Plan your Glacier National Park trip with 1–5 day itineraries, scenic drives, hikes & travel tips for the ultimate adventure.
Glacier National Park is one of the crown jewels of the U.S. National Park System — a paradise for nature lovers, hikers, photographers, and anyone craving an unforgettable outdoor escape. Known as the “Crown of the Continent,” this Montana treasure is home to towering snow-capped peaks, over 700 miles of hiking trails, turquoise glacial lakes, and the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road, one of the most scenic drives in North America.
There are a lot of things to do in Glacier National Park, whether you want to see mountain goats on rocky ridgelines, kayak across clear waters, or just take in the views from the park’s many overlooks. People who love wildlife can look for grizzly bears, moose, and bighorn sheep. People who just want to relax can take easy boardwalk trails, boat tours, and watch the sun set over Lake McDonald.
It doesn’t have to be hard to plan your Glacier National Park vacation. We’ve put together a full travel guide for Glacier National Park that includes detailed itineraries for every kind of trip. This way, you can get the most out of your time there, whether you only have one day or are lucky enough to have three, four, or even five days to explore its wonders.
This guide will walk you through the best routes, hikes, activities, and scenic highlights, giving you everything you need to build the perfect Glacier National Park itinerary tailored to your adventure style.
Read | The Ultimate Bozeman to Glacier National Park Road Trip
Planning Tips for Glacier National Park Itinerary
It’s important to plan ahead before you start making plans for your trip to Glacier National Park. These tips for traveling to Glacier National Park will help you make the most of your trip, from knowing when the best time to go is to picking the best place to stay.
Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park
The park is open all year, but the season will have a big effect on your experience:
- High Season (June to September): This is when most of the park is open, including the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road. Summer has warm weather, meadows full of wildflowers, and the most hikes, but it also has more people.
- Shoulder Season (May and October): There are fewer visitors and lower prices for places to stay, but some roads, trails, and visitor services may be closed because of snow.
- Low Season (November–April): Great for people who want to be alone, go snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing, but access is limited and many facilities are closed.
Read | Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park: Ultimate Seasonal Guide
How to Get to Glacier National Park
Most people who come to Glacier Park fly into Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, Montana. This airport is only 30 miles from the park’s west entrance. If you don’t want to fly into Helena Regional Airport (HLN), you can also fly into Missoula International Airport (MSO) or Great Falls International Airport (GTF).
- Car rentals: strongly suggested because the park is big and public transportation isn’t very good.
- Shuttles: In the summer, a free shuttle runs along Going-to-the-Sun Road between popular stops. This is a great way to avoid parking stress.
- Park Entrances: The two main entrances are West Glacier (near Apgar) and St. Mary (on the east side). There are also smaller entrances at Many Glacier and Two Medicine.
Glacier National Park Lodging & Accommodation Options
It’s important to book early, especially for summer trips. In and around the park, you’ll find a variety of places to stay:
- In the Park: Historic lodges like the Many Glacier Hotel, Lake McDonald Lodge, and the rustic Rising Sun Motor Inn give you a classic national park experience.
- Hotels and cabins nearby: Whitefish, Kalispell, and Columbia Falls are all towns that have modern hotels, cabins, and vacation rentals.
- Campgrounds: Glacier has 13 campgrounds, but a lot of them fill up fast. You can book a spot at popular places like Apgar and Many Glacier.
Packing Essentials for Glacier National Park
The weather in the mountains changes quickly, so it’s important to be ready. Things you need are:
- Strong hiking boots and trekking poles
- Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses (the sun can be very strong at high altitudes)
- Clothes in layers (even in July, mornings can be cold)
- Bug spray (especially in early summer)
- A water bottle or hydration pack that can be refilled
- A camera or binoculars to see wildlife
One-Day Glacier National Park Itinerary
Don’t worry if you only have one day in Glacier National Park; you can still see some of its most beautiful sights. With some planning, a short trip to Glacier National Park can include breathtaking mountain passes, sparkling alpine lakes, and a taste of the park’s best hikes and views.
