Glacier National Park Travel Guide: 3-Day Itinerary

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Day One: We’re Going-to-the-Sun!
• Day Two: We’re Living the High Life
• Day Three
• How to Get to Glacier National Park
• Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park
• Do You Need Reservations for Glacier? 
• Where to Stay Near Glacier National Park
• How to Get Around Glacier National Park
• Additional Tips for Visiting Glacier National Park
• Optional Add-Ons for a Longer Glacier Stay
• Is 3 Days Enough in Glacier National Park?

Ahh, Glacier. The National Park that you visit, get home, and then immediately start booking your next visit.

No, really, it’s that good. 

Sky-high views? Check. Animals around every bend? Check.

Crazy traffic and congestion? Che-oh, wait. That’s the one we don’t want.

No worries.

With this guide, we’ll steer you to the best sites the park has on offer, and we’ll include a few tips on how to beat the crowds.

Quick Tips and Reminders

This itinerary assumes you will start your journey from West Glacier, heading through to St. Mary along the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Please keep in mind that entering from the west side means you must have a vehicle reservation in addition to your National Park Pass.

You can, however, start your trip on Going-to-the-Sun in the opposite direction without a reservation, or you can start your drive before gate-check hours, in the early morning. 

The itinerary also recommends you spend one day in Many Glacier, which typically means you’ll need a vehicle reservation.

However, if you’re traveling in summer 2026, due to the ongoing construction, you’ll need something a little different: a shuttle reservation.

All of these reservations are booked on recreation.gov.

Still have no idea what I’m talking about? That’s okay. Get all the details on reservations in the park here. 

Day One: We’re Going-to-the-Sun!

On day one, start with Going-to-the-Sun Road. It’s the best way to get oriented, ease into the elevation, and understand why Glacier gets all the hype.

If you can, book your vehicle reservation for your first two full days and make the drive your first priority.

While you’ll pass Logan Pass today, save the hikes for tomorrow. Parking fills quickly, and the area really deserves its own dedicated day.

1. West Glacier

Rachel Ennis

• Duration: 15 minutes

The gateway town is just outside the west Going-to-the-Sun entrance. If you need to pick up anything, like coffee, gas, or bear spray, West Glacier is the last full-service town you'll see until the end of your 2-hour Going-to-the-Sun drive.

2. Apgar Village and Visitor Center

Rachel Ennis

• Duration: 30 min-1 hour

At the Apgar Visitor Center, you can browse exhibits, do some trip planning, stop by the restroom, and refill your water bottle.

It’s also where you can board the Going-to-the-Sun Shuttle. Apgar Village also has a cafe, gift shop, supply store, and more.

If you’re here early, it’s a nice place to watch the sun rise.

3. Lake McDonald Viewpoint

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• Duration: 5 minutes

This is where you'll take in your first views of Lake McDonald, the largest lake in Glacier National Park.

4. Lake McDonald Beach

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• Duration: 10 minutes

This quick stop lets visitors walk along the pebbly shores of McDonald Lake, admiring its famous rainbow rocks.

5. Sprague Creek Campground

GlacierNPS

• Duration: 5 minutes

This shady, lakeside campground has many picnic tables for your enjoyment.

6. McDonald Lodge

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• Duration: 30 minutes

Originally called the Lewis Glacier Hotel, it was built in 1914 by prospector John Lewis. This fine example of architecture is made of local stone and cedar.

7. McDonald Falls

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• Duration: 30 minutes

McDonald Falls is one of two short but beautiful rushing waterfalls located along the McDonald Creek Trail. The blue-green water and white foam is especially stunning on clear, sunny days.

8. Sacred Dancing Cascade

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• Duration: 30 minutes

The second of the two cascading McDonald Creek falls. Visitors can either stop at each roadside pullover or just take the McDonald's Creek Trail to visit both.

If you turn around at McDonald's Falls, the total time is only one hour, and about a mile long.

9. Trail of the Cedars

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• Duration: 30 minutes to 1.5 hours

The Trail of the Cedars is renowned for its Western Red Cedar and Hemlock rainforest.

The trail is an easy, flat, half-mile loop, although many hikers will choose to continue on to Avalanche Lake.

If you head to the lake,  budget somewhere from an hour to an hour and a half.

10. Avalanche Lake

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• Duration: 2 hours

To reach the famous lake, hikers will start at the Trail of the Cedars Trailhead. At four-and-a-half miles, or just over seven kilometers, the Avalanche Lake Trail passes through more rainforest, multiple waterfalls, and up to a crystal-clear glacial lake, reflecting Avalanche Peak.

