The Best Glacier National Park Itinerary From 1 to 7 Days

Glacier National Park in Montana is our favorite National Park in the US and we have been to almost all of the National Parks. It is magical, it will take your breath away, you won’t want to leave! In this post we share our 1,3, and 7 day Glacier National Park Itinerary recommendations so you can have an amazing trip.

Glacier National Park Itinerary

There are so many awesome things to do in Glacier National Park we want to help you figure out what not to miss and how to see the most you can see in the time you have! From the Going To The Sun Road to Polebridge Mercantile and Bowman Lake to Many Glacier and all the best hikes in Glacier!

If you love National parks be sure to check out our National Park Road Trip ideas too!

When To Visit

Views of Hidden Lake in Glacier

We highly recommend visiting Glacier National Park when the Going-to-the-Sun Road is open. This varies each year based on the weatherโ€”and there is no set date when it opensโ€”but it is normally open starting in July through sometime in September. But always check their site for the most up to date information. You can visit the park when it is closed but you definitely miss some of the best parts!

Entry Tickets

For 2024 you will need to have entry tickets for park. Dates and times are below:

  • Going To The Sun Road – May 24th – September 8th from 6am to 3pm.
  • North Fork (Bowman Lake) – May 24th – September 8th from 6am to 3pm.
  • Many Glacier – July 1st – September 8th from 6am to 3pm.

During these dates you will need:

  • Secure your vehicle reservation
  • Get your park pass or pay the entrance fee
  • Have your reservation ready to scan.

**Note: Visitors with lodging, camping, or commerical activity reservations (ex. boat tours and horseback rides) can use their service reservation to access the portion of the park for which they have a reservation.

Try to get these tickets for your trip (click here). However if you can’t you do have another option to go out after 3pm. It is light until 9/10pm at night so you still have a lot of time to get out and do some exploring!

But ALWAYS double check their site to make sure nothing has changed. You can do that here.

How To Get To Glacier National Park

Flying into Glacier Park International Airport FCA is an option. They have a variety of daily flights (some just in season) that can work. The airport is 12 miles from Whitefish and 30 miles from the West Glacier entrance.

Click here to start to plan your Glacier Park International Airport FCA trip.

You could also take the Amtrak into Glacier. We don’t recommend this unless you are looking for a guided tour.

You can drive to Glacier. A road trip is almost always a fun time! But note if you do this you will most likely have to add on an extra day and night for travel.

Do You Need A Car For Glacier?

The short answer and our recommendation is yes. The park spreads across multiple areas and you won’t be able to see all the places we recommend without a car. There is a shuttle service in the park and tours. But a car will give you more flexibility and allow you to visit Many Glacier, Polebridge and Two Medicine.

If you are just coming in for a day you could do without – if you are good with shuttles and tours.

Driving In The Park

Donโ€™t believe Google Map drive times. The roads are windy on the Going-to-the-Sun Road so it takes longer. And the roads to Many Glacier, Polebridge and Two Medicine are bumpy with lots of pot holes and free roam cattle.

To drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road from the west entrance to the east entrance can take
approximately 2 hours without stopping (which you will most likely want to stop for pictures.) Plus there are can be animal sighting traffic jams – that can make it take even longer.

Glacier National Park Hiking

Highline Trail - Glacier National Park Itinerary
Highline Trail

To truly explore this magnificent park you are going to want to get out and hike. If you aren’t all about hiking for miles that is OK. There are options that will work for almost anyone. But do yourself a favor and plan on doing some hiking when you visit.

Take note: Trails can be closed due to bear activity so always check with a ranger before you head out on a hike. If a trail is closed it will normally have a sign by the trail head that says closed. But we always like to confirm at the visitor center just to be sure!

Make sure to have your Bear Spray with you. We recommend buying it before you come. Or if you are flying ask at your hotel/campground to see where you can buy it in the area. The National Park normally sells it – but sometimes they run out so better to have a few options.

The Best Hikes in Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park Map

Here is a visual overview of Glacier National Park.

