Glacier National Park Montana is a massive 1-million-acre wonderland 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 this incredible area.
Our site utilizes Affiliate Links. If you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy.
Plan The Best Glacier National Park Itinerary
Planning a trip to GNP is no easy task. Nicknamed ‘The Crown of the Continent’ – 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 complete itinerary can be stressful.
How you plan your trip will depend on your interests, budget and overall time allotted for your Montana vacation.
Whether you are planning a Montana Road Trip, a family getaway or a solo adventure, you can use our itinerary to plan your trip to Glacier NP!
3 Day Glacier National Park Itinerary
Our itinerary includes everything you need! In addition to summarizing 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 advice about what to pack, the best time of year to visit and essential info on the ticketed entry system.
Day 1: West Glacier
Start off exploring on a hike to a lake in West Glacier. Then ascend to Logan Pass and end the day on Lake McDonald. Bring a packed lunch and plenty of water so that you can enjoy the entire day outdoors.
Hike To Avalanche Lake
Although this Glacier hike is considered moderate, those who complete the trek are rewarded with an absolutely grand vista. Consider spending some time to relax, swim or have a picnic.
You will want to get there early to snag a parking space at the Avalanche Lake trailhead. If there are no spots available, be patient or find a place further up the road and walk back.
Drive To Logan Pass
In the early afternoon, continue driving east on Going To The Sun Road to Logan Pass. The area marks the Continental Divide and is the starting point for two fabulous hikes: Hidden Lake Overlook and the Highline Trail.
While avid hikers will want to set off on these iconic Glacier NP trails, those not interested in trekking can still take in the fabulous views.
Stop into the Logan Pass Visitor Center for trail maps, interesting displays and souvenirs from the bookshop. You 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. There are several pull-offs to take in some of the truly incredible views.
Watch Sunset at Lake McDonald
End your first day along the water and watch the setting sun over Lake McDonald. Our favorite spot is a small unnamed beach (MAP).
To really enjoy the scene, 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!
Day 2: East Glacier
On the second day of your Glacier Park Itinerary, discover the beauty of East Glacier. As you will be traveling to the opposite side today, you will need to get an early start.
Going To The Sun Road 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.
Consider making a stop at St. Mary Lake to hike to St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls. You will find all the details for these in our Glacier National Park Hiking article.
While there are an astounding number of roadside scenic spots 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, this vista is said to be the most photographed point in all of Glacier National Park!
Many Glacier
At East Glacier, drive through the Blackfeet Indian Reservation and the small town of Babb to Many Glacier.
Make your way to Swiftcurrent Lake – the site of the historic Many Glacier Lodge. Then stretch your legs on the Swiftcurrent Lake Nature Trail.
Consider a meal with a fabulous view at the Ptarmigan Dining Room. If they are full booked, try the lounge or snack shop, which are also located within the lodge.
Two Medicine
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 ship, takes guests to the upper west shoreline – where passengers can opt to depart for a hike and take a boat back afterwards.
In addition to the enjoying the stellar views, guests will learn about the Blackfeet Tribe and the region during the cruise.
On your way out of Two Medicine, make a quick stop at Running Eagle Falls for a short walk to a unique waterfall.
Driving Tip: Rather than returning via Going To The Sun Road, consider taking Highway 2, which rounds the southern end of Glacier NP. If it’s Spring or Summer make a stop at Goat Lick Overlook and try to spot mountain goats!
Day 3: North Glacier
On the last day of your Glacier National Park 3 Days Itinerary, travel 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 way.
Drive To Polebridge
In the morning, make the drive over unpaved roads to Polebridge (use Camas Road and Outside North Fork Road). Keep an eye out for Montana wildlife along the way!
Stop at the popular 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, too.
Lake Bowman
Spectacular, 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
End your 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 scenery.
As the shadows grow long and the sun starts to set, the light illuminates the mountain peaks – creating an unforgettable moment. We believe it is one of the best sights in Glacier National Park!
More Things To Do at Glacier National Park
We highlighted our favorite Glacier National Park activities, but there are many more activities to experience!
As we already mentioned, choosing what you do will depend on your personal interests, budget and energy level.
Guided Hiking Tours
The trails in GNP can be intimidating – and many hikers are more comfortable letting a guide lead the way.
There are park-sponsored Ranger-led talks, walks and hikes that guests can join. Information is available at ranger stations and the visitor centers.
Additionally, you can hire guides for organized or private hikes and tours. Glacier Institute is one of many companies that offer guided expeditions.
Horseback Riding
On vacations to Glacier National Park, a unique way to see the sights is on horseback. Visitors can join one of the horseback riding tours that follow popular trails or get off the beaten path and take an overnight trip into the backcountry!
Rafting and Floating
Rafting down the Flathead River is an exciting way to spend a day in astounding scenery! This Rafting Tour is led by a professional guide and is suitable for beginners as well as seasoned rafters.
Travelers looking for a more relaxing ride can join a Scenic Floating Tour on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. Rather than battling the rapids, enjoy the serenity and beauty.
Fishing
Fly fishing is one of the top activities to do in Glacier NP. There are some exclusions and catch limits, 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.
Kayaking, SUP and Swimming
Renting a kayak or stand up paddle board and spending a couple of hours on a crystal-clear lake are 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. Just be aware of your surroundings and use caution, as the water is chilly, currents can be strong and rocks beneath the surface can be slippery.
