The Ultimate 1-5 Day Glacier National Park Itinerary in 2024

Trying to plan the perfect Glacier National Park itinerary? You’re in the right place! Although we’re not fortunate enough to call Montana home (yet!), we’ve spent many a summer in Glacier, exploring, hiking hundreds of miles, fishing, and camping in every section of the park.

We used our extensive firsthand experiences to create this ultra-detailed itinerary for Glacier National Park, with tons of flexible options and alternatives. Whether you have one day in Glacier or five, you’ll find everything you need right here to plan an unforgettable trip!

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Glacier—what a place! This natural wonder of the world is a true gem. If you find yourself lucky enough to be planning a Glacier National Park itinerary, you’re in for an incredible treat.

Situated in northwestern Montana, about 35 minutes from Whitefish and 45 minutes from Kalispell, sits one million acres of pristine land that, for the most part, has remained unspoiled by human hands.

Glacier National Park, GNP for short, was the eighth national park to be established in the US, way back in 1910 (long before uber-famous parks like Zion, Grand Teton, and Great Smoky Mountains!).

There’s a reason Glacier’s nickname is the “Crown of the Continent.” The stunning landscape is teeming with craggy mountains, bright blue glaciers, waterfalls, sparkling alpine lakes, and a dizzying variety of wildlife and plants. 

To put it simply, this place is freaking EPIC.

Tip: This itinerary for Glacier National Park is MASSIVE. We included everything…daily breakdowns, vehicle and camping reservations, best hikes, when to go, what to pack, where to eat, and more! Use the Table of Contents to jump directly to specific sections.

In a serious hurry? Here’s a super quick outline of the five-day itinerary we detail in this article.

• Day 1: Going-to-the-Sun Road and West Glacier
• Day 2: Going-to-the-Sun Road; highlights in West Glacier and St. Mary
• Day 3: Many Glacier
• Day 4: North Fork
• Day 5: Two Medicine

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About Glacier National Park

If you’re even a mild outdoor enthusiast, Glacier belongs high on your bucket list. No matter what you’re interested in seeing or doing, GNP has it. Here’s just a sampling of all the park has to offer: 

• 26 glaciers (there were 80 when the park was established)
• 175 mountains (the tallest, Mt. Cleveland, reaches nearly 10,500 feet)
• 760 lakes
• 200 waterfalls
• 150+ hiking trails (around 750 miles)
• More than 1,000 campsites! 
• 563 streams (over 2,865 miles!)
• 71 different mammals
• 276 kinds of birds
• 24 fish species
• 1,990 types of plants

Do you have a national parks pass (America the Beautiful Pass)? This pass gets you into all 63 national parks, plus 2,000+ other federal recreation sites. National monuments (Mount Rushmore), national recreation areas like Lake Powell, and others! Read about it HERE!

There are so, SO many ways to enjoy this postcard-perfect paradise that it honestly doesn’t matter what you decide to do. No matter what, you’ll leave feeling far more than fulfilled.

Some visitors want to experience the magnificent scenery from the comfort of a car or boat, while others prefer grueling multi-day hikes and camping underneath the stars. Some are interested in wildlife viewing, while others would rather see a glacier up close. The options truly feel limitless. 

Whether you’re just passing through and have one day in Glacier or you have an entire week to indulge in Type I and Type 2 fun, don’t miss out on this Glacier National Park itinerary. Hope you’re as excited as we are, now let’s get into it!

Know Before You Go

Before we get into actually planning your Glacier National Park itinerary, there are lots of logistics, good-to-know’s, and other things to consider.

Glacier National Park Park Shuttle

From mid-May through mid-September, visitors have the option of taking the totally free Going-to-the-Sun Road shuttle.

Hiker-Biker Shuttle

Even before the Sun Road opens for the season, the park operates the hiker-biker shuttle, a limited service providing access to popular trails beyond vehicle closures.

The hiker-biker shuttle runs from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm weekends only, typically from mid-May through June 30 or when the road opens, whichever comes first. It stops only at Apgar Visitor Center, Lake McDonald Lodge, and Avalanche Creek.

Summer (Full-Service) Shuttles

July 1 through Labor Day, the park runs its full shuttle service across GTTSR. This is a wonderful way to check items off your Glacier National Park itinerary without having vehicle reservations (or having to worry about parking!).

Seven days a week from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, shuttles service every stop on the road, running from both the east and west. Note that if you want to travel the entirety of GTTSR, you’ll have to do it in four legs, transferring at Avalanche Creek, Logan Pass, and Sun Point.

Shuttles are strictly first-come, first-served, and often require long wait times. From Labor Day through mid-September, Glacier operates reduced service shuttles.

Express Summer Shuttles

These morning-only shuttles provide non-stop service to Logan Pass from the Apgar and St. Mary visitor centers. They operate small 15-passenger Sprinter buses, running every 15-30 minutes for about 90 minutes.

Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park

The obvious answer is summer, right? Mostly yes—Glacier has a short window when everything is fully open. ‘Everything’ being hiking trails, Going-to-the-Sun Road, and in-park lodging.

However, the best time to visit also largely depends on the activities you’re planning and whether you want to deal with crowds. 

This Glacier National Park 5 day itinerary assumes your visit is during the optimal summer months. With that said, though, I’d also like to quickly sum up other off-peak times for those who want to take advantage of specific scenarios. 

Spring

Spring is a fantastic time to build an itinerary for Glacier without worrying about crowds. It’s also the best season for chasing waterfalls and spotting wildlife.

If you’re a bicyclist and want the incredible opportunity of cycling Going-to-the-Sun Road without having to deal with motorists, consider visiting in May or early June.

Typically GTTSR isn’t open to vehicles until mid- or late June (or later), but cyclists can usually access at least part of the road as plow crews do their thing. In the spring especially, there’s a very real avalanche risk, so obey all hard closures and pay careful attention to signage along the road.

From 3-6:00 PM during peak season (May 24 – September 8), bicycles are not allowed on GTTSR between Apgar and Logan Pass.

Check the park’s bicycling page for the most current info.

Another group who might be interested in visiting Glacier before summer is thrill seekers. Similar to Yellowstone, whitewater rafting is wild during this short timeframe, as snow runoff creates rushing waters and thrilling rapids on the Flathead River.

You can certainly go rafting later in the season, but late spring is when it’s the most extreme! Do you dare!?! If so, add a rafting tour to your Glacier National Park itinerary. 

Summer

To literally make the most of your time in the park, visit between early July and September, especially if you’re a first-time visitor.

Hands down, this is when you can see and do the most. Park roads and trails are open and free of snow, and daylight lasts from well before 6:00 AM to long after 9 or even 10:00 PM.

Unfortunately, there are some trade-offs with visiting at the best time: crowds and congestion. Over three million people come to GNP each year, and the vast majority of them visit during the summer.

Summer also means wildfire season, with potential low visibility, trail or road closures, and campfire bans. You can’t do anything to plan for this, of course, but it’s something to be aware of.

Fall

Leaf-peeping season is the best time to visit if you’re interested in a mellower experience—and you’re a fairly self-sufficient traveler.

By mid-September, nearly all park services and lodging close for the season. A handful of campgrounds remain open at least partway through October (Apgar, Quartz Creek, and St. Mary), but otherwise, you’ll need to stay outside the park.

Going-to-the-Sun Road also closes somewhere between late September and mid-October. The huge upside of visiting Glacier in the fall is the lack of crowds.

Visitors this time of the year can add hiking at lower elevations, fly-fishing in calm streams, wildlife watching, and admiring the colorful changing scenery to their itinerary for Glacier.

Winter

There’s no sugarcoating this one…there’s not much at all to do in Glacier in the cold weather months. Only plan a winter visit if you’re hard-core into snowshoeing. Or frigid, biting wind.

VERY little of the park is accessible between October and early April, both in terms of roads and trails, and there are zero services or facilities available, including restrooms. Conditions also vary wildly.

If you love snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, you might have a blissful time in the park. The scenery is a true winter wonderland, but even if you just take a quick drive up to the park, be sure you’re well-prepared for extreme weather and educate yourself on avalanche safety.

In a typical year, miles of snowshoe and ski trails traverse the park and rangers lead 2-hour guided weekend snowshoe walks. However, in winter 2023/spring 2024, there was never enough snow to offer these tours.

One upside to visiting Glacier National Park in the winter? The aurora borealis, AKA the Northern Lights. It is very possible to see them, especially in the winter (we actually saw them in late September from Lake McDonald!).