Glacier National Park Map

I Want The Glacier National Park Itinerary

@crazyfamilyadventure

We fell in love with this National Park the moment we drove through the gates. The mountains, the water color, the wildlife. Nothing else compares in the US. Itโ€™s Glacier National Park in Montana and here is our list of things to do there: ๐Ÿ”นDrive the Going-To-The-Sun Road ๐Ÿ”นVisit Many Glacier ๐Ÿ”นHike to Apikuni Falls ๐Ÿ”นHike or take a boat to Grinnell Glacier ๐Ÿ”นVisit Polebridge Mercantile and Lake Bowman ๐Ÿ”นVisit Whitefish ๐Ÿ”นGo On A Rafting Trip ๐Ÿ”นPlay at the Whitefish Mountain Resort ๐Ÿ”นHike the Avalanche Lake Trail ๐Ÿ”นVisit Logans Pass ๐Ÿ”นHike to Hidden Lake Overlook ๐Ÿ”นHike the Highline Trail ๐Ÿ”นLook for wildlife (bear, moose, mountain goats and bighorn sheep) โžก๏ธComment GLACIER to get our FREE Glacier Packing List and our Full Post with all the details on Visiting Glacier National Park including where to stay, where to eat plus a bonus day trip idea! FOLLOW FOR MORE TRAVEL, FAMILY LIFE AND RVING TIPS @crazyfamilyadventure #glacier #glaciernationalpark #familytravel #visitglacier #visitmontana #nationalparks

โ™ฌ Kiss – Prince & Prince and The Revolution

If you want this itinerary in an easy to download version that you get immediate access to check out our Glacier National Park Itineraries here:


Glacier 1 Day Guide Thumbnail
Glacier 3 Day Guide Thumbnail
Glacier 7 Day Guide Thumbnail

Planning a trip to Glacier? We put together a series of digital guides that take the guesswork out of planning. Stop-by-stop itineraries for making the most of 1, 3 or 7 days in Glacier National Park including where to stay, where to eat, what hikes to take and the best driving routes.

We’ve even included links for you to book your stays and buy your park passes. Everything you need in one convenient digital guide. Just download and go!


1 Day Glacier National Park Itinerary

The 1 day itinerary will take you from the West Entrance to the East Entrance on The Going To The Sun Road. This means the road has to be open in order to do complete this itinerary. It really is the top thing in Glacier so try to plan your trip around when it will be open!

If you are going when it is closed – you will have to take out the Going-To-The-Sun road parts plus Logan Pass visitor center and the things to do around there.

Breakfast: Grab something quick at your place or stop at a grocery store the night before to get breakfast and some additional snacks and water to bring with you for the day. I would also recommend packing a lunch and having that with you so you don’t have to waste time during your day going to a restaurant or paying National Park prices for food.

1st Half Of The Day

Start: West Glacier – West Entrance. (be sure to have your entrance ticket and be prepared to pay to enter Glacier – unless you have a National Park pass).

Stop 1: Agpar Visitor Center – stop here to check in with the rangers, get a map (if you didn’t when you drove in) and to take a look around.

Stop 2: Lake McDonald Lodge – stop to check out the lodge that was built in 1913 and to take in the views of the lake. They have a general store and some food if you want to grab anything while you are here.

Stop 3: Trail of the Cedars Hike – This is a great hike and almost anyone can do it since it is a boardwalk trail and is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

  • Distance: 1 mile loop trail

Stop 3 Extra: Avalanche Lake – if you are feeling up for a more challenging hike you can continue off of the Trail of the Cedars hike and up to Avalanche Lake. The effort is well worth it for the view of the mountain lake at the end. But be prepared!

  • Distance: 4.5 miles round trip (there and back trail)
  • Elevation Gain: 730 feet (you are pretty much gradually climbing up the mountain the whole time).

Time for lunch – I would recommend doing a picnic lunch right at your car. Or if you didn’t want to pack a lunch you can go back to the Lake McDonald lodge are to get Pizza at Jammer Joe’s Grill and Pizzeria.

2nd Half Of The Day

Going to the sun road on the Glacier National Park Itinerary
Going To The Sun Road

Stop 4: Drive the Going-To-The-Sun Road – be prepared for this to take longer than you think it will. You are going to want to stop at every pullout to take a picture. That isn’t quite necessary. But hey this is your trip so if you want to go for it!

