If you’re looking to maximize your vacation by combining Glacier and Yellowstone National Park in one trip, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure.
How Many Days Do You Need for Glacier and Yellowstone?
Visiting both parks in one trip requires some careful planning to ensure you see both highlights and lesser-known spots.
- 7-10 Days: With a week or more, you can spend 3-4 days in Glacier National Park and 3-4 days in Yellowstone National Park, plus travel time between the two parks.
- 10-14 Days: If you have more time, consider adding extra days to enjoy the surrounding areas. You could explore Flathead Lake near Glacier, spend a day in Missoula, or venture off to Bozeman or Big Sky.
Best Airports for Your Glacier and Yellowstone Trip
To make your travel easier, here are the best airports to fly into and out of:
- Fly Into: Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, MT
- This is the closest airport to Glacier National Park, just 30 minutes from the park’s West Entrance.
- Fly Out Of: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) in Bozeman, MT
- Located about 1.5 hours from Yellowstone’s West Entrance, Bozeman is a great place to fly out of.
Alternatively, you could fly out of Billings Logan International Airport (BIL), which is located about 3 hours from Yellowstone.
Best Routes for Traveling Between Glacier and Yellowstone
The drive between Glacier and Yellowstone is one of the highlights of the trip. Here are the two most popular routes:
- Route 1: Flathead Lake and Missoula
- This route takes you from Glacier down the western side of Montana, past Flathead Lake. Stop in Polson for a swim or rent a kayak. Then, continue through Missoula, where you can grab a bite at a local brewery or take a quick hike to the M on Mount Sentinel. Continue east on I-90 to Bozeman before heading south to Gardiner and to the North Entrance of Yellowstone.
- Total drive time: 7-8 hours (approx. 375 miles)
- Route 2: US-2 and I-90
- This quieter route takes you east from Glacier on US-2 before connecting to I-90. You’ll pass through rural plains and small Montana towns, giving you a more off-the-beaten-path experience. This route is less scenic.
- Total drive time: 8-9 hours (approx. 400 miles)
Pick the Right Season For You
Summer (July to August) is the most popular time to visit, offering warm weather, full access to park roads and trails, and wildlife activity. It’s ideal for hikers, photographers, and families, but expect larger crowds.
Fall (September to early October) is a quieter time to visit, with cooler temperatures and stunning fall foliage. Wildlife is still active, making it a great season for spotting elk, bison, and bears.
Winter (December to March) transforms both parks into snow-covered landscapes, perfect for those seeking winter activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling in Yellowstone. However, many areas of Glacier are inaccessible due to snow.
Spring (April to June) offers the promise of blooming wildflowers and newborn wildlife, but snow can still linger in higher elevations, and some park roads may remain closed.
Ultimately, the best season depends on your preferred activities and whether you prioritize access to all areas, fewer crowds, or seasonal scenery.
Tips to Visit Montana on a Budget
- Visit During the Shoulder Season: Travel in late spring (April-May) or early fall (September-October) to avoid peak prices for lodging and activities while still enjoying great weather and fewer crowds. Just be careful, the Going-to-the-Sun Road does not open usually until late June or early July. Roads may close due to weather.
- Camp or Stay in Budget Accommodations: Skip pricey hotels by staying in campgrounds, budget motels, or vacation rentals. Many campgrounds in and around Glacier and Yellowstone offer affordable options.
- Use National Park Passes: Purchase an America the Beautiful National Park Pass ($80 for the year) for access to both Glacier and Yellowstone, as well as other federal lands, instead of paying separate entrance fees.
- Cook Your Own Meals: Save on food by grocery shopping and preparing your own meals. Look for local farmers’ markets for fresh and affordable ingredients. Pack a cooler full of sandwiches and fruit to eat during your days of hiking and driving.
- Take Advantage of Free Activities: Hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives are free and plentiful in Montana. Prioritize activities that don’t require guides or expensive equipment rentals.
- Use GNP Park Shuttles: Glacier National Park offers a free shuttle service along Going-to-the-Sun Road, reducing the need for gas or parking fees. Be sure to pack along enough water and snacks, as food options are limited in the park.
- Book Flights Early: If flying, book your tickets months in advance to secure the best rates, and compare prices by flying into alternate airports like Missoula or Bozeman, which may offer cheaper fares than Glacier.
- Travel with Friends or Family: Split costs for lodging, car rentals, and food with a group. This can significantly reduce per-person expenses for accommodations and transportation.
- Choose Free or Low-Cost Attractions: Many towns offer free outdoor attractions like Flathead Lake or Bannack State Park, where entrance fees are minimal.
