A Local’s Glacier National Park Itinerary: 1 to 7 Perfect Days

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Let me help you put together your Glacier National Park itinerary!

Whether you are looking to spend several days in the park or just a weekend, there are some stops you want to make the time to see when you’re headed to Glacier, which is why I put together this Glacier National Park itinerary!

After growing up there, I found a few spots that I highly recommend—and a few I think can be skipped. Having an itinerary can help you to make the most of your time there while also giving you an opportunity to enjoy the magnificent nature in the area.

This itinerary for Glacier National Park covers one day to one week, which should be plenty of time to enjoy the park. If you only have three days or less, I’ve front loaded this Glacier National Park itinerary so you can see the most popular spots first. (If you can, stay longer so you can check out some of Glacier’s hidden gems!)

Use my Glacier National Park itinerary to plan up to a week!

Quick tip: Don’t forget to have some time out of the park to explore the Flathead Valley–there’s a lot to see there too!

How many days do I need in Glacier National Park?

The time you’d like to spend at the park is totally up to you and what you enjoy. I’ve known locals who make it a weekend ritual in the summer and can’t get enough of the place! That being said, you can still take in most of the sights in just one day if that’s what works best for you.

When putting together your Glacier National Park itinerary, I’d suggest planning for at least three days. But hey, if you have up to seven days, you’ll have ample time to see all the main attractions and take part in a bunch of fun hiking adventures!

Glacier National Park itinerary: the perfect 3 days

This itinerary covers if you have 1 to 3 days available, but I will be covering more options of things to do later in this article. This Glacier National Park itinerary is built on the premise that you are staying on the west side of the park. It can be completed in reverse if you are staying on the east side.

Day 1: Apgar Village, Lake McDonald, and the Trail of the Cedars

Today is a quiet day exploring the western side of the park. Immediately after the entrance, you will enter Apgar Village. Take some time to wander the grounds, check out the visitor’s center, or visit the shores of the lake. There is also some delicious ice cream here worth tasting too.

After that, head down the shore of Lake McDonald until you reach the lodge. Built in 1914, it’s the perfect place to relax with a picnic lunch and enjoy the gorgeous views. If you would like, you can also take a boat ride from the nearby dock—the tours are informative and you might even spot some wildlife heading down to the water for a drink–I highly recommend it for your Glacier National Park itinerary!

For those looking for a little extra to end their day, head over to the Trail of the Cedars. Much of the trail is on a boardwalk, so tourists of all ages can experience the running rivers and smell of the large trees.

If you want to take on a slightly more difficult hike, consider the Avalanche Lake Trail. It connects from Trail of the Cedars, so all you have to do is just keep hiking in order to reach it.

Day 2: Going-to-the-Sun, Logan Pass, and hiking

For those who want to check out the best hikes in Glacier National Park, some of the most famous and beautiful hikes are located at Logan Pass. You need to take Going-to-the-Sun Road in order to get there, so it’s worth it to get up pretty early in order to get both in. Parking spaces fill up fast—skip the extra 30 minutes of sleep so you can be up there at 7:00 am sharp.

Going-to-the-Sun is an impressive feat of engineering, and you will have to take it slow because of the steep drop. There are several stops along the way that include openings to short trails and springs worth checking out if you have the time.

Once you reach Logan Pass, you have the option to hike a number of different trails. For day hikes, I recommend Hidden Lake and the Highline Trail. They offer beautiful views and will get you back to your campsite by dinner. Of course, for those who want a more extensive hike, you will have to plan accordingly and make sure you have a backcountry permit if necessary.

Day 3: Whitewater rafting, fly fishing, or horseback riding

Take a break from hiking today (aren’t you relieved?) and head out on some other adventurous activities instead. Almost all tours depart from West Glacier, so keep that in mind when you’re booking your trip or move this day to another one if you plan on camping in the park. Glacier National Park rafting is definitely something you should check out.

The area has a number of different whitewater rafting companies–all are reputable and known for doing a good job of taking care of their customers on some pretty crazy rapids. I recommend this tour here. They’ve been around for several years and also offer additional tours that include fly fishing. (You can’t beat the rivers here!)

Glacier is also known for its horseback riding trails, which can be a fun activity if you have some kids or you are tired of walking. Horses were used before cars to transport people and items throughout the park and it’s fun to step back in time with a ride.

Another reason to book horseback riding is that you can start the trail at a number of different spots–not just at Apgar! It’s also quite affordable at around $45 for a day. Here’s some more information if horseback riding appeals to you.