Tips For Driving The Stunning Going To The Sun Road

Stop 5: Logan Pass Visitor Center with the Hidden Lake Overlook hike – Stop at the visitor center (be prepared for traffic and having to drive around waiting for someone to leave to get a parking spot). In the visitor center they usually have a few displays up and Rangers there to answer questions.

There is also a gift shop. If you have the energy and time head out on the Hidden Lake Overlook hike. It is totally worth it so if you can swing it go for it!

  • Distance: 2.7 miles round trip (there and back)
  • Elevation gain: 1325 feet – there are a lot of steps

Stop 6: Jackson Glacier – you will continue on the Going-To-The-Sun road for about 5 miles until you reach the pullout for Jackson Glacier – be sure to put this into Google Maps and download your map before you go so you don’t miss it! Or follow the park map.

Stop 7: St Mary Falls Hike – This is a pretty short hike at just 1.6 miles there and back and the falls are beautiful. I will say if you are done hiking or can’t imaging planning this many hike sin a day – this would be the one I would skip.

  • Distance: 1.6 miles round trip (there and back)
  • Elevation gain: minimal

Stop 8 – Wild Goose Island Overlook – After St Mary Falls if you continue about 6 more miles you will come to the Wild Goose Island Overlook at St Mary lake. To me this is the iconic Glacier National Park view.

Dinner: St Mary Village – there is a grill, bar and cafe located in St Mary Village.

Where To Stay

At this point you can either turn around and drive back through the Going-To-The-Sun road or you can take the longer flatter route around the outside of the park back to the west entrance. Or you can plan to book a room to stay the night at the St Mary Lodge & Resort.

*We have driven the Going-To-The-Sun road at night. It is a bit scary and you have to be aware of wildlife. We came across a mama bear and her cubs on the road when it was pitch black outside! It will be slow driving and with it being dark you can’t see much. Totally your call on what way you want to drive back.

Purchase this guide in an easy to download version with maps, more details and links on where to stay here:

Glacier 1 Day Guide Thumbnail

3 Day Glacier National Park Itinerary

Glacier National Park Itinerary - avalanche Lake hike
Avalanche Lake Hike

If at all possible stay at least 3 days in Glacier National Park!! Our 3 day Glacier National Park itinerary starts with the same as above – if you have already read that skip to Day 2.

Day 1 Of Glacier National Park 3 Day Itinerary

Breakfast: Grab something quick at your place or stop at a grocery store the night before to get breakfast and some additional snacks and water to bring with you for the day. I would also recommend packing a lunch and having that with you so you don’t have to waste time during your day going to a restaurant or paying National Park prices for food.

Start: West Glacier – West Entrance. (be sure to have your entrance ticket and be prepared to pay to enter Glacier – unless you have a National Park pass).

Stop 1: Agpar Visitor Center – stop here to check in with the rangers, get a map (if you didn’t when you drove in) and to take a look around.

Stop 2: Lake McDonald Lodge – stop to check out the lodge that was built in 1913 and to take in the views of the lake. They have a general store and some food if you want to grab anything while you are here.

Stop 3: Trail of the Cedars Hike – This is a great hike and almost anyone can do it since it is a boardwalk trail and is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

  • Distance: 1 mile loop trail

Middle Of The Day

Stop 3 Extra: Avalanche Lake – if you are feeling up for a more challenging hike you can continue off of the Trail of the Cedars hike and up to Avalanche Lake. The effort is well worth it for the view of the mountain lake at the end. But be prepared!

  • Distance: 4.5 miles round trip (there and back trail)
  • Elevation Gain: 730 feet (you are pretty much gradually climbing up the mountain the whole time).

Time for lunch – I would recommend doing a picnic lunch right at your car. Or if you didn’t want to pack a lunch you can go back to the Lake McDonald lodge are to get Pizza at Jammer Joe’s Grill and Pizzeria.

Stop 4: Drive the Going-To-The-Sun Road – be prepared for this to take longer than you think it will. You are going to want to stop at every pullout to take a picture. That isn’t quite necessary. But hey this is your trip so if you want to go for it!

