Is Memorial Day weekend a bad time to go?

Question

Please let me know. If I can’t go this week it will July 4.. which I think may be way to crowded?

Answer

Memorial Day weekend can be a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to visiting Glacier National Park. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Crowds

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer season, and many people flock to national parks for long weekend trips. While Glacier can be a bit quieter than other parks, it still sees an uptick in visitors during this time, especially at popular spots like the Going-to-the-Sun Road, Logan Pass, and the Many Glacier area.

Pros: If you enjoy the vibrant, busy atmosphere of a national park with many visitors, then Memorial Day weekend can be an exciting time to experience the park. You’ll also have a chance to participate in various ranger-led programs and events that begin around this time.
Cons: Expect limited parking at popular trailheads, crowded viewpoints, and longer waits at restaurants and accommodations.

2. Weather

In late May, weather can be unpredictable in Glacier. While the park starts to thaw out, snow can still be found at higher elevations, and some roads or trails might be closed or inaccessible, especially if there's a late snowstorm. However, this is also the time when the wildflowers begin to bloom, and you’ll see the park in a beautiful, transitional season.

Pros: The park will start coming alive with wildflowers, and the lower-elevation hikes will be accessible.
Cons: Some high-elevation areas might be closed, and unpredictable weather could lead to changes in your plans.

3. Alternative to July 4th Weekend

If you’re concerned about crowds during Memorial Day, July 4th will likely be even more crowded, as that’s the peak of summer travel. If you’re aiming to avoid the largest crowds, Memorial Day might actually be better than the July 4th weekend, when many families travel and accommodations fill up quickly. While the park is beautiful at any time, visiting earlier in the season (before schools let out) might allow you to enjoy the park with fewer people.

Pros: Memorial Day weekend is a good balance of decent weather and fewer crowds than July 4th, making it an ideal time if you want to avoid the more intense summer crowds.
Cons: It’s still busy, and some areas of the park may be closed due to snow or other seasonal factors.

In conclusion:

If you enjoy fewer crowds but are okay with some unpredictability in the weather, Memorial Day weekend can be a great time to visit.
If you prefer to avoid crowds altogether, visiting earlier in May or after mid-September could be better.
If you’re looking for optimal weather and don’t mind large crowds, then July 4th might be worth considering, but it will definitely be a peak time for visitors.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your preferences. If you're prepared for the crowds and the potential for variable weather, Memorial Day weekend could be a good option for you!

Is Memorial Day weekend a bad time to go?

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