A visit to Glacier National Park seems like a daunting trip. Its status as one of the most-visited national parks in America means that it comes with a plethora of activities and sights to see.
Which is exactly why I created this comprehensive Glacier National Park itinerary – to make planning easier! This guide is for a 3 day itinerary on seeing all the must- see highlights and some tips to make your trip easier.
And with the rest of Backpacker’s itineraries, theres also advice on how to extend your one day and make this trip a travel weekend or week: end essentials including hiking maps, information about campsites etc 5 Outdoor Adventure Trip Ideas L.A.
- Glacier National Park timed entry reservation system 2024
- When to visit Glacier National Park
- How To Get There And Tips For Parking
- In-park and nearby lodging options
- Travel & Packing Tips for the Adventurous Soul inside you.
Beyond excited to plan the perfect Glacier National Park vacation? Pass the details, let us plan out!
Glacier National Park Overview: Essential Tips for Your Visit
Before diving into the details of your trip, here are some key points to make your planning easier:
- When to Visit: The summer months are the peak travel time at Glacier National Park — it’s when you’ll find warm weather and everything in park is running. Crowd size: The large crowd of tourists while watching the striking natural views.If you’re looking for a quieter day, hold off until early or mid-September.
- Where to Stay: If you are looking for somewhere inside the park, we love Many Glacier Hotel. Should you wish to stay outside the park, both Babb and St. Mary have accommodations including rustic cabins at St. Mary Village.
- If you go: Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, Montana furthest airport For good flight deals,
- Getting There: The best way to discover Glacier National Park is by driving. Find rental options on Expedia, or rent an RV (or campervan) from Outdoorsy for maximum flexibility.
- Ultimate Self-Guided Tour: Get the narrated GyPSy Guide app for road trips and park circuits. The Going-to-the-Sun Road Guide offers informative narrative about the history and geology of the park.
- Pro Tip: Remember to lock in your America the Beautiful National Park Pass. Glacier National Park’s fee to enter — just around $80 for over 400 national park sites during one year.
An Overview of Glacier National Park’s Regions
Glacier National Park is located in the Upper Midwest along the United States and Canada border, and includes more than a million acres of beautiful wild land. The park, which is recognized for its high jagged horizons and thundering waterfalls; teems w/ herds of wildlife and numerous other small species would not be what it is without the glaciers.
The park itinerary is quite simple too, and the focal element of it is a 50 mile driving road that climbs across The Rockies: Going to the Sun Road. West Glacier Entrance to St. Mary ( Going To The Sun Road )This spectacular two-lane route is the only road over West Glacier and half anway across Highway 89, connecting you with most of the park’s key destinations.
The Lake McDonald and St. Mary & Logan Pass regions are part of the Going-to-the-Sun Corridor Heading east are Two Medicine and Many Glacier off of Highway 89, continuing into the North Fork as well as Goat Haunt even farther north. We’ve broken down each space for a quick and easy look:
- Lake McDonald: This area is home to Glacier’s largest lake and includes the historic Lake McDonald Lodge, Trail of the Cedars, and Avalanche Pass. It’s a good place to hike with the family or for beginners.
- Logan Pass and St. Mary: The highest, most scenic spot on Going to the Sun Road which includes the Logan Pass Visitor Center as well Cruiser Lookout point (available via Highline Trail), Hidden Lake Overlook, and St. Mary Waterfalls;
- Two Medicine: A lesser populated part of the park with Two Medcine Lake and the Pitamakan-Dawson Loop.
- Many Glacier: The park’s main lodge, the historic and Swiss-looking Many Glacier Hotel rests at this site; it also offers access to some of the best day hiking trails in GNP like Grinnell Glacier, Iceberg Lake and Ptarmigan Tunnel.
- For the more remote areas like North Fork and Goat Haunt, a little planned togetherness goes a long way towards peace of mind in the wilderness. North Fork is available via dirt road, and Goat Haunt requires a backcountry hike.
2024 Glacier National Park Reservation Guidelines
In 2024, the National Park Service will require visitors to secure reservations to access Glacier National Park’s most frequented spots. From May 24 to September 8, 2024, between 6 AM and 3 PM, reservations will be mandatory for the following areas:
- Going-to-the-Sun Road at the Apgar Check Point (not required if driving westward)
- Many Glacier area (starting July 1)
- North Fork area
As much of the park is under reservation, it makes sense to do this in advance biting at whatever slots are available by time you arrive.