End Of The Day

Hidden Lake Trail in Glacier National Park
Hidden Lake Trail

Stop 5: Logan Pass Visitor Center with the Hidden Lake Overlook hike – Stop at the visitor center (be prepared for traffic and having to drive around waiting for someone to leave to get a parking spot). In the visitor center they usually have a few displays up and Rangers there to answer questions.

We saw a mountain goat when we hiked this trail and another time the hiking trail was closed due to bear activity! So be on the look out for wildlife.

There is also a gift shop. If you have the energy and time head out on the Hidden Lake Overlook hike. It is totally worth it so if you can swing it go for it!

  • Distance: 2.7 miles round trip (there and back)
  • Elevation gain: 1325 feet – there are a lot of steps

Stop 6: Jackson Glacier – you will continue on the Going-To-The-Sun road for about 5 miles until you reach the pullout for Jackson Glacier – be sure to put this into Google Maps and download your map before you go so you don’t miss it! Or follow the park map.

Stop 7: St Mary Falls Hike – This is a pretty short hike at just 1.6 miles there and back and the falls are beautiful. I will say if you are done hiking or can’t imaging planning this many hike sin a day – this would be the one I would skip.

  • Distance: 1.6 miles round trip (there and back)
  • Elevation gain: minimal

Stop 8 – Wild Goose Island Overlook – After St Mary Falls if you continue about 6 more miles you will come to the Wild Goose Island Overlook. To me this is the iconic Glacier National Park view.

Dinner: St Mary Village – there is a grill, bar and cafe located in St Mary Village.

For this itinerary we would recommend you stay in the St Mary’s Village area for tonight so you can be closer to Many Glacier – where we recommend you head on Day 2.

Day 2 of 3 Day Glacier National Park Itinerary

Grinnell Glacier Hike In Glacier National Park
Grinnell Glacier Hike

Today you will explore the Many Glacier area. This part of the park is gorgeous so you don’t want to miss it!

Breakfast: Grab breakfast at your hotel or the local convenient store. Don’t forget snacks and water for the day!

**If you didn’t stay in St Mary’s Village area be sure to check drive times. Getting to Many Glacier from the west entrance will take you 2 1/2 to 3 hours. It can be done in a day from west Glacier – we have done it. But it is a long day and lots of driving.

Stop 1: Grinnell Glacier Hike – This is a long but unbelievable hike. If hiking isn’t your thing there is also a shuttle boat service that will take you from Many Glacier Hotel Boat Dock to Grinnell Lake. From Grinnell Lake you can hike the 3 miles round trip (there and back) trail to get to Grinnell Glacier. This is an uphill hike so be prepared for that.

The other option is to just take the Shuttle Boat to Grinnell Lake. The boat tour is beautiful and Grinnell Lake is gorgeous as well. If hiking isn’t your thing we recommend you do this.

Grinnell Glacier Hike:

  • Distance: 7.2 miles round trip (there and back)
  • Elevation gain: 1840 feet

2nd Part Of The Day

Swiftcurrent General Store Glacier National Park Itinerary
Swiftcurrent General Store For Ice Cream

Lunch: Many Glacier Hotel – there a few options here for lunch. If you want to save time bring a packed lunch to eat in the parking lot.

Stop 2: Josephine Lake Horseback Riding OR Apakuni Falls. If you don’t want to hike look into doing the Horseback Riding. If you want to see an awesome waterfall up close head to the Apakuni Falls trail. Be sure to pack your bear spray!!

Apakuni Falls Hike:

  • Distance: 1.7 miles round trip
  • Elevation gain: 625 feet

Dinner: Nell’s at Swiftcurrent – we were pleasantly surprised with the options on the menu here including organic items, grass-fed beef options and vegetarian options.

Dessert: Swiftcurrent General Store – head into the general store to get some self-serve huckleberry or vanilla ice cream.

Head back to your hotel by St Mary’s Village or back to West Glacier. Day 3 can be done from either location.

Day 3 of Glacier National Park 3 Day Itinerary

Highline Trail
Highline Trail

Breakfast: Grab something quick so you can get out exploring again!

