GNP End of Sept/Early Oct Good Time 2 Visit?

Question

Wondering if End of Sept to Early Oct dates will be OK weather-wise and roads will still be open? Will GTTSR be open still?

Several in our party get car sick, what is the best area to stay in for the shortest & least winding drives? Or should we skip GNP if too winding? Just for reference, the drive into Yosemite Valley from Oakhurst was pretty horrendous & winding, I had to drive about 20-25 mpg the entire time to prevent motion sickness in our party. Never again. Everyone did well @ Yellowstone & Grand Teton so if we can stick to similar type roads :)

How many days recommended? We have a 2 week period Sept 28 to Oct 12 to explore any of the areas and beyond.

Thanks everyone!!

Answer

Visiting Glacier National Park (GNP) at the end of September to early October is a wonderful time to experience the park, but there are a few things to keep in mind, especially regarding weather and road conditions.

Weather & Road Conditions:

Late September to early October is considered a transition period in Glacier National Park. While the weather can still be quite pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from 40°F to 60°F (4°C to 16°C), the nights can be cold, dropping below freezing. Snow is a possibility, especially at higher elevations, so it’s important to be prepared for colder conditions as you approach the first week of October.

As for the roads, the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTTSR) typically closes in mid to late September depending on weather conditions, particularly snow. The road usually closes for the season once weather conditions dictate, so if you're planning to visit in late September or early October, it's essential to check the official Glacier National Park website or other local sources for current updates on road closures. If GTTSR is open during your visit, it’s an amazing drive, but it’s also one of the more winding roads in the park, so be cautious if anyone in your group has motion sickness.

Best Areas to Stay with Less Winding Drives:

If some of your party members are prone to car sickness, it’s a good idea to avoid staying at higher elevations or near the winding GTTSR, as that road can be challenging. Fortunately, there are several areas in and around GNP that offer more direct and less winding drives:

West Glacier Area: West Glacier is located at the park's western entrance and has a more relaxed drive into the park. The roads leading to this area are less curvy compared to the interior roads, and the area offers several lodging options. It’s a good base for exploring the western side of GNP.
Apgar Village: Also on the western side of the park, Apgar Village offers relatively easy access with gentle drives. It’s a charming spot near Lake McDonald with various amenities, and it’s less winding than the roads on the east side of the park.
St. Mary’s (East Glacier): While the roads into the park from the east are more winding than from the west, they are still manageable for those who had no trouble in Grand Teton and Yellowstone. St. Mary’s is also an option, but it’s important to note that this area will be more remote, with fewer lodging options post-season.

If you are still concerned about winding roads, consider staying outside the park entirely in nearby towns like Kalispell, Whitefish, or Columbia Falls, all of which offer good access to the park and are located on flatter, more direct roads.

Should You Skip GNP Due to Winding Roads?

If the winding roads are a significant concern, you might want to consider staying outside the park and visiting just the main areas without venturing too deep into GNP. Alternatively, if your group did well at Yellowstone and Grand Teton, you should be fine in Glacier, as the main roads inside the park are manageable for most. The key is to plan drives that limit elevation gain and switchbacks.

How Many Days to Spend in GNP?

Given your two-week window, I’d recommend spending around 3 to 4 days in Glacier National Park if you want to take your time exploring and enjoy the natural beauty. Here’s a potential itinerary breakdown:

Day 1: Arrive in West Glacier or Apgar Village and explore Lake McDonald and nearby areas.
Day 2: If GTTSR is open, drive it (or part of it) and take in the views from Logan Pass. If the road is closed, consider the Avalanche Lake Trail or another shorter hike that’s less taxing on those prone to motion sickness.
Day 3: Visit Many Glacier area for wildlife viewing and enjoy easy hikes like the Swiftcurrent Pass Trail or the Grinnell Glacier Boat Tour if available.
Day 4: Explore the eastern side of the park via St. Mary’s, or spend another day enjoying the west side at a leisurely pace. Consider a boat tour or a visit to the nearby Flathead Lake for relaxation.

If you are concerned about not seeing enough of the park, you could adjust the itinerary by staying an extra night at one of the towns near the park for a total of 4 days. Since some roads close and the weather can be unpredictable, having a buffer day for flexibility might be useful.

Other Areas to Explore During Your Two-Week Trip:

Yellowstone: Yellowstone will be slightly less busy in late September, but still full of beauty and wildlife. Consider 3 to 4 days here to explore the main areas such as Old Faithful, the Grand Prismatic Spring, and Lamar Valley for wildlife.
Grand Teton: Grand Teton National Park, with its towering peaks and easy-to-navigate roads, can be a great stop as it’s very close to Yellowstone. Plan for 2 days of exploration here.
Other Stops: If you have time, the scenic drives through Montana, such as the Beartooth Highway, and a visit to the nearby Flathead National Forest or the Rocky Mountain Front, could be beautiful additions.

Final Tips:

Check road conditions before your trip, as the weather in Glacier can be unpredictable.
Carry warm clothes as temperatures can drop quickly, especially in the evening.
Consider having flexibility in your itinerary, especially if road conditions change unexpectedly.

Overall, late September to early October can be a perfect time to visit Glacier National Park, but it’s crucial to check for road closures and prepare for varying weather conditions. Enjoy your trip and the beautiful national parks!

GNP End of Sept/Early Oct Good Time 2 Visit?

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