Online reservations will open on 25th January and we are not sure how many crazies might be planning the launch event yet. Most slot reservations can be made 120 days in advance, while there are some last minute slots that become available the evening before. Exceptions also are made for visitors with accommodations or tours booked in the park.
Check out the Tips & Tricks altas for Luminary Crater, because it will explain all about how reserving works and essentially what to do in securing your spot.
How Long Should You Stay at Glacier National Park?
If you want to hit the highlights and hike some of its best trails, then spend no less than three days in Glacier National Park. Time for Going to the Sun Road, Lake McDonald, Logan Pass and St. Mary area to Many Glacier.
A good strategy for shorter visits (1 to 3 days) is too concentrate on, the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor focusing around Logan Pass area St. Mary and Lake McDonald areas.
If you do have a little extra time, maybe stay and leave only after three days. Shake the touristy crowds with something in Two Medicine or North Fork which will also allow you more time to hike longer trails such as Iceberg Lake. You can also go for a boat trip or opt for Red Bus tour to take in the beauty of this park from another angle.
Optimal Time to Visit Glacier National Park
The park season is summer, the only time to see it all at Glacier National Park, when snow has melted and left roads open past W (Logan Pass). Now, this brief window also happens to be the busiest time of year at the park.
Glacier winters are harsh and traditionally long from October snows to May or June. The high-elevation Logan Pass has snow covering it most of the year and is usually accessible only from July to September.
That being said, summer is rather busy with such a short tourism season. If you prefer a less crowded and more relaxed environment I would recommend waiting until September. But even after Labor Day, the crowds thin and you get another couple of weeks or so before it starts getting too cold.
What each season looks like in Glacier National Park:
- Spring: Still quite chilly, featuring highs in the 30s or 40s and lows dropping below freezing. Although most of the park is inaccessible during the winter, it can be a peaceful time to view seemingly endless layers of snow covering such iconic features as Lake McDonald.
- Summer: Warm temperatures should arrive by late May, when highs may reach the 70s or even 80. July and August are at this point the busiest months during which, daily counts of visitors are often over 20k. If you prefer fewer people, visit on a week day or early in the morning and stay until sunset.
- Autumn: This month-lower temperatures casts off crowds so that by Technically speaking, the high sits in full swing September through October and hitting 30 to 40°F above average earlier on into its single digits. The Going to the Sun Road normally closes in late September or early October.
- Winter: Glacier experiences harsh winters with heavy snow and freezing temperatures. The park will maybe be closed by much however this is the season for snowing activities like skiing and snowshoe.
The itinerary in this guide is tailored for summer, when all trails and roads are open. If visiting in another season, adjustments will be needed depending on what is accessible.
How to Reach Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park, which lies in the extreme northern part of Montana on the Canadian border, is a park that most people who visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks also make it to.
The fastest way to reach Glacier National Park is by flying into the nearby town of Kalispell via Glacier Park International Airport. The closet major airport to the park, this one is located only 40 minutes drive from West Glacier Entrance. This hub is served by airlines such as Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta (two lounges), Sun Country and United.
Additional airports near Glacier National Park Ideal for those seeking alternative modes of transportation
- Glacier Park International Airport (FCA): 40 minutes to West Glacier Entrance
- Lethbridge Airport (YQL): 1.5 hours to St. Mary Entrance
- Missoula Montana Airport (MSO): 2.5 hours to West Glacier Entrance
- Great Falls International Airport (GTF): 2.5 hours to St. Mary Entrance
- Calgary International Airport (YYC): 3 hours to St. Mary Entrance
- Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN): 5 hours to St. Mary Entrance
With several airport options, visitors can choose the most convenient route based on their travel plans.
Accommodations in and Around Glacier National Park
This can be one of seven lodges inside the boundaries of Glacier National Park, and it also offers 13 campgrounds. Moreover, living within the park lets you see stunning views and lessens travel time to most sought after locations.
However, you are not limited to lodging from the park as there are a few towns nearby that provide great alternatives.
