Glacier National Park, situated in Montana, has become a focal point for “last chance tourism” as its glaciers rapidly diminish due to climate change. Since its establishment in 1910, the park has seen the Blackfeet tribe, once displaced and expected to near extinction, persist as resilient stewards of the land. However, over a century later, the glaciers are the ones facing extinction, with projections indicating that only 27 of the original 150 glaciers will remain by 2030.
Currently, Glacier National Park is warming at nearly double the rate of the global average. This alarming change is impacting various aspects of the park’s ecosystem, including increased water temperatures in streams and a reduction in water flow across the landscape. Frequent wildfires, milder winters leading to forest vulnerabilities, and a decline in key wildlife populations are among the consequences. Michael Jamison, Northern Rockies campaign director for the National Parks Conservation Association, describes climate change as a “threat multiplier,” exacerbating existing ecological challenges.
The urgency to witness these glaciers is palpable among travelers. Jamison notes anecdotal evidence of visitors racing to see the glaciers before they disappear, as confirmed by the substantial increase in overall park visitation numbers. In 2024 alone, Glacier National Park welcomed approximately 300,000 more visitors than in 2023, with a notable spike during the summer months. This rise in visitor numbers, however, has adverse effects, such as increased traffic congestion, litter accumulation, wildlife disturbances, and poor air quality due to higher carbon emissions.
While some argue that increased foot traffic might raise awareness of climate issues, the evidence suggests otherwise. A “sustainability paradox” is emerging, where the influx of visitors contributes to the degradation of the very attractions they wish to see. To combat these issues, Glacier National Park has introduced policies aimed at mitigating visitor impact. Since 2020, visitors are required to make timed reservations to enter during peak summer months, although this has had limited success in alleviating overall visitor numbers. Meanwhile, park facilities utilize solar and hydro power, and alternative fuels are employed for park vehicles.
Despite these efforts, the challenges facing Glacier National Park remain daunting, intensified by an increasingly extractive tourism industry driven by social media. Jamison emphasizes the need for substantial financial resources and coordinated policies among multiple land management agencies to effectively combat human-induced environmental degradation.
The responsibility also falls on visitors, who must acknowledge the environmental impact of their travels. Embracing sustainable practices, such as using Blackfeet-owned Sun Tours and prioritizing eco-friendly activities like hiking and kayaking, could help alleviate the pressures of overtourism. Jamison points out that the convergence of multiple crises is unprecedented in the park’s history and calls for urgent action to protect this cherished natural wonder. The current situation presents both a challenge and an opportunity for collective action towards sustainability and awareness of the critical issues facing Glacier National Park.