Triple Divide Pass Trail is an exciting 14-mile out-and-back trail in the remote eastern part of Glacier National Park. A great spot to reconnect with nature, the trail offers an unforgettable journey to one of the most beautiful points in the park - Triple Divide Pass. The pass offers a plethora of jaw-dropping views of the surrounding terrain, including breathtaking panoramas of the Atlantic Creek and Hudson Bay Creek Valleys.
Located close to the eastern border of Glacier National Park, the trailhead marks a starting point for several exciting backpacking adventures.
Note: As this area doesn't usually see the same amount of traffic as the rest of Glacier, parking space is generally available.
Triple Divide Pass sits between Triple Divide Peak to the west and Mount James to the east. Also to the west of Triple Divide Peak, you will see Norris Mountain, while the jagged summit of Split Mountain looms to the north. From the top of the pass, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the Hudson Bay Creek Valley to the north and the Atlantic Creek Valley with beautiful Medicine Grizzly Lake to the southeast.
Cut Bank Trailhead
East Glacier Park Village, MT 59434
Coordinates: 48.602436, -113.383666
Glacier National Park traces its geologic history back to over 1.6 billion years ago when the Belt Sea still covered the park, as well as the American Northwest. Sediments from higher elevations would float to the sea bottom, accumulate, and condense forming rock layers. Traces of the sea can still be seen in the form of rock layers and ripple marks. Sedimentary and metasedimentary rocks dominate the park, and the sedimentary rocks are considered to be among the oldest in North America. What is more surprising is their good condition, as it’s uncommon for sedimentary rocks to be well preserved.
Later, over 750 million years ago, igneous rock flowed into the Belt Sea after disturbances in the earth’s crust. It is now evident as sills (magma that flows into a fracture) in the region's limestone layers.
Around 300 million years ago, the Ancestral Rocky Mountains formed during a period of uplift. Consisting of mostly metamorphic rock, the mountains eroded back to sediment in the coming Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras. The Larimide Orogeny (a period of mountain building) caused most of the current Rocky Mountains to be built between 55 and 80 million years ago, with events continuing until about 2.6 million years ago. It resulted in the Lewis Thrust Fault - a notable geological feature Glacier National Park is famous for. The fault is visible in many of the parks mountains and is a phenomenal example of a Thrust Fault, or Overthrust - when a layer of older rock is thrust over a layer of younger rock. The park's rock layers are also notable for their distinct red and green layers that can be seen together. The two main factors behind this process are iron and oxygen. When rocks with a high iron content are formed while exposed to oxygen, they turn red and orange; when no oxygen is present - they stay green.
The Rockies, and much of the United States, was subject to multiple Ice Ages, or periods of glaciation, from around 2 million to about 11,000 year ago. The glaciers played a huge part in creating the mountains, valleys, and moraines present today. Glacial carving also formed the cirques where now many of the park's lakes are located. Lake McDonald Valley’s particular shape is also a result of this process.
When it comes to human history, the first people to inhabit the area were Indigenous Tribes around 10,000 years ago. During this time, the Blackfeet Tribe gained control of the plains on the east side of the mountains, including its extensive prairies and vast bison population. Once from the Plains surrounding the Great Lakes, the Blackfeet were pushed further west by European-American's western advancement. Generally nomadic, they used dogs to pull their travois (sleds) with their things from place to place until they were introduced to horses.
The Kootenai, Upper Pend d’Oreille, and Bitterroot Salish Tribes territory once extended from the forests and valley on the west side of the mountains across the mountain range crest and into the plains on the east side. When the Blackfeet acquired horses they began to expand their territory and pushed many of these tribes off the plains, though the western tribes would still often traverse through the mountains, hunting both game and buffalo on the eastern plains.
Europeans started to explore the area in the early 1700’s looking for beavers to trap, then minerals and land to settle. The Lewis and Clark expedition were among the first to visit the area. The new European settlers were originally welcomed by tribes in the area, but the sentiment quickly changed as smallpox began ravaging their communities. The disease, alongside tremendous resource depletion and increasing violence forced the tribes to sign treaties and move onto reservations. Today, the Blackfeet Nation Reservation and the Flathead Reservation are respectively located to the east and southwest of Glacier National Park.
