72 HOURS IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK (what to do when the Going-to-the-Sun road is closed)

Before departing on our road trip, Glacier was Claire’s favorite national park, and after visiting this time around, we are happy to say that it still is Claire’s, and is now also Chad’s. Despite our lack of previous planning, everything worked out for us-- we managed to enter the park before 6 AM (when they then require a special summer pass), to score a campground spot within the park, and to enjoy both the west and the east sides, even though the Going-to-the-Sun road was still closed. The hikes were the most serene journeys, with sounds of birds chirping and water flowing echoing every trail, and the destinations were most breathtaking. If you haven’t visited Glacier before, we highly recommend this park and all the beauty it offers- you won’t be let down!
Follow along to see where we head next.
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[@carolsloan352]

What a lovely couple you two are! Thankyou for sharing the beauty!

[@ChadandClaire]

Thanks for watching!! We are so lucky to be able to share our experience in places like this.

[@georgemckinnon7134]

I am glad you did not do the Highway to the Sun route. It is extremely dangerous with ice or snow. Many people have died on that highway - I had a near-miss, and almost drove over the cliff due to ice. There are no guardrails! If you fell in love with Glacier National Park, you would also love some of the many parks in nearby Canada. Although I live in Jacksonville, Florida, I use to live in Calgary. Calgary is the gateway to many of the most beautiful parks in Canada. I hope you all get to visit Canada on your international journey. Blessing to you both!

[@holleym2927]

Oh my goodness! Glacier is beautiful! This post brought tears to my eyes! I can totally understand why it's your favorite park! I hope to be there one day!!! Safe travels!

[@ChadandClaire]

No doubt that you will visit one day! We absolutely loved visiting Glacier. We will certainly be back.

[@debbieksycki4059]

@@ChadandClaire mom

[@san-fs8mk]

You guys are just as beautiful and lovely looking as the mountains & the scenic beauty. Chad is the lucky guy. What a great vibe Claire gives off. I am happy for you guys ❤

[@aaronroberts7084]

That last view point was absolutely amazing

[@metarus208]

thanks guys for this.

[@daveweaver-soloadventures5589]

The Grinnell Glacier hike was my favorite. Safe travels you two

[@GODISMYSTERIOUS]

Wow. The views are magnificent.

[@SimpleEssentials]

That lake at the end, oh wow!!! 😍😍

[@LitaandDylan]

Ahh you guys, this is such a beautiful video. Glacier is my favorite park too and I cannot wait to go back again!

[@drawhosliviabarchbier6480]

I hope I get to go back again I just got back from it yesterday and holy was it GORGEOUS

[@terraluna888]

Glacier is my fav NP. It’s heaven on earth. I’ve never seen a more beautiful sunset than the canyon along Going to the Sun. Glad y’all were able to experience it.🌈💓☮️

[@ChadandClaire]

Couldn't agree more!

[@gov683]

Always enjoy your blogs, especially after particularly tough day. Will miss when over😣. ENJOY!

[@pahouayang5722]

Glacier national park is my fav too!! It is truly one of the most beautiful places on earth!

[@desimora8]

Claire knows her way as a Chef so she is a good partner to go hiking and camping with. Well done - Good Video.

[@tamiami41]

Loved the cinematic opening with the Title sliding out from the van! So slick!! You just keep getting better and better. What a beautiful park. I have to put that one on my bucket list as well!

[@ChadandClaire]

I was really happy with how that came out! Thanks for noticing! We really are enjoying making these so we are always trying to improve! :)

[@angelogarciajr5356]

Simply amazing! Easily my favorite Park! I was there in June, a few years back and was unable to see the top since Road to the Sun was still closed for me too. :( I think St Marys and Many Glaciers were my favorite spots! Took my pup on a 3000 mile road trip and took a photo of her on the exact rocks where Claire was sitting behind that lodge at Many Glaciers. There was a bighorn sheep standing there as well. Great video...some of those shots were so amazing they did not seem real lol. Takes a week or more to see everything. Stay safe!

[@ChadandClaire]

We will 10000% have to come back. There is SO much to see and do here. It's so cool to think we were at the same spot as you behind the lodge at Many Glaciers. Thanks for your always kind comments Angelo! :) It really brightens our day.