Stop 1: St Mary’s Falls – If you stayed in the St Mary’s Village area and didn’t have time to do the St Mary Falls hike on day 1 do it now! If you stayed in West Glacier skip this part.

Stop 2: Drive the Going-To-The-Sun road. Trust me when I say you will want to drive this road more than one time when you visit Glacier! It is also cool to do it from the other direction since it gives you a different perspective and views as you are driving.

Lunch: Bringing a picnic lunch will be your best bet!

2nd Part Of The Day

Stop 3: Highline Trail Hike – this hike isn’t for everyone but if you are OK holding onto a chain while you walk along the edge of a mountain you are in for some pretty spectacular views. This trail is located across from the Logan Pass visitor center.

Round trip it is 11.8 miles. But you don’t have to do all that. When we did it we just went about 1 mile into the trail and stopped and turned around and came back.

Stop 4: Lake McDonald Beach – enjoy some quiet time as you relax on the beach and take in the beautiful views. There are a variety of pullouts you can park in off of the road and get out to walk down to the beach.

If you have a paddle board or kayak with you – you could bring those out on the water. As long as you are good with cold water.

Dinner: Great Northern Bar and Grill – head into the town of Whitefish and go the Great Northern Bar and Grill or find another restaurant that appeals to you in Whitefish.

There you have it! 3 days in Glacier National Park! If 3 isn’t enough – which we 100% believe – keep reading to find our 7 day itinerary – which can easily be adjust to be a 4 or 5 day Glacier Itinerary as well.

Purchase this guide in an easy to download version with maps, more details and links on where to stay here:

Glacier 3 Day Guide Thumbnail

7 Day Glacier National Park Itinerary

Glacier National Park Itinerary - Trail of the Cedars Hike
Trail Of The Cedars Hike

Day 1: Hiking and Rafting Trip

Start: West Glacier

Stop 1: Apgar Visitor Center – stop in the visitor center, get a map, get a sticker or t-shirt, taling to the rangers to see if anything is closed or if there is anything you should be aware of. If you have kids with you do the Junior Ranger workbooks (they do have adult options too!).

Stop 2: Lake McDonald Lodge – stop to check out the lodge that was built in 1913 and to take in the views of the lake. They have a general store and some food if you want to grab anything while you are here.

Stop 3: Trail of the Cedars Hike – This is a great hike and almost anyone can do it since it is a boardwalk trail and is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

  • Distance: 1 mile loop trail

Stop 3 Extra: Avalanche Lake – if you are feeling up for a more challenging hike you can continue off of the Trail of the Cedars hike and up to Avalanche Lake. The effort is well worth it for the view of the mountain lake at the end. But be prepared!

  • Distance: 4.5 miles round trip (there and back trail)
  • Elevation Gain: 730 feet (you are pretty much gradually climbing up the mountain the whole time).

2nd Half Of Day 1 of Glacier National Park Itinerary 7 Day Itinerary

Glacier National Park Itinerary rafting

Time for lunch – I would recommend doing a picnic lunch right at your car. Or if you didn’t want to pack a lunch you can go back to the Lake McDonald lodge are to get Pizza at Jammer Joe’s Grill and Pizzeria.

Stop 4: Glacier Guide Rafting Trip – head to Montana Raft and take a rafting trip on the Flathead River! They have white water trips and nice floating trips. Be sure to book ahead!

Dinner: Great Norther Bar & Grill in Whitefish.

Day 2: Polebridge and Lake Bowman

Glacier National Park Itinerary - Polebridge Mercantile
Polebridge Mercantile

Stop 1: Polebridge Mercantile – stop for some delicious pastries and to sit out at the picnic tables.

Stop 2: Lake Bowman – head back on a bumpy tight drive into Glacier National park and to Lake Bowman. If you have kayaks or paddle boards bring them with you. Or just hang out by the beach (make sure you brought some snacks and drinks with you!).

Visit the Magnificent Bowman Lake and Polebridge Mercantile

Lunch: You could do lunch at Lake Bowman if you brought a picnic lunch with you. Or head back to Whitefish Mountain Resort for lunch.

Stop 3: Whitefish Mountain Resort Activities – they offer a variety of summertime activities from ropes courses to an Alpine slide and more.