Probably one of the most important roles in the park’s history was played by George Bird Grinnell, a well-respected explorer. In 1885, he was deeply impressed by the area’s landscapes and was determined to establish a national park. It was he who referred to the region as the ‘Crown of the Continent’.
Another factor leading to the area’s current status was the construction of the Great Northern Railway in 1891. In order to attract more passengers, the beauty of the region was advertised to the public. In 1897, the US Congress designated the area a forest preserve and later, in 1910, a national park.
The Great Northern Railway made “America’s Switzerland” out of the park by building Swiss-style hotels and chalets. As automobiles became more widespread, work on Going-to-the-Sun Road began with it opening in 1932. Traversing the park from the park's West Glacier entrance to the eastern St. Mary entrance, the road drives through an absolutely astounding landscape of deep valleys and massive mountains. The road has earned quite a few honors for its construction and scenic nature. It is designated as a National Historic Landmark and, for all the trivia buffs out there, it appeared at the beginning of the movie The Shining.
Entrance Passes + Vehicle Reservations
Entrance passes are required for everyone entering the park. Different rules apply depending on your mode of arrival.
Vehicle Reservations are also required for some entrances.
Please check the Fees Section for more information.
Wilderness Camping Permits
Backcountry permits are also required for overnight camping in the national park. Half of all backcountry campsite permits are set aside for advance reservations and the other half is kept for walk-in backpackers.
Permits for the upcoming summer hiking season (2022) are supposed to function normally. Check the Wilderness Camping Advance Reservation page for the most current announcements.
Advance Reservations for Wilderness Camping Permits
NOTE: Glacier is going to change their permitting and reservation systems for 2023. The park is planning on releasing details in the near future and we'll update this page when they're available, please see Glacier's Wilderness Camping Advanced Reservations page for more.
Winter Camping (November 1 - April 30)
Winter permits can be reserved from 3 to 7 days prior to the start of your trip - and in-person permits are not available. You’ll need to watch this video before applying for it.
You can receive a permit in one of the following ways:
Special Use Permits
Certain areas in the national park may require a permit for noncommercial and non-profit groups, commercial operators and commercial filming and photography, wedding ceremonies, and some other special activities in the Glacier National Park. Check with the Park’s Permits & Reservations page to determine whether you need a pass or not.
Vehicle Reservations
Glacier National Park requires Vehicle Reservations for many of its entrances in an effort to preserve the park and guest's experience by not overcrowding.
Vehicle reservation regulations vary depending on the area of the park being accessed.
They cost $2 and are required in addition to the standard Park Entrance Pass.
Vehicle Reservation Exemptions:
Vehicle Reservation Regulations by Area:
Going-to-the-Sun Road Reservation
The North Fork Reservation
Two Medicine Reservation
Many Glacier Reservation
Note: Outside of the hours of 6am-3pm reservations are not required, just Park Entrance Passes.
Obtaining Vehicle Reservations
Vehicle Reservation Tickets are available online at Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777 (Reservation Line), 606-515-6777 (Reservation International), and 877-833-6777 (Reservation Line TDD). Reservations are released on a rolling schedule:
Note: The park holds a number of vehicle passes and releases them on a rolling basis, at 8am for the next day. For example, remaining vehicle reservations for August 1 are released on July 31. They become available on Recreation.gov.
Standard Park Entrance Pass
Depending on how you arrive to Glacier, there are a few different Entrance Pass options. Prices vary by season and can be purchased on Recreation.gov.
Individual Pass - Arrive by Foot or Bicycle: $15-$20
Motorcycle Pass - Good for the Rider and one Passenger: $20-$30
Private Vehicle Pass - Up to 15 Passenger, non-commercial vehicle: $25-$35
Glacier Annual Entrance Pass: $70
America the Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass can be used for entry.
Please note: the entrance pass is separate from the vehicle reservation described at the beginning of this section.
Wilderness Permit + Backcountry Camping Fees
Reserving a wilderness permit requires an advanced reservation fee and a backcountry camping fee be paid. Walk-in permits only require the backcountry camping fee be paid. Winter wilderness permits (issued Nov. 1 - April 30) are free. Please note prices are as of September, 2022.
