How many days do you need for glacier national park

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Glacier National Park Montana is a massive 1-million-acre park characterized by soaring mountain peaks, teal blue lakes and tumbling waterfalls. We created the perfect Glacier National Park Itinerary to help fellow travelers to Montana experience the best of the incredible park.

Driving and hiking to scenic viewpoints are highlights of any Glacier National Park vacation. However, planning what to do in Glacier National Park Montana – and in what order – can be a real challenge. No worries; we are here to help! In our detailed Glacier National Park trip itinerary, we show you the best way to tour GNP.

Plan The Best Trip To Glacier National Park Montana

Planning a trip to Glacier National Park is no easy task. The park is enormous – and beautiful scenery is literally around every corner. Deciding where to start your visit to Montana can be overwhelming and creating a perfect Glacier National Park itinerary can be stressful.

How to plan a trip to Glacier National Park will depend on your interests, budget and overall time allotted for your Montana trip. In our Glacier itinerary, we include top Glacier National Park things to do…and a few hidden gems as well!

We traveled to the park as a couple, but our Glacier National Park vacation planner can be used by anyone. Whether you are planning a Glacier National Park honeymoon itinerary, a family trip to Glacier National Park or a solo GNP adventure, you can use our itinerary to help plan your trip to Glacier NP.

Pro Tip: Get (and stay) organized for your Montana vacation with our Trip Planning Printables!

In our Glacier National Park trip planner, we outline how to spend 3 days in Glacier NP. We think creating an itinerary for 3 days in Glacier National Park is just enough time to experience the highlights. That said, 3 days in Glacier N.P. might not be the right amount of time for your trip. 

How Many Days to Spend in Glacier National Park?

If you are asking the question, How many days do you need in Glacier National Park?, you are not alone. We, too, struggled with how long to spend at Glacier National Park. We ended up staying near West Glacier for an entire month…and never got bored of our almost daily GNP adventures. 

How Many Days for Glacier National Park is Enough?

We understand that not everyone has a month to spend in Montana – and we contemplated how many days at Glacier National Park are needed to see the just the incredible highlights. In our estimation, 3 days in Glacier National Park is an ideal amount of time to see the most beautiful vistas and hike the most amazing trails. Therefore, we devised a perfect itinerary for how to see Glacier National Park in 3 days. 

What if I Have More or Less than Three Days in Glacier National Park?

Visitors planning 3-day Glacier National Park vacations can use our Glacier National Park outline as written. That said, if you are still unsure how many days to spend at Glacier National Park, we outline the best way to spend more – or less – time in the park as well.

At the end of the article, you will find our alternate Glacier NP itineraries for the top things to do at Glacier National Park in 1 to 7 days. With our tips, you can easily plan your best itinerary for GNP.

Planning a longer Montana trip? Use our guide to the Best Montana Road Trip!

Glacier National Park Itinerary: 3 Days

Our itinerary for Glacier National Park includes everything you need to plan your trip to GNP. In addition to summarizing a plan for 3 days in Glacier NP, we also detail other pertinent Montana travel information; like how to get there and where to stay.

Furthermore, we provide information about what to pack for Glacier National Park, the best time of year to visit Glacier National Park and new essential 2022 ticketed entry – so stay tuned until the end of the blog post! 

Tips about Our Glacier National Park Itinerary

For this GNP itinerary, we recommend staying in West Glacier – either in the park or outside of the West Entrance in one of the nearby towns (we offer more specific info at the end of the blog post).

Hiking is one of the top activities in Glacier National Park – and we feature many of the best easy to moderate hikes in our trip plan. For complete details about each hike, use our Hike Glacier National Park blog post.

Our sample Glacier NP Itinerary includes 3 full days of sightseeing and outdoor adventures. However, heavy crowds and foul weather can wreak havoc on any Glacier National Park trip plan. With only 3 days in Glacier NP, we highly recommend having a backup plan to each day’s activities. To help, we offer alternatives throughout our Glacier National Park Montana itinerary.

Save, Pin or Bookmark our Glacier NP Itinerary so that you can easily access it while planning your trip to Montana!

Day 1 of 3 Days in Glacier National Park: WEST GLACIER

On Day 1 of your Glacier National Park Trip Itinerary explore the hikes and lakes in West Glacier. Bring a packed lunch and plenty of water so that you can enjoy the entire day outdoors.

Hike to Avalanche Lake in the Morning

Kick off your Montana trip with one of the top activities in Glacier National Park: Hike up to picture-perfect Avalanche Lake. Although this Glacier hike is considered moderate, hikers who complete the trek are rewarded with an absolutely grand vista. Consider spending some time at Avalanche Lake to relax, swim or have a picnic.

