Glacier National Park

Completed in 1932, an 80 km road across the park over Logan Pass, clinging to the Garden Wall past stone parapets, hand-dug tunnels and waterfalls, fully open only from mid-summer.

💡 Drive the road early, before 8am, to find space at the viewpoints, or ride it in the historic open-top red buses from the 1930s, which leave from the lodges. Vehicles longer than 6.4 metres or wider than 2.4 metres, mirrors included, are banned between Avalanche Creek and Rising Sun. Price: included in the park entrance fee, $35 per vehicle for 7 days, about €30, plus $100 per non-resident visitor aged 16 and over, about €86.

The park's most famous hike, along a ledge cut into the Garden Wall and high above the McDonald Valley to Granite Park Chalet, with mountain goats and bighorn sheep almost guaranteed.

💡 The trail generally opens only in July, once the snow has melted on the ledge. Set off early and carry 3 litres of water, bear spray and warm clothing. For the return to the pass, book a shuttle ticket on Recreation.gov: at The Loop it only picks up passengers holding a ticket, at set times, from about 11am to 7pm. Otherwise, do a partial out-and-back. Price: included in the park entrance fee.

A trail in the Many Glacier area past milky turquoise lakes to an overlook on one of the park's most accessible glaciers, whose meltwater lake is dotted with icebergs.

💡 The boat on Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine shortens the walk by about 2 km each way: book it in advance with the park's boat company. The last section often stays closed by snow until mid-July. Many Glacier is the area where you see the most grizzlies, from the roadside viewpoints. Price: included in the park entrance fee, with the boat extra.

The summer heart of the park, a plateau of flowering alpine meadows where mountain goats graze, with a partly boardwalked trail up to the Hidden Lake overlook.

💡 From July to early September, parking at the pass is limited to three hours and the car park is full by mid-morning: arrive before 8am or take the shuttle, with a ticket reserved online on Recreation.gov for $1, about €0.90. Bring a jacket, as it is 10 to 15°C cooler than in the valley and snow covers the trail until July. Price: included in the park entrance fee.

The park's favourite family hike, from the Trail of the Cedars through centuries-old forest to a lake in a cirque of cliffs streaked with waterfalls fed by snow and glacier.

💡 The Avalanche car park, on the road, is full by 9am in summer: arrive before 8am or in the late afternoon. The trail is easy but very busy, and both black bears and grizzlies pass through the forest, so carry bear spray. Price: included in the park entrance fee.

The park's largest lake, whose clear water reveals red, green and blue pebbles near Apgar, with a 1913 hunting lodge and historic boats offering one-hour cruises.

💡 Come at sunrise or sunset at Apgar, when the lake is smooth and the mountains are reflected in it. Hire a kayak or a rowing boat at Apgar or at the lodge, and beware of the water, at 10°C even in August. Price: included in the park entrance fee, with rental and cruise extra.

A windswept lake on the east side where the Rockies meet the plains, with the park's most photographed view at Wild Goose Island and an easy trail to St. Mary Falls.

💡 Come to Wild Goose Island at sunrise, when the light strikes the peaks. Sun Tours, led by Blackfeet guides, tells the story of the park from the point of view of its first inhabitants. The lake boats leave from Rising Sun. Price: included in the park entrance fee.

A wild lake in the remote North Fork valley, reached by bumpy dirt roads from Polebridge, with a pebble beach, a primitive campground and lakeshore trails far from the crowds.

💡 Allow the whole day and bring a picnic: the roads are slow and potholed, with no phone signal, and punctures are common. A 4x4 or all-wheel drive is advised, and vehicles longer than 6.4 metres (21 feet) are banned. Polebridge is the only service point in the area. Kayaks and canoes must pass an aquatic invasive species inspection before launching. Price: included in the park entrance fee.