Top 10 Things to Do in Glacier National Park

• Drive (or bike!) Going-to-the-Sun Road
• Take a hike. Favorites include the Highline, Hidden Lake, Avalanche Lake, and Grinnell Glacier
• Book a Red Bus Tour
• Explore Two Medicine
• Take a scenic boat ride with Glacier Park Boat Company
• Chase waterfalls like St. Mary and Virginia Falls, Running Eagle Falls, and Apikuni Falls
• Get up early and stay up late. The night skies in Glacier are incredible!
• Drive up to the North Fork and indulge in scratch-made huckleberry goodies in Polebridge
• Go whitewater rafting
• Experience the grandeur of Many Glacier Hotel, one of the best national park lodges

How Many Days Do You Need in Glacier?

As you can see from just our ‘top 10’ list of the best things to do in Glacier, there’s a LOT to explore. We strongly recommend at least 3-4 days in the park, especially for first-time visitors.

Of course, any amount of time, even just one day in Glacier, can be incredible. However, it’s definitely a driving and hiking park, and traveling around alone eats up a lot of time. With a minimum of 3-4 days, you can do most of this Glacier National Park itinerary.

And if you’re lucky enough to have more time? Shoot us a message and we’ll help you put together an even more amazing itinerary, including some backpacking routes and hidden gems.

How to Get to Glacier National Park

We could dedicate an entire blog to Glacier’s various entrances and sections. To keep things simple for the sake of this itinerary, we’re speaking pretty broadly about getting to the park. With that said, keep in mind that the West Glacier entrance is the most popular and accessible.

Fly

The most common way to reach Glacier is flying into Glacier Park International Airport, between Kalispell and Whitefish. You can get direct flights from 15 major cities, mostly in the western US, and connecting flights from just about anywhere in the country. Rental cars are also available.

There’s also Missoula International Airport, which is about 135 miles south of West Glacier, and Great Falls International Airport, 160 miles from the St. Mary visitor center. Both drives are 2.5-3 hours.

We actually prefer to fly into Missoula (MSO) over Kalispell (FCA). It’s obviously not the closest airport, but in our experience, prices are generally significantly lower for flights and vehicles, and it’s an awesome road trip up through the Flathead Valley.

Renting a Car to Visit Glacier

If you’re flying in, you definitely need a vehicle to work your way through your itinerary for Glacier National Park. The Kalispell, Missoula, and Great Falls airports all have rental car companies onsite, but you’ll have the best selection at Missoula.

Alternatively, we also often rent through Turo. Not only do you have a larger selection of unique mountain-ready vehicles like Jeeps and even trucks with rooftop tents, but you’re renting from a local individual.

Drive

Glacier is also a popular road trip destination. Whether it’s your main attraction or you pair it with Yellowstone National Park or the Grand Tetons, visitors arrive either on the west or east side.

If you’re coming from the west, take Highway 2 into West Glacier, passing through Columbia Falls. On the east side, Highway 89 connects to all three entrances via the town of Browning. 

Train

Many people are surprised to learn that Amtrak still serves Glacier. Part of the Empire Builder route, Amtrak actually has four stops in and near the park.

East Glacier is the most popular stop, delivering you right next to Glacier Park Lodge. Whitefish, although farther away from the park, is also popular because it offers proximity to the town and the ability to rent a car. There are also ‘flag stops’ in West Glacier and Essex, just outside the park.

Train travel has a certain romantic allure, but be aware that you’ll have to factor in some specific things when planning your Glacier National Park itinerary.

For example, how will you get around without a vehicle? It’s doable, but requires extra advance planning to coordinate shuttles or book tours.

Where to Get Groceries and Supplies

Columbia Falls is your best bet, with two big ‘regular’ grocery stores: Smith’s and Super 1.

Canyon Foods Supermarket is also a great option in Hungry Horse.

In St. Mary Village on the east side, go to St. Mary Grocery. Note that selection is more limited and prices are higher than in Columbia Falls.

Wildlife in Glacier (and Do You Need Bear Spray?)

If you’re at the point where you’re actually starting to plan out your itinerary for Glacier National Park, you already know that this is bear country. Both grizzly bears and black bears live in Glacier. You may also encounter moose, mountain goats, deer, elk, marmots, and other critters.

Will you actually see a bear or moose? There’s no way to know. We’ve hiked hundreds of miles in the park, and we’ve seen bears crossing busy roads just as often as on a remote backcountry trail. With that said, we’ve seen very, very few bears in Glacier and have (unfortunately!) never seen a moose.

Carry bear spray and, perhaps more importantly, familiarize yourself with how to use it BEFORE you might actually need to. Truthfully, bear bells aren’t particularly effective, but making noise while hiking is, especially on less busy trails. Normal conversation should do the trick.

Where to Buy Bear Spray

You cannot fly with bear spray, even in checked luggage. Buy it when you arrive, either at the airport, local outdoor stores, or many places in the park. However, keep in mind that the closer you are to Glacier, the higher the prices.

Our recommendation is actually to stop into the Sharing Shack in Columbia Falls on your way to the park. The concept is simple: borrow what you need, return it when you’re done, and leave anything you won’t use. It’s completely FREE!

Glacier National Park Map

Here’s an overview of the park with featured waypoints to help you navigate (literally!) your Glacier National Park itinerary. Each day is color-coded, so you can easily identify our suggestions without the map becoming too muddled.

Pro tip: once you click on the map, it’ll open in a new window and you can select/deselect days so that you only look at one at a time.

5-Day Glacier itinerary Overview

Because this 5 day itinerary for Glacier National Park is so robust, we broke it down into sections.

First, you’ll find a quick outline of all five days. Further down the page, we go into each day in a TON of detail. Hike details, other activities, suggestions on where to eat, and more.

Pro tip: click the header of any daily outline section to jump down to that day’s full itinerary.

Of course, feel free to mix and match the activities or even entire days to suit your interests, where you’re staying, fitness level, and time constraints. The itinerary was created for visitors who can spend up to five days in the park, so it has a lot of built-in flexibility.

With that in mind, you should be up and out the door as early as possible every day. With the park’s vehicle reservation system, it’s not at all uncommon to see parking lots filling up before 6:00 am. Plus, this is not a destination you visit to hang out in your hotel room!

The goal here is to include both the main can’t-miss attractions, as well as lesser-known wonders that only locals or seasoned visitors typically recommend.

Promise, you’ll be WELL prepared for your Glacier trip when you finish!

Quick note: This 5 day Glacier National Park itinerary uses the West Glacier entrance/Apgar Visitor Center as the main jumping-off point. It’s open 24 hours per day, 365 days a year.

One Day in Glacier: GTTSR + West Glacier

If you only have one day in Glacier, stick to activities along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. It’s a 51-mile scenic drive, and the starting point of many of the most popular trails in the park.

Plan on a bare minimum of two hours to drive one-way with no stops…but realistically, more like 4-5 hours. You’ll be tempted to pull over for photo ops every 10 minutes, plus you may want to do some short hikes or need to stop for wildlife. Believe me, you’ll put those door hinges to work!

Two Days in Glacier National Park

Even with two days in Glacier, you’re going to want to spend the majority of your time along GTTSR. However, it’ll be at a much more leisurely pace, split between the west and east sides of the Continental Divide (which runs right through the middle of GNP!).

We took almost everything from the one day in Glacier National Park itinerary and spread it out between these two days, plus added more activities.

Consider spending one night near West Glacier and the other on the east side. It may seem slightly inconvenient, but saves significant time, allowing you to drive back over GTTSR on Day 2.

If you spend one night each on the east and west sides, this Glacier National Park itinerary will look slightly different. We recommend driving the full length of the road on Day 1, then back the other direction on Day 2, dividing up your stops and hikes between both days.

For example, you could do Avalanche Lake and Hidden Lake Overlook on Day 1, and have more time near St. Mary to enjoy sunset. Then on Day 2, hit some of the overlooks and do the ‘Three Falls’ hike.

Glacier National Park 3 Day Itinerary

With three days in Glacier National Park, you’ll have time to venture into some of its other areas. You still won’t see the entire park—not even close!, but you can explore beyond the Sun Road.

From this point on in the itinerary, we’ll simply build on the previous days.

To clarify, where we made slightly different suggestions for one day in Glacier versus two days, now, you’ll do everything in the 2 day Glacier National Park itinerary, plus add on Day 3 (and so on for four- and five-day trips).