Pro Tip: You will want to get to the park early to snag a parking space at the Avalanche Lake trailhead. If there are no spaces available, be patient and circle around a few times or find a spot further along the road and walk back to the trailhead.

Drive to Logan Pass in the Afternoon

In the early afternoon, continue driving east on Going To The Sun Road to Logan Pass. The pass marks the Continental Divide – and is the starting point for two fabulous hikes: Hidden Lake Overlook and the Highline Trail.

While avid hikers might want to set off on one of these iconic Glacier NP hikes, those not interested in hiking can still take in the fabulous mountain views.

Stop into the Logan Pass Visitor Center for trail maps, interesting displays and souvenirs from the bookshop. At the center, visitors can also obtain information about National Park Service Ranger-led Activities.

Pro Tip: The drive on Going To The Sun Road between Avalanche Lake and Logan Pass is the prettiest section – and there are several pull-offs to stop and take in some of the truly incredible Glacier National Park views! As you will be returning to West Glacier after visiting Logan Pass, you can stop at some on the way up and others on the way back. 

Watch Sunset at Lake McDonald in the Evening

End your first day of your 3 Day Itinerary Glacier National Park along the water and watch the glow of the setting sun over Lake McDonald. There are numerous places to stop along the 10-mile long lake – our favorite spot is a small unnamed beach (MAP). To really enjoy the shifting light, we bring folding chairs (but we have seen others use a blanket or hammock) and a cooler with drinks and snacks. Just remember to pack out whatever you pack in – and leave no trace!

Alternate Glacier NP Itinerary Suggestions for Day 1

Whether you are looking for easier hikes, less driving, optional activities or alternate parking, consider substituting our recommended Day 1 itinerary outline with more options of the top things to do in Glacier National Park.

Hike Johns Lake Loop and/or Upper McDonald Creek Trails

The hike at Johns Lake and Upper McDonald Creek are less strenuous than Avalanche Lake – and, as they are less crowded, there tends to be more parking options, as well.

No-Hike Glacier NP Viewpoints

GNP visitors do not need to hike to find outstanding scenery – there are scenic viewpoints all along Going To The Sun Road. A few of our favorites in West Glacier are McDonald Falls, Sacred Dancing Cascade and Weeping Wall/Paradise Meadow. The Loop, Big Bend and Oberlin Bend are also good viewpoints on the way to Logan Pass and taking in the scenery is one of the top things to do Glacier National Park.

Kayak Lake McDonald

Kayaking at Glacier National Park is a top activity – and a phenomenal way to gain a different perspective of the park. Kayak rentals on Lake McDonald are available near the Apgar Visitor Center.

Day 2 of your Glacier National Park 3 Day Itinerary: EAST GLACIER

On the second day of your Glacier Park Itinerary, discover the beauty of East Glacier National Park. As you will be traveling to the opposite side of the park, you will need to get an early start.

Drive Going To The Sun Road in the Morning to Glacier National Park East

Start your day early (and we mean really early!) and drive the entire length of Going To The Sun Road. Note how different the mountains look in the morning light – as compared to the late afternoon light from the previous day.

Consider making a stop at St. Mary Lake to hike to St. Mary Falls and, if you have time, possibly Virginia Falls, too. (Find all the details for these in our Glacier National Park Hiking blog post). 

While there are an astounding number of roadside viewpoints along GTTS Road, don’t miss the viewpoint for Wild Goose Island. The Wild Goose Island Lookout offers an awe-inspiring panoramic view; in fact, the view is said to be the most photographed point in all of Glacier National Park.

Many Glacier by Mid-Day

At East Glacier, drive through the Blackfeet Indian Reservation through the small town of Babb to Many Glacier – one of the most picturesque places in Glacier NP. Make your way to Swiftcurrent Lake – the site of the historic Many Glacier Lodge – and stretch your legs on the Swiftcurrent Lake Nature Trail.

Pro Tip: If you didn’t bring lunch, consider an upscale meal with a fabulous view at the Ptarmigan Dining Room (or, if the dining room is full, try the lounge or snack shop, which are also located within the Many Glacier Lodge).

Two Medicine in the late Afternoon

Arrive at Two Medicine Lake by late afternoon and hop on a boat to discover a lesser-visited part of Glacier Park. Sinopah, a historic wooden boat, takes passengers to the upper west shoreline of the lake – where passengers can opt to depart for a hike (and take a boat back afterwards). In addition to the enjoying the stellar East Glacier views, guests will learn about the Blackfeet tribe and the region during the boat ride. On your way out of Two Medicine, make a quick stop at Running Eagle Falls for a short walk to a unique waterfall.

