Glacier National Park offers an unforgettable summer road trip experience with its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and scenic drives. This guide provides a comprehensive 7-day itinerary, must-see attractions, camping tips, and specific activities for your Glacier adventure. From the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road to hidden gems like Bowman Lake, this road trip will take you through the heart of one of America’s most beautiful national parks.
What is the Best 7-Day Summer Road Trip Itinerary for Glacier National Park?
Day 1: Arrival and Orientation
- Arrive in Kalispell or Whitefish
- Drive to East Glacier (112 miles, 2.5 hours from Kalispell)
- Stops: Izaak Walton Inn, Goat Lick, Marias Pass
- Overnight: Glacier Park Lodge in East Glacier
Day 2: East Glacier to St. Mary
- Drive to St. Mary (112 miles, 4 hours)
- Explore Red Rocks Parkway
- Overnight: Waterton Townsite or St. Mary area
Day 3: Going-to-the-Sun Road
- Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road (50 miles each way)
- Key viewpoints: Wild Goose Island, Logan Pass, Hidden Lake Overlook
- Hike: Highline Trail or Hidden Lake Trail
- Return to St. Mary
Day 4: Many Glacier
- Drive to Many Glacier (60 miles, 2 hours)
- Boat ride on Lake Josephine
- Hike: Grinnell Glacier Trail or Iceberg Lake Trail
- Overnight: Many Glacier area
Day 5: Two Medicine
- Drive to Two Medicine (45 miles, 1.5 hours)
- Boat ride on Two Medicine Lake
- Hike: Twin Falls Trail
- Return to St. Mary or Lake McDonald area
Day 6: Bowman Lake
- Drive to Bowman Lake (102 miles round-trip, 4 hours)
- Stop at Polebridge Mercantile
- Picnic at Bowman Lake
- Return to Lake McDonald Lodge
Day 7: Lake McDonald and Departure
- Explore Lake McDonald
- Boat tour of Lake McDonald
- Drive to Whitefish for departure (51 miles, 1.25 hours)
What Are the Must-See Attractions in Glacier National Park?
- Lake McDonald
- GPS: 48.6123° N, 113.8861° W
- Visit duration: Half to full day
- Accessibility: Car via Going-to-the-Sun Road; boat tours
-
Amenities: Lodge, boat tours, hiking trails
-
Many Glacier
- GPS: 48.7942° N, 113.6561° W
- Visit duration: Full day
- Accessibility: Car; scenic boat rides
-
Amenities: Hotel, boat tours, hiking trails
-
Grinnell Glacier
- GPS: 48.7633° N, 113.7344° W
- Visit duration: Full day
- Accessibility: 10.3-mile round-trip hike
-
Amenities: Restrooms and picnic areas at trailhead
-
Logan Pass
- GPS: 48.6944° N, 113.7306° W
- Visit duration: Half to full day
- Accessibility: Car via Going-to-the-Sun Road
- Amenities: Visitor center, restrooms, hiking trails
What Are the Best Camping Tips for Glacier National Park?
Campsite Reservations
- Book through recreation.gov or call (877) 444-6777
- Highly recommended during peak season
Campgrounds and Amenities
| Campground | Season | Amenities | Max Vehicle Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apgar | Year-round | Flush toilets, water, picnic tables, fire pits | 40 feet |
| Fish Creek | Mid-May to early Oct | Flush toilets, water, picnic tables, fire pits | 35 feet |
| Many Glacier | Mid-May to early Oct | Flush toilets, water, picnic tables, fire pits | 35 feet |
Seasonal Availability
- Most campgrounds open mid-May to early October, weather dependent
What Specific Activities Are Available During a Summer Road Trip?
Guided Tours
- Red Bus Tours: Vintage 1930s buses
- Duration: Up to 9.5 hours
- Cost: Around $50 per person
Hiking Trails
- Highline Trail
- 7.6 miles one way
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
-
Starts at Logan Pass
-
Hidden Lake Overlook
- 2.7 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
-
Starts at Logan Pass
-
Avalanche Lake Trail
- 5.9 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
-
Starts near Lake McDonald
-
Grinnell Glacier Trail
- 10.3 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Starts from Lake Josephine boat dock
Wildlife Viewing
- Many Glacier: Grizzly bears, moose, mountain goats
- Going-to-the-Sun Road: Bighorn sheep, elk
Costs and Permits
- Park Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle (7-day pass)
- Timed Entry Tickets: Required for Going-to-the-Sun Road (peak season)
- Boat Tours: Prices vary; reservations recommended
By following this comprehensive guide for summer road trip ideas in Glacier National Park, you’ll experience the best the park has to offer, from breathtaking scenery to thrilling hikes and wildlife encounters. Remember to plan ahead, make reservations early, and always practice Leave No Trace principles to help preserve this natural wonder for future generations.
References:
1. Moon Travel Guides: Seven-Day Glacier National Park Road Trip
2. Earth Trekkers: The Ultimate Glacier National Park Itinerary for 1 to 5 Days
3. Modern Farmhouse Glam: The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Glacier National Park, Montana