Advanced reservation fee: $40. $10 for an administrative fee + $30 for a fulfilled trip request fee. The $30 fee is ONLY charged if you are granted a reservation / permit.
Backcountry camping fee: $7 per person/per night
Please note: Once paid, fees are non-refundable.
The national park offers dispersed backcountry camping, as well as many frontcountry campground options.
Backcountry + Wilderness Camping
Backcountry camping is allowed in 65 designated backcountry campgrounds. The Nyack/Coal Creek (NCC) Camping Zone is the only area where dispersed camping (camping outside of a campground) is allowed in the park, otherwise it is prohibited.
A Wilderness Camping Permit is required to stay in any of the backcountry campgrounds or the NCC Camping Zone. The permit also serves as your campsite reservation. Please see the Permit section for more information.
See the park's Wilderness Camping page for more information about dispersed backcountry camping in the Nyack/Coal Creek Camping zone. Also, you can contact a Visitor Center to get more information on the area you’re headed to. Please see the Address section for contact information.
Frontcountry Campgrounds
The national park offers many campgrounds for visitors - some are quite modern, while some are primitive with limited amenities. Most of them are first-come, first-served, but some can be reserved on Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Pricing varies.
First-Come, First-Served Campgrounds
Apgar Campground (individual sites)
Reservable Campgrounds
Apgar Campground (group sites)
Please see the park’s first-come, first-served campgrounds and reservation campgrounds pages for more information.
Don’t forget about Leave No Trace principles and follow the area’s rules and regulations:
Glacier National Park has many designated lots and spaces for parking throughout the park. Please make sure you do not block roadways when parking, and avoid parking on top of vegetation.
Finding parking in the peak summer season (July - September) can be tricky as lots tend to fill very quickly, especially at Logan Pass Visitor Center. Visit the park's Information Display + Dashboard to check the availability of parking lots in the park's main areas ahead of your visit.
Campfires are forbidden at Atlantic Creek Campground.
Generally, campfires are allowed in established metal or concrete fire rings in the park's campgrounds. Not all backcountry campsites have fire rings supplied - if there aren't any rings, fires are prohibited. Fire restrictions may be in place that prohibit campfires even in the provided fire rings - please see Montana's Official Fire Restrictions Map. If Glacier National Park has No Restrictions or is in Stage 1, fires are allowed; if Glacier has moved to Stage 2, fires are not allowed.
Do not leave fires unattended and always make sure the fire is completely out (using water!) before you go anywhere. The use of portable camp stoves is recommended in place of fires whenever possible.
Aside from downed or dead wood, the gathering or cutting of firewood is prohibited throughout the park - with just a few exceptions (see the 'Fires + Firewood' Section). You can purchase firewood at a majority of the park's camp stores.
Note: Campfires are not allowed during the winter camping season.
Black and grizzly bears, and plenty of small critters are present in the national park, so the use of proper food and scented item storage techniques is absolutely necessary. In fact, because of the sizable bear population, storing food + scented items properly is legally required both day and night.
Bear lockers and bear poles are supplied in many of the park's campsites and should be used when available. There are also a few other legal options for food storage here, including an approved bear-resistant canister, a counterbalance hang, a hard-sided vehicle, or a horse trailer. Please see the park's Bear Safety page for more information.
Regardless of requirement or not, we always suggest storing your food in a way that protects it from feeding the locals. This keeps you from going hungry when you’re out there and is in line with Leave No Trace Principles. If you’re new to storing food while backpacking or just want a quick refresher, please see our ‘Traveling & Camping in Bear Territory’ article, where we discuss this topic in more depth.
Dogs are not permitted on most trails, in any buildings, and in the backcountry, so leave your buddy at home if you want to do any hiking.
Pets are allowed at campgrounds, on roads, and in parking areas within the park’s boundaries on leashes no longer than 6 feet. Please be sure to clean up after your dogs and dispose of their waste in a proper trash receptacle. Bags on the side of the trails don't count!
Stock is generally allowed within the park, with the exception of the trails that are closed to stock (see the list at the bottom of the page).
