Glacier National Park for the average tourist?

I'm trying to convince my parents to take me to Glacier at the end of May next year but its starting to raise some questions. My parents are starting to show their age when hiking, and they have trouble doing anything longer than 2-4 miles with a "moderate" rating from the NPS. I don't have any problem hiking (I'm almost 20) and my sister runs cross country, so we can hike fine, but we usually do things as a family. I know Going to the Sun Road is the thing to do there, but how much cool stuff, wildlife, awesome views, waterfalls, etc is within a 5 mile round trip from a trailhead?

I've also read that Glacier is known for its grizzlies. We went to Yellowstone a few years ago and my parents refused to go anywhere near where there was even a mention of grizzlies; are the grizzlies going to be a problem for what would be considered a somewhat average tourist family, or should we be fine as long as we take the recommended precautions and follow basic bear safety guidelines?

Finally, what kinds of photo ops should I prepare for? I'm thinking about renting a 400 f/5.6 and/or buying a 15-85, unless someone says I need to go wider. Is the wildlife teeming at the seams and spilling out onto the road like at Yellowstone, or will I not want to worry about having a big prime on the family vacation? My parents don't have a problem with me making this a more photo orientated vacation. I'm not really sure if they are going to rather me have a big lens for wildlife or set up some filters for a landscape.

I realize I've got some pretty vague questions out there, but I'll take whatever anyone tells me. I can't really find accounts of the park from the perspective of a savvy tourist as opposed a camper/hiker. Your opinions and suggestions are more than welcome.

I took a motorcycle trip through Glacier. There are warning signs about grizzlies everywhere. If the signs are going to freak them out, good luck. However, its more for those who venture into the backwoods or areas where less people are. Of course the NPS will rather play safe than sorry. There are plenty of places for people to park and walk a little and admire the views. There are also places for real backcountry hiking.

if your parents and you/sis want to split sometime during the trip and you and your sis take a longer hike while mom and dad do the more leisurely thing, thats another option. Theres alot of places to walk around and take pictures. When I was there, the mountain goats were everywhere close to roads and paths to scenic views. Moose were in the lakes eating… could have gotten good wildlife pics with a 70-200 or 70-300 zoom. Looks like you would be fine with the lenses you have. Could go with a wider lens to add to your bag. Most of the photo ops that presented itself were landscapes. Id go with getting a tripod and maybe renting a wide angle lens to see if that compares to the 18-55 you have

Harpo63 wrote in post #13405387
I took a motorcycle trip through Glacier. There are warning signs about grizzlies everywhere. If the signs are going to freak them out, good luck. However, its more for those who venture into the backwoods or areas where less people are. Of course the NPS will rather play safe than sorry. There are plenty of places for people to park and walk a little and admire the views. There are also places for real backcountry hiking.

if your parents and you/sis want to split sometime during the trip and you and your sis take a longer hike while mom and dad do the more leisurely thing, thats another option. Theres alot of places to walk around and take pictures. When I was there, the mountain goats were everywhere close to roads and paths to scenic views. Moose were in the lakes eating… could have gotten good wildlife pics with a 70-200 or 70-300 zoom. Looks like you would be fine with the lenses you have. Could go with a wider lens to add to your bag. Most of the photo ops that presented itself were landscapes. Id go with getting a tripod and maybe renting a wide angle lens to see if that compares to the 18-55 you have

I have a good tripod already, but it doesn't go low, so it may get replaced. My sister and I just discussed leaving our parents somewhere and doing a hike ourselves and she was game for that.

There were also warning signs all over Yellowstone, but I think they've become used to it now. There were signs all over Shenandoah for the black bears this past year too, so its not as much of a shock to them anymore.

Its good to hear that I should be ok with a 70-200, although I still might try for something longer. You think I will have more use for a wide angle? Only reason I want to replace the 18-55 is because I'd like to go a little wider and the filter threads are funky, my adapter rings fit other 58mm threads, but not the threads on my 18-55. I'd also like a lens without a rotating front element and a real manual focus ring, but that's a subject for another thread.

Thanks for leaving your insight, I appreciate it.

Would you mind sharing what time of year you visited?

Yeah, it seems like every Nat'l/State/County park has warning signs for any animals that can bite that habitat the area.

