Caves and karst

Glacier National Park's jagged peaks soar overhead, but there is an equally impressive world beneath your feet! Home to unusual animals, extreme bacteria, and delicate geological sculptures formed over centuries, these cave systems represent a new frontier in research and exploration.

Entering caves in Glacier National Park is prohibited without a permit. This is because caves require technical skills and experience to access, and must be managed carefully to preserve their integrity and sensitive ecosystems. Resident wildlife must be protected from introduced diseases, including white-nose syndrome, a rapidly-spreading fungus that has devastated bat populations across North America. In addition, speleothems - features like stalactites that are formed by mineral deposits over many years - are individually unique to their environment, and their fragility makes them vulnerable to visitors.