Why Exploring Glacier National Park in the Shoulder Season Was Worth the Cold
Want to explore a beautiful national park without the "touristy" clutter?
If your like me, you like to get out in nature to escape: people,stress,and everyday life. But mostly you go to escape the people. Glacier National Park is one of those places that is unlike any other, full of dense forests, pristine lakes, and towering mountains.
Wanting to revisit this place, but not with the overwhelming amount of traffic and tourism, my friend and I set out in late winter to experience a desolate national park, what we experienced was an entirely different way of exploring. In early March, the park has an almost overgrown feel to it, it is very raw and almost seems like it has had some time to recover from the busy past summer season.
While the camping can be demanding, the rewards for having a whole lake to yourself and trails empty at your disposal can prove to be very redeeming. But, there is one negative however. Because of this time of year the upper park is closed. But the road is open to bike, so with a little work you can fully access this park in the winter which is rewarding within itself.
This is experience is very different and to enjoy it you have to think different, and I think thats what made it so enjoyable for us.
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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