cedars section is lush and verdant from early May onward
- Waterfalls visible from the shoreline at maximum spring flow
- Start before 8 a.m. to have it nearly to yourself even in late May
- Reliable trail accessibility — lower elevation means earlier opening than alpine routes
The combination of old-growth forest, roaring water, and dramatic cliffs makes this the most rewarding May hike in the park. The atmosphere is fresh and alive — everything freshly green from snowmelt.
Going-to-the-Sun Road by Bike — Park-wide · Scenic corridor
Unique May opportunityThe premier cycling window of the year — ride car-free on plowed sections before vehicle season opens in June, with zero traffic and spring scenery.
- Bike-only window typically runs late May through early June before vehicle season opens
- Check nps.gov/glac for current bike restrictions by road section — not all plowed sections allow bikes simultaneously
- Rent from Glacier Outfitters in Apgar Village if you don't bring your own bike
- Lower sections (West Glacier to Lake McDonald Lodge, St. Mary to Rising Sun) open first; upper Logan Pass section stays closed until full plowing
This is widely considered the best biking window in Glacier's entire year. You get spring scenery and pristine road conditions with complete solitude — something impossible in summer.
Apikuni Falls — Many Glacier area
Signature spring waterfallShort but steep — a dramatic waterfall at full snowmelt force, rewarding the effort with spring power most summer visitors never see.
- Falls at full snowmelt force — a volume and power summer hikers never experience
- Lower elevation means earlier season opening than many Glacier area trails
- Many Glacier area may have construction access restrictions through mid-May 2026 — confirm via nps.gov before driving out
- Steep final push but short distance makes it accessible for fit visitors
Camas Road at Sunrise/Sunset — West side · Prime wildlife corridor
Best for wildlifeThe single best wildlife strategy in May — drive this bear and deer habitat road when few other vehicles are out, scan meadows with binoculars, and pull over at wide spots.
- Crosses prime bear and deer habitat; in May you'll often cover it with almost no other vehicles
- Bears emerge from hibernation and forage actively at lower elevations — exactly where Camas Road crosses
- Cubs are newly born and visible alongside mothers in early-to-mid May
- Scan open meadows with binoculars before moving on; keep speed low and watch open slopes above treeline
Pull over at wide spots and watch the open meadows. In May with minimal traffic, you have a genuine chance of seeing bears and other ungulates actively foraging — behavior that disappears once summer crowds arrive.
Swiftcurrent Nature Trail — Many Glacier · East side
Easy & accessibleEasy loop through prime wildlife country and spring-green meadows — one of the most reliable May hikes in the park without requiring mountaineering skill.
- Stays at lower elevation, opening before alpine routes remain snow-covered
- Prime wildlife viewing habitat — ungulates calving, bears foraging at accessible elevations
- Springtime vegetation is vivid and fresh from snowmelt
- Confirm Many Glacier area access via nps.gov before heading out — construction may restrict until mid-May 2026
Lake McDonald & Apgar Village — West side · Apgar
Accessible anytimeGlacier's largest lake, accessible year-round off the lower west road — the easiest May access point for water views without committing to a hike.
- Open when Going-to-the-Sun Road stays closed — reliably accessible all May
- Apgar Village offers free parking, ranger info at Apgar Visitor Center, and restrooms
- Glacier Park Boats launches Lake McDonald cruises around mid-May — ranger-narrated alternative when trail conditions are uncertain
- Late morning light makes this the easiest photo stop for reflections and water color
Lake McDonald is Glacier's most forgiving May destination. You get high-altitude scenery with low-altitude access — no microspikes, no avalanche hazard, no weather surprises.
Common Questions
Is May a good time to visit Glacier National Park?
Yes — especially for outdoor enthusiasts who want minimal crowds, peak wildlife activity, and the unique biking window on Going-to-the-Sun Road before cars arrive. The trade-offs are limited park services (most lodges close until June) and unpredictable weather with possible snow at any elevation. If you're flexible and self-sufficient with food and gear, May is an exceptional time to visit.
What trails are open in Glacier in May?
Lower-elevation trails are accessible but may have mud or patchy snow. The most reliable May hikes are Avalanche Lake (4 mi round trip, moderate), Apikuni Falls (1.7 mi, moderate), and Swiftcurrent Nature Trail (2.5-mile loop, easy). High-elevation trails — Highline, Grinnell Glacier, Iceberg Lake — remain snow-covered and are not recommended without winter mountaineering gear.
How cold is Glacier National Park in May?
Highs range from 48°F in early May to 67°F by late May. Lows drop to 29–35°F. Daily swings of 30°F are common. Snow is possible at any point in May, particularly at higher elevations. Layering with a waterproof outer shell and moisture-wicking base layer is essential for every hiking day.
Are lodges and restaurants open at Glacier National Park in May?
Most are closed. Lake McDonald Lodge, Many Glacier Hotel, and most in-park dining don't open until June. Plan to stay in gateway towns — Whitefish, Columbia Falls, or St. Mary — and bring food into the park. Some lower campgrounds (Apgar, Sprague Creek) open in late April or early May. Check Recreation.gov for current availability.