11. Red Rock Point

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• Duration: 10 minutes

These rocks are made of compacted clay and oxidized iron, giving them their rusty red color.

This roadside stop features the clear blue waters of McDonald Creek, cascading over the red Grinnell rocks.

12. Mt. Cannon Overlook

Rachel Ennis

• Duration: 5 minutes

This is the overlook for the snow-dusted Mount Cannon. This triple-peaked mountain was formerly known as Mount Goat until 1901, when two daring newlyweds became the first people to summit it.

13. Mc.Donald Valley Overlook

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• Duration: 5 minutes

This overlook allows you to get a first view of the McDonald Valley before heading up to the higher altitudes of the Garden Wall.

14. The West Tunnel

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• Duration: 10 minutes

This tunnel has two full-length observational windows and viewing decks that look out at Heaven’s Peak and Lake McDonald Valley. You can either walk or just drive through on your way to The Loop.

15. The Loop

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• Duration: 30 minutes

The Loop is the steepest hairpin turn on the entire road and a major highlight for hikers. It’s the trailhead for some of the park’s most famous trails, like The Loop, Granite Park, and the Highline.

16. Bird Woman Falls Overlook

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• Duration: 10 minutes

Fed by snowmelt from Mount Oberlin and Mount Cannon, the falls are especially spectacular in late spring and early summer.

From the overlook, Bird Woman Falls, at 960 feet, is across the valley.

17. Paradise Meadow

National Park Service Digital Image Archives

• Duration: 5 minutes

Paradise Meadow overlook is a quick roadside stop that lets visitors see across the rolling hills and valleys of Glacier.

In spring, a blanket of vibrant wildflowers covers the hillside.

18. Oberlin Bend

U.S. Dept. of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Office of Federal Lands Highway

• Duration: 30 minutes

Oberlin Bend offers a ten-minute boardwalk trail offering great views of Logan Pass, the McDonald Valley, and, sometimes, the local mascots, Glacier's mountain goats.

19. Logan Pass

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• Duration: 1 hour

At a whopping 6,600 feet above sea level, Logan Pass is the highest elevation on the road. There's a lot to see and do here, including several famous trails and the Logan Pass Visitor Center.

If you’re aching for a hike, there are so many to do here. However, I would suggest saving exploring all that Logan Pass has to offer for tomorrow. Getting here early means better parking, no rush, and lots of chances for wildlife.

20. Lunch Creek

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• Duration: 10 minutes`

Hidden in a hairpin turn, Lunch Creek Pullover is where water cascades down Pollock Mountain. Take a short walk down to the observation deck to take in the sights and sounds.

21. Piegan Pass

GlacierNPS

• Duration: 5 minutes without a hike

Piegan Pass is a popular hike, but at over nine miles long, it’s definitely a full-day adventure.

First, the trail follows along Siyeh Creek, through a thick, spruce-fir forest, and up to the barren, rocky pass between Siyeh and the Cataract Mountains.

22. Jackson Glacier Overlook

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• Duration: 10 minutes

Jackson Glacier Overlook is where you can see Jackson, the park’s 7th largest remaining glacier, and learn a little about glaciers and their fate in the park.

23. St. Mary Falls

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• Duration: 1-3 hours

If you’re up for a short hike, I highly recommend the St. Mary Falls Trail. It’s only one-and-a-half miles to the falls and back, with less than 200 feet of elevation change.

If you want to double your falls, you can take the trail down to Virginia Falls, for a total of three miles round trip.

24. Siyeh Pass

Rachel Ennis

• Duration: 30 minutes

This quick hike is great to take on its own or with St. Mary's Falls. It’s just over a mile to Baring Falls and back.

25. Sun Point

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• Duration: 10 minutes, 3 hours with a hike

The picture-perfect promontory of Sun Point is a great place to look out over St. Mary Lake.

You may also want to set out on the Sun Point Nature Trail, a two-mile or three-kilometer hike that offers stunning views of Saint Mary Lake, Baring Falls, and Red Eagle Mountain.

26. Wild Goose Island Lookout

Rachel Ennis

• Duration: 10 minutes

Wild Goose Island lookout is a fun place to stop and practice your photography skills. From left to right, you’ll see the following mountains:

• Red Eagle
• Mahtotopa
• Little Chief
• Dusty Star, and
• Citadel

27. The Narrows Overlook

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• Duration: 5 minutes

This overlook looks out at The Narrows and The Golden Staircase, the narrowest channel of the lake and the retaining wall built to support the banks.

28. Rising Sun Boat Dock

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• Duration: 5 minutes

This is a great spot to dip your toes in the waters of St. Mary Lake, watch boaters, or maybe even set sail yourself.

