Glacier National Park in December is typically silent and sparkling. It’s the last month of the year that the Sun Road and the Camas Road are plowed. We’ve had plenty of magical moments in the park in the darkest month of the year. If you’re thinking of visiting the park in December, you’ll need to keep an eye on changing weather conditions. Please be prepared and self-supported. And tell us all about it if you go!
What’s Open in Glacier National Park in December?
- Informational exhibits at Apgar Visitor Center and Glacier National Park headquarters, located just outside of the entrance gates, are open. The buildings themselves are closed.
- Restrooms at the Apgar VC are open throughout the year.
- The Camas Road is typically open, or plowed, through December 31 each year. Keep in mind that if it’s snowing, the road may be temporarily closed until it plows can operate.
- The Going-to-the-Sun Road is typically open, or plowed, to the Avalanche trailhead through December 15th. Again, keep in mind that it will temporarily close for plowing as needed.
- The Going-to-the-Sun Road is typically open, or plowed, to Lake McDonald Lodge year round. One more time – check road status before you go! In December, it might be sunny in Whitefish and but a blizzard in Glacier.
- Keep up with changing road status here.
What To Do in Glacier National Park in December?
- First, check conditions before you go. We’ve brought together road status, weather reports, webcams and more here. You can check avalanche conditions here.
- Go for cross country skiing! There are lots of places in Glacier that are awesome for cross country skiing. You can read all about them, and check out detailed maps like these, here.
- Need snow shoe or xc ski rentals? Check out the Glacier Nordic Center and the Glacier Cyclery & Nordic, Sportsman SkiHaus, and more rental locations in neighboring Whitefish and Kalispell.
- Go with a Glacier National Park Ranger for a guided weekend snowshoe tour.
- Download Glacier Park’s skiing and snowshoes brochure here.
NPS Photo / Jacob W. Frank
- If you’ve got the skills, you can still backcountry camp in Glacier National Park in December. Keep in mind that permits are mandatory.