Pro Tip: Rather than driving back through the park on Going To The Sun Road, consider taking Highway 2, which rounds the southern end of Glacier NP. If there is still daylight left – and it is Spring or Summer – make a stop at the Goat Lick Overlook and try to spot mountain goats!

Alternate Glacier National Park Trip Plan for Day 2

Day 2 of our itinerary for Glacier National Park includes epic scenery…and covers some miles. We have a few alternate itinerary suggestions and tips to cut down on drive times.

Choose between Many Glacier or Two Medicine

Rather than trying to visit both regions of East Glacier, choose to either spend time at Many Glacier or Two Medicine. Both areas offer ample opportunities for boating and hiking. In fact, if you limit your itinerary to just seeing Many Glacier, avid hikers can embark on a trek on the challenging and beautiful Grinnell Glacier Trail. Just be aware that the strenuous Grinnell Glacier Hike is a full day hiking adventure.  

Only Drive Going To The Sun Road to St. Mary Lake

St. Mary is the second-largest lake in Glacier National Park. Offering scenic overlooks (the aforementioned Wild Goose Island is on St. Mary Lake), incredible hikes, boat rides and amazing wildlife spotting opportunities, visitors could spend an entire day in East Glacier at Saint Mary Lake.

Stay in East Glacier National Park

Depending on your overall Montana trip plan, consider staying in East Glacier for the night. In order to fit this into our itinerary for Glacier NP, we recommend rearranging our 3-day trip plan by swapping days 2 and 3.

Limit Your Exploration to West Glacier

To completely avoid the drive to East Glacier, eliminate the destination from your plan. Instead, spend a third day diving deeper into West Glacier with additional Glacier hikes or participating in one of the fun park activities (which we outline in a minute).

Day 3 of your 3-Day Itinerary Glacier National Park: NORTH GLACIER

On the last day of your Glacier National Park 3 Days Itinerary, head north to a historic Montana town and remote lake. While you will want to bring sufficient water, you can pick up lunch (and treats) on the route.

Drive to Polebridge, Montana in the Morning

In the morning, make the drive over unpaved roads to Polebridge (use Camas Road and Outside North Fork Road) – and keep an eye out for Montana wildlife along the way. At the historic town of Polebridge is the Polebridge Mercantile (or simply the Merc), which has been in operation since 1914. The small shop is famous for Huckleberry Bear Claws – but everything they make is delicious! You can grab food to go for lunch at the Merc, too.

Spend the Afternoon at Lake Bowman

After your stop in Polebridge, re-enter the park and make the bumpy drive over gravel roads to Bowman Lake – one of our absolute favorite places in Glacier National Park. Serene and secluded, Lake Bowman is the perfect place to sit back and appreciate the natural beauty of GNP. Besides staring at the awe-inspiring scene, visitors can take a swim, kayak or go for a peaceful Bowman Lake shoreline hike.

Watch Sunset from Rocky Point in the Evening

End your Glacier National Park trip in a quiet spot with an unforgettable view: Rocky Point. It is just a short hike up to the rocky outcrop – and a phenomenal place to savor the inspiring Montana scenery. As the sun starts to set in the early evening, the light of the sun’s rays illuminates the eastern Glacier peaks – creating an unforgettable moment. We think it is one of the best sights in Glacier National Park.

Alternate Itinerary for Glacier National Park for Day 3

If you are not up for a trip north over unpaved roads, consider spending your last day in Glacier National Park doing one of the following activities.

All Day Hike at Logan Pass

Tackle one of the most incredible hikes in Glacier National Park on the Highline Trail. Trekkers can start at Logan Pass, hike up to Grinnell Glacier Overlook, continue on to Granite Park Chalet and complete the 16 mile hike at The Loop (then catch a ride back to Logan Pass on the GNP shuttlebus or by hitchhiking).

Missed Hikes and Viewpoints

Another way to spend your final day in Glacier NP is to take any other hikes or visit any viewpoints that you missed on your first two days because of parking issues or inclement weather.

More Things To Do: Glacier National Park

We highlighted our favorite Glacier National Park activities, but there are more things to do in Glacier NP! As we already mentioned, choosing what to do at Glacier National Park will depend on your personal interests, budget and fitness level. 

Horseback Riding Glacier National Park

A unique way to see the park is by horseback! On vacations to Glacier National Park, visitors can join one of the horseback riding tours in Glacier NP that follow popular hiking trails – or get off the beaten path and take an overnight trip into the backcountry.

Glacier National Park Rafting

Rafting down the Flathead River is an exciting way to spend a day in astounding scenery! There are several companies that offer rafting trips that you could include on your Glacier National Park Itinerary.

