Uncover the Ultimate Last Minute Adventure: Must-Do Activities in Glacier National Park This May 2025!
- Wild North Guides
- May 19
- 5 min read
Updated: May 21
Ready for an exhilarating last-minute getaway? Look no further than Glacier National Park and the surrounding area in Montana this May 2025! As spring unfolds, the park bursts into vibrant life with lush landscapes, blooming wildflowers, and countless opportunities for outdoor fun. Whether you're a dedicated hiker, a passionate photographer, or simply craving an escape into nature, this iconic national park promises unforgettable experiences. Let’s explore the exciting activities waiting for you! If you want us to design the perfect day outdoors for you and your groups, you can always contact us.
Conditions Update: Currently, lower elevations (<6,000') are entirely dry but there is still snow in the high country. At the end of April, the western snowpack in Glacier National Park was at 86% typical snow quantities and the eastern snowpack was at 61% typical. This means quick progress is being made towards opening the Going to the Sun Road to vehicles, but that will not be within this May.
Nevertheless, a guest recently exclaimed "this has to be the most beautiful time to come - biking the road with the snow, waterfalls, and spring green!"
We have to agree.
Explore the Stunning Trails
The best way to soak up the beauty of Glacier National Park is through its extensive hiking trails. While upper elevations trails (like the Highline Trail) are still snow covered, miles of trail without snow and ice are available to enjoy! Book a hike with us where we manage all of the logistics or we can offer a hiker shuttle so you can avoid the early season parking mayhems!
Easy - Trail of Cedars
In spring, the Trail of the Cedars (1-mile loop) comes alive with lush greenery, rushing water, and birdsong echoing through towering old-growth trees. Snowmelt feeds the vibrant Avalanche Creek, making it one of the most peaceful and refreshing walks in the park. This accessible loop is ideal for all ages and a perfect introduction to Glacier’s beauty in bloom. This trailhead is at the Avalanche Creek Campground (parking lots can fill up fast in late May - book a shuttle with us!).
Moderate - McDonald Creek Trail
Take this trail as long as you like as an out-and- back or create a longer loop by adding in Johns Lake. You will experience a peaceful, mostly flat hike along the creek’s edge. In spring, the trail features rushing glacial runoff, vibrant mosses, and quiet forest views without the summer crowds. It’s an ideal early-season option with multiple start points, but the primary trailhead begins just upstream from where it enters Lake McDonald.
Challenging - Granite Park Trailhead
Hiking from the Loop can be a great way to build a big adventure day in Glacier (hiking and biking required!) You'll first need to bike from Avalanche Campground approx. 8 miles (uphill) to the Loop, where the Granite Park Trailhead starts. This trail starts with an exciting bridge crossing over a raging river fed by runoff from snowmelt. You can continue approximately 3 miles by mid-May until you hit snow, which offers expansive views of the Flattop Mountain and the southern Livingston Range.
Scenery on Two Wheels
Not a fan of hiking? No problem! Biking and E-Biking offers a fantastic alternative for exploring the park and is great for those short on time or energy.
Going-to-the-Sun Road
The iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road is a must for cyclists. While some sections are closed often through all of May, you can still access stunning parts starting from Avalanche Creek Campground where it is gated to vehicles continuing. Enjoy the fresh Montana air as you cycle past incredible views, including clear glacial lakes and towering peaks. Our sunset guided e-bike tours are a hit for great lighting, wildlife spotting, and no crowds!
Bike Rentals
No bike? No worries! We can provide the bikes and the transportation to the National Park. We can also provide a guide for your group!
Inside North Fork Road
Looking for a quieter and more challenging ride? Then the Inside North Fork Road is for you! An old gravel road that is no longer open to vehicles, makes for a long ride. You can park near the Fish Creek Campground and start your bike ride towards Polebridge (~28 miles) and book a private shuttle with us to get back to your vehicle!
Book a Guided Sightseeing Tour
If you prefer a laid-back approach, consider booking a guided sightseeing tour. This option allows you to cover more ground while learning fascinating details about the park’s history and ecology. Book wiht us and we'll cover all the logistics - here's some of our secrets!
Wildlife Watching
May is a prime time for wildlife viewing, as many animals emerge from winter hibernation, birds are migrating, and the days are long. One of our favorite spots is Goat Lick Overlook or along McDonald Creek looking for Harlequin Ducks. While we can't guarantee any wildlife - deer seem to always prance their way over to visit our groups!
Historic points
The Going to the Sun Road is an engineering marvel, Old Belton Bridge was once the primary entrance into Glacier National Park, Lake McDonald Lodge is a National Historic Landmark initially built in 1895, and Marias pass represents the northernmost continental highway.
Enjoy the Wild Waters
Whether it’s raining or shining, the waters of Glacier are part of the magic. On wet days, creeks and waterfalls thunder to life - on sunny ones, the mountain lakes offer an exhilarating and unforgettable dip.
Lake McDonald
Taking a dip in Glacier National Park’s Lake McDonald is a refreshing (and brisk!) way to cool off after a hike or paddle. Fed by snowmelt, the crystal-clear waters are cold year-round—but the experience is unforgettable and invigorating.
Bird Woman Falls
As one of the tallest waterfalls in Glacier - falling 492 feet - Bird Woman Falls can be viewed along many sections of the Going to The Sun Road. The shortest viewpoint is about 4 miles from Avalanche Creek Campground.
Bowman Lake
Tucked deep in Glacier’s remote North Fork, Bowman Lake offers stunning mountain reflections and peaceful solitude accessible by mid-May. The long, bumpy drive in is worth it for the expansive views, crystal-clear water, and fewer crowds. It’s a perfect spot for a quiet paddle, lakeside picnic, or stargazing.
Embrace the Adventure!!
With exciting activities and stunning scenery, Glacier National Park offers endless opportunities for adventure this May 2025. From hiking scenic trails to biking along scenic roads and enjoying peaceful days on the water, every experience will inspire and rejuvenate you. So gather your gear, make those last-minute plans, and get ready for the ultimate adventure in Glacier National Park!
The natural beauty and thrilling adventures of Montana's spring are waiting for you!