Whitefish Mountain Resort Summer Activities

Dinner: Downton Whitefish – pick where you want to eat!

Day 3: Going-To-The-Sun-Road

Glacier National Park Itinerary Going to the sun road
Going-To-The-Sun Road

Stop 1: Drive the Going-To-The-Sun Road – be prepared for this to take longer than you think it will. You are going to want to stop at every pullout to take a picture. That isn’t quite necessary. But hey this is your trip so if you want to go for it!

Stop 2: Logan Pass Visitor Center with the Hidden Lake Overlook hike – Stop at the visitor center (be prepared for traffic and having to drive around waiting for someone to leave to get a parking spot). In the visitor center they usually have a few displays up and Rangers there to answer questions.

There is also a gift shop. If you have the energy and time head out on the Hidden Lake Overlook hike. It is totally worth it so if you can swing it go for it!

  • Distance: 2.7 miles round trip (there and back)
  • Elevation gain: 1325 feet – there are a lot of steps

Stop 3: Jackson Glacier – you will continue on the Going-To-The-Sun road for about 5 miles until you reach the pullout for Jackson Glacier – be sure to put this into Google Maps and download your map before you go so you don’t miss it! Or follow the park map.

2nd Half Of The Day

Lunch: Bring a Picnic lunch with you.

Stop 4: St Mary Falls Hike – This is a pretty short hike at just 1.6 miles there and back and the falls are beautiful. I will say if you are done hiking or can’t imaging planning this many hike sin a day – this would be the one I would skip.

  • Distance: 1.6 miles round trip (there and back)
  • Elevation gain: minimal

Stop 5 – Wild Goose Island Overlook – After St Mary Falls if you continue about 6 more miles you will come to the Wild Goose Island Overlook. To me this is the iconic Glacier National Park view.

Dinner: St Mary Village – there is a grill, bar and cafe located in St Mary Village.

You can either plan to spend the night here (at a place like the Rising Sun Motor Inn) or drive back to West Glacier. Just be sure to check the time and if you are driving in the dark on the Going-To-The-Sun road be ready for it! We have done it. But it is slow going and you have to look out for wildlife. It is pitch black so you also won’t have any amazing views when driving in the dark.

Day 4: Highline Trail

Highline Trail
Highline Trail

Start off on the Going-To-The-Sun Road – believe me when you say you will want to do this drive as many times as you can while you are in Glacier. In our opinion it is the most beautiful road in the US!

There isn’t much recommended on this day so take your time on the Going-To-The-Sun road and stop to take pictures, to take in the scenery and to just enjoy your time on the road.

Stop 1: Highline Trail Hike – this hike isn’t for everyone but if you are OK holding onto a chain while you walk along the edge of a mountain you are in for some pretty spectacular views. This trail is located across from the Logan Pass visitor center.

Round trip it is 11.8 miles. But you don’t have to do all that. When we did it we just went about 1 mile into the trail and stopped and turned around and came back.

2nd Part Of The Day

Lunch: Pizza at Lake McDonald Lodge at Jammer Joe’s Grill and Pizzeria – depending on which way you drove in. Or else bring a picnic lodge to have by your car or at a picnic table.

Stop 3: Continue on the Going-To-The-Sun Road and make your way to the St. Mary Village which is located on the other side of the park.

Dinner: St. Mary Village.

For this itinerary we would recommend you stay in the St Mary’s Village area for tonight so you can be closer to Many Glacier – where we recommend you head on Day 6.

**If you didn’t stay in St Mary’s Village area be sure to check drive times. Getting to Many Glacier from the west entrance will take you 2 1/2 to 3 hours. It can be done in a day from west Glacier – we have done it. But it is a long day and lots of driving.

Day 5: Many Glacier

Glacier National Park Itinerary Grinnell Lake
Grinnell Lake in Many Glacier

Drive to Many Glacier. If you are coming from West Glacier this will take you an extra 1 1/2 to 2 hours compared to if you stayed in the St Mary’s Village area. Base your starting time for the day off of this.

Lunch: Swiss Lounge In Many Glacier

Stop 1: Apakuni Falls – this trail will take you up close to an awesome waterfall. Be sure to pack your bear spray!!

