The Best 3 Day Glacier National Park Itinerary for 2024

Are you feeling overwhelmed as you plan your trip to Glacier National Park? As one of America’s most visited national parks, there’s no shortage of incredible things to do in Glacier National Park. 

That’s why I’ve written this Glacier National Park itinerary – to help simplify planning your trip! This guide to 3 days in Glacier National Park covers all the essential stops and is filled with inspiration. 

In addition to the 3-day itinerary, you’ll find ideas for trips ranging from one day to a whole week, plus tips on:

• Glacier’s timed entry reservation system for 2024
• Best time to visit Glacier National Park
• How to get to and get around Glacier National Park
• Where to stay both inside and near the park
• Exclusive travel and packing tips for your trip to Glacier

Are you ready to plan an epic Glacier National Park vacation? Let’s get started!

Important Note
Glacier National Park requires all visitors to have a reservation to enter Going-to-the-Sun Road, North Fork, and Many Glacier starting May 24 until September 8, 2024. Read more about the Glacier National Park reservation system.

This post may contain affiliate links, where I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Read more in this disclosure policy.

Overview of the Glacier National Park Regions

Glacier National Park is located in northern Montana along the United States-Canada border. This beautiful and popular national park covers more than one million acres. It features skyscraping mountains, lush waterfalls, plentiful wildlife, and its namesake glaciers.

The park is connected by a single 50-mile road: Going-to-the-Sun Road. This stunning two-lane scenic drive runs across the park, cutting across the Rocky Mountains and the Continental Divide in the heart of the park.

Going-to-the-Sun Road connects the West Glacier Entrance and the St. Mary Entrance on the west and east side of the park, respectively. This Going-to-the-Sun Corridor includes the Lake McDonald and St. Mary & Logan Pass regions.

Two Medicine and Many Glacier are on the east side of the park off Highway 89, while North Fork and Goat Haunt are in the more remote northern part of the park.

Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll find in each of the regions:

• Lake McDonald is Glacier’s largest lake and home to the historic Lake McDonald Lodge, Trail of the Cedars, and Avalanche Lake. Lake McDonald is an excellent park area for family-friendly or handicap-accessible hiking trails.
• Logan Pass and St. Mary is the most stunning and highest point of Going-to-the-Sun Road. You’ll find the Logan Pass Visitor Center, plus the Highline Trail, Hidden Lake Overlook, and St. Mary Falls trails here.
• Two Medicine is a lesser-visited part of the park, home to Two Medicine Lake and the Pitamakan-Dawson Loop.
• Many Glacier is one of the best areas in the park for hiking with the Grinnell Glacier, Iceberg Lake, and Ptarmigan Tunnel trails. You’ll also find the famed Many Glacier Hotel here.
• North Fork & Goat Haunt are two less-accessible areas in the northern part of the park. North Fork is only accessible by unpaved roads, and Goat Haunt requires backcountry hiking. While difficult to get to, these areas reward you with solitude, unlike any other place in the park.

Read More: 21 Best Things to Do in Glacier

2024 Glacier National Park Reservation Requirements

In 2024, the National Park Service requires all visitors to make reservations to enter the park’s most popular areas. The following areas will be requiring reservations from May 24 to September 8, 2024, between 6 AM and 3 PM:

• Going-to-the-Sun Road at the Apgar Check Point (not required when driving east to west)
• Many Glacier area (starts July 1)
• North Fork area

Since most of the park requires reservations, securing a reservation is essential before your trip!

Reservations will be made available online beginning January 25, 2024. Most reservations will be available 120 days in advance, while the remaining will be available the evening before.

There are several exemptions from the reservation system, such as having lodging or tour reservations in that area. For more details on exactly how the reservation system will work, check out this post on Glacier National Park reservations in 2024.

How Many Days Should I Spend at Glacier National Park?

