Glacier Itinerary: 3 Days on the East Side

Planning to explore Glacier National Park’s east side in just three days? With this Glacier itinerary, 3 days on the east side can offer you the perfect mix of epic hikes, glacier-fed lakes, and quiet corners without the guesswork. Whether you’re road-tripping or staying nearby in Babb or St. Mary, this itinerary helps you make the most of every jaw-dropping mile.

Day 1: Many Glacier – Waterfalls, Wildlife & Alpine Lakes

Kick off your Glacier trip in Many Glacier, the east side’s rugged gem. Think alpine lakes, glacier views, and maybe a bear or two—so pack your bear spray and camera.

🚗 Vehicle reservation required to enter Many Glacier between 6 am–3 pm, from July 1 to mid-September.
Reservations are released at 7:00 PM (MT) the night before on Recreation.gov and sell out within minutes. Set a reminder and be ready to book the night before your visit. Additionally, a shuttle reservation is needed for 2025 in order to better mitigate traffic.

Morning

Grab coffee in St. Mary or Babb, then head into the park early, ideally before the reservation window starts.
Hike to Grinnell Glacier (approx. 7 miles round-trip, moderate). You’ll pass waterfalls, lakes, and likely see a moose or two… or a mama bear with her cubs. If Grinnell Lake is too long of a hike, shoot for Redrock Falls Trail, a mellow 3.6-mile round-trip trail with lots of wildlife sightings and waterfall views.
Want to save time? Book a Glacier Boat Tour across Swiftcurrent and Josephine Lakes to shorten the Grinnell Glacier hike.

Book Your Glacier National Park Boat Tour for 2025

Glacier Park Boat Tours has officially opened up their 2025 booking dates, offering an unforgettable way to explore the park’s pristine lakes and stunning landscapes. Here’s everything you need to know about booking…

Keep reading

Afternoon

Picnic by Swiftcurrent Lake, or eat at the Many Glacier Hotel dining room (make a reservation if possible).

Evening

Have dinner at Ptarmigan Dining Room, or head back to St. Mary for a more laid-back bite.
If you’re camping or staying nearby, enjoy a golden-hour stroll by the lake or kick back and watch the stars.

Day 2: St. Mary & Virginia Falls – Waterfall Wonderland

Today is all about chasing waterfalls along Glacier’s iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road with no intense elevation gains required.

🕖 Pro tip: No vehicle reservation is needed if you enter the park before 6 am or enter through the east side.

Morning

Drive into the park early and park at St. Mary Falls Trailhead.
Hike the Virginia Falls Trail (3.6 miles round-trip).
You’ll pass St. Mary Falls, then continue on to Virginia Falls, which is taller, louder, and equally photogenic. There are plenty of places to stop, snack, and take in the spray.

Optional Afternoon

Haven’t been to Logan Pass yet? If you have the energy, it’s just under an hour from St. Mary Falls.
Park at the Logan Pass Visitor Center if you can and hike to Hidden Lake Overlook (2.7 miles round-trip). The views of Bearhat Mountain are unforgettable, and you might spot mountain goats or bighorn sheep.

Evening

Return to St. Mary for food—check out Rising Sun Pizza or Two Dog Flats Grill.
Wind down with a scenic pullout or stargaze from your campground or lodge.

Day 3: Two Medicine – Lakeside Serenity & Scenic Trails

Your final day is about peace, quiet, and wild beauty. Two Medicine flies under the radar, but it’s every bit as stunning.

Morning

Drive south to Two Medicine via Looking Glass Road (Highway 49)—a winding, panoramic stretch with wide-open views.
Stop and stretch your legs at Running Eagle Falls, a short, family-friendly trail with a waterfall pouring out of a cave.

Midday

Take a boat tour across Two Medicine Lake or rent a kayak to explore on your own.
Want a rewarding challenge? Hike part of Scenic Point Trail for sweeping views over the park and prairie (note: it’s steep and exposed).
Prefer something gentler? Try the Aster Falls Trail, which winds through the forest to a lovely waterfall.

Evening

Head back the way you came and catch those Looking Glass Road views one last time.
Grab dinner or snacks and reflect on three packed days of east-side magic.

Tips for a Smooth Trip

Reservations: Get vehicle reservations at Recreation.gov at 7 pm MDT the night before you want to enter. You’ll need separate ones for Many Glacier and Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Bear Spray: Required. You can rent it in nearby towns if flying in.
Pack Layers: Even in summer, the weather changes fast.
Cell Service: Pretty much nonexistent in the park. Download maps ahead of time.
Start Early: Sunrise starts are the best way to beat the crowds and get parking.
Pack a Cooler: Food can be limited, especially during peak season. Pack coolers full of high protein snacks, sandwiches, and drinks.

Happy Travels!

The east side of Glacier is raw, wild, and completely unforgettable. With just three days, you can hike through alpine wonderlands, soak in glacier-fed waterfalls, and explore quiet corners that most visitors miss. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, this side of the park will steal your heart.