Exploring Yellowstone and Glacier National Park in one week offers an unforgettable journey through America’s most stunning landscapes. This comprehensive guide provides a day-by-day itinerary, highlighting key attractions, scenic drives, and hiking trails. From geothermal wonders to glacial valleys, wildlife encounters to breathtaking vistas, this week-long adventure promises an immersive experience in two of the country’s most iconic national parks.
What is the Best Itinerary for Yellowstone and Glacier National Park in One Week?
Day 1: Arrival and Yellowstone’s North Entrance
- Arrive in Bozeman, Montana
- Drive to Yellowstone National Park (North Entrance)
- Explore Mammoth Hot Springs
Day 2: Yellowstone’s Wildlife and Geothermal Wonders
- Early morning wildlife viewing in Lamar Valley
- Visit Tower Fall and Petrified Tree
- Explore Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
- Discover Norris Geyser Basin
Day 3: Yellowstone’s Iconic Features
- Old Faithful geyser
- Midway Geyser Basin and Grand Prismatic Spring
- Fountain Paint Pots
- Optional hike to Lone Star Geyser
Day 4: Transition to Glacier National Park
- Depart Yellowstone through West Entrance
- Drive to Whitefish, Montana
- Optional stops at Virginia City or Butte
Day 5: Glacier National Park – Going-to-the-Sun Road
- Enter Glacier National Park (West Entrance)
- Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road
- Hike Hidden Lake Trail or Saint Mary Falls Trail
Day 6: Glacier National Park – Many Glacier Area
- Explore Many Glacier area
- Hike Highline Trail or take a boat tour on St. Mary Lake
- Optional visit to Two Medicine Lake
Day 7: Glacier National Park – Final Explorations
- Choose between hiking Iceberg Lake Trail or biking from Two Medicine Lake
- Gondola ride at Whitefish Mountain for panoramic views
What are the Must-See Attractions in Yellowstone National Park?
- Old Faithful Geyser
- Grand Prismatic Spring
- Mammoth Hot Springs
- Lamar Valley
- Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Old Faithful Geyser
- Eruption frequency: Every 35-120 minutes
- Average height: 130-140 feet
- Duration: 1.5 to 5 minutes
Grand Prismatic Spring
- Largest hot spring in the United States
- Diameter: 370 feet
- Depth: 160 feet
- Notable for its vibrant colors caused by thermophilic bacteria
How to Make the Most of Wildlife Viewing in Yellowstone?
- Best Locations:
- Lamar Valley
- Hayden Valley
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Mammoth Hot Springs area
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Optimal Times:
- Dawn and dusk for most wildlife
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Early morning for wolves and bears
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Safety Tips:
- Maintain safe distances (100 yards from bears and wolves, 25 yards from other wildlife)
- Use binoculars or spotting scopes
- Stay in your vehicle when viewing from roads
What are the Top Hiking Trails in Glacier National Park?
- Hidden Lake Trail
- Length: 5.3 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: Moderate
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Highlights: Mountain goats, panoramic views
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Highline Trail
- Length: 11.6 miles (one way)
- Difficulty: Challenging
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Highlights: Spectacular alpine scenery, wildlife sightings
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Iceberg Lake Trail
- Length: 9.6 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: Moderate
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Highlights: Stunning lake with floating icebergs
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Grinnell Glacier Trail
- Length: 10.6 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: Strenuous
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Highlights: Close-up views of receding glacier
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Avalanche Lake Trail
- Length: 4.5 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Highlights: Old-growth cedar forest, pristine lake
What is the Best Way to Experience Going-to-the-Sun Road?
- Plan for a full day to explore the road
- Start early to avoid crowds and catch the best light for photography
- Key stops:
- Logan Pass Visitor Center
- Wild Goose Island Overlook
- Jackson Glacier Overlook
- Lake McDonald
- Consider a Red Bus Tour for a guided experience
- Check road status before your visit, as it’s typically only fully open from late June to early October
How to Prepare for Changing Weather Conditions in Both Parks?
- Pack layers:
- Base layer: moisture-wicking materials
- Insulating layer: fleece or wool
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Outer layer: waterproof and windproof jacket
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Essential gear:
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Rain gear
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
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Warm hat and gloves (even in summer)
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Check weather forecasts daily
- Be prepared for sudden temperature changes, especially at higher elevations
- Carry extra clothing and emergency supplies on hikes
What are the Best Photography Opportunities in Yellowstone and Glacier?
Yellowstone National Park
- Grand Prismatic Spring at sunset
- Old Faithful eruption (try for a rainbow in the spray)
- Wildlife in Lamar Valley at dawn
- Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone from Artist Point
- Mammoth Hot Springs terraces
Glacier National Park
- Wild Goose Island on St. Mary Lake at sunrise
- Hidden Lake Overlook
- Many Glacier area reflections in Swiftcurrent Lake
- Going-to-the-Sun Road vistas
- Two Medicine Lake with Sinopah Mountain backdrop
Tips for Photographing in National Parks:
- Use a tripod for stability, especially in low light
- Experiment with different lenses (wide-angle for landscapes, telephoto for wildlife)
- Respect wildlife and maintain safe distances
- Be patient and wait for the right light
- Consider using neutral density filters for waterfall shots
By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll experience the best of Yellowstone and Glacier National Park in one week. Remember to respect wildlife, follow park regulations, and leave no trace to preserve these natural wonders for future generations.
References:
1. Yellowstone National Park Official Website
2. Glacier National Park Official Website
3. Epic Road Trip from Yellowstone to Glacier National Park
4. Perfect 7-Day Yellowstone, Grand Teton & Glacier Itinerary
5. Glacier to Yellowstone to Grand Teton National Park: 7-Day Road Trip