Here are some suggestions for a 3-day visit (whether staying in one of the lodges or outside Glacier at rental homes/hotels etc)
I would recommend staying in Many Glacier or St Mary area on the east side of the park for this itinerary, if you can’t find anything there close to Babb town is another good option. It is on the east side, making all of the attractions significantly closer and less driving time between them in order to explore everything you want from this park.
Getting Around Glacier National Park
The best way to see Glacier National Park is by car and it’s also the most convenient for exploring.
Please note however that vehicles over 21 feet in length or wider than 8 feet are strictly prohibited from driving on Going to the Sun Road. For that reason, steer clear of RVs at Badlands unless you tow another vehicle behind it — or plan to rent.
Most of the parking at well-liked trailheads like Logan Pass fill up by eight a.m. during peak summer months. It really is a good idea to arrive early to increase your chances of finding valley parking spot and avoid the crowds.
In the summer, Glacier also offers a hop on hop off shuttle down Going to the Sun Road for free. The shuttle runs between Apgar Village and St. Mary Visitor Center. The shuttle is useful to be able to make one-way hikes like the Highline Trail, but isn’t as accessible around areas such as Two Medicine and Many Glacier so having your own vehicle on hand can come in handy.
3-Day Itinerary for Glacier National Park
Want to see the highlights of Glacier National Park in three days? You can read a comprehensive one week Glacier National Park itinerary and also include the best spots of Going to the Sun Road, Many Glacier and Logan Pass.
So, in order to maximize your limited time there at the park from Kalispell I recommend getting into Kalispell pretty early on Day 1. This will give you enough time to explore and get situated for the day. There is so much beauty to take in at the park and with only a few days there starting early will allow you plenty of time to get out and see what all Yosemite has to offer without feeling rushed.
This guide is structured as one day mirroring the next and each presented to best experience a given area of the park which will allow you take in all aspects related when visiting for real.
Day 1: Exploring West Glacier & Going to the Sun Road
Morning:
Drive to West Glacier Entrance; fly into Kalispell at the Glacier Park International Airport. Once inside, pull over to Apgar Village where you’ll find park rangers camped out in the traditional log cabin with giant maps splayed across picnic tables pointing out some of their favorite lookouts and trails.
Afternoon:
Spend a relaxing day driving leisurely along the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road. Make sure you stop at all the different view points on your way up. Fishing: West of the highway line Highlights on include:
- Lake McDonald Lodge- A Swiss feel lodge located at lake Mc Donald shore. Rent a kayak or take advantage of one of Glacier Park Boat Company’s scenic boat tours.
- Avalanche Lake via Trail of the Cedars: A easy and packed trail immersed in lush, old-growth forest. Trail of the Cedars — you can enjoy walking in less time and it is more accessible.
- The Loop: A hairpin turn on Going-to-the-Sun Road with exceptional views of Heaven’s Peak.
Evening:
End your day by watching the sunset at Wild Goose Island Overlook on St. Mary Lake. This small island, famously featured in the opening of The Shining, is a beautiful spot to catch the vibrant hues of dusk.
Day 2: Many Glacier Boat Tour and the Grinnell Glacier Hike
Morning:
Head on a trip across Swiftcurrent Lake aboard the Many Glacier Boat, operated by Glacier Park Boat Company and offering tours since 1938. The group will paddle across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine with a very short quarter-mile hike in between.
Mid-Day:
Hike the 10.6-mile Grinnell Glacier Trail (1,600-foot elevation gain) where you will seen many glaciers close up in breath-taking detail You can save a little more than 3 miles by booking a separated round-trip on the boat to drive you and pick you up, which will take it from where Wave starts ans finishes. The glacier is as beautiful up close, and the surrounding lower Grinnell Lake (Upper Grinnell lake) with its stunning river runs down to Middle Falls at Saint Mary Fall isn’t bad either.
Pro Tip for Grinnell Glacier With Boat Tour:
If you do the 8:30 or 9:00 AM boat ride, this leaves super enough time to complete your hike before the last return trip of 5:30 PM. If you do, fall hikes back to Many Glacier Hotel are another 2 miles. Glacier Park Boat Company guarantees proper boat running condition for hikers who are sitting on time by the dock.
Shorter Option:
A shorter alternate hiking activity might be, Grinnell Lake (6.8m RT or 2.2 with boat tour) and the Redrock Falls Trail(3.6 m RT; feasible to see some moose or bears). You can also schedule a guided hike to Grinnell Lake with Glacier Park Boat Company.