Hunting is strictly prohibited in Glacier National Park.
Accessibility
Glacier National Park’s administration makes many improvements in accessibility each year. Please read through Glacier's Accessible Facilities and Services brochure to learn more about recreational opportunities for visitors with diverse needs.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted all year in the park, but some waters are off limits. A fishing license is not required to fish inside the park. The best fishing season is from late May through November 30.
You can learn more about the limits, regulations, closed water bodies, and equipment here.
* Note: A Montana fishing license is required to fish in the Middle and North Forks of the Flathead River. You can get a license in person at many local sporting goods stores or on the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks website. Check regulations before heading out on a trip.
Drones
Launching and flying drones is prohibited within the park’s boundaries.
Vehicle Size Regulations
Size restrictions for vehicles on the upper portion of the Going-to-the-Sun Road (between Avalanche Creek and Rising Sun) are in effect. Vehicles may be:
Park Speed Limit
The speed limit for vehicles is generally 40 mph, and 25 mph on the alpine section of the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Please follow all posted signage as the speed limit can change.
Bicycling
Bicycling is generally permitted in Glacier National Park, but please note that roads will close to bicycle use certain parts of the year and for construciton.
The following segments of the Going-of-the-Sun Road are not available to bicycle use from June 15 to early September between 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM:
Hiking season: mid-June - September
The best season: July - August
The highest temperatures: 70°F
The lowest temperatures: 10°F
Winter average highs are 20-30°F and lows are 10-15°F.
Spring average highs are 30-45°F and lows are 15-25°F.
Summer average highs are 55-70°F and lows are 35-45°F.
Fall average highs are 30-60°F and lows are 20-35°F
Glacier National Park’s weather is ever-changing and highly variable. Summer Days are generally warm and nights are cold, with daily highs in the 70s and nightly lows in the 40s. Stay warm and dry, bring extra clothes. The park's higher elevations are generally cooler by many degrees and snow may be encountered any time of the year.
The hiking season starts earlier at lower elevations, as the snow melts out generally by the end of April. Higher elevation trails take until June or even into July to be clear of snow. July and August are the most popular months for backpacking and hiking in the park.
Always check the trail conditions before going out on the trip. You can check current weather conditions here.
Water sources are abundant in Glacier National Park. Many frontcountry campgrounds have potable water, however, some of them do not. Be sure to check ahead of time, so you can bring enough with you. None of the primitive backcountry campsites have drinking water available, so you’ll have to treat water from found sources.
Always purify found water because it may contain harmful bacteria! Boil it for 1-3 minutes, filter with an approved device, or use water treatment tablets.
Nobody wants to come down with a bug while backpacking! For more information on water treatment products and methods, please see our ‘Water Treatment in the Backcountry’ article.
The Glacier National Park's flora consists of lush cedar-hemlock and lodgepole forests and various grasses, ferns, shrubs, and wildflowers. Interestingly, due to the merging of several different ecosystems (alpine, prairie, even coastal), the park features animals and plants that are generally not found together within one region.
The park supports a variety of wildlife, including hoary marmot, snowshoe hare, Columbian ground squirrel, beaver, elk, bighorn sheep, and the park's mountain goats who are so widespread and easily spotted that they have become the symbol of Glacier National Park.
The park is also very well known for it's large grizzly and black bear populations. They are an absolute sight to see in the wild and certainly make Glacier a special place - it's one of only 5 areas in the lower 48 where grizzly bears can be found. Please note that proper food and scented storage is required day and night to keep both visitors and bears safe. Carrying and knowing how to use bear spray properly is advised, and a must if you plan to venture onto the parks backcountry hiking trails. Please see the park's Bear Safety page for more.
Birdwatching is rather enjoyable here as well - look for bald and golden eagles, Northern Hawk Owls, ospreys, swifts, and harlequins.
The lakes and streams are teeming with brook trout, Yellowstone cutthroat trout, kokanee, largescale suckers, northern pikeminnow, and redside shiners.