29. Rising Sun Picnic Area

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• Duration: 5 minutes

This lakeside picnic area is one of the final stops before exiting the eastern Going-to-the-Sun gate.

30. St. Mary Visitor Center

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• Duration: 30 minutes

At the St. Mary Visitor Center, you can browse the bookstore and exhibits and watch a film on the history of the park. You can also swing by the restroom and fill up your water bottles.

31. St. Mary Historic Ranger Station

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• Duration: 30 minutes

This "secret stop" is missed by most people. Only about 500 feet down Beaver Pond Trail, this historic ranger station was built in 1913 and housed one of the earliest park rangers.

32. Head Back Down 

• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Head back down the Going-to-the-Sun Road, stopping at either St. Mary’s Lake or Apgar Lake to enjoy the sunset, depending on time.

Day Two: We’re Living the High Life

Are you ready for the Highline? Carved into the Garden Wall above Going-to-the-Sun Road, this hike delivers nonstop views with relatively modest elevation gain—at least by Glacier standards. 

1. And Up We Go Again

Today, we’re heading straight to Logan Pass. Don’t forget to stock up on supplies in West Glacier or at your hotel to prepare for the long, full day ahead. 

What you’ll need: 

• Walking sticks,
• Layered clothes,
• Picnic lunch,
• Snacks,
• Water (lots of it!),
• Bug spray,
• And comfortable hiking shoes

2. Highline Trail

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• Duration: Full Day

One of the most popular trails on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park is a spectacular 11.8-mile path that follows the Continental Divide, offering:

• breathtaking views of alpine meadows
• rugged mountain peaks
• and diverse wildlife

If you only do one long trail in the park, this should be the one.

Grinnell Glacier Overlook

At 6.9 miles in, you have the option to add in the Grinnell Glacier Overlook Trail. It adds about 1.8 miles round-trip, and is well worth the effort, with views of the Grinnell and Salamander Glaciers.

Just know that, even though it’s short, it’s very, very steep.

Once you reach the Granite Chalet, you’ll have a decision to make.

You can either continue down to the Loop and hop a shuttle back up to Logan Pass, or just turn around and head back the way you came.

Heading back adds about 4 extra miles, but it keeps enjoying the best views, and out of the hottest sections. 

Continuing down to the Loop saves you time and mileage, but the views down towards the Loop aren’t as nice.

You may end up waiting a long time for a shuttle…sometimes, up to an hour.

Oh, and be sure you aren’t going to miss the last shuttle up…that would be bad. 

Day Three

Ahh, Many Glacier. Where there are—yes—many glaciers. Grinnell, Swiftcurrent, Salamander, and Josephine all make an appearance, backed by icy-blue streams and sharp white peaks.

And the bear population? They do not care about your schedule… but they care very much about your lunch.

With just one day here, we’ll keep it focused: a scenic drive through the valley, plus a few shorter hikes that deliver big views without eating the whole day.

1. Lake Sherburne Dam

Rachel Ennis

• Duration: 5 minutes

Construction of the Sherburne Dam was headed by the U.S. Reclamation Service in 1914, just four years after the park was established.

This flooded and created the Sherburne Lake, a popular stop for thirsty animals and adventurous visitors.

2. Apikuni Fall Trailhead

• Duration: 90 minutes

The 1.6-mile out-and-back trail starts across from the south shore of Lake Sherburne and winds through peaceful forests with great views of the falls.

You'll cross a footbridge over Apikuni Creek, where the cascade plunges in multiple stepped tiers for an impressive 100-foot drop.

3. Many Glacier Hotel

Shutterstock Image

• Duration: 30 minutes

Opened in 1915, the Many Glacier Hotel's old-world architecture was designed to woo wealthy Americans with a taste of European grandeur to Montana's wild and rugged peaks.

The soaring 4-story central lobby features giant cedar columns and an enormous stone fireplace.

Be sure to step inside to check it out!

4. Swiftcurrent Lake

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• Duration: 30 minutes

There is a lot to see and do at Swiftcurrent Lake, including some amazing trails!

Swiftcurrent Nature Trail

First up is one of my favorite short trails, the 1-mile round-trip Swiftcurrent Nature Trail. This flat, easy loop encircles the crystalline Swiftcurrent Lakeshore, offers great views of Grinnell Point, and is a perfect choice for families, or if you’re just looking to finish out the day with a quick hike.

But there are many longer trail options, too, including:

• The Continental Divide Trail
• The Cracker Lake Trail
• and the Grinnell Glacier Trail

Considering the long day yesterday, I’d recommend sticking to the quick Swiftcurrent Nature Trail. 