You’ll need at least three days in Glacier National Park to see the highlights and do the best hikes. Three days gives you enough time to explore Going-to-the-Sun Road, Lake McDonald, Logan Pass, St. Mary, and Many Glacier.

If you have less than three days in Glacier National Park, you should spend all your time in the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor, exploring Logan Pass, St. Mary, and Lake McDonald.

If you have more than three days in Glacier National Park, you can spend more time hiking longer trails like Iceberg Lake. In addition, you can explore more off-the-beaten-path locations like Two Medicine or North Fork and enjoy a boat ride or Red Bus tour.

Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is best visited in the Summer when the weather is comfortable, snow has melted, and all park amenities, roads, and trails are open. However, thanks to this short peak season, it is also the busiest time in Glacier National Park.

Winters are long and harsh in Glacier, with snowfall starting in October and continuing through May or June. As a result, the high-elevation areas of the park near Logan Pass are only open from July to September, as snow plowing takes several months following the heavy winter.

Since the tourism season is relatively short, you’ll likely encounter heavy crowds when visiting in summer. Therefore, I recommend visiting in September to avoid crowds. After Labor Day, crowds decrease, but the weather remains good for several weeks.

Here’s a quick overview of what to expect during each season in Glacier National Park:

• Spring: Temperatures remain cold in the spring, with daytime highs in the 30s or 40s and overnight temperatures in the teens or 20s. Since most of the park is closed during these months, there are fewer visitors, with less than 2,000 people visiting daily. However, this can be an excellent time to visit if you want to see the Lake McDonald area covered in snow.
• Summer: Temperatures rise in late May, with highs in the 70s and 80s and lows in the 30s and 40s in the summer. Summer is the busiest time of year, with July and August visitors at more than 20,000 per day after Going-to-the-Sun Road opens in late June or early July. Avoid summer crowds by visiting on weekdays or around sunrise or sunset instead.
• Fall: Temperatures and crowds begin to decline in early September after Labor Day. By October, daytime temperatures are in the 40s and 50s, with nighttime temperatures below freezing. Going-to-the-Sun Road typically closes in late September or early October.
• Winter: Winter in Glacier National Park is harsh, with temperatures rarely above freezing and heavy snow throughout the park. Most of the park closes in winter, but winter is the perfect time for skiing and snowshoeing.

The itinerary shared in this post focuses on the summer season when all trails and roads are open. If you visit in another season, you’ll need to alter the itinerary based on what is open.

Read more about current conditions and seasonal closures in Glacier National Park.

Read More: This is the Best Time to Visit Glacier

How to Visit Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is located in the northernmost part of Montana, bordering Canada.  Many visitors will combine a trip to Glacier National Park with a visit to Yellowstone and Grand Teton.

The best way to get to Glacier National Park is by flying into Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell, Montana. The airport is only 40 minutes away from the West Glacier Entrance and is the closest airport to the park. Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Sun Country, and United Airlines serve this airport.

However, there are several additional airports close to Glacier National Park. Here’s the complete list of the airports within driving distance of Glacier National Park: 

• Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) –  40 minutes to West Glacier Entrance
• Lethbridge Airport (YQL) –  1.5 hours to St. Mary Entrance
• Missoula Montana Airport (MSO) –  2.5 hours to West Glacier Entrance
• Great Falls International Airport (GTF) –  2.5 hours to St. Mary Entrance
• Calgary International Airport (YYC) –  3 hours to St. Mary Entrance
• Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) –  5 hours to St. Mary Entrance

Where to Stay in Glacier National Park

There are seven lodges inside the park, in addition to 13 campgrounds. Staying inside the park provides a unique experience amongst stunning scenery and reduces driving time to popular attractions.

However, since there are several towns near Glacier National Park, staying inside the park is optional.

Glacier National Park has many in-park lodging options and rental homes and hotels outside the park. Here are my favorite picks for where to stay in and near Glacier for a short, 3-day trip.