So, with that said, there’s one clear choice for how to spend your third day in GNP: Many Glacier. In the park’s spectacular northeastern section, you’ll find the famous Many Glacier Hotel, milky glacial lakes, endless epic trails, diverse wildlife, and so much more.

Many seasoned GNP visitors plan return trips solely around Many Glacier…it’s that special! One full day here doesn’t even scratch the surface, but it’s a good start.

Glacier National Park 4 Day Itinerary

By now, the crowds have likely been on your nerves over the last three days in popular sections of the park.

So for that reason (and because it’s absolutely gorgeous!), it’s time to check out the North Fork. Far, far fewer visitors make their way up to this northwestern section of GNP, so it’s for you if you want that true ‘getaway’ feel.

Day four of your Glacier National Park itinerary also gives you a break from challenging hikes.

Note: Because it’s not visited as often as other parts of Glacier, you won’t find many amenities in the North Fork (besides the famed Polebridge Mercantile, of course!).

Most roads are unpaved and you’ll be hard-pressed to find cell signal, but what it lacks in modern conveniences, it makes up for in unspoiled natural beauty and a distinct little-rough-around-the-edges charm.

5 Day Glacier National Park Itinerary

Another criminally underrated part of Glacier is the Two Medicine area, located in the southeastern corner near the community of East Glacier Park. It’s chock-full of wonderful wildlife like bighorn sheep, moose, and bears, sparkling lakes, amazing hikes, and cascading waterfalls.

Two Medicine also has, in our opinion, one of the best campgrounds and boat tours in Glacier, and a general store, all available in the summer. Best of all, though, is that it’s blissfully uncrowded!

Most first-time visitors don’t include Two Medicine in their itinerary for Glacier National Park, but trust us, it’s worthy of a spot!

Guided Tours of Glacier National Park

If you’d rather leave at least some of the planning to others and not have to worry about vehicle reservations and where to park, this is a great option! Book a guided tour for one day of your Glacier itinerary! Here are a few options, but there are many, many others!

Glacier National Park One Day Itinerary: GTTSR & West Glacier

Again, the absolute best way to spend one day in Glacier is to stick with activities along Going-to-the-Sun Road. Not only does this jaw-dropping highway hold the bulk of the park’s popular stopping points, but it also tops the list of most scenic drives in Montana. A true must! 

Quick note: while we highlight a few specific stops on GTTSR, we decided to leave that mostly up to you. It’s truly a bucket list road trip…make alllll the stops!

We didn’t include a breakfast spot for day one, as it’s jam-packed with things to do and places to see. Buy food and bring it with you, or eat before you leave for the day. Note that nothing is open before 6:00 am in West Glacier.

Big Bend (Mile 28.9 on Going-to-the-Sun Road)

As we mentioned, for the most part, we’re leaving GTTSR up to you. Big Bend, though, is an exception…it’s an absolute MUST on any Glacier National Park itinerary.

Big Bend is a few miles after the infamous Loop and immediately after the Weeping Wall. It will be on your right if you’re driving west to east, and you can’t miss it—it has one of the largest parking areas along the Sun Road.

Insider tip: if you can, time your Big Bend stop for sunset.

Logan Pass

Situated at the very top of the Continental Divide, Logan Pass is the highest point along GTTSR and, deservedly, one of the most popular spots in the entire park. It’s the starting point for some of the most iconic hikes in Glacier, including Hidden Lake and the Highline.

The drive is about one hour from the West Glacier entrance. If you’re including Logan Pass in your Glacier National Park itinerary, arrive as early as possible—the parking lot is usually full by 8:00 am.

Remember, you can also take the free park shuttle to Logan Pass.

Hidden Lake Trail 

Hidden Lake is not only one of the most popular hikes in the park, but one of the best day hikes in the US. The entire trail is exposed, so you have amazing views all around.

Keep an eye out for mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and yes, grizzly bears. In fact, Hidden Lake frequently closes, at least partially, due to bear activity. Don’t let that deter you! Even with a partial closure, you can usually hike to Hidden Lake Overlook, a great shorter hike on its own.

Jackson Glacier Overlook (Mile 36.5 on GTTSR)

A quick stop to add to your itinerary for Glacier National Park, the Jackson Glacier Overlook offers the best view of any glacier along GTTSR. 

Sadly, this glacier (like all the others in the park) has shrunk significantly in the last few decades. It had an area of 316 acres in 1996, and was just 187 acres by 2015.

Even if you only have one day in Glacier National Park, we recommend including this stop. There’s no telling how small it may be the next time you visit.

Lunch in St. Mary

After burning all those calories, you’ll certainly have worked up an appetite. At the eastern end of the park, grab a bite to eat in or near St. Mary. You have several options, depending on what you’re in the mood for and what’s next on your Glacier National Park itinerary.

Right along GTTSR, you can stop into Two Dog Flats Grill, inside the Rising Sun Motor Inn. The casual restaurant has a simple, American-focused menu with staples like burgers and pulled pork.

10 minutes further is the tiny town of Saint Mary and St. Mary Village, with a handful of restaurants and cafes. Curly Bear Cafe and Snowgoose Grille are some of the most popular choices, but we also love Johnson’s of St. Mary Cafe (which also has a great campground!).

If you’re up for a bit of a longer drive, head to the famous Two Sisters Café near Babb. The colorful restaurant has been featured in The Food Network, Outdoor Magazine, Men’s Life, the Los Angeles Times, the New York Times, and others. 

Pics at Wild Goose Island Overlook 

Next up on your Glacier National Park itinerary is another quick photo stop at the Wild Goose Island Overlook. This epic view is one of the most recognizable scenes in all of Glacier, a tiny island on St. Mary Lake surrounded by towering mountains on both sides. 

Fun fact: The island gets its name from an ancient Native American story, mimicking that of Romeo and Juliet. Two young lovers from different tribes sought shelter on the island, running from dangerous pursuers who wanted to stop their inter-tribal romance.

Seeing this, The Great Spirit took pity on them and transformed them into geese so they could fly away and spend their lives together in peace. 

Hike Sun Point Nature Trail to Baring Falls

As you head back west along the Sun Road, stop at Sun Point (it’ll be on your left). This is truly a must-stop for any and everyone, with a few options for short, easy hikes and outstanding views. Some of the best, most accessible views in the park, actually!

At the very least, stretch your legs and soak up the views on the super-short Sun Point Nature Trail. Officially, it’s just 0.2 miles round-trip from the parking lot…not even a mile hike!

If you’re up for a slightly longer ‘hike’ (in quotation marks because it’s still super easy!), take Sun Point Nature Trail to Baring Falls.

Most visitors check out Baring Falls from along GTTSR near Baring Creek Bridge and the Siyeh Pass Trailhead (or skip it entirely on their itinerary for Glacier National Park). But trust us, this route is more scenic and less crowded. that walk is a bit boring and extremely crowded. 

Read a detailed guide on the different trail options at Sun Point Nature Trail HERE.

Optional Add-Ons for One Day in Glacier

Hike Avalanche Lake and/or Trail of the Cedars 

If you truly want to make the most of your day (who doesn’t?!), add hiking Avalanche Lake or Trail of the Cedars to your Glacier National Park itinerary.

Trail of the Cedars is short and easy, requiring less than half an hour. It’s also one of a literal few wheelchair-accessible trails in the park, along with the first section of Running Eagle Falls in Two Medicine.

Avalanche Lake is a moderate, family-friendly hike that requires a time commitment of 2.5-3 hours.

Be aware that this is one of the busiest areas of the park, so it can be near impossible to find a parking spot at the trailhead. We highly recommend taking the shuttle if possible.

Lake McDonald Boat Tour or Rental

Another wonderful addition to any Glacier National Park itinerary is exploring Lake McDonald from the water. From mid-May through late September, you can book a guided boat tour or rent kayaks, SUPs, rowboats, or motorboats. Book WELL in advance!

One-hour boat tours go out on the historic DeSmet, built in 1930 and even awarded a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.

Insider tip: Lake McDonald boat reservations, both narrated tours and rentals, get you same-day access to GTTSR (you don’t need a separate vehicle reservation!)

Dinner at Russell’s Fireside Dining Room

Your last stop for the evening, and what many people consider the best restaurant in Glacier, is Russell’s Fireside Dining Room at Lake McDonald Lodge.

