Trip-Planning Help
It can be a little overwhelming—albeit exciting—to wrap your head around how you might spend your time exploring our 1-million-acre park, whether you’re looking for an hours-long guided trip or a multiday excursion. From driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road in the summer to snowshoeing along the shores of Lake McDonald in the winter, the park’s four distinct seasons provide endless possibilities. Here are some suggested itineraries to help you along. Happy travels.
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Which season would you like to visit Glacier National Park and for how many days?
Spring (May + June)
One Day
Two Days
Three Days
May 27 — September 11 Without a Vehicle Reservation
One Day
Two Days
Three Days
Summer (July + August)
One Day
Two Days
Three Days
Fall (September + October)
One Day
Two Days
Three Days
Winter (November - April)
One Day
Two Days
Three Days
SPRING: ONE DAY IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
Knock this beauty off your bucket list and bike the Going-to-the-Sun Road in the spring before it's open to vehicular traffic. Take in some of America's most breathtaking scenery and experience the park in its quiet and most serene season.
You can rent bikes or e-bikes in West Glacier from Sky Eco Rentals in Coram or Glacier Guides in West Glacier, or bring your own. Please wear a helmet.
Post-ride, celebrate your feat with a burger and beer at Backslope Brewing in Columbia Falls, where tasty food meets finely crafted local brew.
Please note: Between May 26 and September 11, 2022, a vehicle reservation is required for each vehicle accessing the Going-to-the-Sun Road Corridor, which includes all points inside the West Entrance Station, Camas Entrance Station, and the Rising Sun checkpoint (6 miles west of the St. Mary Entrance). The reservation period is 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
SPRING: TWO DAYS IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
Day One: Experience the wild wonder of whitewater rafting with an outfitter in West Glacier. No park entry is needed for this experience, and the Middle Fork of the Flathead's class II-III rapids are family friendly.
Camp at Apgar Campground, but note that, depending on your timing, there may not be running water or flush toilets available. Don't miss the dazzling sunset over Lake McDonald from Apgar Village. If you'd rather not rough it, stay at Wonderstone at Glacier, a newly renovated, modern boutique hotel.
Day Two: Hike to Apgar Lookout for grand mountain views of the whole of Lake McDonald or hike along the lake on West Shore Lake McDonald Trail. For a more mellow hike, head to the Trail of the Cedars (one of two wheelchair-accessible trails in the park), a loop trail with beautiful views of Avalanche Gorge.
SPRING: THREE DAYS IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
Day One: Take in some of America's most breathtaking scenery and experience the park in its quiet and most serene season—bike the Going-to-the-Sun Road in the spring before it opens to vehicular traffic. Begin in St. Mary and stay at St. Mary Village (typically open in early June), where cozy accommodations meet epic park views.
Please note: Between May 26 and September 11, 2022, a vehicle reservation is required for each vehicle accessing the Going-to-the-Sun Road Corridor, which includes all points inside the West Entrance Station, Camas Entrance Station, and the Rising Sun checkpoint (6 miles west of the St. Mary Entrance). The reservation period is 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Day Two: Head for the hills on a hike. Explore the Beaver Pond Loop, the St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail or the Red Eagle Lake Trail. Or explore the town of Browning—Agency Headquarters for the Blackfeet Nation—or book a unique and informative, guided Tribal Cultural Workshop Hike with Iron Shield Creative—half and full day options available.
Day Three: Drive to Two Medicine and enjoy a picnic at scenic Running Eagle Falls. Then visit the architecturally stunning Glacier Park Lodge and take in the grandeur of its magnificent lobby. Explore the quaint and historic community of East Glacier Park, complete with a 9-hole golf course and historic train depot. If there's time, see how far you can hike on the Scenic Point Trail before you reach snow (probably two thirds of the way in).