Google some pictures of Glacier- Getty Images to start. See what kind of pics are being taken. That will give you an idea of Landscapes &/or Wildlife and whether you might want a wider angle/longer lens or not. I went in the summer and the only big game I saw were Mt Goats and Moose. No bears. The goats and moose are used to people (who mostly stop their car and maybe get out but dont venture off the road), so they were close enough that that I could have taken pretty good shots with a 200 zoom on my trip. When I went to Alaska last summer, I rented a 70-200mm 2.8 thinking it would be enough. Nope. Needed more reach. Ended up buying the 70-300mm. Many might suggest a lens like the 55-200mm as being better for traveling or hiking, but using the 70-200 or a longer lens for taking photos close to the car.

The landscape is incredible though and probably what you might get most of your shots of- especially during the golden hours. If you can go into the Canadian side of the park (I didnt, so thats my excuse for going back again!) I would take that opportunity too. If I was going back to Glacier now, Id bring my 70-300 in case, but will want a better lens at the wider settings for the landscapes.

I've been to Glacier five times and plan to go back next year. I'm 69 YO and not a distance hiker but usually manage about 6 miles per day in Glacier, with moderate elevation gain. There are numerous hikes to beautiful places with 4 mile RT or less. Your parents can easily find interesting and pretty hikes without going too far. Use Google to find the right trails for them and for you.

There are grizzlies there, but I've never encountered one. I've heard they were in the area, but still didn't see them. I once saw a couple black bears while I was driving. There are many mountain goats and bighorn sheep, marmots and ground squirrels, a few moose and elk. I've seen both black bear and grizzly in Waterton Lakes.

I like to stay on the east side, in St Mary, to have better access to Many Glacier, Two Medicine and Waterton Lakes. Going To The Sun Road (which opens mid to late June most years, sometimes later) is the same from either side. Most hiking starts on the east side, up to the Logan Pass VC.

In some cases, the same trail can be used for short and long hikes. Your parents could stop at a shorter destination, while you go on to a more distant one. Again, do some research on trails for them.

I mostly use my 10-22 mm lens in GNP, but you also need longer for the inevitable wildlife. Your tripod will do fine. Take a look in my gallery, in the "Montana" section, for ideas of what an old-timer can access.

Make sure to get some huckleberry pie or cobbler. It can be almost as memorable as the Going to the Sun Highway.

I grew up in Montana (with a short stint in Wyoming).... I miss it sometimes, but winters in Florida are soooo nice.

Harpo63 wrote in post #13405594
Yeah, it seems like every Nat'l/State/County park has warning signs for any animals that can bite that habitat the area.

Google some pictures of Glacier- Getty Images to start. See what kind of pics are being taken. That will give you an idea of Landscapes &/or Wildlife and whether you might want a wider angle/longer lens or not. I went in the summer and the only big game I saw were Mt Goats and Moose. No bears. The goats and moose are used to people (who mostly stop their car and maybe get out but dont venture off the road), so they were close enough that that I could have taken pretty good shots with a 200 zoom on my trip. When I went to Alaska last summer, I rented a 70-200mm 2.8 thinking it would be enough. Nope. Needed more reach. Ended up buying the 70-300mm. Many might suggest a lens like the 55-200mm as being better for traveling or hiking, but using the 70-200 or a longer lens for taking photos close to the car.

The landscape is incredible though and probably what you might get most of your shots of- especially during the golden hours. If you can go into the Canadian side of the park (I didnt, so thats my excuse for going back again!) I would take that opportunity too. If I was going back to Glacier now, Id bring my 70-300 in case, but will want a better lens at the wider settings for the landscapes.

Thanks for the very detailed responses. I'm so enamored with my 70-200 that I'll probably just stick with it. I'll be sure to check out pictures from Getty and I'll probably peruse Flickr too. I'll be sure to float the idea of going to Canada to my parents too.

sparker1 wrote in post #13406704
I've been to Glacier five times and plan to go back next year. I'm 69 YO and not a distance hiker but usually manage about 6 miles per day in Glacier, with moderate elevation gain. There are numerous hikes to beautiful places with 4 mile RT or less. Your parents can easily find interesting and pretty hikes without going too far. Use Google to find the right trails for them and for you.

There are grizzlies there, but I've never encountered one. I've heard they were in the area, but still didn't see them. I once saw a couple black bears while I was driving. There are many mountain goats and bighorn sheep, marmots and ground squirrels, a few moose and elk. I've seen both black bear and grizzly in Waterton Lakes.

