Last updated on June 3rd, 2025 at 02:06 pm
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, Glacier National Park‘s jagged peaks, turquoise alpine lakes, and wide-open skies make every moment there feel like something out of a dream.
The goal of this guide is to share why the Glacier is so unforgettable and to give you a manual for exploring the area on your own.
Hi there! I’m Cindy—an RVer and outdoor adventurer who spent two amazing weeks exploring Glacier National Park from both the east and west sides.
While there and before our arrival, I spent a considerable amount of time gathering information to ensure our trip was the best! This guide is built from real experiences, not just Google searches or secondhand advice.
During my time in the park, I hiked with rangers, rafted with locals, spotted moose, mountain goats, and bears in the wild, and even had one surreal moment where I stumbled into an end-of-season rave with seasonal workers at Kip’s Beer Garden!
I LOVED our time at Glacier and want to go back soon!
I’ve created this ultimate Glacier National Park itinerary to help you soak up the best of the park, whether you have one day or up to five days to explore. This post serves as a highlight reel, compiling everything I’ve learned. It’s a one-stop shop for what you need to know and nothing you don’t.
👉 Only have one day in Glacier? No worries!
This guide takes you through the top hikes, must-see lakes, and essential logistics so you can make the most of your time and start dreaming about your next trip before you leave. Read on to find out why you should make the trip!
TLDR Quick Glacier National Park Itinerary Summary:
1 Day: Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road + hike Avalanche or Hidden Lake
2 Days: Add Many Glacier (Redrock Falls or Grinnell Glacier)
3 Days: Explore Two Medicine + boat tour
4 Days: Highline Trail or rafting trip
5 Days: Visit Bowman Lake + Polebridge
Read more details about the park and each day below. 👇
Understanding Glacier National Park
The park spans over 1 million acres in northern Montana. It has more than 700 miles of hiking trails, iconic scenic drives, and dramatic alpine terrain.
The park is divided into three primary regions: West Glacier (encompassing the Lake McDonald area), Going-to-the-Sun Road (the central corridor), and East Glacier (including Many Glacier and Two Medicine).
Duration of Your Stay: How Many Days in Glacier National Park?
While you could drive through Glacier in a day, you’ll barely scratch the surface.
Ideally, plan for at least 3–5 days to explore different regions of the park and enjoy a mix of hiking, boat rides, wildlife watching, and scenic drives.
With only one or two days, focus on the Going-to-the-Sun Road and a few short hikes along the road.
With more time, you can branch out to other areas such as Many Glacier and Two Medicine.
Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park
Here is more information about the area’s weather, seasons, and closures:
Ideal Seasons
Late June through mid-September is ideal. I visited at the end of August into early September. I enjoyed the beauty of Glacier, but I also experienced the crowds of Labor Day.
Weather Considerations and Preparations
Like most high alpine destinations, the weather in Glacier National Park can change rapidly. You might experience sun one moment and rain/snow the next. Pack layers, rain gear, and sunscreen when you know you’ll spend a few hours on hiking trails. Additionally, evenings can be chilly, especially in higher elevations, so pack accordingly.
Seasonal Road and Trail Closures to Note
Going-to-the-Sun Road isn’t fully open until late June or early July, and often starts closing by mid-to-late September due to snow and ice.
In addition to this road closure, Many Glacier has a construction closure in place from July 1 to September 21, 2025, restricting personal vehicles from entering this specific area.
Check the National Park Service website for updates about trail and road conditions.
Getting to Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is best accessed via car.
Flying to Glacier National Park
If you’re not driving to the park, the nearest airport is Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell. It’s about an hour from the West Glacier entrance.
You will then have to rent a vehicle to get to the park.
Driving to Glacier National Park
Glacier is accessible by car from many directions, including via Highway 2, which runs along the southern and western border of the park.
You can also reach the park from the east side by taking Highway 89.
Be prepared for winding roads and variable conditions.
What’s the Cost Associated with Visiting Glacier National Park?
A 7-day vehicle pass costs $35, and an annual pass is $70.
If you plan on visiting multiple national parks throughout the year, I recommend purchasing the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. This pass is just $80 annually and allows you to access countless U.S. national parks.
Reservations, Permits, and Important Park Policies to Know
🚗 Vehicle reservations are now required for Going-to-the-Sun Road and North Fork during peak season and hours. For 2025, this will take place from June 13 to September 28, from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm.