Extended Glacier National Park itinerary

If you have some extra time, you’re going to want to make sure to add these things to do in Glacier to your itinerary! You’re extra lucky that you have the time to explore some of the less-visited parts of the park. These activities are located on the east side of the park, so keep that in mind when planning!

Day 4: Grinnell Glacier Trail, Lake Josephine, Many Glacier Hotel

It’s back to the trail for the memorable Grinnell Glacier hike. Named after the man who was an integral part of establishing the park, you get the chance to touch glacier ice today. Be warned–this hike is not for the faint of heart, and those who don’t want to push themselves too hard should opt for one of the other best hikes in Glacier National Park.

It’s about seven miles round trip, and make sure to bring your bear spray since this is a spot heavily populated by momma grizzlies and babies in the summer.

After your hike, relax in the cold waters of Lake Josephine, located close to the trailhead for Grinnell. This is a great opportunity to take a boat ride if you haven’t on Lake McDonald, and if you are staying at the Swiftcurrent Inn it makes for an easy day. If you are staying on the west side of the park, you’ll want to get up super early for this hike so you can get back decently for the evening.

To finish the day, head to the Many Glacier Hotel and grab some lunch or a snack. This historic hotel is a must-see for those looking to enjoy a quick bite before heading off on your next hike.

Day 5: St. Mary, Goat Haunt, and hiking

The east side of the park is a hiker’s paradise, and it’s often where multi-day hikes begin on your Glacier National Park itinerary. However, if you are only in the park for three days, it’s still worth visiting. First, make a stop at Lake St. Mary—site of numerous movie shoots and some of the clearest water in the United States. You can take a boat cruise here or just enjoy the cool water on your feet.

Many head to Goat Haunt as their introduction to Waterton National Park, but you don’t have to head across the border if you don’t want to. It’s also the site of a great day hike if you are willing to strap on your hiking boots again.

This is another location is where backpackers start their journeys into the wilderness for a few days, but you can also walk to a few waterfalls and turn back if you don’t want it to be a multi-day affair–definitely something to keep in mind when you’re on a Montana road trip.

Day 6: Iceberg Lake hike or quiet day

Another day, another hike. For those looking for the ultimate Instagram picture, Iceberg Lake is the ideal hike for you. However, it’s not easy and might be the most difficult on this Glacier National Park itinerary. Plan to spend the whole day on this hike and bring a decent-sized lunch and enough water to last you throughout the day.

You’ll hike through nine miles of amazing scenery and have the chance to spot bears (again, bring your spray!), moose, deer, and mountain goats. You will gain some elevation during the latter part of the hike, so make sure you’re physically prepared to handle it.

If you would like a quieter day, consider a shorter hike like Twin Falls or Baring Falls. Both start in the Two Medicine area of the park and lead you to some great Glacier National Park waterfalls.

Day 7: North Fork Area and Polebridge Mercantile

Venture into the North Fork area and Polebridge of Glacier National Park for a serene and off-the-beaten-path experience. This lesser-known region offers a unique blend of picturesque landscapes, delightful encounters with wildlife, and a taste of local charm.

If you’re up for a bit of adventure, consider taking a hike to one of the nearby hidden gems like Bowman Lake or Kintla Lake. These trails offer stunning views and a chance to spot wildlife such as bears, moose, and deer in their natural habitat.

While the hikes in the North Fork area might be less strenuous compared to some other parts of the park, it’s still important to be prepared with adequate supplies and a keen sense of adventure.

A visit to the Polebridge Mercantile wouldn’t be complete without indulging in their legendary bear claw pastries. These delightful treats are the perfect reward after a day of exploring the North Fork area of Glacier National Park.

Each bear claw is meticulously crafted with layers of flaky, buttery pastry dough, enveloping a scrumptious filling made from local ingredients. Take a bite, and you’ll instantly understand why these pastries have become a must-try staple for visitors and locals alike.

Quick tip: Get there early since the bear claws are often sold out by afternoon!

Information on Glacier National Park reservations

Glacier National Park requires reservations for the 2024 season. To find out more, head to my guide on Glacier National Park reservations so you know how to get them and you’re prepared before you go!

For the year 2024, visitors must reserve a vehicle for three specific areas of Glacier National Park, namely Going-to-the-Sun Road, the North Fork, and Many Glacier.

It is important to note that each location has distinct particulars that necessitate a separate reservation. Check out my guide on Glacier National Park reservations in order to find out more.