[@reelhappytravellers2691]

I love your video, it's inspiring, beautiful and put me in a good mood. Your video has the effect of igniting the wanderlust inside us, inspiring us, and encouraging us to start doing something new with our lives. That is why I decided to write this......

[@ChadandClaire]

Wow! Being happy is honestly one of the most important things in life and for us to have inspired you means the world to us. We are so glad you enjoy our videos and just feel so honored to be doing what we are doing.

[@GODISMYSTERIOUS]

Living in a van reminds me of childhood days when I and some kids played and stayed in small houses in camp grounds..

[@taylormooney9894]

Loved this! I'm going to Glacier for the first time in 2 months :)

[@clintonmurakami3753]

Thanks!

[@Blossom7870]

Your videos keep getting better and better, so professional. Very well put together and I’d imagine so much hard work! But it definitely pays off. Beautiful vlog :)

[@somjaisukdee2129]

We love your Video.....Beautiful and Amazing Nature Waterfalls.

[@richardlee9207]

Lovely, you two are the sunshine everywhere you go. Might just have to add Glacier NP to our West Coast and PNW trip next summer. Thanks for sharing the info, joy and love with us. Happy and safe travel! 👍

[@ChadandClaire]

You should! Hope you have safe future travels!

[@kathrynh778]

my husband and I are going to glacier in august and we CAN'T WAIT!!! Hoping to do the Grinnell Glacier hike!! And avalanche lake!

[@Mindy-s-channel]

OMG. I'm going in August too. I should be there on 23rd-28th

[@racheloliver694]

I’ll be there in August as well!!!

[@RyderNight99]

Dang that view is nice!

[@veronica0406]

Beautiful!

[@awitnessuntoallnations]

Enjoyed watching your Glacier adventure! Great job highlighting all of these hikes and showcasing the breathtaking scenery along the way. We had the opportunity to visit the park last summer, but unfortunately the east side was closed. After watching, would definitely like to go back and do the Grinnell Glacier hike. Beautiful! Huckleberry ice cream is a bonus too! 😊👍

[@GODISMYSTERIOUS]

Gorgeous! Love it.

[@robertabrams8562]

Another awesome video by the Dynamic Duo 👏🏼 Always my best to you guys 🤗

[@GODISMYSTERIOUS]

Enjoy life while you are young. I see many old people sleep all the way during a tour. It’s sad to travel in an old age. Age matters. The youth is precious.

[@WayneMoran]

Wow such an amazingly fabulous adventure!!! Great stuff. We are in the park now and so excited!!!!

[@barbnaperalsky2356]

Great video! I was just there July 5-7 and was able to do the Going-to-the-Sun-Road. Montana is the best state to live in, glad you had the opportunity to see our majestic views in Glacier!

[@arlenebrown-pengelly4996]

Really an enjoyable travel, hiking experience!!! Thank you!!!

[@travelingfool9096]

That Burrito place rocks, I think it was dinner more times than not ,when I went there the 1st week of July and road just opened.

[@valeriehayes4074]

OMG!! My fiancé and I are eloping there next September and this just made me even more excited! Just absolutely breathtaking! Enjoy your travel ❤️

[@dechenbehlen1454]

I am so glad to come across your channel. What a lovely couple and a wonderful video! I am going there next week and patiently holding my excitement!! :-)

[@lalilalita7396]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful trip. My boy and I going there next week!! Everywhere and everything totally booked but we’ll figure out. Can’t wait 💕

[@emilyrothleutner801]

We’re here now and going to hike Grinnell lake viewpoint today! We love your videos and definitely used it as a reference point.

[@dette013]

i am a big fan and absolutely entertained by you vlogs!

[@kellyoconnor8136]

Great video!!! Headed to glacier in a couple of weeks and so I am very anxious to get to the Grinell Lake view point! You too are adorable. 👍👍

[@rickporvaznik5030]

Just got back on July 3. What a great park.

[@sandraroutos9343]

My favorite park as well!

[@GODISMYSTERIOUS]

I will miss your cute loving van after 15 days.

[@allietav2206]

That was so beautiful 🥰

[@GODISMYSTERIOUS]

Glacier National bank is on my bucket list.

[@benmiles8161]

Wow what a great video! I especially liked the intro!