For the Going-to-the-Sun Road area, this reservation is checked at the Apgar Check Point. Visitors without a reservation can enter either before 7:00 am or after 3:00 pm. Visitors can also reach the park shuttles at any time without a reservation.
You can learn more about vehicle reservations here. You can book a reservation here, either 120 days out or some will be released the day before. Be sure to utilize their “Set Availability Alert” button so you have the best chance at reserving your vehicle entry.
⛺️ Campsite and lodging reservations should be made well in advance.
🥾 If backpacking, apply for wilderness permits online ahead of your visit.
Utilizing the Shuttle System
If you’re visiting during popular vacation times, finding parking spots in this national park can become a challenge.
Overview of Shuttle Routes
The free, first-come, first-served shuttle operates along Going-to-the-Sun Road from Apgar to St. Mary.
It’s a great way to avoid parking headaches or to get to a trailhead if you didn’t secure a vehicle entry permit for the time between 7:00 am and 3:00 pm.
The shuttle operates from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm daily and can be accessed at any time, without a vehicle reservation.
They depart from the west at Apgar Visitor Center and from the east at St. Mary Visitor Center. Both end at Logan Pass. If you want to go all the way through the park, you will have to transfer buses at Logan Pass.
There are morning express buses that travel directly from each visitor center to Logan Pass and full-service shuttles that stop at numerous points along the way. You can find a map and more information about the shuttle stops here.
Efficient Planning with Shuttle Stops
The shuttles do not hold a large number of people. During busy times, the shuttle lines tend to build quickly, and you can expect to wait in a long line. (I cannot express enough how important this is to remember.)
Get an early start to avoid the line at the beginning, and be sure to leave plenty of time to wait for the shuttle back at the end of the day.
The last shuttle departs from the west at Apgar Visitor Center at 4:15 pm, from the east at St. Mary Visitor Center at 5:30 pm, and from Logan Pass at 7:00 pm.
Key Regions to Explore:
Glacier is a large park comprised of distinct zones. These can be broken down into:
- Going-to-the-Sun Road (& Logan Pass)
- West Glacier (& Apgar)
- Many Glacier (& St. Mary)
- Two Medicine
- North Fork (& Polebridge)
- Waterton Lakes National Park (Canada)
Going-to-the-Sun Road (& Logan Pass)
Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of America’s most stunning drives.
Stop at Logan Pass, hike Hidden Lake or Highline Trail, and soak in the views.
West Glacier (& Apgar)
This side of the park has the most popular entrance and features a developed area.
Lake McDonald, Apgar Village, Trail of the Cedars, and Avalanche Lake Trail are all found in this area.
Many Glacier (& St. Mary)
Many consider Many Glacier to be the most beautiful part of Glacier National Park.
The area offers an abundance of incredible hikes; two of my personal favorites are Grinnell Glacier and the Redrock Falls Trail. We even spotted moose at Fishercap Lake during our visit!
The Iceberg Lake Trail is also in this area.
I suggest wrapping up your day of adventure in Many Glacier with dinner at the Many Glacier Hotel. It was convenient and the perfect way to end our day.
As a bonus, we even spotted a bear on the drive back!
Two Medicine
Two Medicine is less crowded and incredibly scenic. Don’t miss the boat tour across Two Medicine Lake; it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the views.
North Fork (& Polebridge)
This part of the park is more remote. Visiting it entails traveling on rough dirt roads, and 4WD is recommended.
In this section, you will find Bowman Lake, Kintla Lake, and Polebridge Mercantile.
Waterton Lakes National Park (Canada)
Glacier National Park and Waterton Lakes National Park, together, are the world’s first international peace park!
Iconic Hiking Trails:
These are Glacier’s most iconic hiking trails, listed from shortest to longest:
- Trail of the Cedars (0.9 mile)
- St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail (3.1 miles)
- Hidden Lake (5.1 miles)
- Avalanche Lake (5.9 miles)
- Iceberg Lake (9.6 miles)
- Grinnell Glacier Trail (10 miles)
- Highline Trail (14.9 miles)
Trail of the Cedars
Trail of the Cedars is a family-friendly and accessible 0.9-mile loop. It’s short, flat, and accessible, making it a very popular trail.
Along the rainforest feeling trail, you’ll see old-growth red cedars, a waterfall, and a gorge.
St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail
The St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail is a stunning waterfall hike located on the east side of the park.
This hike typically takes ~2 hours.
