Memorial Day weekend is one of the best-kept secrets for visiting Glacier National Park. Although early in the season means some roads are still closed due to snow, that's actually part of the appeal — Going-to-the-Sun Road is car-free for bicyclists, the park is far less crowded than summer, and the wildflowers are just starting to emerge. It's raw, quiet, and breathtaking in a way that July and August simply aren't.
Why Memorial Day Weekend at Glacier?
Summer crowds at Glacier can be overwhelming — timed entry reservations, packed trailheads, full campgrounds. Memorial Day sidesteps all of that. You'll share the park with a fraction of the summer visitors, mornings are crisp and clear, and the snow-covered peaks against blue skies make for some of the most dramatic photography of the year.
The biggest perk: Going-to-the-Sun Road is typically plowed to Avalanche Creek or beyond by Memorial Day, but still closed to vehicles. That means you can bike or walk the most scenic road in America with no traffic. Cyclists ride past waterfalls, hanging valleys, and snowfields that most park visitors never see this way.
Day 1 — Arrive & West Glacier Base
Fly into Kalispell (FCA) or Missoula and drive to West Glacier — about 35 minutes from Kalispell. Check in early and walk to the Apgar Village area along Lake McDonald. The lake is impossibly clear with multicolored pebbles on the bottom — a short evening stroll here sets the tone for the whole trip. Grab dinner at the Belton Chalet or pick up supplies in Whitefish (30 min north) for camp cooking.
Day 2 — Bike Going-to-the-Sun Road
This is the highlight of a Memorial Day weekend trip. Rent bikes in Whitefish or bring your own, start at Apgar, and ride east on the closed section of Going-to-the-Sun Road. The road climbs steadily through old-growth cedar and hemlock forest, past Bird Woman Falls and Weeping Wall, offering unobstructed views since you're not dodging cars. Turn around when you hit the snow line or the road closure — typically somewhere between Avalanche Creek and Logan Pass depending on the season.
- Distance: 12–24 miles round trip depending on snow level
- Elevation gain: ~2,000 ft to the typical turnaround
- Bike rentals: Available in Whitefish and Columbia Falls
- Pro tip: Start by 8am — afternoons can bring clouds and wind
Day 3 — Trail of the Cedars & Avalanche Lake
The Avalanche Lake Trail is one of the most accessible hikes in Glacier and absolutely stunning in late May. The trail starts with the Trail of the Cedars loop — a flat, 0.9-mile boardwalk through ancient red cedar and western hemlock draped in moss. From there, continue 2 miles up to Avalanche Lake, a glacially-carved basin fed by multiple waterfalls cascading down the cliffs above.
- Distance: 5.9 miles round trip (Avalanche Lake + Cedars loop)
- Elevation gain: ~730 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trailhead: Avalanche Creek, accessible from Going-to-the-Sun Road
What to Pack for Memorial Day at Glacier
Weather can swing dramatically — warm and sunny in the morning, snowing by afternoon. Layering is essential. Expect temperatures from 30°F to 60°F.
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Base layer + mid-layer fleece
- Microspikes if you plan to hike above the snow line
- Sunscreen (UV intensity is high at elevation, even in snow)
- Bear spray — bears are very active in early season
- Trekking poles for any hike with snow
Where to Stay
Most campgrounds inside Glacier don't open until mid-June, but Apgar Campground typically opens around Memorial Day. Outside the park, Whitefish has excellent hotels, vacation rentals, and is a beautiful mountain town worth exploring on its own. Book 3–4 months in advance — even Memorial Day lodging fills up.
Getting There
Fly into Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell — it's 35 minutes from the west entrance. Direct flights available from Seattle, Salt Lake City, Denver, Minneapolis, and Atlanta. Renting a car is essential — there is no public transit to the park in May.
To view the full Memorial Day weekend driving route, click "more options" on the Google Maps embed above.