Dine:
Nearby Many Glacier Hotel is home to the wine cellar stocked Ptarmigan Dining Room, a haven for local gourmet cuisine that’s all about emphasizing seasonal ingredients. Instead, just throw your name in the waitlist and head to Swiss Lounge for a beverage or start wandering around their gift shop.
Night:
When the sun sets, head to Glacier National Park, an official dark sky park ideal for stargazing. Night of new moon, naked to the human eye can even see Milky Way rise. Before you go out to see this fine show of sky lights, be sure that the skies are actually clear by looking at some Clear Sky Charts.
Day 3: Highline Trail or Hidden Lake Overlook Hikes
Morning:
Arrive at the visitor center by 7:30 a.m. to obtain parking as it fills early! Hidden Lake Overlook and Highline Trail – These are two of the most popular trails in Glacier National Park, both beginning at Logan Pass. You can take advantage of a wide variety hiking options depending upon your fitness and interest. This is probably the place where you can also see mountain goats and bighorn sheep.
Option 1:
Highline Trail (11.8 miles) The Highline Trail serves as an introduction of all that Glacier has to offer including panoramic vistas and alpine meadows filled with wildflowers. From there, the trail opens up onto this rockied ledge just across from Logan Pass Visitor Center. Partway through is a steep scramble on the spur trail to Grinnell Glacier Overlook, with views of Upper Grinnell Lake. The trail spans the Continental Divide, offering spectacular views of both Lake McDonald Valley and Many Glacier Valley. Stops are made at the Granite Park Chalet, from where the trail crosses a burned forest down to The Loop (where you can take free shuttle ride back up to Logan Pass).
Option 2:
is Hike Hidden Lake Overlook (2.8 miles). Choose the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail for a shorter hike. BoardwalkHidden Lake A slightly more challenging hike starting from behind the Logan Pass Visitor Center on a board walk trail that moves past through grassy meadows up to an overlook of Hidden Valley and the mountains surrounding it. If you are in the mood for more of a challenge, keep going downstairs to Lake McDonald and backtrack up logan pass.
Option 3:
Hidden Lake Overlook and some of Highline Trail- 3 Miles If you still want to try both trials, hit Hidden Lake Overlook first then go back to Logan Pass for Highline Trail. Hike the Highline Trail as far (or little) above Going-to-the-Sun Road and enjoy views.of Mt. Oberlin, and its neighboring features like beautiful cliffs of Clements Mountain to S haven’t been seen in upcoming miles; turn around when you please!
Alternative Itineraries for Visiting Glacier National Park
If you’re short on time, here are some adjusted itineraries to help you make the most of your visit:
One-Day Glacier Itinerary
- Day 1: Start with a visit to Lake McDonald, followed by the Avalanche Lake hike. Continue your journey along Going-to-the-Sun Road, and finish the day with the Hidden Lake Overlook hike.
Two-Day Glacier Itinerary
- Day 1: Explore Lake McDonald, hike to Avalanche Lake, drive along Going-to-the-Sun Road, and finish with the Hidden Lake Overlook.
- Day 2: Enjoy the Many Glacier Boat Tour and challenge yourself with the Grinnell Glacier hike.
Four-Day Glacier Itinerary
- Day 1: Begin at Lake McDonald, hike Avalanche Lake, and drive Going-to-the-Sun Road.
- Day 2: Hike Hidden Lake Overlook, then head to St. Mary for the Virginia Falls hike.
- Day 3: Take on the Highline Trail.
- Day 4: Finish with the Many Glacier Boat Tour and the Grinnell Glacier hike.
Five-Day Glacier Itinerary
- Day 1: Visit Lake McDonald, hike to Avalanche Lake, and drive Going-to-the-Sun Road.
- Day 2: Tackle the Hidden Lake Overlook and the St. Mary & Virginia Falls hike.
- Day 3: Spend the day hiking the Highline Trail.
- Day 4: Visit Two Medicine or take a day trip to Waterton Lakes in Canada.
- Day 5: Wrap up with the Many Glacier Boat Tour and the Grinnell Glacier hike.