Hidden Lake Trail
Hidden Lake Trail is a spectacular hike with beautiful mountain views. It’s popular for possible sightings of wildflowers and mountain goats, depending on the time of year.
Avalanche Lake
The Avalanche Lake Trail is an extension that can be added to the Trail of the Cedars loop.
This trail rewards you with a gorgeous alpine lake and waterfall.
Iceberg Lake Trail
The Iceberg Lake Trail is a lengthier, moderate, quintessential Glacier hike that includes a stop at Ptarmigan Falls, panoramic mountain views, wildlife spotting, and ends at a glacial lake with floating icebergs.
It typically takes around 5 hours to complete.
Grinnell Glacier Trail
The Grinnell Glacier Trail is a challenging yet rewarding experience.
This 10-mile out-and-back hike offers unbelievable views of alpine lakes, meadows, valleys, jagged peaks, and a glacier.
It typically takes around 6 hours to complete.
Highline Trail
The 15-mile out-and-back Highline Trail is one of the most legendary trails in Glacier National Park. It offers panoramic views and a thrilling ledge walk. The hike takes about 7 hours to complete, so plan accordingly.
Barrett hiked it with his dad, and it’s a memory he’ll never forget.
Glacier National Park Trip Itinerary:
Here are recommended one-to-five-day itineraries for a visit to Glacier National Park:
Suggested One-Day Itinerary for Glacier National Park
Start by driving the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, taking in the stunning mountain views along the way.
Then, stretch your legs with a scenic hike to either Hidden Lake Overlook or Avalanche Lake, both of which offer unforgettable alpine scenery.
If time allows, consider a short boat tour on Lake McDonald to appreciate the park’s beauty from the water.
Suggested Two-Day Itinerary for Glacier National Park
Day 1 from above. Plus:
Day 2: Add in a visit to the Many Glacier area and either go on a moose-spotting hike to Redrock Falls (including Fishercap Lake) or a longer hike along the Grinnell Glacier Trail to Grinnell Glacier.
If offered while you’re there, I highly recommend joining the ranger-led group hike to Grinnell and then grabbing dinner and drinks afterward at the Swiss Lounge in the Many Glacier Hotel!
Suggested Three-Day Itinerary for Glacier National Park
Days 1 & 2 from above. Plus:
Day 3: Add a visit to the Two Medicine area. Hike to Aster Falls, then take a boat ride to the other side of the lake and hike a bit of the Two Medicine South Shore Trail.
We also spotted a moose while on the boat!
Suggested Four-Day Itinerary for Glacier National Park
Days 1, 2, & 3 from above. Plus:
Day 4: Include the Highline Trail or an all-day rafting adventure. We rafted the Middle Fork Flathead River with the owner of our rental house and had a great time.
Suggested Five-Day Itinerary for Glacier National Park
Days 1, 2, 3 & 4 from above. Plus:
Day 5: Explore Bowman Lake. Either bring your own kayak or paddleboard and explore the area by boat, or opt for the out-and-back hike that’s approximately 13.5 miles long, following the lake on foot.
This area of Glacier is less crowded than some of the most popular hikes and lakes (and also requires a 4WD vehicle), making it a great place to escape the crowds.
Be sure to stop and check out Polebridge Mercantile along the way!
Glacier National Park Photography Spots
One of the most photogenic spots in the park is Lake McDonald. For the best shots, visit early in the morning or around sunset, when the golden hour light enhances the lake’s mirror-like reflections and brings out the gorgeous colors of the rainbow-colored rocks beneath the water.
Use a filter to reduce glare and capture the colors more clearly. Don’t forget to slow down your shutter speed for silky water effects, especially if you’re photographing nearby creeks or waterfalls.
Keep an eye out for calm weather because windless conditions make for the best reflection shots.
Things to Do in Glacier National Park with Kids
Glacier National Park offers a variety of family-friendly activities suitable for all ages.
The Trail of the Cedars is an easy, stroller-friendly walk through a beautiful forest.
For a more laid-back experience, consider hopping on a boat tour; it’s both scenic and educational.
Kids will also love the free Junior Ranger Program, a fun and interactive way to learn about the park’s wildlife and natural features.
Glacier Pet Policies
Pets are only allowed in developed areas, parking lots, and campgrounds, and are not permitted on most trails.
Things to Do Around Glacier National Park
If you have extra time near Glacier National Park, consider exploring the surrounding areas.
Stop by the historic Polebridge Mercantile, located near North Fork, for fresh-baked treats and a touch of rustic charm.
