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The title of this post is no joke. Year after year the glaciers at Glacier National Park disappear and soon there won't be any left. What then, will the park have to change its name? The Montana park has 26 named glaciers today, down from 150 in 1850. Global climate change is causing the glaciers to retreat faster than ever before and if you want to see them you best get hopping.
I've written before about the park which borders Canada and is home to one of the most spectacular drives in the United States. Going-to-the-Sun Road runs straight up the side of glacier laden cliffs and through immaculate mountain passes. Stay in an historic chalet and take a short hike to one of the mirrored lakes hidden in what little is left of our pristine forests.
Glacier National Park: Trip Planning Details
Getting there
Visitors arriving by car will use U. S. Highway 2 to access the park from either the east or west. Visitors can also access the park from the north using Highways 89 or 17. Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell, Mont. is 25 miles west of park headquarters in West Glacier, Mont. There are also airports in Great Falls, Mont. (200 miles east of West Glacier) and Missoula, Mont. (156 miles south of West Glacier).
Park Fees
7-Day Vehicle Permit
Summer Rate - $25.00 May 1, 2009 - November 30, 2009
Winter Rate - $15.00 December 1, 2008 - April 30, 2009
7-Day Single Entry Permit
Summer Rate - $12.00 May 1, 2009- November 30, 2009
Winter Rate - $10.00 December 1, 2008 - April 30, 2009
Things to Do
Take a backpacking trip deep within Glacier's wild interior or hike through forests and up mountains on over 700 miles of hiking trails. Camp at any one of the 13 front country campgrounds.
Guided horseback trips are available inside the park. Ride on a horse and explore historic and contemporary routes.
More on Eco-Friendly Travel:
How to Go Green: Travel & Outdoors
Go National Park Hopping, Part 2
Are You a National Parks Wiz?