This lowers the total hiking distance to just 7 miles, or 11 kilometers round-trip, while still hitting all of the highlights.

Or, if you’d rather do the whole thing, just wait for our next stop at the official trailhead and do the entire 10 miles.

If you don’t have a reservation for the Chief Two-Guns wooden boat, you can always check to see when the next available departure is. Just remember to book a return in time, too!

5. Grinnell Glacier Trailhead-(Full-Day Add-On Option)

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• Duration: full day

Grinnell Glacier is one of the park's most popular hikes, and for good reason. It starts out low, circling along the shimmering lake, but after a couple of miles, up and up you go.

From the high hills, you’ll look over at:

• Josephine Lake
• Angel Wing
• and Mount Gould

Continuing the trek upward reveals your first look at Grinnell Glacier—one of the most photographed locations in the park.

From the trailhead, it’s a little over 10 miles, or 16 kilometers, there and back.

6. Nell's American and Swiftcurrent Motor Inn

• Duration: 30 minutes

If you’ve worked up an appetite, you might wanna stop in for a bite at Nell’s Restaurant. Just beside the hotel lobby, it has burgers, sandwiches, and other tasty, quick-lunch fare.

They also offer boxed lunches to go. Also, by the hotel is a camp store. If you want some groceries, camping supplies, or souvenirs, that’s your stop.

7. Swiftcurrent Trailhead

• Duration: 2 hours-Full Day

There are a lot of hikes in this part of the park. Let's start by explaining Swiftcurrent Trailhead.

My personal recommendation is to make the hike to Red Rock Falls.

It’s just over 2 and a half miles there and back, and along the way, you’ll skirt along the beautiful Redrock Lake—a favorite hangout for the local moose.

Then, you’ll admire the striking red-purple rocks of the falls, which, if you’re there in the early fall, you may see spawning brook trout jumping their way back upstream.

This portion is relatively flat and not as well-known as some of the other hikes.

For a day hike, that’s probably where you’ll turn around.

The trail continues along Bullhead Lake and then joins up with Swiftcurrent Pass. This pass continues all the way to the famous Granite Park Chalet.

Now, if that sounds familiar, it’s because Swiftcurrent ends all the way back at the Going-to-the-Sun Road and the Loop’s end of the Highline Trail, which you hiked yesterday.

One way, that’s a whopping 7.6 miles or just over 12 kilometers.

Iceberg-Ptarmigan Trail (Full-Day Add-on Option)

And now, trailhead number 2, Iceberg-Ptarmigan. These trails are long, so if you decide to do them, they should be all you do for the day.

Personally, with such a long hiking day prior, I’d stick to the shorter ones I have suggested, or even Grinnell Glacier, if you have an extra day.

One of the big crowd-pleasers here is the Iceberg-Ptarmigan Trail.

It's pretty steep, though, and recommended for those in good physical condition. It's 2.7 miles to the first fork.

There, you can take the 2.1-mile Iceberg Trail up to the turquoise Iceberg Lake, reflecting towering arêtes laden with snow.

If you go to the lake and back, it’s 9.6 miles, or 16 kilometers, total. Instead of branching off at the fork, you can keep straight for another 2 and a half miles to see the historic 1930 Ptarmigan Tunnel.

It’s a 250-foot tunnel carved straight through the mountain at a breathtaking—literally and metaphorically—7,200-foot elevation.

Optional Hikes

Some hikers will choose to go about half a mile past the tunnel exit to take in the fabulous view of Mount Merritt and Sun Glacier.

But keep in mind that you either have to return the way you came, or else be prepared for a multi-day backpack through Red Rock Pass.

It’s 8 miles to the tunnel entrance and back, and if you tried to do both the tunnel and the lake, you’re looking at just over 12 miles, or 19 kilometers altogether.

8. Swiftcurrent Overlook

• Duration: 5 minutes

This quick roadside overlook offers some great views of Swiftcurrent Lake, Many Glacier Lodge, and maybe some local mountain goats. A great chance to say goodbye!

9. Cattle Baron Supper Club

• Duration: 1 hour

The Cattle Baron Supper Club is conveniently located right at the highway junction as you exit the park.

This longtime family establishment, run by the Burns family since 1915, is renowned for its mouthwatering steaks and live music entertainment.

What a great way to wind down the day!

How to Get to Glacier National Park

Rachel Ennis

Fly into Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) for West Glacier or Great Falls Airport (GTF) for East Glacier. From either airport, drive to the park—rental cars are essential. Expect scenic routes, potential wildlife crossings, and occasional construction delays.

Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park

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Late June through September is the sweet spot, once Going-to-the-Sun Road fully opens. July and August offer peak access, peak crowds, and peak everything. June and September are quieter, but snow can limit trails and services. Winter is stunning—and largely inaccessible unless you’re snowshoeing or skiing.

Do You Need Reservations for Glacier?

Yes, and they matter. During peak season, vehicle reservations are required for Going-to-the-Sun Road and some other areas. Lodging, campgrounds, and popular hikes also book far in advance. If you don’t plan ahead, you’ll still get in—but your options narrow fast.

Where to Stay Near Glacier National Park

Rachel Ennis

Staying Inside the Park

Staying inside Glacier means unbeatable access and limited flexibility. 

• Village Inn Motel, Lake McDonald Lodge, Rising Sun Motor Inn, Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, and Many Glacier Hotel can be booked here.
• Apgar Village Lodge and Motel Lake McDonald, are booked here.
• And then there’s the backcountry Sperry Chalet and Granite Park Chalet.

You’ll trade modern amenities for location—but waking up inside the park is hard to beat.

Tip: Book early. We’re talking months and months in advance.

Lodging Options Near West Glacier

West Glacier offers the widest range of hotels, cabins, and vacation rentals. It’s convenient, busy, and well-organized for first-time visitors.

You’ll have easy access to Going-to-the-Sun Road, plus restaurants, gas, and supplies just outside the gate.

Where to Stay on the East Side

The east side is quieter, wilder, and closer to Many Glacier. Lodging options are fewer and simpler, and off-season leaves you with limited dining options.

It’s a good choice if Many Glacier is a priority and you’re okay with fewer services and longer drives.

How to Get Around Glacier National Park

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Driving Tips & Restrictions

Driving is the most flexible way to see the park, but it comes with limits. Roads are narrow, pullouts fill quickly, and vehicle size restrictions apply on Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Start early, stay patient, and don’t expect to improvise parking at midday.

And most importantly, don’t forget your vehicle reservations for Going-to-the-Sun, Many Glacier, and North Fork.

Using the Free Shuttle Service

Glacier’s free shuttle runs along Going-to-the-Sun Road and solves a lot of parking headaches. It’s efficient, scenic, and easy to use—but it won’t get you everywhere.

It’s a great option if you fail to secure a vehicle reservation.

Additional Tips for Visiting Glacier National Park

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Wildlife Safety & Bear Awareness

Glacier is active bear country—both black and grizzly. Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and hike aware, not distracted.

Follow food storage rules and give wildlife space. Seeing bears is common here; causing problems doesn’t have to be.

Packing Essentials for Your Trip

Pack layers. Always. The weather changes fast, even in summer. Bring:

• water
• sun protection
• sturdy shoes,
• and bear spray

Cell service is limited, so download maps and info ahead of time. Overprepare slightly—you’ll be glad you did..

Optional Add-Ons for a Longer Glacier National Park Stay

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Two Medicine Region

Two Medicine is quieter, scenic, and often overlooked. Short hikes, lakes, and big views without the crowds.

It’s a good add-on if you want a slower pace and fewer people.

Personally, it’s one of my favorite places in Glacier. It’s just way more peaceful, and absolutely packed with wildlife.

North Fork & Goat Haunt Areas

The North Fork is rougher, wilder, and road-trip friendly. Expect gravel roads, fewer services, and standout solitude. Goat Haunt is remote and rewarding—but more worth it if you’ve got extra time and solid planning.

Is 3 Days Enough in Glacier National Park?

Three days is enough to see some of Glacier’s highlights—but not enough to see everything.

Going-to-the-Sun Road and Many Glacier make a strong core itinerary.

You’ll leave with sore legs, a full camera roll, and a list of places you didn’t get to.

That’s normal. Just gives you more to look forward to the next time. 

Explore all of Glacier National Park with Shaka Guide

Are you all about those scenic drives? Epic hikes? Secret side-stops? No matter what your heart longs for, Shaka Guide can get you there.

We’re here to make your vacation a dream come true–no headaches, no planning, just good times, good views, and even better memories.

About the Writer: Rachel Ennis

Rachel Ennis is a storyteller, nature nerd, and park enthusiast who believes every trail has a tale. Before venturing into Glacier National Park, she knew its dramatic peaks and glacial-carved landscapes would leave an impression—but what truly surprised her was how deeply they stayed with her.

It’s more than just the views; it’s the cold clarity of alpine air, the stillness of high lakes, and the sense of time stretching far beyond the present moment. Today, she’s continuing on her mission to share the stories that live in the land and the spaces that make us feel small in the best way.

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