Go out early in the morning and miss everyone else. I like exploring Glacier in the morning-it makes me feel like I'm the only one there.

- Patty

Check out West Glacier's "Old Bridge." From the village of West Glacier, stroll 1/2 mile east on Old Bridge Road and you'll discover an architectural stalwart that has stood the test of time and the temper of Mother Nature. Commonly referred to as "The Old Bridge," this scaffold of concrete and timber is the original entrance to Glacier National Park. Now limited to foot and bike traffic the bridge offers great photo opportunities as well as links to the Boundary Trail and Headquarters bike path. The sandy beaches below the bridge are a perfect place to soak up some sun or kick back for picnic at the river's edge.

- Ryan

Amtrak stopping in East Glacier Park on May 1 each year signals the start of the season. From East Glacier, head up the "Looking Glass Road" Highway 49 through East Glacier. This is the most scenic drive on the east side, after the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Bring your binoculars and stop along the way and view the Two Medicine Valley and Rising Wolf Mountain. Heading north, once you cross the highest point along the route, Divide Peak will appear in the distance. Now, as you're descending, carefully look west (left), that's Spot Mountain. Find a pull off, there are many along the twisty road. It's very common to see grizzly bears on the flanks of Spot Mountain. I average a grizzly bear spotting one out of three trips up there, which is great odds. Rest assured, it's a safe distance so don't be afraid to get out and lean against your car and take in some of the cool, clean, crisp Montana Mountain air flowing down off the high peaks of Glacier National Park. Keep going along Highway 49 till you hit Kiowa crossing and Highway 89. A left takes you to St. Mary and a right takes you 10 miles back to Browning and Highway 2.

- Tony

Take the boat cruise on St. Mary Lake. I personally think it is the most accessible, most dramatic and quiet, although you may feel some wind. The boat cruise there is great and underutilized. Follow it up by eating at Johnson's cafe in St. Mary. Amazing.

- Sammi

If you find yourself in Glacier National Park during the rush of summer, especially July or August, don't hesitate to get away from the crowds and do a little exploring in areas that don't see as much foot traffic. The Bob Marshall Wilderness complex is Glacier's next-door neighbor, and home to all of the same beauty as the park, with a fraction of the visitors. Heading east on Highway 2 from West Glacier, there are multiple trailheads (several with signs) visible from the road. One option is to drive the 46 miles to the confluence of Bear Creek and the Middle Fork, park, and follow the river a mile or two into the Great Bear section of the wilderness area. Just don't forget to stop by the Snow Slip Inn for a cold one with the locals on your way home!

- Kelsey