[@TravelwithKunjal]

You guys make a lovely couple!! ❤️❤️ New friend here!! lots of love and support from Los Angeles!! 🤗🤗

[@105cathy]

We stayed off park at Hungry Horse National Forest when things were not so crazy...still a very busy park. BUT well worth the hassles. Saw a grizzlie bear a moose and lots of mountain goats. We did going to the sun road twice...once in the park shuttle and again on thee red bus tour.

[@tomtom316]

Glacier is my favorite too. Huckleberry pancakes are the best, and you need to bring Chad back to experience Going To The Sun!

[@ChadandClaire]

No doubt we will be back!

[@alexrizzo3522]

i loved loved loved the intro to this video

[@jpadventures6302]

Another great video:)

[@industrialexitstrategist2022]

Very nice!! New subscriber!!

[@GODISMYSTERIOUS]

Claire looks very natural and even younger without makeup.

[@thandokunene5614]

we were there beginning of June when the road was closed and we still had a wonderful time!!

[@ChadandClaire]

It's such a beautiful place! It's nice there is still so much to do even with the center road closed.

[@vovovo131]

Thank you for your video. Keep it going👍

[@wshazbot62]

Hi kids, as usual beautiful video. I really want to go there now after seeing all you showed us, it’s going to be strange not seeing you with Rover 😔. Always such colorful meals Claire 😊

[@ChadandClaire]

Rover has been the only constant in our lives these past months, so it's going to be strange for sure.

[@dannygrissom1]

Good one you two

[@lindakincaid4530]

my favorite park too. We were there july 4th 2017 and the going to the sun road just opened a day before we arrived.

[@MichaelApodaca]

Awesome video! My wife and I are actually doing a last-minute jot over to Glacier NP this weekend and this video will be very helpful! Thank you guys and will be following along on your guys' journey :)

[@myytchannel6632]

Did you guys go? Is Highway to the Sun route open?

[@alvaromontes2713]

what a place! have to plan a trip over there

[@StephsHealthMatters]

Lovely video. Beautiful hike. New Subscriber. Thank you both

[@uwlwsrpm]

Nice video! You provided a good preview of the traffic situation of that year. The reservation system did reduce daytime traffic on the roads leading into the park a little bit, but it only made parking inside the park fill up even earlier than before, like you stated, even 5 AM is almost too late to get a parking spot at Logan Pass. Pretty soon people will be parking there overnight to get a spot I bet.

[@montman7368]

As a local who lives near the park, I can tell you we also hate the new "ticket" policy. It has caused traffic and overcrowding issues in all of the areas surrounding Glacier.

[@bettyveritas4047]

I boil my avocado stones and make tea, just clean them and chop them in quarters. Also you can grate the stone after boiling and sprinkle or add to food. Best icecream I had tasted like Parma voilets yummy. Great vid 💜🥰

[@ChadandClaire]

Oooh avocado tea sounds good!

[@drawhosliviabarchbier6480]

NO WAY I WAS THERE ASWELL THAT IS SO COOL YOU JUST EARNED A NEW SUBSCRIBER I JUST ARRIVED HOME YESTERDAY

[@irfanhusein1445]

Great Vlog. Loved it. Heading to glacier Yellowstone, grand Teton and Arches in September. I hope the parks are not as crowded at that time.

[@TheArmando135]

Great video but you forgot the Title of the song , very nice song , Yes I planned going on Sept. if things go well. take care, I enjoyed your video

[@birdman5223]

You lucky rascals👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@hannahbloom6656]

Thanks for spilling the beans and contributing to the Flathead's tourist problem.

[@JP-kr5yi]

Awesome content.

[@nicelyfaithful]

What month did you take this trip? Very inspiring video.

[@miikoa]

This looks amazing. I tried to go this year but I ran into too logistical issues. Next year!

[@afzalmemon7]

Didn’t we see you guys at the Two medicine lake - we talked about the entry tickets.. :)

[@jacktoy3032]

How does the first come, first serve campsite system work? Are specific sites designated as such and who controls the allocation for the day?

[@RojasFamily2010]

what month were you there... looks amazing. Great video!

[@octaviaalford2533]

What hiking shoes do you use Claire? And do you like them?

[@JPB-406]

I loved your video. First time viewer… I am a bit shocked that you seem to have plenty of hiking experience but no visibly accessible bear spray? Also, you seemed to brush off the multiple warnings of bear from other hikers? Just wish you all the best and safe travels in future trips.