I highly recommend booking a lodge or hotel on the east side of the park in Many Glacier, St. Mary, or Babb for this itinerary. Staying on the east side cuts down on driving time.

These are the best places to stay in East Glacier:

• Many Glacier Hotel inside the park in Many Glacier
• Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and Cabins inside the park in Many Glacier
• Rising Sun Motor Inn inside the park near St. Mary
• St. Mary Village in St. Mary
• The Cottages at Glacier in St. Mary

These are the best lodges and hotels on the west side of the park:

• Lake McDonald Lodge inside the park on Lake McDonald
• Village Inn at Apgar inside the park in Apgar Village
• Glacier Outdoor Center in West Glacier
• Great Northern Resort in West Glacier
• North Forty Resort in Columbia Falls
• Cedar Creek Lodge in Columbia Falls
• Meadow Lake Resort & Condos in Columbia Falls

There are also 13 campgrounds in Glacier National Park. You can read more about each of the campgrounds here.

Read More: 35 Best Places to Stay in Glacier National Park

How to Get Around the Park

The best way to get around Glacier National Park is by car. 

Along Going-to-the-Sun Road, vehicles longer than 21 feet or wider than 8 feet are not allowed. For that reason, I don’t recommend bringing an RV to Glacier National Park unless you plan to tow a vehicle or get a rental car while visiting.

In the summer, parking lots at popular trailheads, like Logan Pass, often fill up before 8 AM. So the best way to ensure you find parking is to get an early start and beat the morning rush.

Glacier National Park also offers a free shuttle service along Going-to-the-Sun Road during summer. The shuttle runs from Apgar Village to St. Mary Visitor Center. While the shuttle is useful for one-way hikes like the Highline Trail, it misses areas like Two Medicine and Many Glacier.

Read More: Driving Going-to-the-Sun Road in 2024

Three Days in Glacier National Park Itinerary

Are you ready to discover the best things to do in Glacier National Park in 3 days?

This guide breaks your trip down into three packed days. You’ll see the park’s highlights, including Going-to-the-Sun Road, Many Glacier, and Logan Pass.

Since you’ll only be here for a few days, I highly recommend arriving in Kalispell in the morning on your first day. Arriving in the morning will give you a lot of time to explore and settle in before sunset on your first day.

3 Day Itinerary Glacier National Park At-A-Glance

• Day 1: West Glacier, Lake McDonald, Avalanche Lake, Going-to-the-Sun Road
• Day 2: Many Glacier Hotel, Many Glacier Boat Tour, Grinnell Glacier Hike
• Day 3: Hidden Lake Overlook and/or Highline Trail

Day 1: West Glacier & Going-to-the-Sun Road

Morning: Arrive at Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell. On your way into the park, stop at the West Glacier Entrance to show your park reservation and continue to Apgar Village. Here you can stamp your national park passport, talk to park rangers, and get a lay of the land before continuing east into the park.

Afternoon: Take your time driving along the famed Going-to-the-Sun Road, stopping to take in all the scenic overlooks and sights. Some can’t-miss stops along the western half of the route include:

• Lake McDonald Lodge is a swiss-style lodge sitting along the shores of the crystal-clear Lake McDonald. You can rent kayaks here or join one of the boat tours operated by Glacier Park Boat Company.
• Avalanche Lake via Trail of the Cedars is a popular, moderate trail near Lake McDonald through an old-growth forest. However, if you are looking for a shorter, accessible trail, consider hiking only the Trail of the Cedars portion.
• The Loop is a tight switchback along Going-to-the-Sun Road. This viewpoint has a small parking lot and provides the best views of Heaven’s Peak.

Don’t miss the best sights in Glacier on your upcoming trip! This free, printable guide to Going-to-the-Sun Road covers all the best points of interest, tips for avoiding crowds along Glacier’s best scenic drive, and an exclusive map!

Download your free Going-to-the-Sun Road guide here.