Fishing in Glacier National Park

Many people wonder if you can fish in Glacier National Park – and the answer is yes! In fact, Glacier National Park fly fishing is one of the top activities to do in Glacier NP. There are some exclusions and catch limits for fishing at Glacier, so you will want to check the regulations. If you don’t have your own fishing gear, there are plenty of places where you can rent it either in or near the park.

Glacier National Park Kayaking, Stand-Up Paddle Boarding and Swimming

Renting a Glacier National Park kayak or stand up paddle board and spending a couple of hours on (or in!) a crystal-clear lake are some of the highly rated park activities. In addition to kayaking in Glacier National Park, visitors can rent canoes, rowboats or just jump right in for an invigorating swim! Rentals are available at Lake McDonald, Two Medicine and Swiftcurrent Lake.

Glacier National Park Tips for Swimming

The crystal-clear lakes and streams of Montana are perfect for a refreshing swim after a long day in the park and on the trails! There are plenty of places to wade or jump in the water at Glacier. Be aware and use caution, as the water is chilly, currents can be strong and rocks beneath the water can be slippery. 

Biking Glacier National Park

Bicycling in Glacier National Park is permitted on all roads (including Going To The Sun Road) and a few select trails. While avid cyclists may like the challenge of biking uphill to Logan Pass, there are electric bike rentals and downhill tours available as well.

Find more information about these Glacier NP activities and Glacier National Park tours at one of the park Visitor’s Centers.

Glacier National Park: How Many Days?

Deciding how many days to visit Glacier National Park can be quite the conundrum. Ultimately, you will need to determine how long to spend in Glacier National Park based on your interests, budget and overall time limits for your trip. 

Above we highlighted what to see in Glacier National Park in 3 Days, but what if you have more – or less – time? We have devised a few more Glacier National Park Itineraries that cover 1 to 7 days in Glacier NP that can help you decide how many days in Glacier National Park for your trip.

Day Trip to Glacier National Park

Trying to visit Glacier National Park in one day is a big feat and not one we recommend. The park is humungous and there is so much to see. However, if one day is all you have, then we recommend making the most of your time.

One Day Itinerary for Glacier National Park

The best way to see Glacier National Park in a day is to get an early start! With just one day it is possible to see the Glacier National Park highlights, but you will need to have a solid plan.

Begin with an easy to moderate hike in West Glacier that can be accessed easily from Going To The Sun Road (like Johns Lake Loop or Avalanche Lake). After your hike, continue to Logan Pass and make a quick stop to take in the views. Be in Many Glacier by the afternoon for an easy hike around Swiftcurrent Lake, then end the day in Two Medicine.

Glacier National Park Itinerary: 2 Days

With 2 Days in Glacier National Park, visitors have two options: East and West or West and North. Either way, the two days will be filled with epic nature.

Glacier National Park 2-Day Itinerary

To plan a trip to Glacier National Park in 2 days, you can use our above outline – choosing Day 1 and Day 2 (West and East) or Day 1 and Day 3 (West and North).

Alternatively, a really ambitious traveler could pack in a lot of sightseeing. With two days in Glacier National Park, start Day 1 at the crack of dawn and drive to Lake Bowman in the morning, then hike Avalanche Lake in the afternoon and spend the evening on Lake McDonald. On Day 2, drive Going To The Sun Road to East Glacier and visit both Many Glacier and Two Medicine.

Alternate Glacier National Park Itinerary: 3 Days

We have offered a detailed outline of the best 3-day vacation to Glacier National Park. However, we have tips for travelers who would rather plan a vacation in Glacier National Park that requires less driving and more hiking. 

Alternate 3 Day Glacier National Park Itinerary

Rather than driving to different areas of the park, base yourself in either East or West Glacier and more fully explore a single section of the park. For example, if you stay in West Glacier, spend one day hiking McDonald Lake and Avalanche. On the second day, drive to Logan Pass and hike the Highline and the Hidden Lake Trail. Then, on the last day, head north to Bowman Lake via Polebridge. 

Glacier National Park Itinerary: 4 Days

On a 4-day trip to Glacier National Park, visitors can spend more time in nature – either hiking or participating in one of the other park activities.

Glacier National Park 4-Day Itinerary

We think the best way to spend 4 days in Glacier National Park is to use our outlined 3 Days in Glacier National Park Itinerary, then on the last day, hike the complete Highline Trail. Another way to plan a Glacier National Park 4-day trip would be to select one of the activities – like rafting or horseback riding – for your last day in the park, instead of adding another hike to your itinerary. 

Glacier National Park Itinerary: 5 Days

Creating a 5-Day Itinerary Glacier National Park allows visitors the opportunity to enjoy the splendid nature in the park…with a little more time in each area of the gigantic park.