Entering the restaurant feels a bit like time traveling back to the early 1900s. It has a hunting lodge vibe with wooden walls, exposed beams, and a stone fireplace. Keeping with the rugged feel, the menu is inspired by local fare, with dishes including steelhead trout and braised pork shank.

What if Going-to-the-Sun Road Isn’t Open?

Although GTTSR is a staple on every Glacier National Park itinerary, remember that it’s only completely open a literal few months of the year. The exact opening and closing dates vary year to year, based on snowfall, spring weather conditions, park construction, and plowing progress. 

In many years, sections of the road open beginning in mid-May. In most years, it’s not fully open from end-to-end until mid to late June. GTTSR generally opens partially at both ends first, with plow crews working toward the middle.

Regardless of opening date, the Sun Road closes again for the season in mid-October.

Luckily, there are many, many things to do in the park beyond the Sun Road. If it’s partially (or even fully) closed, here are some ideas for how to spend one day in Glacier National Park.

• West Glacier/Apgar Village
  • Rent e-bikes from Glacier Outfitters and explore on two wheels
  • Go for a horseback ride (see Day 2 for more details) 
• Many Glacier
  • Hike Apikuni Falls
  • Have lunch overlooking Swiftcurrent Lake
  • Look for moose at Fishercap Lake 
• Polebridge/North Fork
  • Try famous huckleberry pastries at Polebridge Mercantile (see Day 4 for more details)
  • Drive up to Bowman Lake 
  • Hike the Hornet Lookout
• Two Medicine/East Glacier
  • Soak in the sacred beauty at Two Medicine Lake
  • Find out why Running Eagle Falls is nicknamed ‘Trick Falls’
  • Walk the grounds of the stunning Glacier Park Lodge, AKA Big Tree Lodge
  • Drive Looking Glass Road (see Day 5 for more details)

Glacier National Park 2-Day Itinerary

With two days in Glacier National Park, you can spend more time exploring (ie; less time in the car!), but GTTSR will still be your main focus. More hiking opportunities and a greater variety of things to do means the schedule is still quite loaded, though.

As a quick reminder, the two day Glacier National Park itinerary is the most unusual, because of how the park is physically laid out.

Although you can drive Going to the Sun Road round-trip in one day, it’s (much!) more enjoyable to do each direction on two separate days, staying one night each at the park’s west and east ends.

With this in mind, we distributed all the activities from one day in Glacier across both days, plus added in more activities.

If you’re wondering why we didn’t simply ‘copy and paste’ Day 1, plus add an extra day, again, it’s because of the park’s layout. Two days is enough to let you explore more, but not enough to really reach areas not connected to GTTSR, like Many Glacier or Two Medicine.

I guarantee you’ll be exhausted if you accomplish everything on this list, but the memories you’ll make will be magical! 

Two Days in Glacier: Day 1 (West Side)

Breakfast in West Glacier Village or Apgar

Grab something based on where you’re staying. Inside the park, Eddie’s Cafe in Apgar is a perfect choice. There are also several options in West Glacier Village and just outside the park on Highway 2.

Note that many restaurants don’t open until 7:00 am or later, so you may want to plan ahead and bring a picnic-style breakfast to eat on the go.

Hiking: Avalanche Lake or The Highline

To hike the easy-to-moderate Avalanche Lake or Trail of the Cedars, see complete details on the day one itinerary.

For visitors who want to see it all, even during a short two days in Glacier, the Highline is an easy choice. The trail takes you to the incredible Granite Park Chalet, but it’s a fantastic, one-of-a-kind hike even if you turn back early.

There are also multiple add-ons for serious hikers who want to maximize mileage. Detour up to the Grinnell Glacier Overlook or continue down Swiftcurrent Pass into the Many Glacier Valley.

Be warned that neither of these options is for beginner or hikers. We did Highline to Swiftcurrent Pass to Many Glacier Hotel in July 2024, and it ended up being a nearly 19-mile day with well over 3,000 feet of elevation gain and loss.

Grinnell Glacier Overlook

To hike to Grinnell Glacier Overlook, you can choose your route and starting point. Regardless, this beast of a trail will take you just about all day.

If you’ve hiked the Highline or just want an overall more challenging hike for your Glacier National Park itinerary, we recommend starting from The Loop on GTTSR. Remember, parking fills quickly, so start early or take the park shuttle.

You can also connect the Highline and Garden Wall to get to the overlook, which we detail below.

For big hikes like this, stock up on food and water before you begin. Also, there are steep and narrow points along the path, so make sure you use proper hiking gear (hiking shoes and trekking poles) and dress appropriately. 

**If you hike Grinnell Overlook, skip down to picking souvenirs at the West Glacier Gift Shop.

Highline Trail

For some epic Continental Divide views and much more manageable effort, add the Highline to your Glacier National Park itinerary.

Start this hike from Logan Pass and from there, you can go as far as you want and simply turn around, continue onto Granite Park Chalet, detour to Grinnell Glacier Overlook, or hike down to Many Glacier.

The distance is what makes some consider the Highline difficult. It’s also extremely exposed in sections, including at the very beginning once you cross Going-to-the-Sun Road, so it’s not for folks who are afraid of heights.

Lunch at Jammer Joe’s Pizzeria 

Tucked inside Lake McDonald Lodge, Jammer Joe’s offers hearty pizzas and other tasty, shareable dishes to fuel your day’s activities.

Start off with the delicious bison sausage dip. It’s a masterpiece of cream cheese, Italian-style buffalo sausage, spicy Pomodoro sauce, and tortilla chips for dipping.

After Lunch: Horseback Ride or Scenic Float

With just two days in Glacier, you likely won’t have time for both of these bucket list-worthy activities. You truly can’t go wrong with either, but both require advance planning. We recommend locking in a time as soon as possible to build the rest of your itinerary around it.

Lake McDonald-Area Horseback Ride

Exploring the park on horseback is an unforgettable addition to any Glacier National Park itinerary. Swan Mountain Outfitters offers rides ranging from one hour to all day, departing from near Lake McDonald Lodge.

Specifically, the one-hour Cedar Forest and 2.5-hour Upper McDonald Creek rides are ideal for short visits. Both rides have mid and late afternoon departures, and the minimum age is seven.

If you’re spending one day in Many Glacier, Swan Mountain Outfitters also offers 1- and 2-hour trail rides with afternoon departures near Many Glacier Hotel.

Scenic Float Trip or Whitewater Rafting

Another epic adventure you can squeeze in after lunch is experiencing Glacier from a raft on the beautiful Flathead River.

Glacier Raft Company offers a variety of guided half-day tours with afternoon departures, including both leisurely scenic floats and heart-pumping whitewater rafting excursions.

We highly recommend this half-day whitewater rafting trip with riverside dinner. Enjoy 2-3 hours of rafting, plus BBQ dinner right alongside the river!

For both floats and whitewater tours, expect to be on the river for 2-3 hours, depending on the flow of the river. Early in the season, the water moves significantly faster than late in the summer due to snowmelt from higher elevations.

No previous experience is necessary, and there’s no minimum age. However, there is a 50-pound weight minimum for whitewater rafting trips.

There’s an excellent chance you’ll get a bit wet, so bring a change of clothes along just in case.

Pick up Souvenirs in West Glacier or Apgar Village

You can’t go home empty-handed, so be sure to dedicate some time on your Glacier National Park 2 day itinerary for a bit of retail therapy.

Both Apgar Village and West Glacier Village have a few great shops, and Cedar Tree Gift Shop in Apgar is actually the biggest one in the entire park.

Dinner at Belton Chalet Restaurant  

Dinner at the historic Belton Chalet is almost required to cap off your first night in Glacier. The food here is top-notch and incredibly diverse, with dishes including famous bison meatloaf, Drunken Mussels, and Ribeye steaks. Don’t forget a huckleberry-focused cocktail!

The Belton Chalet is open seasonally from mid-May through mid-October.

Two Days in Glacier National Park: Day 2 (East Side)

Day two of this Glacier National Park 2 day itinerary mostly mirrors my suggestions for one day in the park. For everything up to Sun Point Nature Trail/Baring Falls, refer to the one-day itinerary.

Remember, if you can coordinate spending one night on the west side of GNP and the other night on the east side during your two days in Glacier, you will save literal hours of driving back and forth.

Hike to St. Mary and Virginia Falls

Another wildly popular trail, and for good reason. Not only is the hike to these iconic waterfalls fairly easy, but you have a few options to very literally create your own adventure.