In 1995, Glacier National Park was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main reason being for the thriving and diverse wildlife population that has not significantly changed since the area's discovery. The park is home to 71 species of mammals, 1132 species of plants (at least!), nearly 300 species of birds, and 21 types of fish.
For more information on the park's flora and fauna, please visit its Nature & Science page.
For more information on potential hazards in Glacier National Park, please visit their safety page.
Glacier National Park has healthy black and grizzly bear populations. As such, you will need to know the basics of proper food and scented item storage, as the park requires it day and night. Please see our rules and regulations section for more. It is also suggested that you carry and know how to use bear spray properly, especially if you are traveling in the park's backcountry where it's all but guaranteed that you will spot a bear. Please see the park's park's Bear Safety page for more.
Most areas do not have any cell service. You can download a free NPS application on your phone that works without the internet and download the content for offline use. Having a map and compass is also always a good idea.
Be prepared. Carry the ten essentials even on a short sightseeing hike.
If you're going to climb to higher elevations, be sure to inspect your gear and potentially plan extra time to get acclimatized before the trip. To minimize altitude sickness symptoms, drink plenty of water, don't skip meals, avoid alcohol, and rest enough.
Another factor is the snow and possibility for avalanches. If you have no experience in hiking in snow, be extremely careful and don’t go far. If you’re going into avalanche terrain, take these absolutely essential items: an avalanche transceiver, probe, and portable shovel. Most importantly, know how to use them! Take an avalanche safety course, study the area and snowpack of the terrain, and know how to use your gear before venturing into the snowy backcountry.
Use extreme caution when hiking along glaciers and crossing steep snowfields on trails and in the backcountry. Condition appropriate foot traction (crampons, microspikes, snowshoes, etc.) and an ice axe are recommended for any snow travel. If your desired route takes you across glaciers, you should have proper glacier gear and understand techniques for safe travel and crevasse rescue.
You might need to give first aid, read a compass, or erect a temporary shelter in certain conditions. If you're planning to undertake a strenuous hike, make sure you're prepared physically before going on your trip.
Headquarters of the Glacier National Park
64 Grinnell Drive
Glacier National Park Headquarters
West Glacier, MT 59936
Phone Number: (406) 888-7800
TDD: (406) 888-7806
Email: glac_questions@nps.gov
St. Mary Visitor Center (East Side of the Park)
St. Mary Visitor Center
Browning, MT 59417, US
Phone Number: (406) 888-7800
The visitor center operates from late May to early October. Operating hours: daily, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Logan Pass Visitor Center (Going-to-the-Sun Road)
Logan Pass Visitor Center
Browning, MT 59417, US
Phone Number: (406) 888-7800
The visitor center operates from mid-June to early September. Operating hours: daily, 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM.
September hours are 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
Apgar Visitor Center (West Side of the Park)
Apgar Visitor Center
West Glacier, MT 59936, US
Phone Number: (406) 888-7800
The visitor center operates from mid-May to mid-October. Operating hours: daily, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
You also can reach out to Glacier National Park via their Contact Us page.
Glacier National Park is open year-round, though some roads, facilities, and services close seasonally or due to fire danger.
Before venturing out, please contact the nearest Visitor Center or check the park’s Current Conditions page for more information.
Montana has variable road conditions, especially during winter months. Check the Montana Road Report for up to date information on your driving route.
Please note: A number of roads may allow, but also have limitations on non-motorized use at any time or season. Follow all posted signage and watch for construction workers and zones.
Going-to-the-Sun Road
Several parts of Going-to-the-Sun Road are available for visitors year-round. However, Going-to-the-Sun Road's central alpine portions close for the winter season, depending on the weather conditions. The main section of the road - from Avalanche Lake to the Foot of St. Mary Lake - typically closes in October and does not open until late June.
You can find up-to-date information about temporary closures on the Road Status page.
Plowing and opening Going-to-the-Sun Road is a tremendous effort every year for the park's staff. Spring snowstorms or avalanches can affect their operations.
Check the park's Directions, Transportation, & Road Status Page for real time information on all of Glacier's roads.
It’s always a good practice to check on area closures, fire restrictions, and road conditions prior to your trip.
Call or stop by a Visitor Center, and check the park’s Current Conditions page for more information.