Glacier National Park 5-Day Itinerary

With 5 days in Glacier National Park, we recommend spending 2 nights in West Glacier and 3 nights in East Glacier. Spend the first day at McDonald and Avalanche (as outlined in Day 1). On Day 2, go to Bowman (which is Day 3 in our 3-Day Glacier NP Itinerary). For Day 3, check out of your accommodations early and spend the day hiking at Logan Pass or St. Mary Lake – then end the day with a late check in to your East Glacier accommodations. Spend Day 4 at Many Glacier and Day 5 at Two Medicine.

Glacier National Park Itinerary: 7 Days

Spending 7 days in Glacier National Park is ideal for visitors who really want to immerse themselves in nature.

Glacier National Park 7-Day Itinerary

To create an optimal 7 Day Itinerary Glacier National Park, we recommend splitting your time between East and West Glacier. Using our 5-Day Glacier National Park Itinerary above, we recommend adding one day to each side of the park.

For example, spend the first day at McDonald and Avalanche (as outlined in Day 1). On Day 2, go to Bowman (which is Day 3 in our 3-Day Glacier NP Itinerary). For Day 3, go horseback riding or rafting. On Day 4, check out of your accommodations early and spend the day hiking at Logan Pass or St. Mary Lake – then end the day with a late check in to your East Glacier accommodations.

Spend Day 5 at Many Glacier hiking on the trails and around the lake. On Day 6, learn more about the Blackfeet Tribe by visiting museums, hiring a Native American fishing guide or attending a pow wow. Spend your last day at Two Medicine, where you can take an early boat ride, go for a hike and catch an afternoon boat ride back.

Alternatively, spend a day or two of your One Week Glacier National Park Itinerary visiting one of the nearby towns – like quaint Whitefish, historic Kalispell or youthful Missoula.  

More Itineraries for Glacier National Park

We have outlined the best 3 Day Glacier National Park Itinerary – and how to plan a trip to Glacier NP with more or less time. However, you can also create a Glacier Itinerary that originates in nearby cities…and one that includes both Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. 

Glacier National Park and Yellowstone Itinerary

Using our Glacier National Park suggested itinerary, you can easily create a longer Montana trip by adding Yellowstone National Park to your plan. To create a One-Week Yellowstone and Glacier National Park Itinerary, use this helpful Yellowstone trip plan. 

Waterton Lakes and Glacier National Parks Itinerary

The same beauty that is found in Glacier National Park extends north of the US-Canada border into Canada’s Waterton Lakes National Park. In fact, the two parks combined are called Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Visitors can plan a Waterton-Glacier Itinerary that explores the Canadian side of the Crown of the Continent using these tips on Waterton NP. 

Spokane to Glacier National Park Itinerary

Many travelers opt to take a road trip journey to GNP from Spokane, Washington – as there are often better flights to the Spokane airport (more tips about flying to Glacier NP later). There are a few different routes travelers can take from Spokane to Glacier NP – and many sights to see along the way.

First, spend some exploring Spokane. For a scenic drive to Glacier from Spokane, we recommend driving east from Spokane to Coeur d’Alene, then north to Kootenai Falls. Next, hop on the Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway to Whitefish and Kalispell – and complete the drive to Glacier National Park. You can find tips on this route in our Montana Road Trip.

Missoula to Glacier National Park Itinerary 

Missoula, Montana is another great starting point for a trip to National Park Glacier. 

After seeing a few sights in Missoula, embark on a road trip journey to the park. Sights to see along the way are the Bison Range, Buddha Garden and Flathead Lake (among others!). Use our Road Trip in Montana for more details of what to see from Missoula to Glacier NP.

Looking for more fabulous trips in the United States? Use our guide to the Best Weekend Getaways in USA!

Tips for Your Itinerary: Glacier National Park

Now that we have outlined the top things to do in Glacier National Park and the best way to spend time in the park, we have a few more tips to help you plan your trip to Glacier National Park.

Glacier National Park Fee

There are weekly (7-day) and Annual Glacier National Park passes – but no daily pass. As of 2022, the Weekly Glacier National Park Pass cost $35 USD and the Annual Glacier NP Pass cost $70. Passes can be purchased in person at any entrance gate when the booths are staffed or online.

America The Beautiful Pass

If you plan on visiting any other national or federal parks within a year, the America The Beautiful interagency pass is the best deal. Glacier NP and 2,000 other federal recreation sites can be visited with an America The Beautiful Pass. An annual pass costs $80 USD and can be purchased at GNP or online.

Top Tip: US Military members, Volunteers and 4th Grade Students are offered free annual America The Beautiful passes. Additionally, there are discounted Senior passes available, too.

