Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Covering 3.3 million acres of rugged mountains, dynamic glaciers, temperate rainforest, wild coastlines and deep sheltered fjords, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is known as Homeland to the Huna and Yakutat Lingít, and is a highlight of Alaska's Inside Passage. From sea to summit, Glacier Bay offers limitless opportunities for adventure and inspiration. — nps.gov
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve at a glance
- State
- Alaska
- Established
- December 2, 1980
- Size
- 3,223,383 acres
- 2025 visits
- 740,044
- Busiest-park rank
- #32 of 63
- Entrance
- Free entry
Best time to visit
When is Glacier Bay quiet?
Glacier Bay is busiest in July and quietest in February. For a quieter visit outside the dead of the off-season, May is the quietest shoulder-season month, going by National Park Service visitor counts for 2021–2025.
In 2025 the park logged 740,044 recreation visits, the #32 busiest of the 63 national parks. Quiet months can also mean closed roads or facilities, so check current conditions before you go.
Crowd calendar, all 63 parks →Is Glacier Bay open right now? →
Average visits by month
2021–2025 · NPS IRMAQuietest: FebruaryBusiest: July
Fees & passes
What it costs to visit Glacier Bay
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve charges no entrance fee.
From the NPS fees data, checked October 1, 2026.
Reservations · 2026
No park-wide reservation
The National Park Service lists no timed-entry or vehicle reservation for Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. Campgrounds, tours and backcountry permits may still need booking, so check the park's plan-your-visit page.
Things to do
Things to do in Glacier Bay
- Experience the Huna Tribal House1-3 Hours · All year
Take a walk on the Łingít trail to see the first permanent clan house in Glacier Bay since Łingít villages were destroyed by an advancing glacier over 250 years ago.
- Camp at Bartlett Cove1-3 Days · All year
The Bartlett Cove Campground is steps away from incredible views of the Fairweather Mountains and the bay. Spend a night in this enchanting rainforest campground and listen to whales from where you sleep.
- Kayak the Beardslees1-3 Days · All year
If you’re visiting Glacier Bay on a budget, one of the more accessible wilderness areas of the park is the Beardslee Islands. Kayak through these peaceful, wild waters and look for wildlife along the shoreline for a…
- Explore GustavusAll year
The town of Gustavus is considered the gateway to Glacier Bay. This charming Alaskan community offers plenty for travelers to explore as they make their way to the park.
Pets OK - Hike the Trails at Bartlett CoveAll year
Bartlett Cove has the only developed trails in the park. The forests and shorelines offer great hiking opportunities through a beautiful setting and a chance to see all manner of wildlife. Spend some time, stretch your…
Stop by the Glacier Bay Visitor Center to watch a program, join a ranger on a walk, or just explore the exhibits yourself. There's plenty to learn for visitors of all ages.
From the National Park Service (checked October 1, 2026). Each title opens its nps.gov page with current conditions.
By activity
- Arts and Culture26
- ATV Off-Roading2
- Auto and ATV33
- Backcountry Camping51
- Birdwatching48
- Boat Tour16
- Boating27
- Camping60
- Canoe or Kayak Camping20
- Car or Front Country Camping41
- Climbing26
- Cultural Demonstrations12
- Fishing41
- Flying10
- Food46
- Front-Country Hiking42
- Guided Tours54
- Hiking60
- Hunting9
- Hunting and Gathering11
- Kayaking23
- Motorized Boating11
- Mountain Climbing11
- Paddling32
- Whitewater Rafting7
- Wildlife Watching53
The number shows how many of the 63 national parks offer each activity.
Weather
Weather at Glacier Bay
Summer temperatures average 50° to 60° F (10° to 15° C). Rain is the norm in lush southeast Alaska. It is best to be prepared to enjoy the park in any kind of weather, especially rain. Suggested clothing includes waterproof boots, rain gear, a hat, gloves, wool or pile layers or a warm coat.
Good rain gear is essential here. April, May and June are usually the driest months of the year. September and October tend to be the wettest.
From the National Park Service.
Getting there
Getting to Glacier Bay
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve lies west of Juneau, Alaska, and can only be reached by plane or boat. The only road in the area merely connects the small town of Gustavus and its airfield to park headquarters at Bartlett Cove (10 miles). Alaska Airlines provides daily jet service from Juneau to Gustavus in the summer months.
Year-round scheduled air service is also provided by a variety of small air taxis and charters. The Alaska Marine Highway ferries also provide regular service from Juneau.
No road in: Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve lies west of Juneau, Alaska, and can only be reached by plane or boat.
1 Park Road, Gustavus, AK, 99826 · Directions on nps.gov
Nearby
National parks near Glacier Bay
- Wrangell–St. Elias National Park & Preserve268 miGlacier Bay is not reachable by road
- Kenai Fjords National Park472 miGlacier Bay is not reachable by road
- Denali National Park & Preserve566 miGlacier Bay is not reachable by road
- Lake Clark National Park & Preserve594 miGlacier Bay is not reachable by road
- Katmai National Park & Preserve650 miGlacier Bay is not reachable by road
- Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve798 miGlacier Bay is not reachable by road
Straight-line distance between park centers; drive times are rough estimates.
Glacier Bay is the orange dot. Tap any park to tick it off your checklist.
Photos of Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
FAQ
Glacier Bay, quickly
- When is the best time to visit Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve?
- If you want fewer people, go in May, the quietest shoulder-season month. July is the busiest month on average, and February the quietest, based on NPS recreation visits for 2021–2025. Check nps.gov for seasonal road and facility closures before you go.
- How much does it cost to visit Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve?
- Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve has no entrance fee, according to the National Park Service. Some tours, campgrounds or permits may still cost money.
- Do you need a reservation for Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve in 2026?
- The National Park Service lists no park-wide timed-entry or vehicle reservation for Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. Campgrounds, tours and some popular hikes may still need bookings, so check the park's plan-your-visit page.
- What are some things to do in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve?
- The National Park Service lists 6 things to do in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, including Experience the Huna Tribal House, Camp at Bartlett Cove, Kayak the Beardslees, Explore Gustavus, Hike the Trails at Bartlett Cove. Each has its own page on nps.gov with current conditions.
- When did Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve become a national park?
- Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve was established as a national park on December 2, 1980.
- What is the closest national park to Glacier Bay?
- Wrangell–St. Elias National Park & Preserve, about 268 miles away in a straight line.
Sources · 3
- 1.Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve — official site · National Park Service
- 2.NPS Data API — /parks (all park units) · National Park Service (U.S. Department of the Interior)
- 3.Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve — Visitor Use Statistics · National Park Service (IRMA)
About this page
Park facts, photos, fees and visitor counts come from the National Park Service (NPS Data API and Visitor Use Statistics), last checked October 1, 2026. Park'd is an independent app and is not affiliated with the National Park Service. For official, current information, visit nps.gov/glba.
Park'd · free on iPhone & Android
Been to Glacier Bay? Log it.
Park'd keeps your national parks map, trips, photos and stats in one place on iPhone and Android. Check off Glacier Bay, add the trip, and see how many of the 63 you've got left.