Evening: End your day with sunset at Wild Goose Island Overlook. This viewpoint features a small island on St. Mary Lake, made famous by the opening scene of The Shining. Wild Goose Island is a great spot to catch the last pinks and purples of the day.

Day 2: Many Glacier Boat Tour and the Grinnell Glacier Hike

Morning: The best way to see the lakes is on the Many Glacier Boat Tour. Glacier Park Boat Company, a family-operated business since 1938, runs the scenic tour. Their tour traverses Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine, with a quarter-mile easy hike.

Mid-Day: Hike the Grinnell Glacier Trail. This 10.6 mile, 1600 foot elevation gain trail is a must, with incredible, up-close views of several glaciers. However, you can book the Many Glacier Boat Tour as a split round trip, where you take the boat out, complete the hike, and return by boat, saving over 3 miles. The trail will start at the Lake Josephine Dock, quickly climbing up to Lower Grinnell Lake and then Upper Grinnell Lake. The icy blue waters of the upper lake are picturesque, framed by several sizeable glaciers.

Important Tip for Hiking Grinnell Glacier with the Boat Tour
Booking the 8:30 or 9:00 AM boat tours allows you plenty of time to complete the hike before the final boat return trip at 5:30 PM. If you are not at the dock by 5:30 PM, you’ll need to hike the additional 2 miles back to Many Glacier Hotel. Glacier Park Boat Company will continue to run boats for hikers waiting at the dock by 5:30 PM.

Alternate Activity: If Grinnell Glacier is too strenuous, you can opt for the shorter day hike to Grinnell Lake (6.8 miles RT or 2.2 miles RT with the boat tour) or the Redrock Falls trail, which is a great place to spot moose, black bears, and grizzly bears (only 3.6 miles RT). There are also options for a guided tour hike via Glacier Park Boat Company to Grinnell Lake.

Evening: After hiking in Many Glacier, enjoy a gourmet dinner at Ptarmigan Dining Room in the Many Glacier Hotel. This restaurant serves delicious local cuisine. You’ll need to put your name on the list. While waiting, grab a drink from the adjacent Swiss Lounge or explore the gift shop.

Night: Designated as a “dark sky park” by the International Dark Skies Association, you’ll see more stars here than anywhere else. When there’s a new moon, you have a decent chance of spotting the Milky Way, even with your naked eye! Find a spot in the park with minimal light and observe. Be sure to check cloud coverage and visibility before heading out using the Clear Sky Charts.

Day 3: Highline Trail or Hidden Lake Overlook Hikes

Morning: Arrive at Logan Pass Visitor Center before 7:30 AM as parking fills up quickly. Logan Pass is the trailhead for the park’s most popular trails: Hidden Lake Overlook and the Highline Trail. Depending on your interest and activity or skill levels, you’ll have several options for today’s hikes. This part of the park is the perfect place to spot mountain goats and bighorn sheep.

Option 1: Hike the Highline Trail (11.8 miles). This trail is the perfect sampler of Glacier National Park, with everything from grassy mountainsides to breathtaking vantage points. The hike starts across the street from Logan Pass Visitor Center, following a rocky cliffside before opening up into a more grassy terrain. About halfway through the hike, you’ll reach a spur trail to the Grinnell Glacier Overlook. This challenging 1-mile offshoot provides a view of Upper Grinnell Lake and its glaciers from above. In addition, this point crosses the Continental Divide, with views of Lake McDonald Valley and Many Glacier Valley. After a quick stop at the Granite Park Chalet, you’ll descend downhill through a fire-scarred forest and out to The Loop. From here, you can take the free shuttle back to Logan Pass.

My detailed post on hiking the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park has all the must-know details and logistics.

Option 2: Hike Hidden Lake Overlook (2.8 miles). If you’re looking for a shorter trail, hike Hidden Lake Overlook instead. This trail starts behind the Logan Pass Visitor Center, following a boardwalk trail through a grassy meadow. The hike ends at a vantage point overlooking the mountains surrounding Hidden Lake. If you’re looking for more of a challenge, you can continue to hike down to the shores of Hidden Lake before returning to Logan Pass.