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Best restaurants near Glacier National Park

There isn’t a ton of amazing dining within the park itself, but there are some West Glacier restaurants that serve up some good dishes. If you are planning on staying within the park, consider the chalets and lodges as your main places for food. These Glacier National Park restaurants are located right near or in the park itself.

Freda’s

190 Going-to-the-Sun Rd

+1 406-888-5359

This is one of the few restaurants within the park worth checking out. You have very basic dishes here, but it serves as a good way to eat up before your hike. It’s also a good spot for families and those looking for some huckleberry-flavored goodies.

Belton Grill

12575 US-2

+1 406-888-5000

Hidden away from the main drag is the Belton Chalet, where you can find some fine dining right outside the park. This historic lodge (built in 1910) was one of the first structures to house tourists traveling on the Great Northern Railway. Now, it has a restaurant created to honor that past. I recommend sneaking this spot into your Glacier National Park itinerary if you can!

Can’t-miss things to do in Glacier National Park

There’s so much to do in the area, and it’s hard to narrow down the best things to do in Glacier National Park to just five! However, there are some certain areas that I think you must visit while you are there. This itinerary covers all of these, but if you do choose to skip one or two days, make sure to see these spots for sure! Whether you are looking for 3 days in Glacier National Park or more, you don’t want to miss these.

Going-to-the-Sun Road

This is Montana’s most famous road, and for good reason. Make sure that if you are planning to see Going-to-the-Sun Road that you’re comfortable driving in tight areas, and I recommend folding your side mirrors in just in case. Take it slow and enjoy the stunning views on the side. You might also see some bears if you’re really on the lookout.

Lake McDonald

I have a soft spot for Lake McDonald since I was married there, but it’s also one of the clearest lakes in the country. I recommend taking a boat tour from the Lake McDonald Lodge if you can (they run several times a day) or braving the water and taking a swim. Watch out! It’s cold!

Logan Pass

You’ll reach Logan Pass as you go up Going-to-the-Sun. It’s also where you will want to start most of your hikes. Be sure to get up super early in order to get a parking spot, or consider taking the shuttle system. It can get really popular there later in the day, so if you want to make sure you have a spot without waiting for hours, then you’ll want to arrive as early as you can.

Avalanche Lake Trail

If you’re going to go on any hike while on your Glacier National Park itinerary, then make sure to take the time for the Avalanche Lake Trail. It’s not a super hard hike and the views offered are an amazing reward. Again, just make sure you arrive early in the morning since it gets crowded quickly during the day.

You can start the hike at the Trail of the Cedars, which is a great introduction to all that Glacier National Park has to offer and is great for those with kids or those with accessibility concerns. You also get to see one of the most beautiful lakes in Montana!

Highline Trail Hike

While there are so many hikes in Glacier, knowing which ones to choose from can be tough. If you’re looking for something that is a bit easier, I recommend the Highline Trail since it offers some incredible views without being taxing. If you are afraid of heights, then it might not be the best option, since you will be near a cliff’s edge for the first part of the hike.

Tips for visiting Glacier National Park

Here are some tips I’ve found helpful living near Glacier National Park.

• Pack layers and be prepared for changing weather: Glacier National Park’s weather can be unpredictable, so make sure to bring clothing that can be easily layered. This way, you’ll stay comfortable whether it’s sunny, rainy, or chilly!
• Plan your hikes ahead of time: The park offers a variety of stunning trails for hikers of all levels. Do some research before your trip to identify the best hikes for your fitness level and interests, and remember to always carry a map and check trail conditions.
• Respect wildlife and keep your distance: You might encounter some of Glacier National Park’s incredible wildlife during your visit. Remember to observe them from a safe distance, never feed them, and always follow park guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and the animals.
• Visit popular spots during off-peak hours: Some attractions, like Logan Pass and Going-to-the-Sun Road, can get quite crowded during peak hours. Consider visiting these popular spots early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the rush and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
• Take advantage of ranger-led programs: Park rangers offer a variety of educational programs and guided walks throughout the summer months. Be sure to check out the schedule and participate in these activities to learn more about the park’s history, geology, and wildlife – it’s both fun and informative!

Conclusion

In conclusion, Glacier National Park is truly a remarkable destination that offers something for everyone–from awe-inspiring vistas and thrilling hikes to serene moments in nature and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

As someone who lived near Glacier growing up, this itinerary should give you a chance to see almost everything in the park without pushing yourself too hard.

What would you add any of this to your Glacier National Park itinerary? Let me know in the comments!