Morning: Enter the Park & Scenic Drive
- Start Early: To avoid traffic and get a good parking spot at popular trailheads, try to get to the park between 7:00 and 8:00 AM.
- Entrance Fees: $35 per car for a 7-day pass (good for your day trip). The America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) might be a good idea if you plan to visit more than one national park in a year.
- Going-to-the-Sun Road: Start your day with a drive along the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road. This 50-mile engineering wonder winds through tall peaks and across the Continental Divide.
- Don’t forget to check out Lake McDonald Valley, which has a colorful pebbled shore.
- Take a short nature walk (about a mile) on the Trail of the Cedars, which is wheelchair-accessible.
Travel Tip: You need to make a reservation for a car ($2) on the Going-to-the-Sun Road during peak season (late May to September). You can make reservations on Recreation.gov.
Midday: Hiking & Iconic Viewpoints
- Logan Pass Visitor Center: This is the highest point on the Going-to-the-Sun Road (6,646 ft). Getting there early is important because parking fills up by 9 AM.
- The Hidden Lake Overlook Trail is a short hike (2.7 miles roundtrip, moderate) that you have to do. You’ll walk through alpine meadows with wildflowers and maybe see mountain goats, bighorn sheep, or marmots. The overlook gives you a great view of Hidden Lake, which is surrounded by Bearhat Mountain.
- Alternative for a Short Time: If you can’t find parking at Logan Pass, go to Jackson Glacier Overlook instead. It’s one of the few places you can see a glacier from the road.
Afternoon: Glacier-Fed Lakes & Picnic
- Lake McDonald is the biggest lake in the park. It is 10 miles long and has rocks under the surface that look like mirrors and are rainbow-colored. Great for a picnic or a quick kayak rental from Apgar Village, which costs about $25 to $35 an hour.
- St. Mary Lake (East Side): This lake has clear waters and one of the park’s most famous photo spots, Wild Goose Island Overlook, if you’re going east.
- Picnic Areas: The Apgar Picnic Area on the west side or the Rising Sun Picnic Area on the east side are both nice places to eat a packed lunch.
Travel Tip: Before you go into the park, you can stock up on supplies at grocery stores in Whitefish, Kalispell, or Columbia Falls. There aren’t many food options inside, and they cost more.
Evening: Sunset & Dinner
Places to See the Sunset:
- Lake McDonald Lodge Pier (west side): The water looks beautiful at night.
- Rising Sun Point (on the east side) is a quieter choice with wide views of the mountains.
Dinner:
- Inside the Park: Check out the rustic Russell’s Fireside Dining Room at Lake McDonald Lodge.
- Nearby Towns: Columbia Falls and Whitefish are great places to eat on the west side. Montana Coffee Traders and Gunsight Saloon are two of the best.
Recommended Places to Stay for One Night
- Lake McDonald Lodge (West Side): A historic Swiss-style lodge with a view of the lake (rates start at $250 per night).
- St. Mary Village (East Side): Easy to get to the Going-to-the-Sun Road east entrance early (rates start at $200–$300 per night).
- Budget Option: Campgrounds like Apgar or Rising Sun (sites cost about $20–$25 per night; book early on Recreation.gov).
3-Day Glacier National Park Itinerary
You’re in luck if you want to spend three days in Glacier National Park. Three days is the perfect amount of time to see the park’s most famous sights. This trip has a good mix of scenic drives, hiking, and relaxing. You’ll see the sparkling waters of Lake McDonald, the alpine meadows of Logan Pass, and the rugged beauty of the Many Glacier Valley.
No matter if you’re going alone, with a partner, or with your family, here’s the best 3-day travel plan for Glacier National Park:
Day 1: Lake McDonald and West Glacier
In the morning:
- Go in through the West Glacier Entrance ($35 per car for 7 days).