If you're visiting in June, drive to Many Glacier and hike to Red Rock Falls (a unique set of cascading falls). Keep your eyes peeled for moose at Fishercap Lake, and take in the epic views of Mt. Grinnell, Swiftcurrent Glacier and Swiftcurrent Mountain from Redrock Lake. Or, view the Glacier National Park scenery from the back of a horse or from the water with a horseback ride or boat tour.
May 27 — September 11 Without a Vehicle Reservation
One Day
Two Days
Three Days
ONE DAY IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK WITH NO VEHICAL RESERVATION
Reservations with the following concessionaires will get you into the park for your booked activity, which means you will not need a vehicle reservation. Check with the service provider for details on park entry on the day(s) of your booking.
Leave the driving to someone else and take in all the breathtaking scenery on a Sun Tour or a Red Bus Tour of one of America's most scenic roadways, the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Tours leave from both the east and west sides of the park.
TWO DAYS IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK WITH NO VEHICAL RESERVATION
Reservations with the following concessionaires will get you into the park for your booked activity, which means you will not need a vehicle reservation. Check with the service provider for details on park entry on the day(s) of your booking.
Day One: Raft the emerald waters of the Middle Fork of the Flathead and Bike the Going-to-the-Sun Road on a Glacier Guides full-day Paddle and Pedal Adventure.
Please note: The Paddle and Pedal Adventure is only available before the Going-to-the-Sun Road fully opens (mid-June).
Day Two: Embark on an informative, guided day hike with the knowledgeable guides at The Glacier Institute (leaving from Columbia Falls) or take a unique guided Tribal Cultural Workshop Hike with Iron Shield Creative on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation just to the east of Glacier National Park.
THREE DAYS IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK WITH NO VEHICAL RESERVATION
Reservations with the following concessionaires will get you into the park for your booked activity, which means you will not need a vehicle reservation. Check with the service provider for details on park entry on the day(s) of your booking.
Day One: Saddle up with Swan Mountain Outfitters for a trail ride, with corrals at West Glacier, Apgar, Lake McDonald and Many Glacier, you have multiple options for an unforgettable horseback adventure.
Day Two: Take in the Glacier National Park scenery from the water on a scenic boat tour with Glacier Park Boat Company at Lake McDonald, Many Glacier, St. Mary at Rising Sun or Two Medicine. Enjoy sparkling water, majestic peaks and informative guided commentary from your boat's captain.
Day Three: Take a guided nature walk in the Lake McDonald Valley or the North Fork with Glacier Guides, and learn all about the flora and fauna of the area from these experienced guides.
Summer (July + August)
One Day
Two Days
Three Days
SUMMER: ONE DAY IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
Set your sites on the ultimate scenic drive and head to the Going-to-the-Sun Road—one of the most breathtaking roadways in America. Along the way, stop and hike at one or more of the following trails: McDonald Creek, Hidden Lake Trail and St. Mary Falls.
Please note: Between May 26 and September 11, 2022, a vehicle reservation is required for each vehicle accessing the Going-to-the-Sun Road Corridor, which includes all points inside the West Entrance Station, Camas Entrance Station, and the Rising Sun checkpoint (6 miles west of the St. Mary Entrance). The reservation period is 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
SUMMER: TWO DAYS IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
Day One: Drive the famous and gorgeous Going-to-the-Sun Road to Lake McDonald Lodge and take a boat tour of scenic Lake McDonald, or hike the Trail of the Cedars (a wheelchair-accessible loop trail with beautiful views of Avalanche Gorge). Or, after driving over the Going-to-the-Sun Road, hike Sun Point Nature Trail, next to St. Mary Lake, which is sometimes referred to as "Three Falls Trail” for the three waterfalls you'll encounter along the way.
Camp at Rising Sun or stay in a cabin at St. Mary/East Glacier KOA Holiday or Johnson's of St. Mary. You can also rent a teepee at Chewing Black Bones Campground on the eastern shore of St. Mary Lake, complete with a visitor center, gift shop and general store, plus fishing and recreational rentals.
