With over 1 million acres, 700 miles of hiking trails and peaks soaring nearly two miles high, Glacier National Park has been dubbed the "Crown of the Continent" for a reason. The park is perched in the northwest corner of Montana—a state known as "the last best place."

After visiting the park, there is no doubt in my mind that you'll find both of those nicknames to be true. If you're looking for adventure, look no further. You'll find it in Glacier National Park.

All aerial footage used with permission from Glacier Country Tourism.

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See what I mean? The place is spectacular! In this chapter, I'll cover a few tips on making the most of your trip to this incredible part of the country.

Where to Stay

If you're planning a trip to Glacier National Park, it pays to pick a side. The park is essentially split into two portions: West Glacier and East Glacier. There are various accommodation options on each side of the park, but it is important to note the distance between the two areas. There are two highways—the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which cuts through the middle of the park, and Highway 2, which skirts the southern boundaries of the park—that will get you from west to east, but they both take a significant amount of time to travel.

So, my best advice is to decide where you'd like your "home base" to be and to check out maps of the park before you decide.

There are multiple lodges and campsites within the park boundaries in West Glacier, East Glacier and in the backcountry, but don't overlook the options that might be available just outside the park entrances. The communities near West Glacier, in particular, have accommodations available—from vacation rentals and hotels to full-service campsites and rustic cabins. Just remember, during the summer months your options become limited and will book up quickly. Planning ahead is always a good idea!

Finding Adventure

I've said it before and I'll say it again: you can find adventure at every turn in Glacier National Park. Here are a few important tips to remember as you begin to plan your trip:

• Because the park is so large and is positioned in the northern Rocky Mountains, you'll want to plan for drastic weather shifts between each side of the park. West Glacier can be perfectly sunny while you'll be fighting strong winds on the east side of the park. Just be sure to pack a few extra layers with you and you'll be ready for anything.
• You will see wildlife. Be smart about it. Getting too close to wildlife is never a good idea and, though sometimes contact with animals can't be avoided, it's best to prepare yourself for the occurrence. Again, please see the Center for Wildlife Information for tips on being safe in the presence of wildlife.
• Check road conditions daily. There are several key roads that will get you where you need to go in and around the park and depending on what time of year you're visiting, some may be closed or undergoing rehabilitation. To keep up with the changing road conditions, visit the official park site here.
• Keep in mind that Glacier is open year-round. There are rumors circulating that the park closes during the winter and that's simply not true! So, if you can't make it during the popular summer months, you're in luck. Though you may have to deal with snow and some road closures, there is still plenty to see and do throughout the year. Want to see what other myths don't ring true about Glacier? Check them out here.

Scenic Drives

Glacier National Park is a beautiful place to go for a drive. Whether you're driving a car, riding your motorcycle or taking one of the popular Red Jammer tours, Glacier is about as scenic as they come.

Here are a few favorite scenic drives in and around the park:

• The Going-to-the-Sun Road: Be sure to leave yourself plenty time to stop at turn-outs along the way. The road is also fairly narrow, so be sure to pull all the way over to the curb if you do stop, so you don't impede traffic.
• Highway 2/49/89 from West Glacier to East Glacier: This drive takes you around the southern boundary of the park and is full of a different brand of beauty. You'll be able to truly witness the different weather and geology of the two sides of the park. Also note: be alert as wildlife—including wild horses—does cross the highways in certain areas.
• The Inside (or Outside, depending on road conditions) North Fork Road: This drive will take you to a fairly remote portion of the park. If you're looking for a little solitude, head to the northwest corner of the park along this route. You won't regret it!

Just remember to check road conditions, carry your map with you and pack lots of water and snacks as touring Glacier can take longer than you might expect.

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Ready to learn more about America's first national park? Let's head to Yellowstone!