[@GODISMYSTERIOUS]

The entire video is attractive.

[@arianalisettte]

Your videos are so beautiful and a true inspiration to me. My boyfriend and i love to travel and we’ve been here but in the winter. What month did you visit glacier in this video?

[@KarenLee-ms2th]

Been following since the beginning. This was a beautiful vlog so glad you got a spot to camp. Im going to miss your van travels. Mine is just about to begin. My van is finally done . Will you be vlogging your future international travels or is this the end...on July 8. Oh... and were you able to sell your van?

[@ChadandClaire]

Hey Karen! Thanks for watching!! We will be vlogging during our future international travels and are trying to keep to our every 4 days schedule as well. The van has been sold and the buyer will be getting it at the end of this month! Bittersweet!

[@NamalataLynn8300]

Hi Chad &Claire. I have been wanting to visit Glacier National Park but husband an I see not into camping or hiking. Are normal visitors can still get to see and enjoy this beautiful view of the Park?

[@andreanikcole6449]

More bear food. 😂😂 the bears leaving us locals alone and eating all the outsiders.

[@katherinedennison445]

We are heading to Glacier in two weeks. I noticed you are wearing jackets which kind of surprised me for July. Do you recommend packing one and would you mind sharing the links for the two jackets you are wearing? I would like to get something similar for my husband and I. This is my first video I have ever watched from you too and want to say your videography is AMAZING :-)

[@kamelaanderson6744]

The locals are having an extremely hard time just entering our park.

[@matthewheastan5178]

Tourist have really taken over the state during the summers. It’s really sad and it sucks. I live an hour away and now I can’t even explore my own backyard whenever I want to.

[@sudip2000us]

Awsome video!! What time of the year was this!

[@TheSoftesBread]

How’s the weather? We plan to go mid October and I’m wondering what kind of clothes/shoes I’ll need!!!

[@kathleen7621]

I love your video! I’m going in august and didn’t realize I needed to make some plans ahead of time. What kind of camera do you use? It’s such beautiful picture for up close and far away.

[@personjo100]

The entry ticket system ruined it. We had a ticket but found out you have get up at 4:30a if you want to get a spot at Logan Pass. The lot is full by 6:30a

[@personjo100]

Didn't exactly want to spend my vacation getting up so early

[@atr6930]

Loved this! My wife and I are going in September. We are from Wyoming and sometimes don’t realize how close we are to this amazing beautiful area! I just found your channel and I’m very curious to see if you explored our beautiful state! And if you happened to come across our stomping grounds, the Bighorns.

[@dakotaellis4729]

My wife and I are going in September this year! How was your experience with crowds and getting campsites?

[@atr6930]

We didn’t camp in the park, we stayed in Whitefish and Kalispell. But it was amazing! Not too crowded but all the campgrounds were full. It was hard at a couple places to get a parking spot, and the highway 2 was open. I drove it 4 times. It was worth it! I wish we could have made it to Many Glacier, but they had closed that part of the park to repave the road.

[@sindhurag816]

Hi. What month did you guys visit?

[@kaitlinsmith7151]

I am curious where you started the hike to granelle overlook? How many miles is the hike?

[@deborahrussell1609]

I also would like to know if you guys are still going to keep those videos going for us on your international travels?

[@ChadandClaire]

Hey Deborah! Yes! we do plan on posting videos of our international travel! We hope you'll stick around :)

[@sumantamang3367]

Great vlog, I went there a couple months ago, the most beautiful place I have ever visited. At 7:18 what is the name of the song please?

[@nwootten123]

Great video, thanks. Question - we're planning on doing the same thing (van, but don't have a ticket to Road To The Sun). Were you able to enter the road if you get there super early / before hours?

[@irfanhusein1445]

In your opinion would Ebikes enhance this trip?

[@ThayneDavis]

What dates are you there in this video?

[@bn3881]

Hi there! May I ask where you guys camped? Was it a random public place you found and Just decided to park for the night? Thanks!

[@t.q.6639]

Did you have to drive around looking at each campsite to see if it’s unoccupied? Or did a campground office assign you an empty spot?

[@cheskadietsch963]

Loved the video. But where is your bear spray?!?!?

[@justinkadjan4698]

What time of year was this?