3-Day Glacier National Park Itinerary
Day 1: West Side & Going-to-the-Sun Road
- Morning: Arrive at the West Entrance (Apgar) and visit the Apgar Visitor Center to get maps and information.
- Drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road: Start your scenic drive along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Stop at iconic points like Lake McDonald and McDonald Falls.
- Logan Pass: Stop at Logan Pass and do the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail (2.7 miles round-trip). It offers stunning views and the chance to spot mountain goats.
- Afternoon: Continue your drive and head towards Avalanche Lake. Hike the Avalanche Lake Trail (4.5 miles round-trip).
- Evening: Return to Lake McDonald Lodge or West Glacier for dinner and relax by the lake.
Day 2: Many Glacier & Wildlife Viewing
- Morning: Drive to the Many Glacier area (approx. 1.5 hours from the West Entrance). This is one of the most scenic and wildlife-rich areas of the park.
- Grinnell Glacier Hike: Do the Grinnell Glacier Trail (7.6 miles round-trip) if you're up for a challenging hike. Alternatively, take the Grinnell Lake Trail for a shorter option.
- Lunch: Stop for lunch at Many Glacier Hotel, which offers stunning lake views.
- Afternoon: If time allows, take the boat tour on Swiftcurrent Lake or hike the Iceberg Lake Trail (9.3 miles round-trip) to see floating icebergs.
- Evening: Drive back to St. Mary or stay in the Many Glacier area for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: East Side & St. Mary Lake
- Morning: Start the day at St. Mary Lake and visit Wild Goose Island for one of the most photographed views in the park.
- Scenic Hike: Do the Sunrift Gorge and Baring Falls hikes for a moderate yet scenic experience.
- Lunch: Enjoy a picnic or lunch at the St. Mary Visitor Center.
- Afternoon: Drive the Two Medicine area and hike to Scenic Point for beautiful views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
- Evening: Head back to East Glacier for dinner or stay overnight.
5-Day Glacier National Park Itinerary
Day 1: West Side & Going-to-the-Sun Road
- Morning: Arrive at Apgar Village and visit the Apgar Visitor Center for maps and advice.
- Going-to-the-Sun Road: Start the scenic drive along Going-to-the-Sun Road and stop at Lake McDonald. Enjoy the views, take photos, and visit McDonald Falls.
- Afternoon: Drive to Logan Pass and hike the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail.
- Evening: Explore the Apgar Village and have dinner at Lake McDonald Lodge.
Day 2: Many Glacier & Iceberg Lake
- Morning: Drive to the Many Glacier area (about 1.5 hours from the West Entrance). Hike the Iceberg Lake Trail (9.3 miles round-trip) to see beautiful blue waters and glaciers.
- Afternoon: After lunch, visit Grinnell Glacier or take a boat tour on Swiftcurrent Lake.
- Evening: Return to St. Mary for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: East Side & St. Mary Lake
- Morning: Visit St. Mary Lake and take a boat tour or hike to Wild Goose Island for stunning views.
- Afternoon: Hike to Sunrift Gorge and Baring Falls, then explore Two Medicine for some quiet time in nature.
- Evening: Dinner at East Glacier, where you can relax and unwind.
Day 4: Hidden Gems & Wildlife Viewing
- Morning: Head back to the Many Glacier area for a morning of wildlife viewing. Look for bears, elk, and mountain goats.
- Afternoon: Take a hike to Swiftcurrent Pass for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains or opt for a shorter hike like Red Rock Falls.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner and overnight at Many Glacier Hotel.
Day 5: Relax and Explore More
- Morning: Spend the morning exploring Two Medicine for a peaceful, more remote experience. Consider a short hike like Twin Falls Trail (3 miles) or visit Two Medicine Lake for a serene boat ride.
- Afternoon: Drive the scenic North Fork Road for less crowded views of the park.
- Evening: End your visit with a relaxing evening in West Glacier or Kalispell before departing.
Tips:
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit Glacier National Park is during the summer months (late June to mid-September) when most of the trails and roads, including the Going-to-the-Sun Road, are open. Be prepared for crowds in peak season.
- Reservations: Many accommodations, especially in-park lodging, fill up quickly. Make reservations early to secure a spot.
- Weather: Glacier's weather can be unpredictable, especially in the mountains. Always pack layers, including rain gear.
This 5-day itinerary allows you to fully experience Glacier National Park’s scenic beauty, hiking trails, wildlife, and tranquil lakes, while giving you enough time to explore the park at a comfortable pace.