Day Trips from Glacier National Park
For those seeking additional adventures near Glacier National Park, consider these nearby destinations:
- Waterton Lakes National Park (Canada): Enjoy a scenic boat tour or take on one of the many hiking trails in this neighboring Canadian park.
- Whitefish, Montana: Stroll through the charming town of Whitefish, where you can explore local shops and dine at cozy restaurants.
- Swan Mountain Outfitters: Embark on a guided tour with options like horseback riding or fly fishing for a unique outdoor experience.
If you’re up for a longer road trip, several other national parks are within driving distance:
- Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming): 6 hours away
- Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming): 8 hours away
- North Cascades National Park (Washington): 8 hours away
- Mount Rainier National Park (Washington): 9 hours away
- Banff National Park (Canada): 6 hours away
- Jasper National Park (Canada): 7 hours away
These destinations offer even more opportunities for exploration beyond Glacier’s borders.
Key Tips for Planning Your Glacier National Park Trip
- Reserve Early: Hotels and tours are quickly booked, so booking in advance is suggested. You can reserve lodges inside the park up to a year in advance, and campsites about six months out. Book your boat tours at least 4-6 weeks beforehand.
- Arrive Early: Logan Pass and Many Glacier parking lots are typically at capacity by 8 am. Land at trailheads by 7 or 7:30 a. m., too, if you want to escape the slow surge of humanity pressing from below into every slot canyon in sight.
- Pictured Essentials: Bear spray if you are hiking, in bear country. Again, cannot be taken on a plane, so pick it up at Kalispell Airport or rent from many Airbnb and rental properties.
- Cellular service at the entrance stations is limited You can make in-person park reservations by visiting an official visitors center, but spots are given on a first come-first serve basis As Glacier will require entry reservations in 2024, download and screenshot or print your reservation information out before you arrive.
- Use Google Maps Offline: You can always download offline maps for navigation when you are not having the mobile internet service. Simply swipe the menu into Google Maps then tap on your profile and go to ‘Offline maps’ Change the An area of map you customize yourself before going.
- Wildlife Safety: Stay back 100 yards from bears and wolves, and at least that distance from all other wildlife. If you see an animal, remain calm and slowly walk away from it. Accessibility of bear spray
- Be In the Know: Glacier is a rapidly changing place. If bears are really active, you may want to frequently check the park website in case they have closed some roads or campgrounds.
What to Bring for Your Glacier National Park Adventure
National Park Pass: Glacier has an entry fee, and if you’re planning to visit multiple parks this year, the America the Beautiful Pass is a great value. For $80, it gives you access to over 60 national parks and more than 400 monuments and sites for 12 months.
Binoculars: Wildlife watching is one of Glacier’s highlights. A good pair of binoculars allows you to observe animals from a safe distance. For beginners, Occer offers an affordable option on Amazon, while the Nikon Monarch M5 is ideal for those seeking higher quality.
Hiking Boots: Sturdy and comfortable boots or trail shoes with reliable grip are essential for Glacier’s rugged terrain. Be sure to break them in before your trip to avoid discomfort.
Merino Wool Socks: To prevent blisters and keep your feet dry, merino wool socks are a must. Darn Tough makes durable, moisture-wicking socks in various styles to suit your needs.
Hiking Backpack and Essentials: Every hike requires safety gear, so pack the 10 hiking essentials and choose a backpack that can carry enough water and gear for your adventures.
Layers: Glacier’s temperatures can fluctuate, with cooler mornings and hot afternoons. Bring moisture-wicking shirts and warm fleece layers to stay comfortable throughout the day.
Rain Jacket: Summer often brings quick rain showers, with about 17 rainy days per month. Carry a rain jacket or poncho to stay dry during unexpected weather changes.
Sun Hat and Sunscreen: Many trails offer little shade, so protect yourself from the sun. Sunscreen is crucial, and a sun hat adds extra protection against sunburn.
Wrapping Up Your 3-Day Glacier National Park Itinerary
Three days in Glacier National Park is the perfect amount of time to see some of it’s most impressive parts. During this time, in West Glacier you can enjoy the amazing Logan Pass or St. Mary and also Many Glacier giving a wonderful view to all various landscapes of park along with their top attractions. It provides an excellent balance of getting to know the park in it’s highlights and giving you some space for your exploration.
