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!

[@clintonmurakami3753]

Thanks!

[@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 ❤

[@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! :)

[@daveweaver-soloadventures5589]

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

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@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! 😊👍

[@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.

[@desimora8]

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

[@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 :)

[@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!

[@GODISMYSTERIOUS]

Wow. The views are magnificent.

[@gov683]

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

[@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

[@aaronroberts7084]

That last view point was absolutely amazing

[@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.

[@pahouayang5722]

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

[@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!! :-)

[@taylormooney9894]

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

[@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!

[@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. 👍👍

[@GODISMYSTERIOUS]

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

[@somjaisukdee2129]

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

[@SimpleEssentials]

That lake at the end, oh wow!!! 😍😍

[@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.

[@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.

[@WayneMoran]

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

[@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 💕

[@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.

[@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!

[@robertabrams8562]

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

[@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?

[@RyderNight99]

Dang that view is nice!

[@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.

[@octaviaalford2533]

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

[@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.

[@veronica0406]

Beautiful!

[@nicelyfaithful]

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

[@rickporvaznik5030]

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

[@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?

[@TravelwithKunjal]

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

[@arianalisettecabralesramos]

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?

[@metarus208]

thanks guys for this.

[@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 ❤️

[@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

[@GODISMYSTERIOUS]

Gorgeous! Love it.

[@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.

[@afzalmemon7]

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

[@dette013]

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

[@kaitlinsmith7151]

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

[@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?

[@sindhurag816]

Hi. What month did you guys visit?

[@arlenebrown-pengelly4996]

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

[@miikoa]

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

[@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

[@benmiles8161]

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

[@dannygrissom1]

Good one you two

[@alvaromontes2713]

what a place! have to plan a trip over there

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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?

[@irfanhusein1445]

In your opinion would Ebikes enhance this trip?

[@StephsHealthMatters]

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

[@ThayneDavis]

What dates are you there in this video?

[@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.

[@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.

[@allietav2206]

That was so beautiful 🥰

[@sudip2000us]

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

[@sandraroutos9343]

My favorite park as well!

[@drawhosliviabarchbier6480]

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

[@justinkadjan4698]

What time of year was this?

[@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!

[@ketomuscle2174]

What kind of cook stove do you use

[@TheSoftesBread]

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

[@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?

[@jpadventures6302]

Another great video:)

[@YoutubeAccountx]

What's the song at the end?

[@GODISMYSTERIOUS]

Glacier National bank is on my bucket list.

[@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 :-)

[@maryannmilless695]

so once you are in the park, can you be stopped along the road during 6 am and 5pm and need a ticket?

[@anne-mariespricigo7079]

I’m doing a trip in a few day, I couldn’t get the day pass. Did you need the day pass for Mt. Grinnelle and Avalanche hike?

[@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.

[@GraceGAB]

You mean, if you go early than 6am you don’t need to get passes! is that right?

[@ChadandClaire]

Yep!!

[@GraceGAB]

@@ChadandClaire thank you 🙏

[@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 :)

[@GODISMYSTERIOUS]

I will miss your cute loving van after 15 days.

[@stacypeach1]

Thanks for this amazing video! Going to Glacier next week. I'm curious, did you have to take a boat to get to the Grinnell Glacier Viewpoint trail? Or did you hike the entire Grinnell Glacier trail and then hike to the viewpoint?

[@kathryn6281]

Hi! I was just there last week and took the boat. You do need tickets which you can buy ahead of time or if they’re out you can go and be put on the waitlist. I believe if you don’t take the boat it’s an additional 3 miles, but it’s flat and a pretty easy hike.

[@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.

[@ahhitskatie9094]

I might have missed it (apologies!), but how busy was the park during your visit?

[@ChadandClaire]

So it was definitely busy at the major hikes and the trailheads, but since the main road wasn't open it was definitely manageable and you get some solid amounts of time hiking by yourself.

[@vovovo131]

Thank you for your video. Keep it going👍

[@Mindy-s-channel]

fun video! So when you guys got there super early had you checked the Apgar camp ground? I'm traveling there in a month and am hoping for a spot at apgar or sprague. I have a ton of questions if you don't mind. 1 are there flush toilets at apgar camp ground? (the website is not clear) 2 I noticed the envelope you had. Did you have to find your own available spot or was it assigned to you?

[@taylor-od9mz]

a few questions, how do you not get lost? if you stay on the trail, does it take you back out to the head of it where you parked? or do you go see what you want then go back the way you came? also, the last lake you saw from the viewpoint.. can people set up a tent there? and wake up there or is that not allowed? also, at ur campsite, did they offer like fire pits? i'm not sure what is/isn't offered.

[@taylor-od9mz]

also how was the weather? hot? comfortable? cool?

[@jenniferj9871]

How do you get to Avalanche Lake when the Going to The Sun Road is closed?

[@joshuawillman8769]

so avalanche lake is at the very start of where the road is closed. And you take the trail of the cedars then take a split off into the alvalanche lake trail head

[@alexrizzo3522]

i loved loved loved the intro to this video