Natural Attraction

Goat Lick Overlook

Natural Attraction
A mountain goat with long white fur and horns on the side of a cliff

The mineral-stained rock face at Goat Lick draws mountain goats daily—one of Glacier's most reliable wildlife viewing spots. These goats gather to lick naturally occurring salts and trace minerals seeping from the bedrock, an essential nutrient source in the mineral-poor alpine environment. Two short, paved overlook trails (each ~500 feet) lead from the parking area to unobstructed views of the seep and river valley below. Maintain 25 yards from the goats and 100 yards from any bears.

More details

Attraction Type
Natural Mineral Seep
How To Get There
From West Glacier, follow Going-to-the-Sun Road east to the marked Goat Lick Overlook parking area. From St. Mary (park's east side), drive west on Going-to-the-Sun Road. The overlook is accessible when Going-to-the-Sun Road is open (typically late June through mid-October). Winter access depends on road plowing and conditions; check park website for current status.

Location

Vulture Peak

Glaciated peak with Precambrian Belt rocks; backcountry scramble to the summit.

Elk Mountain

360° summit views over Belt rocks; a rugged, glacier-carved ascent.

Glacier Peak

Remote stratovolcano in the Washington Cascades. Last major eruption around 1700 AD.

Numa Peak

Numa Peak rises above Bowman Lake; Numa Ridge Lookout reveals vast alpine views.

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.

Sources

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Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.