Day Two: Drive to Many Glacier—the "Switzerland of North America”—and take a horseback ride among the awe-inspiring peaks. (Don't miss a glimpse of the Many Glacier Hotel lobby while you're there.) Grab dinner at Two Sisters Café in Babb, for heavenly handmade food using local ingredients and Montana flavors.
SUMMER: THREE DAYS IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
Day One: Leave the driving to someone else and take in all the breathtaking scenery on a Sun Tour or a Red Bus Tour of one of America's most scenic roadways, the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Spend the night in Apgar or West Glacier, both quaint villages with delicious food and cozy lodging options.
Day Two: Set out on a guided day hike with The Glacier Institute or Glacier Guides. These experienced guides can tell you all about the flora and fauna along the way, and they'll also make sure you're properly outfitted for a day on the trail.
Day Three: Get out on the lake! Rent a stand-up paddleboard or kayak and paddle beautiful and serene Lake McDonald. If hiking is more your speed, there are plenty of trails in the area, and the scenery astounds no matter where you trek.
Fall (September + October)
One Day
Two Days
Three Days
FALL: ONE DAY IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
Take an epic, fall-color road trip on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Then loop around the park for more captivating views on U.S. Highway 89 and U.S. Highway 2. Stretch your legs and stop for a snack in the charming little town of East Glacier Park or the Dining Car Restaurant at Izaak Walton Inn in Essex.
FALL: TWO DAYS IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
Day One: If the Going-to-the-Sun Road has closed to vehicles for the season, bike this beautiful roadway and cross that off your bucket list.
Rough it at Apgar Campground—a primitive camping area near Apgar Village—or overnight at Glacier Outdoor Center cabins, Glacier Guides Lodge or Great Northern Resort.
Please note: Most lodging in the park is closed for the season by mid-October.
Day Two: Take a guided fly-fishing trip on the Flathead River. The pristine emerald waters and autumn colors provide the quintessential setting for casting flies and reeling in trout, and the experienced guides will make sure you're fishing all the right spots.
FALL: THREE DAYS IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
Day One: Fall is the perfect time to fish a quiet lake or a stream in the park. No license is required, the colors are epic, the fish are biting, and other anglers are few this time of year.
Stay at Cedar Creek Lodge in Columbia Falls or the historic Belton Chalet in West Glacier.
Please note: The Belton Chalet closes for the season mid-October.
Day Two: Drive up to the tiny, off-the-grid and off-the-beaten-path community of Polebridge and fill up on baked goods at the famous Polebridge Mercantile. Then, drive to Bowman lake (down a windy and narrow dirt road). Take a picnic lunch to enjoy at the lake, and, if you're up for some water play, bring your stand-up paddleboard or kayak.
Day Three: Take a scenic float trip down the gorgeous Flathead River or hike the Highline Trail. The Highline Trail begins at Logan Pass and offers spectacular scenery as it follows along the Continental Divide, aka the Garden Wall.
Winter (November - April)
One Day
Two Days
Three Days
WINTER: ONE DAY IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
While July and August are the most popular times to visit Glacier National Park, the park is open—and lovely—year-round, and each season provides its own distinct experience within the Crown of the Continent. Plus, winter is one of the most peaceful times to visit the park. Our suggestion: Strap on a pair of snowshoes and head out along the east shore of Lake McDonald, or cross-country ski on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. For a complete map, visit . The trail system at Marias Pass is also a prime area for snowshoeing. Local outfitters, including Glacier Adventure Guides and Whitefish Outfitters and Tours, offer guided snowshoeing and cross-country excursions into the park.
If you go...
- Plan to pack a snack, water or lunch, as services are limited during the winter.
- Check weather and trail conditions before you go.
- Keep in mind that many of the park's roads are closed to vehicles during winter.
- When recreating in the backcountry, always check current snow and avalanche conditions.
- Skiing on frozen lakes is not recommended.
- Warm up after a day outside at the Izaak Walton Inn in Essex.