Option 3: Hike Hidden Lake Overlook and part of the Highline Trail. If you want to experience Glacier’s top trails, hike one and part of the other. Start by hiking Hidden Lake Overlook, return to Logan Pass, and head across the street to the Highline Trail. You can hike as little or as much of the Highline Trail as you want. The first several miles float above Going-to-the-Sun Road and provide incredible views of the Lake McDonald Valley, including Mt. Oberlin and Mt. Cannon. Simply return on the same trail once you’ve hiked enough.

Read More: 19 Best Hikes in Glacier National Park

If You Don’t Have 3 Days in Glacier National Park

One-Day Glacier Itinerary

• Day 1: Lake McDonald, Avalanche Lake Hike, Going-to-the-Sun Road, Hidden Lake Overlook

Two-Day Glacier Itinerary

• Day 1: Lake McDonald, Avalanche Lake Hike, Going-to-the-Sun Road, Hidden Lake Overlook
• Day 2: Many Glacier Boat Tour, Grinnell Glacier Hike

Four-Day Glacier Itinerary

• Day 1: Lake McDonald, Avalanche Lake Hike, Going-to-the-Sun Road
• Day 2: Hidden Lake Overlook Hike, St. Mary & Virginia Falls Hike
• Day 3: Highline Trail
• Day 4: Many Glacier Boat Tour, Grinnell Glacier Hike

Five-Day Glacier Itinerary

• Day 1: Lake McDonald, Avalanche Lake Hike, Going-to-the-Sun Road
• Day 2: Hidden Lake Overlook Hike, St. Mary & Virginia Falls Hike
• Day 3: Highline Trail
• Day 4: Two Medicine or a day trip to Waterton Lakes in Canada
• Day 5: Many Glacier Boat Tour, Grinnell Glacier Hike

Are you looking for the ultimate one-week itinerary that covers everything in Glacier National Park? Then, don’t miss my 7-day Glacier National Park itinerary!

Side Trips From Glacier National Park

If you’re looking for more adventures near Glacier National Park, consider these day trips to nearby attractions:

• Boat tour and hiking in Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada
• Window shopping and dining in Whitefish, Montana
• Take a tour through Swan Mountain Outfitters, like horseback riding or fly fishing

There are also several other national parks within road trip distance, including:

• Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming – 6 hours away
• Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming – 8 hours away
• North Cascades National Park in Washington – 8 hours away
• Mount Rainier National Park in Washington – 9 hours away
• Banff National Park in Canada – 6 hours away
• Jasper National Park in Canada – 7 hours away

Read More: 3 Best National Parks in Washington

Essential Tips for Planning a Trip to Glacier National Park

• Book everything well in advance. Both accommodations and tours fill up quickly. Book lodges inside the park a year in advance. Book campsites six months out. Reserve boat tours 4-6 weeks in advance.
• Start your day early. Many parking lots in Glacier National Park fill by 8 AM. To find parking spots and avoid delays, plan to arrive at busy trailheads like Logan Pass and Many Glacier by 7 or 7:30 AM.
• Wait to buy or rent bear spray until you arrive. If you are hiking, you need bear spray. However, you can’t bring it on planes, even in checked luggage. You can rent bear spray at the Kalispell airport if you’re flying. Many Airbnbs or rental properties also include bear spray during your stay.
• Download your park reservation details offline. Cell service is limited in most areas, including the entrance stations. With Glacier requiring entry reservations in 2024, you’ll want to screenshot, print, or download your reservation confirmation offline before arriving.
• Download Google Maps offline to ensure you can navigate without service. To do this, go to your Google Maps app, select your profile next to the search bar, and choose ‘offline maps.’ From there, click ‘select your own map’ and drag the view to your custom area.
• Give wildlife plenty of space. Keep 100 yards away from bears and wolves and 25 yards away from all other wildlife. If you encounter an animal, remain calm and slowly back away. Keep your bear spray in an easily accessible location like a belt clip or backpack holster.
• Check the Glacier National Park website regularly. Conditions can change in a heartbeat. Check the Glacier National Park website regularly for road closures and park conditions. Glacier is known to close campsites due to bear activity so stay aware if you plan to camp.