- Begin with a abeautiful drive around Lake McDonald, which is the biggest lake in the park.
- Before you start exploring, stop at Apgar Village for lake views, to rent a kayak ($25–$35/hour), or to get a coffee.
At noon:
- Walk the Trail of the Cedars, which is a one-mile loop that is easy and wheelchair-accessible.
- Go on to the Avalanche Lake Trail, which is 4.5 miles round trip and moderate. One of the park’s most popular hikes leads to a turquoise alpine lake fed by waterfalls.
In the afternoon:
- Have a picnic by the shore of Lake McDonald (Apgar Picnic Area).
- You can take an optional boat tour with Glacier Park Boat Company for $20 to $30 per adult.
In the evening:
- If you’re staying outside the park, you can have dinner at Russell’s Fireside Dining Room (Lake McDonald Lodge) or in Columbia Falls.
- Stay overnight at Lake McDonald Lodge ($250–$350 per night) or at hotels in West Glacier that are close by.
Day 2: Logan Pass and the Going-to-the-Sun Road
In the morning:
- Get up early to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road. People say this 50-mile stretch is one of the most beautiful drives in North America.
- Stop at McDonald Falls, Jackson Glacier Overlook, and pullouts to see the beautiful valley views.
At noon:
- Get to the Logan Pass Visitor Center (6,646 ft). There isn’t much parking, so try to get there by 8 AM if you can.
- Hike to Hidden Lake Overlook (2.7 miles round trip, moderate). You can see amazing wildflower meadows and maybe even some mountain goats.
- For more adventure, try a part of the Highline Trail (even a short one has amazing views).
In the afternoon:
- Go east until you reach St. Mary Lake.
- Don’t forget to stop by Wild Goose Island Overlook, one of the park’s most popular photo spots.
Night:
- Sunset at Sun Point or St. Mary Lake is a great time to take pictures.
- You can stay overnight in St. Mary Village for $200 to $300 a night or at Rising Sun Campground for $20 to $25 a night.
Day 3: East Glacier and the Many Glacier Area
In the morning:
- Take a drive to the Many Glacier Valley, which is sometimes called the “Switzerland of North America.”
- Go on a boat tour of Swiftcurrent Lake with Glacier Park Boat Company. It costs $30 to $40 per adult.
Around noon:
- Take a hike on one of the park’s most well-known trails:
- Grinnell Glacier Trail: 10.3 miles round trip, hard, with a 1,600-foot elevation gain. Expect turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and the chance to see one of the park’s last active glaciers.
- The Iceberg Lake Trail is 9.7 miles long and goes up and down a lot. Famous for having ice chunks that float even in the summer.
Afternoon:
- Have lunch in the dining room of the Many Glacier Hotel, where you can see Swiftcurrent Lake.
Night:
- The sun setting over the Many Glacier peaks.
- Stay the night at Many Glacier Hotel ($300–$400 per night), Swiftcurrent Motor Inn ($150–$200 per night), or a campground (book early).
Here’s a quick look at your 3-day Glacier National Park itinerary:
Day 1: West Glacier, Lake McDonald, and Avalanche Lake.
Day 2: Logan Pass, St. Mary Lake, and Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Day 3: Go to Many Glacier, Swiftcurrent Lake, Grinnell Glacier, or Iceberg Lake.
Pro Tip: Book your hotel and car (for Going-to-the-Sun Road) months in advance to get the most out of your vacation in Glacier National Park. To avoid crowds, it’s best to go on trails early in the morning.
4-Day Glacier National Park Itinerary
You can see all the important sights in Glacier National Park in four days, including Lake McDonald, Going-to-the-Sun Road, and Many Glacier. You can also explore the quieter, less crowded Two Medicine Valley.
This is the perfect mix of scenic drives, hiking, spotting wildlife, and relaxing if you love being outside.