Biking Glacier National Park
Bicycling is permitted (including on 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.
Red Bus Glacier National Park Driving Tour
One of the best Glacier National Park tours, the Red Bus is iconic. The historic coaches have been transporting passengers for more than 100 years. With limited seating, it is essential to book in advance to ensure you get a spot.
Find more information about these activities and tours at one of the Visitor’s Centers.
Glacier National Park Itinerary Tips
Now that we have outlined the top things to do, we have some honest advice to help you plan your trip to Glacier.
Glacier National Park Fee
There are weekly (7-day) and Annual Glacier National Park passes – but no daily pass. The Weekly Glacier National Park Pass cost $35 and the Annual Pass $70.
These can be purchased in person at any entrance when the booths are staffed or online.
America The Beautiful Pass
If you plan on visiting 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 are included with an America The Beautiful Pass. The annual fee is $80 and can be purchased at GNP or online.
Daily Vehicle Use Ticket
Visitors will need to purchase a Entry Reservation Ticket for specific areas – including Going To The Sun Road.
Not only is there Going To The Sun Road ticketed entry, but visitors also need a Vehicle Reservation Pass to enter North Fork, Many Glacier and Two Medicine.
Each location has specific criteria – including the dates the passes are required and how long the passes are valid.
Find current information about when the extra ticket will be required and how to purchase it on the official GNP website.
Best Time To Visit Glacier National Park
Deciding when to visit is an important first step of planning your trip. Our above outlined itinerary is best suited for summer and autumn.
While the park is technically open year-round, activities are extremely limited during the long winter (which can last up to 6 months).
Car Rental for Glacier National Park
In most of our travels, we prefer to be car-free. In Montana, however, that is impossible. A key factor when planning your Glacier National Park 3 Day Itinerary is renting a car.
For our trip, we foolishly booked a compact car. Thankfully, we hit a stroke of good luck and were upgraded to a Subaru Forester. This was much better for navigating the roads in GNP!
Where To Stay at Glacier National Park
When we first started searching for places to stay in Glacier National Park, we were a bit overwhelmed.
Guests have a choice of accommodations inside the park, outside the west entrance, outside the east entrance and in nearby cities.
Staying Inside the Park
On site accommodations range from historic lodges and rustic cabins to reserved campgrounds and primitive camping sites.
While staying inside Glacier National Park would be epic, guests will need to plan their GNP trip itinerary far in advance.
Visitors who want a cabin or lodge 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.
Staying Outside the Park
In nearby towns like West Glacier, Coram and Hungry Horse, there are additional 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.
Travelers looking for unique accommodations should consider the Isaak Walton Inn. Located about halfway between the East and West entrances in Essex, visitors can opt to stay in one of the luxury converted train cars!
Before booking, use our tips for Finding the Best Deals!
Airbnb Glacier National Park
Luxury cabins, tiny homes, tipis and tent sites can all be found through Airbnb. While there are only a few listed inside the park, there are numerous options just beyond 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 Entrance.
The location was our main priority, but we absolutely loved having our own kitchen, BBQ, firepit, washer and dryer along with a very comfortable place to relax after long days exploring.
Read our Top Tips for Airbnb Guests!
Planning a Trip to Glacier National Park
When packing for Glacier National Park, you will want to make sure you have the right gear. We have a few final packing hacks for your Glacier NP trip.
Proper Shoes for Montana
Depending on which activities you plan, you will want to make sure you pack the right footwear! On our autumn trip, the trails were mostly dry.
I went with my everyday trainers and Kris wore Merrell trail shoes – and they both worked great for us!
However, a good pair of weather-proof hiking boots would be a better option in other seasons. Find more footwear tips in our reviews for The Best Travel Shoes.
Appropriate Apparel
The weather at Glacier is…unpredictable. We recommend wearing layers so that you can change your outfit as quickly as the Montana weather.
For hiking, it is best to wear comfortable clothing made of breathable, moisture-wicking material.
Of course, don’t forget essentials like sunglasses, a wide-brimmed travel hat, some sunscreen, a packable raincoat plus the Perfect Day Bag to pack them all in!
Travel Camera and Binoculars
To capture the beauty of GNP, use a proper camera and a zoom lens. We shoot with a Canon Rebel and a 18-135mm lens, which we actually thought was a slightly lacking for this trip.
Instead, we should have brought along our 55-250mm lens so that we could have taken better photos of wildlife. Binoculars are another thing we regret not having!
Organize your Glacier National Park Itinerary
Needless to say, staying organized is imperative when planning a Glacier trip itinerary! In addition to your daily sightseeing and hiking plans, you also need to keep track of reservations and tickets
We recommend using our Printable Travel Planner that has 26 pages and then you can get started right away!
More Travel Guides for Montana
We have also created articles that can help you plan your getaway to the whole region.
- Guide To Hiking Glacier National Park
- Things To Do in Whitefish, Montana
- What To Do in Kalispell, MT
- Day Trip to Missoula, MT
- Ultimate Montana Road Trip
Start planning your trip to Montana! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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 the State of 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 on California Highway 1, Columbia River Gorge and the Complete Coast Of Oregon!
Find it all on our dedicated USA Travel Page!
Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board.
