Planning a trip to Glacier National Park in 2026? Here's what I would skip...

If Glacier National Park is on your travel list this year, there are a few things I'd recommend crossing off your itinerary before you even arrive. Between park policy changes, airport disruptions, and some sobering wildlife updates, the Glacier experience may look a little different than it did in years past.

As someone who spends a lot of time exploring the park, here's what I'd skip this year and what I'd do instead.

Skip the Highline Trail

I know. I know. This sounds borderline blasphemous.

The Highline Trail is one of Glacier's most iconic hikes, but this year it's going to require a lot more logistics than usual.

The park has eliminated timed-entry reservations and instead implemented a three-hour parking limit at Logan Pass. Since the Highline Trail begins at Logan Pass, you can no longer simply park there and spend the day hiking. Instead, you'll need to park elsewhere, typically St. Mary or The Loop, and then catch a shuttle to the trailhead.

Sounds simple enough until you realize you'll also need to navigate the Recreation.gov reservation system. If you've ever tried securing a campsite or road reservation, you already know this process can feel a bit like competing in the Hunger Games.

My suggestion? Skip the headache and hike one of these instead:

• Grinnell Glacier

• Pitamakan-Dawson Loop

• Iceberg Lake & Ptarmigan Tunnel

Don't get me wrong, the Highline is beautiful. But much of the trail parallels Going-to-the-Sun Road, meaning you'll see many of the same jaw-dropping views from your car, just from a slightly higher elevation and with significantly more calories burned.

The biggest thing you'll miss is Granite Park Chalet and the Grinnell Overlook. If those are on your Glacier bucket list, you can still access them from The Loop trailhead.

Skip Flying in July

If you've started pricing flights, you may have noticed something strange: there aren't many.

That's because the airport in Kalispell is repaving its runway and will be partially closed for a significant portion of July.

Yes, you can fly into Missoula or Spokane instead. But before you click "Book Now," remember that Glacier National Park is already much larger than most visitors expect.

One of the biggest surprises for first-time visitors is just how much time they'll spend driving. A full trip across Going-to-the-Sun Road can easily take several hours during peak summer season, especially if you're stopping every five minutes to say, "Wow, look at that!"

(You will. We all do.)

Adding several more hours of driving from an alternate airport may not be the vacation upgrade you're looking for.

Skip the Solo Hikes

This one may earn me a few angry comments, but I said what I said.

You. Are. In. Bear. Country.

The single best thing you can do to reduce the risk of a dangerous wildlife encounter is hike in a group. Groups make more noise, have a larger presence, and generally give bears plenty of notice that humans are approaching.

Every year visitors arrive believing they're experienced enough, tough enough, or lucky enough to ignore the recommendations.

Every year Glacier reminds people that it is, in fact, wilderness.

While drownings remain the leading cause of death in the park, there has already been a fatal bear encounter and a serious bear-related injury this year. Recently, two hikers broke their legs on Hidden Lake Overlook after encountering more snow than expected. Last year, a woman tragically fell from the Highline Trail.

This isn't meant to scare you away from Glacier. Quite the opposite.

The wildness is what makes Glacier so incredible.

Just don't confuse "vacation" with "theme park."

Carry bear spray and a air horn (yes this really works). Check trail conditions. Know your limits. Hike with others when possible. And remember: if your emergency plan is "I'll just not be the slowest," you need a better plan.

Skip the Souvenir Shop at Logan Pass

I'm about to save you 30 minutes of circling a parking lot.

If you're only stopping at Logan Pass to browse the gift shop or visitor center, I'd keep driving.

The St. Mary Visitor Center is, in my opinion, one of the most underrated stops in the entire park. The exhibits are more engaging, the historical displays are fantastic, and I've consistently found better souvenirs there than at Logan Pass.

Plus, you'll spend less time hunting for parking and more time actually enjoying your trip.

If you're staying on the west side of the park, Whitefish also has some fantastic local shops with unique Montana gifts, artwork, and souvenirs that feel a little less mass-produced and a little more memorable.

Trust me, future you will appreciate the saved stress, the better shopping, and the extra time spent staring at mountains instead of taillights.