New 2022 Additional Ticket: Going To The Sun Road Ticketed Entry

In addition to a park pass, for summer 2022, visitors will also need to purchase a Entry Reservation Ticket in order to drive Going To The Sun Road and other sections of GNP. Only a limited number of tickets will be sold and visitors can purchase the tickets 60 days in advance. Find current information about when the extra ticket will be required and how to purchase the ticket on the official GNP website. 

Pro Tip: Remember to pick up a free and useful Glacier National Park visitors guide at the entrance!

Driving Glacier National Park Going To The Sun Road

Taking a road trip through Glacier National Park is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of the park…and one of the best drives in Glacier National Park is Going To The Sun Road. 

The route, which extends from Glacier National Park West Entrance to the Saint Mary Entrance in East Glacier, features sweeping panoramic mountain views, epic lake vistas and plenty of places to pull off, park and admire the beauty.

That said, the road – which is a 2-lane, narrow and winding road on the side of a cliff – can get congested. And, when the park is too crowded, the rangers may shut the road down for a couple of hours to let it clear out (which is why it is always wise to have a Plan B when visiting GNP).

More Tips for Getting Around Glacier National Park

It is important to note that not all the roads in the park are paved (the gravel road to Bowman Lake is notoriously rough!).

Road construction projects can also cause havoc in and around the park. Keep up to date with the current conditions and road projects. 

To best enjoy driving in Glacier National Park, we suggest slowing down, enjoying the scenery and being patient.

For more tips on a Road Trip to Glacier National Park, read our blog post: Montana Road Trip!

Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park

Deciding when to visit Glacier National Park is an important first step of planning your trip. Our above outlined itinerary is best suited for summer and autumn visitors, which we think is the best time to go to Glacier National Park. While the park is open year-round, activities are extremely limited during the long winter (which can last for about 6 months).

Glacier National Park: Montana Weather

The weather in Glacier National Park can be as wild as the animals. It can snow in July and be hot in October. Generally speaking, the summer months are warm, but not too hot with cool evenings. Winters are cold, snowy and sometimes windy, too. Spring and autumn are completely unpredictable.

Best Month To Visit Glacier National Park

Determining the best time to go to Glacier National Park will depend on your interests. Below, we offer a little insight regarding what to expect in each season so that you can better plan your Glacier park trip. 

Glacier National Park in Summer

Due to the pleasant weather, summer is the best time to travel to Glacier National Park to enjoy the outdoors. Temperatures top at in the mid-80s and there is usually little precipitation. Although not guaranteed, it is likely that all of the roads and hiking trails will be open during July and August. The downside, however, is that the crowds will also be present. 

Glacier National Park in Fall

We, personally, think the best time to see Glacier National Park is in the autumn, when the crowds are lighter, the air is crisp and the leaves start changing color. That said, the weather can be erratic and some park services are already closed by mid-to-late-autumn.

During our month-long trip to Glacier National Park in the fall, we experienced mostly sunshine, a couple days of rain, an entire week of smoke (from nearby wildfires), days of wind and a little snow in the high mountains. We also experienced the absolutely stunning autumn leaves and a bout of unusually warm weather (high temperatures were still in the 70s through the first week of October!). By the time we left, most of the facilities were closed for winter (including restrooms and water sources).

Glacier National Park in Winter

Most of the park is closed during the winter – including visitor centers, restroom facilities and all but 10 miles of the Going To The Sun Road. Highlights of the park in wintertime are snowshoeing, cross country skiing and watching wildlife.

Glacier National Park in Spring

Winter-like conditions last through most of the spring…and much of the lower park is wet and sloppy. Because facilities and most roads remain closed until late May, it is a very unpopular time to visit. However, there are some perks to visiting in the spring! First, the crowds are extremely light and, second, if Going To The Sun Road is still closed but clear and dry, you can rent a bicycle and bike the famous route. 

Getting To Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park is located in northwest Montana, near the town of Kalispell and bordering Canada. (As we mentioned, the beautiful nature of GNP extends into the Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada.) Glacier NP can be reached by plane, train or car. One of the first things you need to do when planning a trip to Glacier National Park is figure out how to get there. 

Glacier National Park Airport

The Glacier National Park Airport is the closest airport to Glacier NP. The airport is the located in Kalispell and just 25 miles from Glacier NP West Entrance.

For our trip to the park, we flew from Portland (PDX) to Glacier Park International Airport (FCA). The airport is serviced by major airlines in the United States and it is the best way to fly to Glacier National Park. 

However, FCA isn’t the only place for where to fly into when visiting Glacier National Park. Other nearby airports that are within a few hours drive from the park are Missoula, Spokane or even Bozeman. 