Looking for more tips on what to pack for your trip? Check out my guides on the best hiking gear, what to pack for a road trip, and essential camping gear for all my favorite gear picks and tips to make packing for your trip a breeze!

What to Pack for Your Glacier National Park Trip

• National Park Pass. Glacier charges an entry fee to enter the park. If you plan on visiting more than one national park this year, I highly recommend the America the Beautiful Pass. It gets you access to all 60+ national parks and 400+ monuments and sites for 12 months. Get your annual national park pass for only $80.
• Binoculars. One of the best things to do in Glacier is wildlife watching. A quality pair of binoculars helps you keep your distance from wildlife but still see the animals in their natural habitat. If you’re looking for an entry-level pair, I recommend this pair from Occer on Amazon. If you want higher-quality binoculars, opt for the Nikon Monarch M5.
• Hiking Boots. You’ll want sturdy, comfortable hiking boots or trail shoes with solid traction on the Glacier National Park trails. Don’t forget to break in your boots before your trip!
• Merino Wool Socks. These moisture-wicking socks can protect your feet from blisters on long or short hikes. Darn Tough socks are high-quality and come in all styles, from minimalist low-cut to boot-cut full-cushion socks.
• Hiking Backpack and the 10 Essentials. It’s vital to carry safety gear every time you hike. Be sure to pack the 10 hiking essentials and bring a hiking backpack with plenty of room for water and extra equipment.
• Layers. Glacier National Park weather can vary dramatically between day and night. While mornings are cool, summer afternoons can be scorching. Pack moisture-wicking hiking shirts and warm fleece layers to keep you comfortable all day.
• Rain Jacket. In the summer, it rains an average of 17 days per month. So while it might just be a light, quick shower, it’s best to be prepared and always carry a rain jacket or poncho.
• Sun Hat and Sunscreen. Many of Glacier’s trails are unshaded, so protecting yourself from the sun is important. Of course, sunscreen is essential, but a sun hat will protect you from sunburn too.

Final Thoughts on This 3 Day Glacier National Park Itinerary

Three days in Glacier National Park is the perfect amount of time to see the highlights of Glacier National Park. In 3 days, you can cover West Glacier, Logan Pass, St. Mary, and Many Glacier and feel like you got to see the best of the park.

The perfect 3 day Glacier National Park itinerary includes:

• Day 1: West Glacier, Lake McDonald, Avalanche Lake, Going-to-the-Sun Road, Wild Goose Island Overlook at sunset
• Day 2: Many Glacier Boat Tour, Hike Grinnell Glacier, Dinner at Ptarmigan Dining Room, Stargazing (Optional)
• Day 3: Hike the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail and/or the Highline Trail

Looking for more posts to plan your trip to Glacier National Park? You’ll love these guides!

• 7-Day Itinerary: How to Spend 7 Days in Glacier
• Scenic Drive: Driving to Going-to-the-Sun Road in 2024
• Things to Do: 21 Best Things to Do in Glacier
• Where to Stay: 35 Best Places to Stay in Glacier
• Hiking: 19 Best Hikes in Glacier National Park
• Highline Trail: How to Hike the Highline Trail
• When to Go: Best Time to Visit Glacier

Don’t miss the best sights in Glacier on your upcoming trip! This free, printable guide to Going-to-the-Sun Road covers all the best points of interest, tips for avoiding crowds along Glacier’s best scenic drive, and an exclusive map!

Download your free Going-to-the-Sun Road guide here.

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