Head to Whitefish for great restaurants, local shops, and a lively small-town atmosphere. For some extra fun in the area, visit the Whitefish Mountain Resort, where you can ride up and down ski lifts, bike the hills, and fly down an Alpine slide.
For adventure seekers, rafting on the Middle Fork Flathead River offers an exciting way to experience the region’s natural beauty.
Glacier National Park Tours
Private tours, photo tours, adventures, red bus tours, and boat tours are all very popular at this national park.
Red Bus Tours
Learn more about the Red Bus Tours of the park here, which have been running in the park for over 100 years!
Boat Tours
Learn more about the Glacier Park Boat Company here, which runs the Glacier National Park boat tours.
GetYourGuide Tours
Viator Tours
Places to Stay in Glacier National Park
There are countless places to stay in the park. Below, I’ve highlighted the best campsites in Glacier National Park, backpacking options, and lodging in the area.
Glacier RV Camping
These are your RV camping options in Glacier National Park. They all require advance reservations.
- Apgar Campground—This is the largest campground in Glacier National Park. It has 194 sites, but only 25 of those sites can accommodate a 40-foot RV.
- Fish Creek Campground—This is the second-biggest campground in Glacier. It has 178 sites, but only 18 can accommodate a 35-foot RV.
- Avalanche Campground—This is one of the most popular campgrounds in the park due to its excellent location. It has 87 sites, but only 50 of those can accommodate up to a 26-foot RV.
- Many Glacier Campground – This is another very popular campground with 109 sites. However, only 13 sites will accommodate an RV up to 35 feet long.
- St. Mary Campground—This is the largest campground in Glacier National Park on the East Side. One of its cool features is that it’s open year-round. It has 148 sites, but only three can accommodate an RV up to 40 feet, and an additional 22 sites can accommodate an RV up to 35 feet.
- Two Medicine Campground—This campground has 100 sites, and 10 of them can accommodate up to a 35-foot RV.
Glacier Car Camping
If you’re looking for the best car camping spots in Glacier, you’re in luck. The park offers a mix of reservable sites and first-come, first-served options.
While I usually suggest booking in advance to secure your spot, I’ll include both types below because sometimes you might just get lucky and snag a last-minute, first-come, first-served site!
First-Come, First-Served Tent Campgrounds:
- Bowman Lake Campground
- Cut Bank Campground
- Kintla Lake Campground
- Logging Creek Campground
- Quartz Creek Campground
- Rising Sun Campground
Reservable Tent Campgrounds:
- Apgar Campground – The biggest campground in the park, with 194 sites.
- Avalanche Campground
- Fish Creek Campground – The second biggest campground in the park, with 178 sites.
- Many Glacier Campground – Located near the East Glacier entrance, this campground is one of the most popular in the park. It has 109 sites in total.
- St. Mary Campground – The largest campground near East Glacier National Park with 148 sites.
- Sprague Creek Campground
- Two Medicine Campground
Backpacking
Apply for Glacier National Park backpacking permits early. One of the best routes is the Dawson Pass Loop.
Lodging
There are several hotels and lodges in Glacier National Park. Below, I have listed each one:
- Village Inn at Apgar
- Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and Cabins
- Many Glacier Hotel
- Lake McDonald Lodge
- Rising Sun Motor Inn and Cabins
- Apgar Village Lodge
- Motel Lake McDonald
- Sperry Chalet – only reachable via trail.
- Granite Park Chalet – only reachable via trail.
Places to Stay near West Glacier National Park
Here are options to stay directly outside of the west section of the national park:
RV and Car Camping
Dispersed Camping
Middle Fork Flathead River Dispersed – This is an excellent area for car camping or pitching a tent by the river, ideal for those seeking to escape traditional campgrounds.
Hotel
Vacation Homes/Cabins (VRBO)
Click here to see rental homes available in the West Glacier area, including this beautiful chalet with mountain views!
Places to Stay near East Glacier National Park
Here are options to stay directly outside of the east section of the national park:
RV and Car Camping
St. Mary / East Glacier KOA Holiday
Dispersed Camping
Highway 89 East Glacier Dispersed
Hotels (Expedia)
Vacation Homes/Cabins (VRBO)
Click here to see vacation rental homes available in the St. Mary area, including this rental home with the east side of Glacier as its backyard!
Dining and Food Options
🥧 Eddie’s Mercantile – A popular stop for fish and chips, homemade pies, and refreshing ice cream.
