Glacier National Park is huge, but many of its best-known sights sit along one road. This Glacier National Park itinerary gives you simple plans for one, two or three days, using distances and drive times from the National Park Service (NPS). Here is the quick version:
- 1 day: drive Going-to-the-Sun Road and add one short walk at Avalanche Creek and one at Logan Pass.
- 2 days: spend one day on the west side, then one day at Logan Pass and the east side.
- 3 days: add a third area, such as Many Glacier or Two Medicine, or a river, boat, or horseback day.
These plans assume the full road is open. The NPS says there is no set date for the road to open over Logan Pass, and the upper sections do not usually open until late June. The lower sections stay open all year. Check the NPS road status page before you go.
Key Facts Before You Plan
| Topic | What the NPS says |
| Road length | About 50 miles from the West Entrance to St. Mary |
| Driving time | About 2 hours without stops. The NPS lists West Glacier to St. Mary as 2 to 2.5 hours |
| Highest point | Logan Pass at 6,646 feet, 32 miles from the west entrance and 18 miles from the east entrance |
| Speed limits | 45 mph in the lower sections and 25 mph in the alpine section |
| Vehicle limits | Vehicles longer than 21 feet (including bumpers) or wider than 8 feet (including mirrors) are prohibited between Avalanche Creek and Rising Sun |
| Busy season | May through September is extremely busy, especially along the road |
One Day in Glacier National Park
One day covers the highlights if you start early. The NPS says the Logan Pass parking lot usually fills by sunrise, so arrive early or plan to stay late.
- Morning, Apgar and Lake McDonald. Enter at West Glacier. Lake McDonald Lodge sits about 10 miles inside the west entrance, on the shore of the park’s largest lake.
- Late morning, Avalanche Creek. Walk the Trail of the Cedars, a wheelchair-accessible trail through tall cedar trees.
- Midday, Logan Pass. Walk toward Hidden Lake Overlook, about 1.3 to 1.4 miles one way on boardwalk and packed soil.
- Afternoon, the east side. The NPS lists short walks at Sunrift Gorge, Baring Falls and St. Mary Falls.
- Drive back the same way. Based on the NPS times, the round trip from West Glacier to St. Mary is about 4 to 5 hours of driving before any stops.
Our guide on how long Going-to-the-Sun Road takes has a more detailed timetable for the drive.
2 Days in Glacier National Park
Day 1: The West Side
- Start at the Apgar Visitor Center, one of three main visitor centers in the park.
- Take a boat tour on Lake McDonald. The NPS lists Glacier Park Boat Co. tours there, and small boat rentals at Apgar and Lake McDonald Lodge.
- Spend the afternoon at Avalanche Creek. Walk the Trail of the Cedars, or continue to Avalanche Lake, 2.3 miles each way. Our Avalanche Lake Trail guide has the details.
Day 2: Logan Pass and the East Side
- Reach Logan Pass early, then walk to Hidden Lake Overlook.
- Drive east and stop at Sunrift Gorge, Baring Falls or St. Mary Falls.
- Head back, or spend a night on the east side to skip the long drive. If you stay on the west side, allow 2 to 2.5 hours each way between West Glacier and St. Mary.
3 Days in Glacier National Park
Follow the two-day plan, then choose one option for day 3. The NPS calls both Many Glacier and Two Medicine popular alternatives to the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor, and our best hikes in Glacier National Park guide covers longer trails.
| Option | Distance and time (NPS) | What to do |
| Many Glacier | 20 miles and 30 to 40 minutes from St. Mary. 70 miles and 2.5 to 3 hours from West Glacier | Scenic boat cruises and guided horseback rides |
| Two Medicine | 34 miles and about 1 hour from St. Mary | Boat tours on Two Medicine Lake |
| West side river day | Near West Glacier | Guided rafting on the Middle Fork or North Fork of the Flathead River |
For the river option, see our Flathead River rafting guide. The NPS also lists two bus tour companies that operate mainly along Going-to-the-Sun Road if you prefer not to drive.
Trail Cheat Sheet
The NPS lists these distances one way:
| Trail | Distance | Notes |
| Trail of the Cedars | Under 1 mile | Wheelchair accessible. Starts at the Avalanche Picnic Area |
| Avalanche Lake | 2.3 miles, about 740 feet of climbing | Begins off the Trail of the Cedars. The trail becomes steeper and rockier after the first half mile |
| Hidden Lake Overlook | 1.3 to 1.4 miles, 460 feet of climbing | Starts behind the Logan Pass Visitor Center. Includes stairs and switchbacks |
| Baring Falls | 0.3 mile | Starts at the Sunrift Gorge pullout |
| St. Mary Falls | 0.8 to 1.2 miles | Length depends on the trailhead you use |
Where to Stay for These Plans
The west side works well as a base because the west entrance is closest to the first sights on the road. Here is how far nearby towns are from it. Our Columbia Falls guide and our guide to the closest airport to Glacier National Park can help with planning.
| Town | Distance to the west entrance |
| West Glacier | At the entrance |
| Columbia Falls | About 15 to 20 minutes |
| Whitefish | 25 to 30 miles, usually 30 to 45 minutes |
| Kalispell | About 33 miles |
Tips for Your Trip
- Check current rules. Entry, parking and shuttle rules can change from year to year. Read the NPS current conditions page before you travel.
- Respect bear safety. Researchers estimate Glacier is home to nearly 1,000 bears. The NPS advises hiking in groups, carrying bear spray and avoiding hiking at dawn, dusk and night. Our wildlife guide explains more.
- Drive carefully at night. The NPS warns that visibility is low and wildlife may be numerous.
- Leave pets off the trails. Pets are allowed in developed areas, such as parking lots and along roads, but not on trails.
- Pack for changing weather. The NPS has warned of cold, wind and icy conditions at Logan Pass early in the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need to see Glacier National Park?
One day covers the main sights along Going-to-the-Sun Road. Two or three days give you time for longer walks and a second area. The NPS says the drive alone can take 3 to 8 hours.
What are the top 3 attractions in Glacier National Park?
The NPS highlights Lake McDonald Lodge, short hikes such as Trail of the Cedars and St. Mary Falls, and the Logan Pass Visitor Center. These are the anchors of the plans above.
What is the best month to go to Glacier?
It depends on your plans. The full road is only drivable in the summer months, and the upper sections do not usually open until late June. Our guide to the best time to visit Glacier National Park covers each season.
How far in advance should I plan a Glacier trip?
The NPS says Glacier is extremely busy, and that planning ahead and making reservations will help. Book lodging early, and check the NPS for any rules that apply to your dates.
How long does it take to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road?
About 2 hours without stopping, according to the NPS. With stops and short walks, plan for much longer.
Choose a Base That Fits Your Plan
A comfortable home base makes early starts easier. If you want space near the park, browse our vacation rentals near Glacier National Park.
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