Glacier National Park in USA – photo, description, map
Traveling to different cities and countries, every tourist wants to get an unforgettable experience, to see something new, perhaps even to discover previously unknown facets. Glacier National Park, located in Montana, USA, is a place where you completely merge with nature. Mountain peaks, many glaciers and lakes, waterfalls and mesmerizing views amaze with their beauty. Here you want to breathe deeply and not think about anything, contemplating the beautiful landscapes.
A bit of history
According to archaeological research, the first people (Indian tribes) came to the territory of the modern park about 10,000 years ago. An interesting fact is that those who came to these lands at the beginning of the eighteenth century called one of the territories of the park the “Ridge of the World“.
In the nineteenth century, the Lewis and Clark expedition arrived on the land now occupied by the park. Having discovered the Indians, it was decided to build Fort Manuel, which was intended for trade. In 1910, the National Park was founded and the territory began to be actively built up with roads, hotels and campsites to attract tourists and their convenience.
About the wealth of the National Park
The area of the park is about 4000 sq. km (more than 1,000 thousand acres) and this entire vast territory includes two parts of mountain ranges, 25 active glaciers, 200 waterfalls and about 135 lakes.
The lake called McDonald is the largest and is located in the western part of the park. Its length is about 15 kilometers, the depth is also very impressive – 140 meters. This is the most famous and visited lake in the park.
Small lakes are located in depressions, the so-called kars. Many reservoirs have a light turquoise color, which is explained by glacial deposits. The spectacle, no matter how hard to guess, fabulous! During the dry months, many waterfalls unfortunately dry up. The most popular of them are Swiftcarent, McDonald and, by far, the highest Bird-woman waterfall.
The attention of all tourists, of course, is attracted by glaciers. In the middle of the nineteenth century there were about 150 of them in the park, to our days their number has significantly decreased as a result of melting. Scientists study this issue in detail and come to the conclusion that in a few years there will be no glaciers left at all and this process cannot be stopped. This is another reason to come to the National Park, because very soon its appearance may change significantly.
Travelers have the opportunity not only to admire nature, but also to see real wild animals – wolves, elks, badgers, wolverines, black bears, sheep and many other different animals. In addition, the park is home to two species of animals that are under threat of extinction – the grizzly bear and the Canadian lynx. It is also interesting that the official symbol of the park is the bighorn goat, which can also be found on a walk.
About 1135 species of plants grow in the park, 23 species of freshwater fish live in the lakes, and 260 species of all kinds of birds soar in the sky – the feeling that all wildlife has gathered here! That is why visiting the park will certainly be of interest not only to ordinary tourists, but also to ecologists, biologists and other specialists in this field.
The Indian peoples (the ancestors of the Salish, Shoshone and Cheyenne) called the modern Glacier National Park a sacred place, and this is not surprising, because the ancient Indians had a huge number of rites and rituals associated with nature. Modern people like to compare this park with Switzerland and the Alps.
Glacier is not just a beautiful place, it is part of an entire ecosystem that has come down to us in its original form.
h2>Climate
Certain factors create a huge variety of climates and microclimates in the park. As with all mountain peaks, the higher you climb, the colder it gets. During tourist periods, the maximum air temperature is around 20 ° C. It is important to note that snowfall can occur at any time of the year, even in summer, which is a very common occurrence. So those who are tired of the summer heat and want to catch snowflakes with their tongues will definitely like Glacier!
Entering the park, you will immediately feel how clean, fresh the air is here. This is due to the fact that there are no large settlements in the areas located nearby. There are also almost no factories, factories and other industrial pollutants nearby. The same factors explain the high quality of water in lakes.
Tourist routes
The abundance of tourist routes allows travelers to explore the territory from all sides. In Glacier Park it is possible to make both a walk and using transport. The most interesting and beautiful trip is the “Road to the Sun” – one of the most famous routes. Visitors are invited to drive 50 miles by car or small bus.
This little adventure will begin from the lower territories, and will end at an altitude of 2000 meters at the Continental Pass. In a 2-hour trip, travelers will see in all their beauty coniferous forests, flower meadows, snowy mountain peaks, and many glacial lakes!
It will be equally interesting to see the park from the air. You can do this while sitting in an airplane or helicopter, which the park staff will gladly provide. Such excursions are very popular, because wild, untouched nature from a height looks very bright and expressive.
For those who want to see the glaciers in detail, there is an excursion on the water. This is a very exciting activity, because each glacier is unique, has its own unique shape and its own color. It is very convenient to contemplate all this beauty from the ship. Of course, I would like to get even closer to the glaciers, but this poses a threat to life.
It is worth noting that the most picturesque views open only from hiking trails.
Where to stay to live?
To fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere that reigns in the park and see as much beauty as possible, travelers can stay in various tourist camps and in cozy, comfortable hotels. All of them are located in picturesque places and, in addition to the housing itself, include all kinds of restaurants, shops, recreation areas, and more.
Glacier National Park is a place that captivates from the first minute. Admiring the almighty nature, you find harmony with yourself and the whole world!
Another interesting place in the USA is Carlsbad Caverns.