Day 1: West Glacier & Lake McDonald Highlights
In the morning:
- Go in through the West Glacier Entrance ($35 per vehicle, suitable for 7 days).
- Take a beautiful drive along Lake McDonald, stopping at Apgar Village to see the lake and rent a kayak ($25–$35/hour).
At noon:
- Take the easy 1-mile Hike Trail of the Cedars to Avalanche Lake (4.5 miles, moderate).
- Have a picnic at Apgar Picnic Area or Avalanche Creek.
In the evening:
- Walk along the colorful pebbled shore of Lake McDonald at sunset.
- Stay the night and have dinner at Lake McDonald Lodge ($250–$350 per night) or in hotels or cabins in West Glacier.
Day 2: Logan Pass and the Going-to-the-Sun Road
In the morning:
- Take a drive on the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road (open from late June to mid-September). Make a reservation for vehicle access ahead of time at recreation.gov ($2 per vehicle).
- Go to McDonald Falls, Jackson Glacier Overlook, and Weeping Wall.
At noon:
- Get to the Logan Pass Visitor Center.
- Take a moderate 2.7-mile hike to Hidden Lake Overlook for stunning views of turquoise waters and alpine meadows.
- (Optional) Start part of the Highline Trail, which is 7.6 miles long from The Loop to the end of the trail if you’re taking a shuttle, or a shorter out-and-back.
In the afternoon:
- Head east toward St. Mary Lake.
- Go to Wild Goose Island Overlook, which is one of Glacier’s most popular photo spots.
At night:
- The sun sets at Sun Point Nature Trail.
- Stay the night at St. Mary Village ($200–$300 per night) or Rising Sun Campground ($20–$25 per night).
Day 3: Hike to Many Glacier and Grinnell Glacier
In the morning:
- Go to the Many Glacier Valley, which is called the park’s “crown jewel.”
- Take a boat tour of Swiftcurrent Lake (costs $30–$40 per adult) or get up early and start hiking.
At noon:
- Hike the Grinnell Glacier Trail, which is 10.3 miles round trip, hard, and gains about 1,600 feet in elevation. One of the best hikes in Glacier. It has turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and amazing views of the mountains.
- Iceberg Lake Trail (9.7 miles roundtrip, moderate) is an easier option.
In the afternoon:
- Look out for animals. Grizzly bears, moose, and mountain goats are common in this valley.
- Enjoy lunch or an early dinner at the Many Glacier Hotel while looking out over Swiftcurrent Lake.
Night:
- Stay the night at the Many Glacier Hotel ($300–$400 per night), the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn ($150–$200 per night), or a campground (book early).
Day 4: Glacier East and the Valley of Two Medicine
In the morning:
- Drive south to the Two Medicine area, which is one of the park’s best-kept secrets. Less crowded, with dramatic mountain peaks and clear lakes.
- Take the Scenic Point Trail (7.2 miles round trip, hard) for great views of the valley.
In the afternoon:
- Go on a boat tour of Two Medicine Lake with Glacier Park Boat Company. It costs $20–$25 per adult.
- Horseback riding tours (2–3 hours for $100–$150) are available through local outfitters.
Night:
Go back to East Glacier Village for dinner.
You can stay overnight in East Glacier cabins, Glacier Park Lodge ($250–$400 per night), or motels nearby.
Here’s a quick look at your 4-day Glacier National Park itinerary:
Day 1: West Glacier, Lake McDonald, and Avalanche Lake.
Day 2: Logan Pass, Going-to-the-Sun Road, and St. Mary Lake.
Day 3: Grinnell Glacier, Swiftcurrent Lake, and Many Glacier.
Day 4: Scenic Point, Two Medicine Valley, and Running Eagle Falls.
Pro Tip: If you add a fourth day to your trip to Glacier National Park, you’ll have time to see the Two Medicine area, which is often missed on shorter trips. This area has fewer people and more authentic Glacier experiences, with amazing hikes.