• St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls (~1.5 hours)
• ‘Three Falls’ Trail to see Baring, St. Mary, and Virginia Falls (~2.5 hours) *highly recommend!
• Short on time? Take the mile hike to Sun Point Nature Trail to Baring Falls (~1 hour) 

All three hikes are easy or easy-moderate, involve minimal time commitment, and offer easy access. There’s parking available along Going to the Sun Road (at the St. Mary Falls trailhead, Baring Falls trailhead, or Sun Point), or you can take the park shuttle.

I recommend wearing waterproof or at least water-resistant shoes. Year-round, the trail is likely to be muddy, even when conditions have been dry. Also, pack a swimsuit in case you want to cool off in a swimming hole along the way! 

Dinner at Glacier Highland Restaurant 

Great job on two BIG days in Glacier! Now it’s time for sustenance. Kick back with a glass of wine and some good ol’ homestyle cooking at the family-oriented Glacier Highland Restaurant. It’s just outside the West Glacier entrance on Highway 2. 

Try the ‘Camping Logs’ fried wonton appetizer before digging into bison meatballs with huckleberry-jalapeño glaze or the Huckleberry Hound sandwich. Don’t worry, if you’re not huckleberry-obsessed like us, there are tons of other options! 

3-Day Glacier National Park Itinerary: Many Glacier 

It’s (finally!) time to stray off the Sun Road and explore more of the park. That’s the biggest reason we recommend at least a three day itinerary for Glacier National Park—there’s just so much to see!

Follow our 2-day itinerary, then spend Day 3 in Many Glacier, one of our favorite places on Earth.

Here you’ll find not only several of the most epic hikes in the park, but also the stunning Swiss chalet-style Many Glacier Hotel, sitting on Swiftcurrent Lake. It’s like teleporting to the Alps, with snow-capped mountains in every direction.

Who needs Europe when you have Montana? In all seriousness, after visiting the park a dozen or so times, we now prioritize Many Glacier and often don’t even visit the west side…it’s THAT spectacular.

Remember, all visitors must have a vehicle reservation, campsite or hotel reservation, or a boat tour booked to enter Many Glacier between July 1 and September 8, 2024.

Breakfast

Again, we recommend grabbing something close to your lodging or packing a picnic-style breakfast to eat on the go. Since many breakfast spots don’t even open for the day until 7:00 am or later, it’s tricky if you want to get a super early start (which you should!).

If you’re driving to Many Glacier in the morning, we highly recommend Glacier’s Edge Cafe in Babb. It’s exactly 12 minutes from the St. Mary Visitor Center at the east entrance. It’s a super quick detour on the way into the Many Glacier entrance, but (you guessed it), doesn’t open until 7:00 am.

Staying IN Many Glacier (lucky!)? The Ptarmigan Dining Room and Heidi’s Espresso Stand, both inside the hotel, open at 6:30 am. You do NOT have to be a hotel guest.

Take an Epic Hike

Nearly all the hikes in Many Glacier are bigger, half-day-minimum trails. With more than one day in Glacier, or at least in Many Glacier, you can tackle multiple hikes, but otherwise, we recommend choosing just one.

If you have your heart set on a shorter, easy hike in Many Glacier (or need a plan B in case of weather or something else), check out Apikuni Falls.

Option 1: Grinnell Glacier Trail (6.5-10 Miles)

It’s easy to see why Grinnell Glacier (AKA Grinnell Lake) is one of the most popular trails in the park. This trail has it all: panoramic views, a milky glacial lake, colorful wildflowers, and possibly even a scenic boat ride!

From the end of Lake Josephine, Grinnell Glacier is exactly three miles. It’s an entirely uphill climb, but absolutely, drop-dead gorgeous. You will likely stop every few minutes, literally, for photos, so the hike doesn’t ever feel like a slog.

There are two ways to hike to Grinnell Glacier. Take the Many Glacier boat tour across Swiftcurrent and Josephine lakes to shave off about four miles total, or walk along the shores of both lakes. It’s an easy, flat walk, so the extra distance doesn’t add much time.

Many Glacier boat rides book months in advance, so keep that in mind if you want to include it on a three day itinerary for Glacier National Park.

Fair warning: the Grinnell Glacier hike gets CROWDED. If you don’t enjoy hiking in large groups, potentially even single-file, skip the boat shuttle (at least the outbound shuttle). The first boat doesn’t leave Many Glacier until 8:30 am, and you could already be headed back by then.

Option 2: Iceberg Lake (9.6 Miles)

Another extremely popular hike, Iceberg Lake is much more moderate (ie; easier) than the distance may have you believe.

The first part of the hike follows the Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail before branching off toward Iceberg Lake. Along the way, enjoy everything the Many Glacier area is renowned for: wildflowers galore, waterfalls, scenic footbridges, and potential wildlife sightings.

Although Iceberg Lake is well-trafficked, a popular inclusion on many a Glacier National Park itinerary, this area is prime territory for grizzly bears, moose, and mountain goats. Maintain a safe distance from any wildlife and be extra cautious during the fall rut (mating season).

Option 3: Swiftcurrent Pass (Full 16.6-mile Trail)

If you want to fit some serious day hiking into your Glacier National Park 3 day itinerary, hit Swiftcurrent Pass. This bad boy has it all, from dense, lush forests and turquoise glacial lakes to waterfalls, rocky cliffs, and deep canyons.

The views get continuously better as you switch back and forth the last mile to the peak of Swiftcurrent Mountain. There, you’ll experience one of theee most gorgeous views in Glacier. A photographer’s paradise! 

Option 4: Swiftcurrent to Bullhead Lake (7 Miles)

If your legs aren’t up for huge elevation gains, or you simply want to do other things on your Glacier National Park itinerary besides hike all day, turn around at Bullhead Lake.

This abbreviated Swiftcurrent Pass route still has spectacular views and Redrock Falls, while being relatively easy on your muscles and joints. The Bullhead Lake hike also offer plenty of opportunities to see amazing wildlife, most notably moose.

Lunch at ‘Nell’s

Inside the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, ‘Nell’s serves all sorts of delicious fixin’s from breakfast through dinner.

You can’t go wrong with anything, but the trout BLT and three varieties of mac n’ cheese really hit the spot. Choose from white cheddar; bacon, avocado, and tomato; or BBQ pulled chicken. If you need more calories, add a slice of the New York cheesecake.

Take a (Free!) Guided tour of Many Glacier Hotel

Many Glacier Hotel is widely considered one of the most beautiful, elaborate national park lodges ever built. Learn about its exciting history, the trials and tribulations of maintaining its glory, and all the rest as a park ranger leads you through the property on foot. 

The free hour-long tour is offered daily at 4:00 pm from June 16 to September 2. Tours are open to the public and you don’t need a reservation—just meet in the lobby of the historic hotel.

Sign Up for a Ranger-Led Activity

Speaking of low-key, family-friendly, interesting, and totally free things to add to your 3 day Glacier National Park itinerary…if you have spare time, check out the park’s ranger-led activities.

Glacier’s park rangers are extremely helpful and eager (seriously, it seems like more so than in other parks!), hosting all types of tours, presentations, and demonstrations. Just a few examples include guided hikes, Logan Pass ‘star parties,’ and wildlife talks.

The 2024 Logan Pass Star parties are on July 26, August 9, and September 6. Tickets are required (they sell out!) and can be purchased in-person the day before each event at the Apgar and St. Mary visitor center bookstores.

Check availability on the park event calendar for all details. You can easily filter activities by interest or locations. Note that the majority of ranger-led activities occur between June and September. 

Rent a boat to explore Swiftcurrent Lake 

Renting a boat and spending a few hours out on the lake is the perfect relaxing addition to any itinerary for Glacier National Park. It’s an especially great way to break up long days of hiking.

The water on Swiftcurrent is usually calm, so the only thing you have to worry about is how many fish you’ll catch (the lake is known for brook trout) or where to point your camera. If you plan to fish, good news: you don’t need a fishing license within park boundaries!

Boat rentals, like literally everything else at Many Glacier, are tricky to secure in advance. Fortunately, they actually cater more to first-come, first-served rentals.

You can reserve kayaks, canoes, and rowboats online ahead of time, but ONLY for the first time slot of the day (9:30 am). After that, it’s strictly first-come, first-served with a two-hour minimum.