🍔 Park Cafe and Bakery – Famous for its juicy burgers, rich pies, and creamy ice cream.
👯♀️ Two Sisters Cafe – A seasonal favorite known for its bison burger and delicious huckleberry pie.
🐟 Glacier Highland Restaurant – Offers hearty options like pancakes, chicken pot pie, fish and chips, and huckleberry pie.
🍻 Kip’s Beer Garden – A laid-back spot to enjoy pizza and a cold beer after a day of exploring.
Practical Travel Tips
🚗 Arrive early to avoid big crowds and find parking spots, especially at popular trailheads
⛰️ Consider hiking poles for added stability on steep or uneven trails
🗺️ Download maps ahead of time since cell service is limited in many areas
🐻 Rent (or buy nearby) bear spray to carry with you while hiking.
Vehicle Reservations
🚗 Book timed-entry tickets well in advance, especially in July and August.
Packing Essentials
🥪 Pack lunches and snacks since dining options inside the park are limited
💧 Bring plenty of water to stay healthy and hydrated on long hikes and throughout the day
🥾 Bring sturdy footwear to wear (and blister care) that can handle rocky or uneven terrain comfortably
🌧️ Pack layers and rain gear, as the weather can change rapidly in the mountains.
Bear Safety Guidelines
🐻 Hike in groups whenever possible.
🐻 Make noise to avoid surprising bears.
🐻 Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
🐻 Learn to recognize signs of bear activity (tracks, scat, claw marks).
🐻 Store food, trash, and scented items properly in bear-proof containers or lockers.
FAQs
Here are answers to some of the questions I most often get asked about Glacier National Park:
What town is best to stay in for Glacier National Park?
West Glacier is the most convenient town, with easy access to the park’s west side.
What not to miss at Glacier National Park?
Don’t miss the Going-to-the-Sun Road, one of the most scenic drives in the U.S. Additionally, Hidden Lake Overlook is a short hike with big views, and we saw adorable cliff-climbing mountain goats and bighorn sheep!
When not to visit Glacier National Park?
The best time to not visit Glacier National Park is late fall to early spring. Most roads and services shut down, and snow makes access difficult.
What is the prettiest part of Glacier National Park?
Many Glacier is often regarded as the prettiest part of Glacier National Park, featuring towering peaks, turquoise lakes, and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
How long does it take to drive through Glacier National Park?
Going-to-the-Sun Road takes approximately 2 hours without stops, but plan for at least 4–6 hours, including time for viewpoints and hikes.
Which entrance to Glacier National Park is best?
The best entrance to Glacier National Park is the West Glacier entrance. It’s great for first-time visitors and provides easy access to Lake McDonald.
What is the best month to visit Glacier?
The best month to visit Glacier is August, when all roads and trails are open, and the weather is ideal.
What are three things to do in Glacier National Park?
Three things to do in Glacier National Park are to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road for breathtaking scenery, hike to Grinnell Glacier or Avalanche Lake for unforgettable views, and watch for bears, moose, and mountain goats throughout the park.
How far in advance should I book a trip to Glacier National Park?
Book your lodging, campgrounds, and car rental at least 6 to 12 months in advance, especially for the summer.
Vehicle reservations for Going-to-the-Sun Road also open months in advance and sell out quickly.
Conclusion: 1-5 Day Glacier National Park Itinerary
Glacier National Park is the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave. Even if you only have a day (or a few!), with some thoughtful planning, you can experience its most jaw-dropping hikes, iconic viewpoints, and peaceful alpine lakes without feeling overwhelmed.
Whether you’re watching mountain goats near Hidden Lake, driving the breathtaking Going-to-the-Sun Road, or hiking through wildflower-filled meadows, Glacier offers moments of wonder at every turn. You’re sure to leave feeling inspired, refreshed, and already dreaming of your return.
For us, Glacier was a major highlight during our time living full-time in our RV. We spent two unforgettable weeks in the park, splitting time between the east and west sides to experience as much as possible. From beautiful hikes and bear sightings to rafting with locals and swapping stories with seasonal workers at Kip’s Beer Garden, it was an adventure we’ll never forget.
I hope this guide helps you craft a Glacier National Park itinerary packed with adventure and tailored to your time and interests. If Glacier is along your road trip route, be sure to take the time to stop and experience its magic!
Get out there, explore, and don’t forget to stop and soak it all in. Happy trails!
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