Apakuni Falls Hike:

  • Distance: 1.7 miles round trip
  • Elevation gain: 625 feet

Stop 2: Fishercap Lake to look for Moose – you can’t predict when wildlife will be around but this is a great place to be on the lookout for Moose.

Dinner: Ptarmigan Dining Room in Many Glacier Hotel

Stay in the Many Glacier area or in the St Mary Area for a shorter drive on Day 6 – that will bring you back to Many Glacier.

7 Awe Inspiring Things To Do In Many Glacier

Day 6: Grinnell Glacier

Grinnell Glacier Hike In Glacier National Park
Grinnell Glacier Hike

Stop 1: Heidi’s Snack Shop in Many Glacier – stop here to grab things for a picnic lunch while on the trail. They also have coffee.

Stop 2: Grinnell Glacier Hike – This is a long but unbelievable hike. If hiking isn’t your thing there is also a shuttle boat service that will take you from Many Glacier Hotel Boat Dock to Grinnell Lake. From Grinnell Lake you can hike the 3 miles round trip (there and back) trail to get to Grinnell Glacier. This is an uphill hike so be prepared for that.

The other option is to just take the Shuttle Boat to Grinnell Lake. The ride is beautiful taking you across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine to Grinnell Lake is gorgeous as well. If hiking isn’t your thing we recommend you do this.

Grinnell Glacier Hike:

  • Distance: 7.2 miles round trip (there and back)
  • Elevation gain: 1840 feet

Dinner: Nell’s at Swiftcurrent – we were pleasantly surprised with the options on the menu here including organic items, grass-fed beef options and vegetarian options.

Dessert: Swiftcurrent General Store – head into the general store to get some self-serve huckleberry or vanilla ice cream.

Stay in the Many Glacier area or in the St Mary Area for a shorter drive on Day 7.

Day 7: Two Medicine

Two Medicine Glacier National Park Itinerary
Two Medicine

Have a slow morning, drink some coffee, hang out for a minute. Now checkout of your hotel and head to Lunch.

Lunch: Glacier Park Lodge

Stop 1: Two Medicine – This is a lesser visited area of the park. But we always love to make sure we add these stops to our trips. Be sure to check out the views of Two Medicine Lake.

Stop 2: Aster Falls Hike – This hike provides a different landscape than other areas of Glacier. You hike through mostly forest and some meadow area.

  • Distance: 2.8 miles roundtrip (there and back trail)
  • Elevation gain: 320 feet

Head back to your hotel or a make a last stop at any of your favorite places in the area!

Get Your Itinerary For Glacier

Purchase this guide in an easy to download version with maps, bonus ideas, more details and links on where to stay here:

For more on where to stay, tips for the park, maps and all of this information in an easy to ready PDF that you can download to your phone check out our Glacier Guides!


Glacier 1 Day Guide Thumbnail
Glacier 3 Day Guide Thumbnail
Glacier 7 Day Guide Thumbnail

Planning a trip to Glacier? We put together a series of digital guides that take the guesswork out of planning. Stop-by-stop itineraries for making the most of 1, 3 or 7 days in Glacier National Park including where to stay, where to eat, what hikes to take and the best driving routes.

We’ve even included links for you to book your stays and buy your park passes. Everything you need in one convenient digital guide. Just download and go!

If you are looking for a Glacier National Park itinerary 5 days you can pick and choose things from the 7 day itinerary to put together your perfect itinerary for Glacier National Park.

A few other places of interest may be: Waterton Lakes in Canada, the Iceberg Lake Trail in Glacier (we could never do this since it was always closed due to bear activity when we were there),

More posts you may be interested in:

6 Epic National Park Road Trip Ideas [Maps Included]

18 Top Things To Do In Yellowstone National Park

Pin This Post:

Glacier National Park itinerary. If you are planning to go to Glacier for 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days or more you will want to check out this itinerary. We share the best things to do. There are a lot of great things to do with kids if you want to take the whole family! Glacier is a bucket list trip and there is so much great hiking when you visit this amazing place in Montana. Check it out for a one day to 7 day Glacier National Park itinerary ideas!
Bryanna


DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Please read my disclosure for more info.