Steaks at Cattle Baron Supper Club

If you’re a big fan of steak, Cattle Baron Supper Club in Babb is a must. The Native American-owned restaurant serves all the cuts you’d expect from a traditional steakhouse: Ribeye, New York strip, Filet, and T-bones.  

In the mood for something else? The menu also features lamb, chicken, pork chops, seafood, and much more. You can’t go wrong with anything, so dig in! Leave some room for molten lava cake and a scoop of ice cream if you can. Just be prepared to wait; the Cattle Baron gets busy.

Sunset From the Many Glacier Hotel balcony 

Since daylight hours are LONG in Montana during the summer, cap off your Glacier National Park 3 day itinerary with a late sunset (likely somewhere between 9-10:00 pm). Head back into the park, grab a drink at the Swiss Lounge, then head outside to find a spot on the hotel’s balcony.

Glacier National Park 4 Day Itinerary: North Fork 

Now that you’ve seen the spectacular east side of the park, it’s time to mosey back over to the west side, specifically the North Fork area. Here, you’ll find thick pine forests, vast open prairies, more epic mountains, crystalline lakes and rivers, and the teeny-tiny community of Polebridge.

The North Fork has a distinct quality that separates it from the rest of GNP. It’s slower-paced, far less busy, and feels a bit more wild. Despite being just 28 miles from West Glacier, it feels incredibly remote…which is exactly why we recommend it for part of your 4 day Glacier National Park itinerary.

North Fork roads are gravel or washboard, so travel is slooow-going. The road to Polebridge is well-maintained and heavily traveled, but others aren’t and are often rutted out. Trailers and vehicles over 21′ are not permitted. Ask about conditions at the West Glacier entrance station.

Breakfast at the Polebridge Bakery & Mercantile

About an hour from Apgar Village just outside the North Fork park boundary (you don’t need a reservation to visit!), the Polebridge Mercantile (often referred to as simply ‘Polebridge’ or ‘the Merc’) is an absolute must on any Glacier National Park itinerary.

To be honest, we often recommend it as a detour even for short visits because we love it so much!

Start with a few scrumptious treats from the bakery. The huckleberry bear claws and bars are legitimately famous, and they often sell out by mid-morning. There’s also a variety of coffee drinks and hot grab-and-go breakfast sandwiches.

You’ll find an impressive mercantile and even outfitter shop, as well. Buy everything from souvenirs to camping staples, and rent a kayak or canoe. If you need it, the Merc has it. A true one-stop shop!

Rent a Boat From Polebridge Outfitters

Once the goodies settle, head next door to Polebridge Outfitters. Here, you can rent canoes, single and double inflatable kayaks, and inflatable paddleboards. You can also rent mountain bikes or e-bikes, but we personally think the North Fork lakes are more worthwhile!

Rentals are available for half or full days, and start at 9:00 am regardless.

Explore Bowman Lake

From Polebridge, make the long, slow drive to Bowman Lake. It’s only nine miles, but the dirt road is narrow, winding, and often rutted, especially early in the season and after rain.

The drive is well worth the effort, as the lake is crystal clear and glassy. Truly, it’s one of the most picturesque lakes in Glacier…and that’s really saying something! The utter lack of people definitely helps! Few visitors make their way to Bowman, so you’ll likely see a handful of people all day.

Quick reminder: all visitors need a vehicle reservation to enter the North Fork between 6:00 am and 3:00 pm from May 24 and September 8, 2024.

Perfectly framed by mountains, Bowman Lake is the perfect addition to your 4 day Glacier National Park itinerary. It’s especially ideal for a lazy afternoon in the sun, paddling around and fishing.

There are also several hiking opportunities that start near Bowman Lake, but literally none of them are short or easy; they’re all bigger hikes. Here are some of the best, if you have a full day.

• Numa Ridge Lookout – 11.3 miles out-and-back
• Akokala Lake – 11.5 miles out-and-back
• Bowman Lake Head – 13.5 miles out-and-back

Interested in more remote camping in Glacier National Park? Bowman Lake Campground is one of the best ‘frontcountry’ campsites (using quotes because it feels much more like backcountry!). It’s strictly first-come, first-served, and open mid-May until early September.

Optional Add-on: Drive to Kintla Lake

IF (big ‘if’) you’re an experienced self-sufficient traveler AND you have an all-wheel-drive or 4-wheel-drive vehicle, you can head up to Kintla Lake. The road is rough, far rougher than the one to Bowman, and flat tires are a common problem. Plan on close to an hour drive from Polebridge.

Kintla Lake is in the park’s farthest northwest corner, one of its most remote areas, which is exactly why some people include it in their Glacier National Park itinerary. It’s paradise for paddlers and anglers, and there’s also a very small first-come, first-served campground.

Lunch at Northern Lights Saloon in Polebridge 

Back in Polebridge, right next to the Merc, the Northern Lights Saloon serves up simple yet delectable dishes. Think wild game seven-pepper chili, seared tuna salad, and grilled portobella sandwiches.

The North Fork may be extremely limited in restaurant options, but that doesn’t mean you can’t grab a yummy burger in the middle of nowhere! The kitchen is open seven days a week in the summer, and there’s live music most weekend evenings.

Stop Into Home Ranch Bottoms

Speaking of live music, pop into Home Ranch Bottoms on your way back to West Glacier. This adorable newer restaurant/bar/outdoor live music venue/campground is always a great time.

Sometimes there’s fresh pizza, you never know who the band may be, and there’s always homemade pie and ice cream. Seriously, who knew the remote North Fork offered all these amazing entertainment options?!

Watch for Wildlife at McGee Meadow

As you head toward West Glacier, shortly before Fish Creek, stop at McGee Meadow. It’s a very quiet, serene place great for snapping pics of elk, moose, deer, bald eagles, hawks, owls, and many other animals.

The only ‘catch’ here is that McGee Meadow is tricky to find and not well-maintained. It was the original trailhead for the Huckleberry Lookout, before Camas Road was built. Now, your best bet to find it is to start at the current Huckleberry Lookout trailhead and cross the road into the meadow.

McGee Meadow is also a great cross-country skiing loop in the winter months. It can be tough building a winter itinerary for Glacier National Park, but there’s one great idea!

Dinner and Drinks at Freda’s Bar

We know, we know…we already sent you to a couple places for food and drinks today. But hey, there’s always room for more! To cap off day 4, grab a seat on the porch at Freda’s Bar, next to West Glacier Cafe.

It will likely be busy, but for good reason. Freda’s has a handful of unique offerings like elk bratwurst, a peanut butter bacon burger, and the Fireweed Mule cocktail with local cherry bourbon. Browse the thousands of old photos covering the walls and settle in! 

Catch Sunset or Stargaze at Lake McDonald

Wrap up your Glacier National Park 4 day itinerary with a classic: Lake McDonald. Remember, daylight typically lasts until nearly 10:00 pm during the summer, so you should have plenty of time to grab dinner and maybe even stop by your hotel or campsite first.

Grab a spot on the shore and simply enjoy the show. Insider tip: hang out until it’s fully dark. The night sky over the lake is incredible. We even saw the Northern Lights here!

5 Day Glacier National Park Itinerary: Two Medicine 

Before we dive into day five, we want to clarify something. Personally, we LOVE Two Medicine and consider it hugely underrated. It’s sacred to the Blackfeet Nation and has almost a mystical feel, it’s incredibly beautiful, and it’s little-visited.

The only reason we don’t recommend it on a shorter Glacier National Park itinerary? Its remoteness. Two Medicine isn’t connected to Going to the Sun Road (it’s an ‘island’ of the park like Many Glacier and the North Fork), and it has extremely limited nearby amenities or services.

With that said, if you’ve visited before or prefer quieter places that feel like hidden gems, PLEASE go to Two Medicine!

The Blackfeet Nation believes their ancestors originated in Two Medicine, and for 10,000 years, they have called it home. Many of the mountains and bodies of water here are named after tribe members or associated with Native American stories, and the entire area is utterly beautiful.

Like other areas you’ve seen on this Glacier National Park 5 day itinerary, expect tons of waterfalls, pristine lakes, craggy mountains, hiking trails of all length and difficulty, scenic boat tours, and awesome campsites.

Where Two Medicine truly stands out is its almost otherworldly, red-hued mountains and the quiet, slow-paced vibe. You won’t find any of the hustle and bustle associated with Many Glacier or the west side here!