5-Day Glacier National Park Itinerary
A five-day itinerary is the best way to see and do everything in Glacier National Park. You will be able to see all three main parts of the park—West Glacier/Lake McDonald, Going-to-the-Sun Road/Logan Pass, Many Glacier, and Two Medicine—plus take extra hikes, see wildlife, and go on scenic boat tours.
This 5-day Glacier National Park itinerary is perfect for families, hikers, photographers, and anyone else who wants to fully experience one of America’s most beautiful national parks.
Day 1: West Glacier Entry & Lake McDonald Activities
In the morning:
- Go in through the West Glacier Entrance ($35 per car, good for 7 days).
- Begin with a beautiful drive around Lake McDonald, the park’s biggest lake.
At noon:
- The 4.5-mile moderate Hike Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Lake Trail.
- Have a picnic by Avalanche Creek.
In the afternoon:
- You can rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard at Apgar Village for $25 to $35 an hour.
- Go to the Apgar Visitor Center for maps, ranger-led activities, and displays.
Night:
- The sun setting over the rocky shore of Lake McDonald.
- Stay overnight at Lake McDonald Lodge ($250–$350 per night) or in a cabin in West Glacier.
Day 2: Going-to-the-Sun Road & Logan Pass
In the morning:
- Take a drive on the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road (reservations are needed through recreation.gov, and it costs $2 per car).
- Beautiful places to stop: McDonald Falls, Weeping Wall, and Jackson Glacier Overlook.
At noon:
- Get to the Logan Pass Visitor Center.
- Take a moderate 2.7-mile hike to Hidden Lake Overlook.
- Optional: Take on part of the Highline Trail, which is 7.6 miles long from start to finish with a shuttle return.
In the afternoon:
- Check out St. Mary Lake and don’t miss the famous Wild Goose Island Overlook.
Night:
- Watch the sunset at Sun Point or St. Mary Falls.
- Stay overnight at St. Mary Village ($200–$300 per night) or Rising Sun Campground ($20–$25).
Day 3: Many Glacier Valley Adventure
In the morning:
- Take a drive to the Many Glacier area, which is one of the best places in the park to see wildlife.
- Optional boat tour on Swiftcurrent and Josephine Lakes ($30–$40 per adult).
At noon:
- Hike the Grinnell Glacier Trail, which is 10.3 miles long, hard, and has a rise of about 1,600 feet.
- Iceberg Lake Trail (9.7 miles, moderate) is an easier option.
In the afternoon:
- Watch out for moose, bighorn sheep, and grizzly bears. Many Glacier is a great place to see wildlife.
- Dinner at the Many Glacier Hotel with a view of Swiftcurrent Lake.
At night:
- You can stay overnight at the Many Glacier Hotel ($300–$400 per night), the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn ($150–$200), or you can camp.
Day 4: Two Medicine Area & Wildlife Watching
In the morning:
- Drive to Two Medicine Valley, which is a quieter but beautiful part of Glacier.
- Take the Scenic Point Trail (7.2 miles, hard) or the Aster Falls Trail (2.4 miles, easy).
At noon:
- Go on a boat tour of Two Medicine Lake ($20–$25 per adult).
- A short, easy hike (0.6 miles) to Running Eagle Falls that is good for families.
In the afternoon:
- Looking for wildlife—elk, bears, and mountain goats are common here.
- Have a picnic or snack at the old Two Medicine Camp Store.
Night:
- Spend the night in East Glacier Village (in a cabin, lodge, or motel).
- Recommended: Glacier Park Lodge ($250–$400 per night).
Day 5: Scenic Loops, Final Viewpoints & Departure
In the morning:
- Depending on when you leave, you could go back to a favorite place or take one last scenic drive.
- Two Medicine Scenic Drive (shorter and less crowded).
- Quick hike to St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls (3 miles round trip, moderate).
In the middle of the day:
- Go to St. Mary Village or West Glacier Village to buy souvenirs.
