

When driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road, watch for grizzly bear activity between Sunrift Gorge and Rising Sun.Īlso keep an eye out for moose foraging along the lakeshore or in small ponds. I’ve personally seen grizzlies here three times, especially in the area that burned during the 2015 Reynolds Creek Fire on the northwest side of the lake.Īs the result of that devastating fire, visibility on the slopes is generally very good and it’s fairly easy to spot animals moving through the bushes and small trees that are slowly repopulating the area. The valley along and below Saint Mary Lake is also a great area to see grizzly bears in Glacier National Park.

Without question one of the best-if not the best-hikes in Glacier National Park, the Highline Trail to Granite Park Chalet offers spectacular alpine scenery, a challenging hiking experience and tons of wildlife. Grizzly bears are occasionally seen wandering across the meadows around the Logan Pass Visitor Center, while it’s not unusual for park management to temporarily close the trail to Hidden Lake Overlook because of bear activity.Īcross the Going-to-the-Sun Road from the visitor center, the Highline Trail is also known for its bear sightings and potential encounters. That’s also when you’re most likely to find a parking spot. Get here at or before sunrise or about an hour before sunset for the best wildlife viewing opportunities. If you’re here to see Glacier wildlife, including mountain goats, bighorn sheep and grizzly bears, you should be here either well before 8 am or well after 4.30 pm anyway.
Glacier park night of the grizzlies full#
In summer, especially in July and August, the parking lot at the Logan Pass Visitor Center is almost always completely full between 8 am and 4.30 pm. It’s also one of the busiest places in Glacier. The highest point (6,646 feet) and one of the main highlights of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, Logan Pass is in the heart of the park. Here are the best locations to see grizzlies in Glacier National Park. (Or are these places so popular just because there are so many grizzlies around?) That all being said, however, if you’re really seeking out the best places to see grizzly bears in Glacier National Park, there are a few locations that offer the best viewing chances.Īnd yes, they include some of the park’s busiest areas. I recommend always carrying bear spray inside the park. īest Places to See Grizzly Bears in Glacier National Parkįirst of all, it’s important to emphasize that you can encounter a grizzly bear essentially anywhere in Glacier National Park.Īs busy as a parking lot or trail may seem, there’s always a chance there’s a bear nearby.įrom forest trailheads to lakeshore overlooks and roadside pullouts, in Glacier National Park, you’ve got to assume you’re not alone. You can read more about our Terms of Use / Disclosure here. This blog post about the best places to see grizzlies in Glacier National Park contains affiliate links. So, if you’re planning a visit to this spectacular Montana national park and wondering “where are the most grizzly bears in Glacier National Park?”, you’ll find the answers in this post.


I can tell you from personal experience that encountering a grizzly bear in Glacier National Park is unforgettable and awe-inspiring-as long as all parties involved stay safe, of course. In fact, Glacier is home to one of the densest concentrations of bears in the contiguous United States. Black bears and grizzly bears roam the park’s sprawling alpine meadows, pristine forests and lush lakeshore environments. One of the most high-profile animals in Glacier are, without question, the bears. Seeing famous animals in the wild is why so many people flock to Glacier National Park each year, especially during the super-busy summer season. From marmots and chipmunks to bighorn sheep, moose and the iconic mountain goats to both black and grizzly bears, this rugged Rocky Mountain park is a wildlife haven. One of America’s top destinations for wildlife watching, Glacier National Park is home to an incredible diversity of fauna.