Breakfast

Sticking with our general theme, grab breakfast either near your lodging or on the way to Two Medicine. Depending on which direction you come from, you can stop in St. Mary (coming from Many Glacier) or East Glacier Park (driving from the west side).

We already offered plenty of restaurant ideas for St. Mary, so in East Glacier Park, we highly recommend Two Medicine Grill. It’s open from 6:30 am to 2:30 pm daily during the summer.

Fill up on a stack of pancakes or veggie hashbrowns before starting the final day of your itinerary for Glacier National Park. Whatever you order, grab one (or three!) of the homemade cinnamon rolls to go. The grill is on the smaller side and often involves a wait, but it’s well worth it.

Go for a Hike (and Possibly a Dip!)

Option 1: Aster Park Overlook (3.8 Miles)

Not far from the trailhead to Scenic Point is the beginning of the Two Medicine South Shore trail, which leads to Aster Park Overlook.

This hike is half the distance and just a quarter of the elevation gain of Scenic Point, so your legs will thank you for choosing this option (especially if you’ve mostly followed our Glacier National Park 5 day itinerary!). 

Most of the trail passes through the trees, but the end can be a bit tricky, as this is where you’ll find most of the elevation gain. On the hike, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful Aster Falls and at the end, a fantastic view of Two Medicine Lake below. 

Take a Cold Dip at Paradise Point

On your way back from Aster Park, consider taking a short detour to Paradise Point and jumping into chilly Two Medicine Lake. It’s a nice, refreshing (literally!) change of pace and a great way to cool off…kind of like a post-workout ice bath!

Note: you can absolutely hike just to Paradise Point if you want something really short and sweet.

Option 2: Scenic Point (7.7 Miles)

If your knees can take it, and you’re still up for a challenging trail with a big payoff, consider hiking Scenic Point.

It’s a gradual climb that showcases some of the best views of the Two Medicine Valley below. You’ll navigate stony switchbacks and be prepared for wind, because the summit is notorious for mighty gusts.

Well into early summer, you may also come across snowfields, particularly on top of the ridge. Wear good hiking boots and consider packing trekking poles or microspikes. If you posthole more than once or twice, it may be a good idea to head back.

Insider tip: the views at around the two-mile mark are stunning, so don’t feel too bad if you do decide to cut your hike short.

Grab Lunch at the Two Medicine General store

Built in 1914, this old chalet is a very well-stocked camp store. Pick up some goodies for a picnic lunch, as well as any last-minute Glacier National Park souvenirs.

In addition to grab-and-go foods, the store has a small coffee shop/restaurant offering limited prepared foods. Think chicken tenders and sandwiches.

Fun Fact: President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave a national radio address from the Two Medicine Chalet in 1934.

Lunch and Pics at Running Eagle Falls 

Head away from the main Two Medicine ‘village’ area and stop at Running Eagle Falls, also called ‘Trick Falls.’ You literally can’t miss it; the well-signed lot is right on the main road between the Two Medicine entrance and campground.

This super easy loop has a partially paved path and should only take 15-30 minutes. Bring your lunch to the pebble beach area en route to the falls. It’s the perfect place to hang out, and you’ll have a head-on view of the waterfall.

Along with the Sun Point Nature Trail, this is by far the easiest hike you’ll do on your Glacier National Park itinerary!

Afternoon Scenic Boat Tour on Two Medicine Lake

Hop aboard the Sinopah, the oldest wooden boat in Glacier (built in 1926!), for a narrated tour of Two Medicine Lake. Park rangers will entertain and educate you as you glide across the immaculate waters, snapping photo after photo. 

The round trip takes about 45 minutes, but, like other lakes in Glacier, you also have the option of taking the boat one way and hiking the other direction.

Two Medicine’s boat tours offer something unique: an optional 1.8-mile guided hike to Twin Falls. On two tours each day from July through September, you can go on a ranger-led group hike to these two beautiful cascades.

We highly recommend the hike, whether you do it on your own or with a ranger. Don’t worry, it’s super easy (we know what you’re thinking…another hike?!)!

In our humble opinion, Two Medicine boat tours are by far the best in the entire park. Aside from the beautiful historic boat and fun optional hike, Two Medicine has fascinating Native American history (and mysteries!), and the lack of crowds makes it sooo much more enjoyable.

If you’re trying to decide on just one to add to your five day itinerary for Glacier National Park, this one gets our vote.

Although Two Medicine isn’t nearly as busy as other lakes in the park, advance reservations are highly recommended.

Optional: Hike to Twin Falls

As we just mentioned, Twin Falls makes an excellent addition to your Glacier National Park itinerary (no matter how many miles you’ve hiked!).

It’s a very easy, VERY scenic 1.8-mile round-trip hike, and you can do it on your own or with a group led by a ranger. As its name implies, you’ll finish at not just one but TWO waterfalls!

Note that the 1.8 miles assumes you take the Two Medicine boat tour across the lake. You can do this hike without the boat trip, but it becomes a 7-plus mile trek.

Pick Up Pastries at Brownies Hostel and Bakery

Head out of the park about 30 minutes to East Glacier Park. Your destination? Fresh, home-baked pastries and other goodies at Brownies Bakery. Is anyone else noticing a theme in this Glacier National Park 5 day itinerary..? Mountains and pastries just go hand in hand!

Brownies has a huge assortment of baked goods, but huckleberry danishes are the perennial favorite (of course!). You can order pizza, deli sandwiches, or coffee, as well, and they even have affordable hostel rooms.

If you happen to be hiking the CDT, Brownies also serves as a supply pickup location.

Brownies’ hours can be funky, so if your heart is set on this stop, you may want to call to check on current hours. If they close early, go for lunch or between hikes.

Drive Looking Glass Road (Highway 49)

Have you heard of Glacier’s other scenic drive? Looking Glass Road is a twisting, winding road that takes you through a tremendous variety of landscapes in less than 10 miles. Prairie, soaring mountains, wildlife galore, and unique geology, all unfolding with unobstructed views.

There are several pullouts along the road to enjoy the natural show, so bring a pair of binoculars and a camera, and settle in with your goodies from Brownies.

Keep in mind that this is (grizzly) bear country. Wolves, moose, elk, coyotes, bighorn sheep, and other big game animals are also frequently seen. Also, while sunset produces incredible scenes, you probably don’t want to drive back in the dark.

Dinner in East Glacier Park

For the last meal of your Glacier National Park itinerary, treat yourself to a hearty, authentic Mexican dinner at Serrano’s (open May-October). You’ve MORE than earned the calories!

You’ll find all the traditional favorites, alongside distinctly Montana options such as local flank steak, bison burritos, and huckleberry tres leches cake.

Serrano’s is only open for dinner (5-9:00 pm) in 2024, so assume you’ll have at least a short wait.

Other Things to do Near Glacier National Park

If you have more time to devote to your Glacier National Park itinerary, or simply love trying new, exciting things, take a look at other activities in the surrounding area.  

• Marvel at Flathead Lake, one of the largest, clearest natural lakes in the US
  • Visit some of the adorable lakeside towns (we love Lakeside and Bigfork!)
  • Book a kayaking tour
  • …or a sailing charter
  • Go fishing
  • Sample the many wineries dotting the lake
• Hike or take a scenic drive through Hungry Horse and visit the dam visitor center
• Explore Whitefish
  • Latitude 48 for small plates
  • Loula’s for pie and breakfast
  • Bonsai Brewing Project (like having a beer in your buddy’s backyard!)
  • The Toggery for shopping
  • The Great Northern Bar & Grill for live music and dive bar vibes
  • Montana Coffee Traders if you need to sneak in some work (and bring beans home!)
  • Pamper yourself at a local spa 
  • Summer farmer’s market (Tuesdays late May-September) 
  • Catch a Broadway-quality show at the Alpine Theatre Project
• Whitefish Mountain Resort – skiing and snowboarding in the winter; mountain biking, alpine slide, scenic lift rides, zip lining, and hiking in the summer
• Book a guided fishing trip on the Flathead River
• Explore Flathead National Forest – tons of free/dispersed camping, plus dog-friendly trails
• Go ziplining at Glacier Highline 
• Sample local craft beer, spirits, or wine – we love Glacier Distilling Company in Coram, and Backslope Brewing and White Raven Winery in Columbia Falls
• World Museum of Taxidermy – explore taxidermy, gems, and a few oddities at this can’t-miss spot right on Highway 2 in Columbia Falls
• Buy huckleberry everything at Huckleberry Patch
• Learn about the Blackfeet Nation with a guided cultural experience or tour
• Day trip to Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada (1-1.5 hours from Many Glacier, 2.5-3 hours from West Glacier)
• Gamble! Try your luck at one of the many casinos scattered on GNP’s outskirts (they’re even in gas stations!)