- Limit Paid Tours and Excursions: While guided tours can be helpful, they can also be costly. Instead, research local trails, wildlife viewing spots, and scenic routes to create your own self-guided tours.
Activities in Montana
When planning a trip to MT, there is by no means a shortage of activities, and there is so much to explore. Anyone who has spent time here knows it would take a lifetime to explore all that Montana has to offer—this does not include all the things we would willingly do again and again. Of course, what you do and can do largely depends on the season and weather.
Activities in Glacier National Park:
Activities in Yellowstone:
- Watch Old Faithful Erupt
- Visit Grand Prismatic Spring
- Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
- Wildlife Spotting
- Take a Scenic Drive
Hiking in Glacier
There is no better way to enjoy nature than on foot. Once the summer rolls around, the snow melts, and the trails dry out, it’s time to explore gorgeous nature.
Hiking Guides
Where to Stay
Make sure to book accommodation in advance when planning a trip to Glacier and Yellowstone! Hotels often have no vacancies in the summer months. For some great help, check out our round-up of the best places to stay in/near Glacier and our favorite places to stay in/near Yellowstone. These are our favorite choices and will ensure you have a great time during your trip.
Additional Tips for Visiting Glacier and Yellowstone in One Trip
- Book Early: Both parks are incredibly popular in the summer, and accommodations fill up months in advance. Book your lodging as soon as possible to secure a spot, especially if you want to stay inside the parks.
- Glacier National Park Vehicle Reservations: Vehicle reservations are required May-September to visit Going-to-the-Sun Road (west entrance) and Many Glacier. Reservations open up about 120 days in advance. Book them as soon as you are able!
- Pack Smart: The weather in Montana can change quickly, so be sure to bring layers. Even in the summer, mornings and evenings can be cool.
- Consider Shoulder Season: If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting in late May or early September. Both parks are still accessible, but you’ll experience fewer visitors.
Suggested Itinerary for Visiting Glacier and Yellowstone
Here’s an example itinerary for a 10-day trip that allows you to fully experience both parks:
Day 1-4: Glacier National Park
- Day 1: Arrive and Explore West Glacier
- Fly into Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, MT.
- Drive 30 minutes to West Glacier. Check into your accommodations in nearby Whitefish, Kalispell, or West Glacier.
- Spend the afternoon getting acquainted with the park by driving a portion of the Going-to-the-Sun Road and stopping at Lake McDonald.
- Day 2: Going-to-the-Sun Road & Logan Pass
- Spend a full day driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile scenic drive. Stop at Logan Pass and take a short hike to Hidden Lake Overlook or Highline Trail. Start your day early – Logan Pass parking lot fills up by 7 am.
- Day 3: Many Glacier
- Head to Many Glacier for some of the best hiking. Take the Grinnell Glacier hike (if time permits) or opt for the Swiftcurrent Lake trail. You might spot wildlife like bears or moose. Swiftcurrent area will be closed in 2025 for construction, but you are able to reach Many Glacier Hotel and hike from there. Consider arriving very early as parking is limited.
- Day 4: Avalanche Lake & Departure
- Hike the family-friendly Avalanche Lake Trail in the morning, then relax with some kayaking or paddleboarding on Lake McDonald before preparing for your next destination.
Day 5: Travel to Yellowstone
- Drive from Glacier to Yellowstone. The drive is scenic, but long, around 7-8 hours depending on your route.
- Overnight at your accommodations to rest before exploring Yellowstone.
Day 6-9: Yellowstone National Park
- Day 6: Mammoth Hot Springs & Lamar Valley
- Start at the North Entrance and visit Mammoth Hot Springs, a series of terraced hot springs that are one of Yellowstone’s most unique geothermal features.
- Spend the afternoon exploring Lamar Valley for some of the best wildlife watching in the park.
- Day 7: Geysers & Hot Springs
- Head south to see Yellowstone’s geothermal wonders. Begin with Old Faithful, Yellowstone’s most famous geyser.
- Continue to Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest and most colorful hot spring in the U.S. Walk the boardwalk or take the short Fairy Falls Trail for a stunning view from above.
- Day 8: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
- Visit the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and see its grand waterfalls. Artist Point offers some of the best views.
- Explore the Hayden Valley for more wildlife sightings, including bison, elk, and possibly even wolves.
- Day 9: Yellowstone Lake & West Yellowstone
- Spend your final day by Yellowstone Lake, the largest high-elevation lake in North America.
- Exit the park through West Yellowstone, a fun town where you can stay overnight or fly out the next day.
Create Memories, Leave Only Footprints
We know we don’t have to say this, as many of you respect nature, but just a gentle reminder that Montana is a special place. Please keep the mountains as clean or cleaner than you found them and leave the wildlife alone!