To find the best flights to Glacier National Park, start your search on Skyscanner. But, first, use our top tips for booking plane tickets!

Glacier National Park Amtrak

Visitors can also get to Glacier National Park by train! The Empire Builder Amtrak line, which extends from Chicago to Seattle, makes a stop in East Glacier Park. 

Car Rental Glacier National Park

In most of our travels, we prefer to be car-free – instead opting to use public transport and Uber to get around the places we visit. In Montana, however, that is impossible. To get anywhere in the state, you will need a car. A key factor when planning your Glacier National Park 3 Day Itinerary is renting a car.

Glacier National Park Car Rental

One of our top tips for visiting Glacier National Park is to get the right rental car! We completely underestimated how much driving is required when visiting Glacier National Park.

For our trip, we booked a compact car. Thankfully, we hit a stroke of good luck and were upgraded to a Subaru Forester – a Mid-Size SUV – which was much better for navigating the roads in GNP! In hindsight, we would have 100% opted for a SUV when booking our rental car. Search for the best rates and options for car rentals here.

Where To Stay at Glacier National Park

When we first started searching for places to stay in Glacier National Park, we were completely overwhelmed. Guests have a choice of accommodations inside the park, outside the west entrance, outside the east entrance and in nearby cities. We are highlighting top lodging options so that you can create your best itinerary for Glacier National Park.

Staying Inside the Park

One of the fun things to do in Glacier National Park is to stay at one of the lodges inside the park. Accommodations range from historic lodges to rustic cabins to campgrounds – all of which get booked months in advance. While staying inside Glacier National Park would be epic, guests will need to plan their Glacier National Park trip itinerary and make reservations far in advance.

Visitors who want to get reservations in a cabin or one of the lodges inside Glacier NP should look at Lake McDonald Lodge, Village Inn at Apgar, Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and Cabins, Rising Sun Motor Inn and Cabins, Many Glacier Hotel and Cedar Creek Lodge. 

Campers should check out the official website for more info about campgrounds inside the park.

Staying Outside the Park

Outside of the park, in nearby towns like West Glacier, Coram and Hungry Horse, there are more options for places to stay. Glacier Outdoor Center Chalets, Sky Eco Cabins and Under Canvas Glamping are just a few of the top-rated spots, which can be reserved on Booking.com.

Before booking, use our tips for finding the best hotels! 

Airbnb Glacier National Park

For our trip to GNP, we went with our go-to accommodation resource: Airbnb. Luxury cabins, tiny homes, tipis and tent sites can all be found through Airbnb. While there are only a few accommodations listed on Airbnb inside the park, there are numerous options just outside of the entrances.

We stayed in a newly renovated house with a cozy cabin interior in Martin City – which is just a 15-minute drive to the West Glacier NP Entrance. The close proximity to the park was our main priority, but we absolutely loved having our own kitchen – and coming home to a comfortable house after a long day in nature made for an incredibly enjoyable stay.

Not already a member of Airbnb? Read our Top Tips for Airbnb Guests! 

Glacier National Park Cabins

Renting a Glacier National Park cabin in Swiftcurrent or Rising Sun would be phenomenal…but there are only a few available. On the other hand, there are hundreds of cabins at Glacier National Park outside of the park where visitors can stay. Cabin accommodations range from basic to extravagant, with prices to match. To find the perfect cabin – at the perfect price – for your stay, we recommend searching both Booking.com and Airbnb.

Camping in Glacier National Park

Visitors who want to spend a night in a tent under the stars within GNP have 13 campgrounds to choose from – which offer a combined total of more than 1,000 tent sites. Find out more on the official park website. 

Camping Near Glacier National Park

Although there are 1,000 sites inside the park, they do fill up in the summertime. However, visitors can find campsites near Glacier National Park with ease. The West Glacier KOA Resort, located just 2.5 miles from the West Glacier Entrance, has tent sites, cabins and RV sites.

Backpack Glacier National Park

Visitors who want to get off the beaten path can discover hidden gems by backcountry backpacking Glacier National Park. Backcountry permits are required and backcountry campers should be well prepared for their trip.

Glacier National Park RV Park

Traveling to Glacier National Park with an RV can be a bit complicated – as there are size limits within the park (21 feet long, 10 feet high and 8 feet wide) and maneuvering larger vehicles on Going To The Sun Road and into limited space parking lots can be a challenge. That said, there are plenty of places outside the park where visitors with RVs can park. In addition to West Glacier KOA Resort, West Glacier RV Park is another good option.

Eating and Drinking at GNP

Vacations to Glacier NP are not just about hiking and scenery – you have to eat, too!