- Glacier Outdoor Center offers winter rentals on snowshoes, crampons, trekking poles, and ice axes, as well as one-bedroom cabins.
Many travelers to Montana wisely plan their trips to include both of our national parks: Glacier and Yellowstone. To help make the most of your time, we've put together several road-trip itineraries that offer authentic park-to-park experiences. For inspiration, visit Glaciers to Geysers.
WINTER: TWO DAYS IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
Day One: Downhill Ski at Whitefish Mountain Resort
Spend your first day hitting the slopes at Whitefish Mountain Resort. With 3,000 acres of terrain, 111 marked trails, four terrain parks and a skier/boardercross course, vast amounts of bowl and tree skiing and a 3.3-mile-long run (Hellfire), Whitefish Mountain Resort is an ideal mountain for skiers and boarders of all experience levels. Take a break for lunch and warm up at their mountaintop restaurant. Plus, you'll be able to see views of both the Flathead Valley and Glacier National Park.
Ever been night skiing? Ski under the lights at Whitefish Mountain Resort on chairs 2, 3 and 6, including the terrain parks.
Overnight options include Whitefish Mountain Resort, Hidden Moose Lodge, Garden Wall Inn and Pine Lodge, all in Whitefish.
If you go...
- For ski-in access on Whitefish Mountain Resort, consider booking on-mountain lodging at Kandahar Lodge or Snow Bear Chalets.
- Take a few laps while the little ones are at the on-site Kids Center (for 6-months-old to 6-year-olds).
- Rub elbows with the locals by enjoying a cocktail at Spotted Bear Spirits in Whitefish.
- End your day with dinner downtown at Casey's Whitefish or Abruzzo Italian Kitchen.
Day Two: Cross-Country Ski at Izaak Walton Inn
The historic Izaak Walton Inn boasts more than 30 km of maintained Nordic ski trails, making it a world-class cross-country skiing destination. Whether you're a classic cross-country skier or an avid skate skier, you'll find incredible trails with just the right amount of terrain variability to satisfy all skill levels.
If you go...
- The onsite restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- All equipment is available for rental.
- Take lessons from professionally trained + licensed guides.
WINTER: THREE DAYS IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
Day One: Cross-Country Ski at Izaak Walton Inn
Start your journey at the historic Izaak Walton Inn in Essex. Located between Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, the Izaak Walton Inn is a quiet winter oasis that offers 30+ km of on-site groomed cross-country and skate-skiing trails. After a day in the mountains, unwind with dinner and local beer at the Dining Car in the Izaak Walton Inn.
Overnight in a lodge room, classic caboose or luxury rail car at the Izaak Walton Inn.
Day Two: Snowshoe or Nordic Ski the Going-to-the-Sun Road
Make your way to the snow-covered Going-to-the-Sun Road. During the winter, most of the road is closed to vehicular travel as snowfall creates a sanctuary for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The road is plowed from the west entrance to Lake McDonald Lodge, and snow lovers can access the road just past the lodge.
Overnight in Columbia Falls at the North Forty Resort or Cedar Creek Lodge.
Day Three: Snowmobile Canyon Creek
For adrenaline-pumping fun, set out on a guided tour with Swan Mountain Outfitters for a guided two-hour, half-day, full-day or twilight snowmobile tour of the Canyon Creek trail system just north of Columbia Falls. Take in spectacular ridge views and play in deep powder bowls before summiting Whitefish Mountain Resort. See jaw-dropping views of the Canadian Rockies, Glacier National Park and the Flathead Valley.
Overnight at ROAM Beyond in Columbia Falls.
If you go...
- Be sure to take time out for photos on your snowmobile. You'll see plenty of gorgeous views, and you may even see wildlife.
- Explore some of the small towns in the northern end of the Flathead Valley. Shop local artwork and jewelry in Bigfork's galleries and studios and stroll through locally owned boutiques on Central Avenue in Whitefish.