I like to stay on the east side, in St Mary, to have better access to Many Glacier, Two Medicine and Waterton Lakes. Going To The Sun Road (which opens mid to late June most years, sometimes later) is the same from either side. Most hiking starts on the east side, up to the Logan Pass VC.

In some cases, the same trail can be used for short and long hikes. Your parents could stop at a shorter destination, while you go on to a more distant one. Again, do some research on trails for them.

I mostly use my 10-22 mm lens in GNP, but you also need longer for the inevitable wildlife. Your tripod will do fine. Take a look in my gallery, in the "Montana" section, for ideas of what an old-timer can access.

It seems that a wide(r) angle lens is in order. I'll probably rent one over my Christmas break to see what I like. I'll be sure to check out your Montana gallery too. I'm glad to hear that there's plenty of stuff to for groups that aren't adventurous hikers. I know Going to the Sun road is a must as that's the only thing I can really find. You say it opens mid June though, if we are up there during Memorial day (and the days around it) will we have a problem with stuff not being open?

Phoenixkh wrote in post #13406748
Make sure to get some huckleberry pie or cobbler.

I'm thrilled to hear they have it up there. We had some every night at the Pioneer Grill in Jackson Lake Lodge two years ago in the Tetons. We all still talk about how delicious it was.

Almost zero chance the GTTS Rd will be open for Memorial Day. I went once in May, knowing the road would not be fully open. Still had a good time, with all there is to do on the east side. However, it would be a major disappointment if that were your first, perhaps only, visit.

sparker1 wrote in post #13409916
Almost zero chance the GTTS Rd will be open for Memorial Day. I went once in May, knowing the road would not be fully open. Still had a good time, with all there is to do on the east side. However, it would be a major disappointment if that were your first, perhaps only, visit.

I've read that the road doesn't open until around July 4. If it's closed, there's not much to do when you can't hike a lot. Basically on the west or east sides which are lakes. If May is the only available time you might look into another park.

goldboughtrue wrote in post #13415965
I've read that the road doesn't open until around July 4. If it's closed, there's not much to do when you can't hike a lot. Basically on the west or east sides which are lakes. If May is the only available time you might look into another park.

That's pretty much what I've been reading. The NPS website says the road usually opens completely by mid May, but I haven't found ANYTHING saying that anywhere else. When/if we go is still up in the air, it primarily depends on if/where I have an internship this summer. I'm heading home from school tomorrow, so I can talk to my parents and find out what they're interested in and see what our other options are. Thanks for the insight everyone.

imsellingmyfoot wrote in post #13405277
I'm trying to convince my parents to take me to Glacier at the end of May next year but its starting to raise some questions. My parents are starting to show their age when hiking, and they have trouble doing anything longer than 2-4 miles with a "moderate" rating from the NPS. I don't have any problem hiking (I'm almost 20) and my sister runs cross country, so we can hike fine, but we usually do things as a family. I know Going to the Sun Road is the thing to do there, but how much cool stuff, wildlife, awesome views, waterfalls, etc is within a 5 mile round trip from a trailhead?

I've also read that Glacier is known for its grizzlies. We went to Yellowstone a few years ago and my parents refused to go anywhere near where there was even a mention of grizzlies; are the grizzlies going to be a problem for what would be considered a somewhat average tourist family, or should we be fine as long as we take the recommended precautions and follow basic bear safety guidelines?

Finally, what kinds of photo ops should I prepare for? I'm thinking about renting a 400 f/5.6 and/or buying a 15-85, unless someone says I need to go wider. Is the wildlife teeming at the seams and spilling out onto the road like at Yellowstone, or will I not want to worry about having a big prime on the family vacation? My parents don't have a problem with me making this a more photo orientated vacation. I'm not really sure if they are going to rather me have a big lens for wildlife or set up some filters for a landscape.

I realize I've got some pretty vague questions out there, but I'll take whatever anyone tells me. I can't really find accounts of the park from the perspective of a savvy tourist as opposed a camper/hiker. Your opinions and suggestions are more than welcome.

The end of May is not the time to be planning a trip to Glacier. Mid July is more like it. I lived in Montana for 9 years and we never considered going up there before mid to late June. It's a beautiful place to visit, and the photo opportunities are endless, but in May you won't be able to do much more than just skirt the edges of the park.