Where to Stay in and Near Glacier

Unless you’re day-tripping, you have to decide where to stay during your Glacier National Park itinerary. And unfortunately, this isn’t as simple a decision as it should be.

In-park lodging reservations for Glacier book out literally six months to a full year in advance.

That’s not a typo or exaggeration—Glacier National Park campsites are released exactly six months out on a rolling basis, and in-park hotels and lodges are released 13 months out.

In-park campsites for the 2025 season will be released in November and December 2024. If you want to camp in Many Glacier on June 10-12, 2025, you need to book that site on December 10, 2024.

Hotels and lodges inside Glacier have a similar but slightly different process. 13 months in advance on the 1st of the month, reservations are available for the entire month the following year. So for example, on July 1, 2024, you can make reservations for ALL of July 2025.

It can be confusing and, obviously, difficult to plan for. Luckily, cancellations do happen. However, in order to pounce on a newly-available reservation, you have to check availability around the clock. You also end up settling for what’s available, not necessarily where you wanted to stay.

This is why it really is imperative to plan your Glacier National Park itinerary as early as possible.

Glacier National Park Campgrounds

Glacier has 13 frontcountry campgrounds and over 50 wilderness campgrounds. Of the frontcountry campgrounds, seven are reservable and six are strictly first-come, first-served.

The park is massive and every campsite offers wildly different amenities and pros/cons. We recommend, again, planning well in advance to get the sites you most want.

Beyond that, try to stay closest to where your Glacier National Park itinerary will be focused. You don’t want to stay in Many Glacier if all your hikes and activities are on the west side.

Reservable campgrounds

• Apgar: 194 sites including 5 group sites; year-round (primitive status October-April)
• Avalanche: 87 sites; mid-July through mid-September
• Fish Creek: 178 sites; mid-May through early September
• Many Glacier: 109 sites including 1 group site; early June through mid-September (*primitive camping available until October 31, but not in 2024, due to construction)
• St. Mary: 148 sites including 2 group sites; year-round (primitive status September-May)
• Sprague Creek: 25 sites; late May through late September
• Two Medicine: 100 sites including 1 group site; early June through mid-September (primitive camping available into October)

First-come, first-served campgrounds

• Bowman Lake: 48 sites; mid-May through sometime between September and October
• Cut Bank: 14 sites; late May through mid-September
• Kintla Lake: 13 sites; late May through sometime between September and October
• Logging Creek: 7 sites; late June through late October
• Quartz Creek: 7 sites; late June through late October
• Rising Sun: 84 sites; early June through early September

Glacier National Park Chalets

In a class all their own, the park also has two backcountry chalets where hikers can stay overnight: Sperry Chalet and Granite Park Chalet. Reservations are extremely difficult to get (yes, harder than Many Glacier Hotel!), and are available each year in January for the following summer season.

Hotels and Lodges in Glacier

There are seven hotels inside the park, all ranging significantly in the types of rooms and amenities. Glacier’s are widely regarded as some of the nicest and most scenic historic lodges in the country, and any of them would be a splurge-worthy addition to a Glacier National Park itinerary.

Remember, reservations are available 13 months in advance. Cancellations do happen, so check frequently if your trip is sooner than that.

• Apgar Village Lodge & Cabins
• Lake McDonald Lodge
• Many Glacier Hotel
• Motel Lake McDonald
• Rising Sun Motor Inn & Cabins
• Swiftcurrent Motor Inn & Cabins
• Village Inn Motel at Apgar

Campgrounds Outside Glacier National Park

This is not even close to an exhaustive list (remember, this is a huge area!), but here are a handful of our personal favorite campgrounds near Glacier.

• Glacier Campground (West Glacier): Privately-owned campground one mile from the west entrance with tent and RV sites, 10 cabins, laundry, wi-fi, free showers, and Sunflower Cafe
• Mountain Meadow RV Park (Hungry Horse): Secluded, pristine campground 10 minutes from West Glacier with tent and RV sites, including for big rigs, and sparkling clean bathrooms
• West Glacier KOA Resort: For campers who like alllll the amenities, this highly-rated campground has tent and RV sites, cabins, a pool, tons of family activities, and a cafe
• St. Mary/East Glacier KOA Holiday: KOA’s eastside counterpart, one mile from the St. Mary park entrance and offering cushy amenities like a pool, hot tub, dog boarding, and onsite bar
• Johnson’s of St. Mary Campground: Large family-owned campground with tent and RV sites, cabins, laundry, hot showers, and a famous restaurant where literally everything is homemade
• Glacier Meadow RV Park and Campground (Essex): Perfectly situated between the west and east entrance on Highway 2 (ideal for following our Glacier National Park itinerary and spending time in both!)
• Red Eagle Campground (Cut Bank, near Two Medicine): Blackfeet Tribal campground with primitive creekside sites and access to swimming and fishing in Two Medicine River

Hotels Near Glacier National Park

• Great Northern Resort (West Glacier): One mile from the west entrance, with a lodge and cabins, plus onsite river rafting and guided fly fishing trips
• Glacier Park Lodge (East Glacier Park): Gorgeous historic lodge built by the Great Northern Railway, close to the Amtrak station and with an onsite restaurant
• St. Mary Village (St. Mary): Lodge and motel rooms, cabins, and tiny homes at the intersection of GTTSR and Looking Glass Road
• Wonderstone at Glacier (Columbia Falls): Great location right on Highway 2 20 minutes from the park and extremely comfortable beds
• Cedar Creek Lodge (Columbia Falls): Xanterra-operated upscale lodge outside the park with an indoor pool and complimentary hot breakfast
• The Pine Lodge on Whitefish River (Whitefish): Fantastic location walkable to downtown, with complimentary breakfast and bike, kayak, and SUP rentals
• The Lodge at Whitefish Lake (Whitefish): Highest-rated hotel in the area and right on the lake, with tons of upscale amenities including watersport rentals, a spa, and restaurant

Glacier National Park Cabins

• Secluded Lake McDonald cabin on private beach INSIDE the park: One of very few cabins at the north end of the lake, with three bedrooms and a private beach and dock
• Lake McDonald cabin near Apgar: 2-bedroom cabin with an oversized front porch and unbelievable views, walking distance to Apgar Village
• Historic Bakers’ Row Cabins at Polebridge Mercantile: Four adorable cabins that come with a voucher for the bakery (and you’ll likely get a visit from the friendly resident pups!)
• East Glacier log cabin on 16 acres: Gorgeous, secluded home in Kiowa, 30 minutes from the St. Mary and Two Medicine entrances
• ‘Glacier Summit’ pet-friendly rental (Babb): Built in 2022, this modern ‘barndominium’ sits on 180 acres overlooking St. Mary Lake, and is 10 miles to Many Glacier and St. Mary
• Studio cabin with Finnish sauna (Essex): Super affordable Glacier National Park cabin for couples, right between the east and west sides

Glamping and Other Places to Stay

• Home Ranch Bottoms (Polebridge): The awesome place we recommend for live music and food on Day 4 also has lodging! Choose from boondocking (dry) campsites or cabins.
  • If you stay here, use THIS LINK to book and save $10! That makes your campsite just $10!
• North Fork Hostel (Polebridge): A little of everything at an unbeatable price, including traditional shared dorms, private tiny cabins, tent camping, and a glamping tipi
• Roam Beyond (Columbia Falls): Unique ‘roaming cabins’ on a stunning property with lots of amenities including a common area with wi-fi and coffee, a grilling area, and loaner bikes
• Baseglamp (Whitefish): Incredibly unique, luxurious geodesic domes just outside Whitefish

Glacier National Park Itinerary Wrap-up

Hopefully, you now have a great idea of how you’ll spend your time in majestic Glacier. This absolutely massive itinerary is just the tip of the iceberg (pun intended!). After you’ve had a chance to visit, you’ll want to come back, again and again! 

Good luck with your Montana adventure! Be safe, have fun, and take lots of pics!

James Ryan is a seasoned hiker, backpacker, and adventurer who loves to travel and experience new things. A creative extrovert at heart, James is definitely a ‘People Person.’ He started the james guide to share his knowledge and expertise. Look him up today! 

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