There are just a handful of Glacier National Park restaurants where visitors can eat a meal inside the park. While some of the establishments are iconic (like the Many Glacier Lodge restaurant), seating is extremely limited and waiting for a seat can take up a big part of your day.

Instead of eating at restaurants in Glacier National Park, we recommend bringing a portable lunch and snacks that you can eat at scenic overlooks or on hikes. We shopped for picnic lunch items at Smith’s – a larger grocery store in Columbia Falls. There are mega stores – like Walmart and Target – in Kalispell, too.

Restaurants to include in your Glacier NP Itinerary

There are not an abundance of dining options close to the park, but there are plenty of places to get a tasty meal after a long day in the park in the towns near the West Glacier entrance.

Josephine’s Bar and Kitchen

Located off Highway 2 in Coram, Josephine’s is a fantastic little spot to grab some grub and a drink. Everything we ate at Josephine’s was fantastic – but we highly recommend the Bison Gyro or 3 Cheese Mushroom Melt.

Columbia Falls Restaurants

Columbia Falls is about 15 miles (a 20-minute drive) from the West Entrance of Glacier NP. There are several restaurants in Columbia Falls where park visitors can get a filling meal after a day of exploring. Nite Owl is known for their barbeque and Backslope Brewing offers modern food in a casual brewery setting.

However, our top pick for food in Columbia Falls are the glutinous and oh-so-delish burgers at Mudman. The original Mudman Burger is a 1/3-pound patty topped with lettuce, tomato, cheese, bacon, homemade chili and secret sauce. It is decadent, messy and worth every calorie.

Bars Near Glacier National Park

We liked to end most of our days at the park relaxing quietly lakeside watching the sunset with an ice-chilled can of locally crafted beer. However, there are a few establishments that are fun places to pop in for an end-of-day drink that you can include on your Glacier National Park Itinerary.

Glacier Distilling Company

Featuring small-batch whiskeys made from locally sourced products, the Glacier Distilling Company tasting room in Coram makes a fabulous last stop of the day. The distillery tasting flights are an optimal way to taste the local spirit – and they sell bottles for take away as well. Our favorite (of the many we sampled) was the award-winning Fireweed Bourbon Whiskey, which is made with cherries from nearby Flathead Lake.

Packer’s Roost, Coram

A local bar that welcomes visitors, Packer’s Roost is a fun drinking establishment with a full line up of typical bar fare (and a few specialties). Whether you go for the booze or the food, it is almost guaranteed to be an interesting time!  

Planning A Trip to Glacier National Park: What You Will Need

When packing for Glacier National Park, you will want to make sure you have the right gear. We have a few final travel tips and packing hacks for your Glacier NP trip.

Proper Shoes for Montana

Depending on which activities you plan for Glacier National Park, you will want to make sure you pack the right footwear! On our autumn trip, when the trails were mostly dry, I wore my everyday trainers and Kris wore Merrell trail shoes for hikes in the park – and they both worked great for us! However, a good pair of weather-proof hiking boots would be a much better option in other seasons. Find more travel footwear tips in our blog post, The Best Travel Shoes. 

Appropriate Apparel

Being in the mountains, the weather in the park is unpredictable. We experienced foggy valleys and clear peaks, sunny weather that quickly turned stormy and cold mornings followed by hot afternoons. We recommend wearing layers so that you can easily adjust your outfit to the quick changing Montana weather. For hiking, it is best to wear comfortable clothing made of breathable, moisture-wicking material.  

Of course, don’t forget weather essentials like sunglasses, a wide-brimmed travel hat, some sunscreen, a packable raincoat and a travel umbrella, plus the Perfect Day Bag to pack them all in as well!

Travel Camera and Binoculars

It is best to capture the beauty of GNP with a good camera that has a zoom lens. We use a Canon Rebel with an everyday 18-135mm lens, which we actually thought was a slightly lacking for this trip. Instead, we wished we would have brought along our zoom 55-250mm lens so that we could have taken better photos of wildlife.

Binoculars are another thing we regret not having! We would have been able to better see mountain goats, big horn sheep and bears if we would have brought binoculars along on our trip.

Start planning your trip to Montana! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing!  Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning page for more information and tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides page!

We Want To Know: Is there anything you would add to our 3-Day Glacier National Park Itinerary? Any tips or suggestions for how to plan a trip to Glacier National Park? Share your best advice in the comments below! 

Looking for More of the Great Outdoors in the USA?

Hit the trails with our detailed guides to Hiking In Oregon, up the Best Peaks Of Phoenix, and all around Ohio (including Hocking Hills, Mohican State Park and Columbus Metro Parks).

How about a road trip? Yes, we’ve got you covered there as well with our insider tips for California Highway 1, Columbia River Gorge and the Central Coast Of Oregon!

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