- Have a picnic at Lake McDonald or St. Mary Lake to say goodbye and relax.
Afternoon:
- Leave through the airport closest to you (Glacier Park International in Kalispell is about 45 minutes from West Glacier).
Recommended Places to Stay for a 5-Day Adventure:
- A mix of lodges and rustic stays for something different:
- Lake McDonald Lodge (an old lodge by the lake).
o St. Mary Village (easy to get to from GTTSR and the east side).
o Many Glacier Hotel (a famous lodge in the style of the Alps).
o Glacier Park Lodge or cabins in East Glacier Village. - There are three campgrounds to choose from: Rising Sun, Many Glacier, and Two Medicine ($20–$25 per night).
With five days, you’ll be able to see all three main areas of Glacier National Park without feeling rushed. This plan includes a good mix of hikes, scenic drives, and time to relax at lodges and lakes. Great for anyone who wants to go to Glacier National Park.
Quick Glance to Compare Itineraries
| Trip Length | Highlights | Best For |
| 1 Day | • Drive part of Going-to-the-Sun Road • Hike Hidden Lake Overlook or Avalanche Lake • Visit Lake McDonald or St. Mary Lake • Sunset views & dinner near the park | Quick trips, scenic drives, families with limited time |
| 3 Days | • Day 1: Lake McDonald & Avalanche Lake hike • Day 2: Going-to-the-Sun Road + Logan Pass • Day 3: Many Glacier – Grinnell Glacier or Iceberg Lake hike | First-time visitors, hikers, photographers |
| 4 Days | • All 3-day highlights plus: • Day 4: Two Medicine Valley (Scenic Point, boat tour, Running Eagle Falls) • More wildlife spotting & cultural history | Active travelers, adventure seekers wanting more variety |
| 5 Days | • Full immersion: • Day 1: Lake McDonald & Avalanche Lake • Day 2: Going-to-the-Sun Road & Highline Trail • Day 3: Many Glacier – Grinnell Glacier & Swiftcurrent Lake boat tour • Day 4: Two Medicine Valley hikes + wildlife • Day 5: Scenic loops, St. Mary Falls, departure | Adventure travelers, nature enthusiasts, families wanting a slower pace |
FAQs – Glacier National Park Itinerary
1. When is the best time to go to Glacier National Park?
The best time to go to Glacier National Park is from late June to mid-September, when the Going-to-the-Sun Road is open and most of the hiking trails are open. The best time to visit is in July and August, when the weather is warm and there are more people. The shoulder season, which is in early June or late September, is a good time to go if you want to avoid crowds and save money.
2. Do I need a car to see Glacier National Park?
Yes, it’s a good idea to have a car so you can be flexible. The park does have a free shuttle service along the Going-to-the-Sun Road (usually from late June to early September), but most scenic areas, trailheads, and lodges are best reached by car. Most people who come to Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) fly in and rent a car in Kalispell.
3. How many days do I need to spend in Glacier National Park?
One day is enough time to see the best things, like Lake McDonald, Logan Pass, and a short hike. A 3-day Glacier itinerary is perfect for people who have never been there before. You can take your time exploring Many Glacier, Two Medicine, and longer hikes like Grinnell Glacier or Highline Trail in four or five days.
4. Do I need to make reservations for Glacier National Park?
Yes. During peak season (May to September), the Going-to-the-Sun Road, Many Glacier, and North Fork parks need a Vehicle Reservation System. Also, hotels and campgrounds often fill up 6 to 12 months in advance, so it’s important to plan ahead.
5. What are the best trails in Glacier National Park for people who are new to hiking?
The Trail of the Cedars, Running Eagle Falls, and Hidden Lake Overlook are all good choices for families and people who want to keep things simple. Moderate hikes go from Avalanche Lake to St. Mary Falls and then to Virginia Falls. Grinnell Glacier and the Highline Trail are two things that advanced hikers should do.
