Glacier National Park: Difference between revisions
Truthseeker (talk | contribs) Created page with "{{Infobox national park | name = Glacier National Park | image = Glacier_National_Park_Lake_McDonald.jpg | caption = Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park | location = Montana, United States | coordinates = 48.6966°N, 113.7186°W | area = 1,583 sq mi (4,100 km²) | established = May 11, 1910 | visitors = 2.9 million (2023) | website = https://www.nps.gov/glac }} '''Glacier National Park''' is located in northwestern [[Montana]..." |
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| website = https://www.nps.gov/glac | | website = https://www.nps.gov/glac | ||
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'''Glacier National Park''' is located in northwestern [[Montana]] and is known for its | '''Glacier National Park''' is located in northwestern [[Montana]] and is known for its '''glacially carved valleys''', '''alpine meadows''', '''turquoise lakes''', and '''snow-capped peaks'''. Established on '''May 11, 1910''', it borders Canada’s '''Waterton Lakes National Park''', and together they form the '''Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park''', the world’s first international peace park. | ||
== Landscape and Geography == | == Landscape and Geography == | ||
* Features over | * Features over '''130 named lakes''', '''762 miles of trails''', and '''175 mountains''' | ||
* Home to the iconic | * Home to the iconic '''Going-to-the-Sun Road''', a 50-mile scenic drive that crosses the Continental Divide at '''Logan Pass''' | ||
* Originally had 150 glaciers — less than 25 remain active today | * Originally had 150 glaciers — less than 25 remain active today | ||
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Wildlife includes: | Wildlife includes: | ||
* '''Grizzly bears''', '''black bears''' | |||
* '''Mountain goats''', '''bighorn sheep''', '''elk''', and '''moose''' | |||
* Over 270 species of birds | * Over 270 species of birds | ||
== Hiking and Recreation == | == Hiking and Recreation == | ||
Popular hikes: | Popular hikes: | ||
* '''Highline Trail''' | |||
* '''Grinnell Glacier''' | |||
* '''Avalanche Lake''' | |||
* '''Hidden Lake Overlook''' | |||
Other activities: | Other activities: | ||
* Backcountry camping (permit required) | * Backcountry camping (permit required) | ||
* Boating on | * Boating on '''Lake McDonald''' and '''St. Mary Lake''' | ||
* Photography and stargazing | * Photography and stargazing | ||
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== Cultural and Historical Importance == | == Cultural and Historical Importance == | ||
* Ancestral land of the | * Ancestral land of the '''Blackfeet''', '''Salish''', and '''Kootenai''' peoples | ||
* Contains historic lodges and chalets built in the early 20th century | * Contains historic lodges and chalets built in the early 20th century | ||
* Recognized as a | * Recognized as a '''UNESCO World Heritage Site''' and '''Biosphere Reserve''' | ||
== Fun Facts == | == Fun Facts == | ||
Revision as of 19:42, 20 July 2025
| Glacier National Park | |
|---|---|
| Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park | |
| Location | Montana, United States |
| Coordinates | 48.6966°N, 113.7186°W |
| Area | 1,583 sq mi (4,100 km²) |
| Established | May 11, 1910 |
| Visitors (latest) | 2.9 million (2023) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
| Website | Official website |
Glacier National Park is located in northwestern Montana and is known for its glacially carved valleys, alpine meadows, turquoise lakes, and snow-capped peaks. Established on May 11, 1910, it borders Canada’s Waterton Lakes National Park, and together they form the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, the world’s first international peace park.
Landscape and Geography
- Features over 130 named lakes, 762 miles of trails, and 175 mountains
- Home to the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile scenic drive that crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass
- Originally had 150 glaciers — less than 25 remain active today
Ecosystems and Wildlife
Glacier contains diverse habitats, including alpine tundra, subalpine forests, and prairie valleys.
Wildlife includes:
- Grizzly bears, black bears
- Mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, and moose
- Over 270 species of birds
Hiking and Recreation
Popular hikes:
- Highline Trail
- Grinnell Glacier
- Avalanche Lake
- Hidden Lake Overlook
Other activities:
- Backcountry camping (permit required)
- Boating on Lake McDonald and St. Mary Lake
- Photography and stargazing
Climate and Seasons
- Short summer season (June–September)
- Winter brings heavy snow and limited access
- Logan Pass typically opens late June or early July
Cultural and Historical Importance
- Ancestral land of the Blackfeet, Salish, and Kootenai peoples
- Contains historic lodges and chalets built in the early 20th century
- Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve
Fun Facts
- One of the most intact ecosystems in the continental U.S.
- Featured in numerous films and nature documentaries
- The park spans the **Continental Divide**, affecting water flow to the Pacific and Atlantic