Listen closely in Glacier National Park—nature is telling a story older than time
4-Day Glacier National Park Itinerary: Hiking, Scenic Drives & Stunning Views
If you're dreaming of rugged peaks, alpine lakes, and epic wildlife sightings, this 4-day Glacier National Park itinerary hits all the highlights. We spent four unforgettable days exploring Glacier’s most iconic trails, scenic drives, and hidden gems—while staying in two of the park’s historic lodges. Here's a personal breakdown of our trip, along with tips that’ll help you plan your own adventure.
Day 1: Arrival + Scenic Drive on Going-to-the-Sun Road
We landed at Kalispell, Montana (FCA) around 1 PM, picked up our rental car (essential for exploring the park), and made a quick stop in Columbia Falls for lunch and road trip essentials like snacks and water.
Pro Tip: Stock up here before heading into the park. Options inside are limited and expensive.
By 3:30 PM, we entered Glacier National Park through the West Entrance. Since our arrival was after the timed entry window, there was no wait—something to keep in mind if you want a hassle-free entry.
Scenic Stops on Going-to-the-Sun Road:
Apgar Visitor Center
McDonald Falls
Sacred Dancing Cascades
Triple Arches
Logan Pass Visitor Center (a must-stop for views and info)
We took our time soaking in the scenery before reaching our accommodation at the historic Many Glacier Hotel, perched right on Swiftcurrent Lake.
🛏️ Where We Stayed: Many Glacier Hotel — Book early, this place fills up fast!
Day 2: Grinnell Glacier Hike + Visit to Waterton Lakes (Canada)
🥾 Grinnell Glacier Hike
Distance: 12 miles out-and-back
Elevation Gain: ~1,900 ft
Trailhead: Many Glacier Hotel
We hit the trail at 6 AM, reaching Grinnell Glacier around 9:30. The views at Upper Grinnell Lake and the glacier itself were jaw-dropping. It drizzled lightly (thank goodness for ponchos!), and we spotted bighorn sheep, a grizzly bear, and a moose on the way back—peak Glacier experience!
💡 Short on time or energy? Book the Swiftcurrent Lake + Lake Josephine boat tour with Glacier Boat Company to shave off about 3 miles (1.5 each way). The boats sell out months in advance, so plan ahead. Consider booking a one-way return trip if you start your hike early.
After a quick rest, we crossed the border into Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada. We explored the quaint Waterton village and had dinner at the iconic Prince of Wales Hotel—absolutely worth the trip.
Travel Tip: Bring your passport if you're planning to cross into Canada!
🛏️ Where We Stayed: Many Glacier Hotel — Book early, this place fills up fast!
Day 3: St. Mary Lake Boat Tour + Waterfall Hike + Epic Weather
We started the day with the St. Mary Lake Scenic Boat Tour by Glacier Park Boat Company.
🚤 St. Mary Lake Boat Tour + Waterfall Hike
40-minute boat ride with views of Wild Goose Island and Sexton Glacier
2-hour stop for hiking:
Baring Falls (easy)
St. Mary Falls (1.6 mi RT)
Virginia Falls (add’l 0.8 mi)
🥾 These are perfect family-friendly hikes or recovery-day walks after Grinnell.
In the afternoon, we drove back along Going-to-the-Sun Road, ticking off more iconic stops:
📸 Must-See Stops:
Jackson Glacier Overlook
Bird Woman Falls
Haystack Falls
Weeping Wall
As we neared Logan Pass, a sudden thunderstorm rolled in—and we found ourselves driving through hail and lightning in the mountains. It was wild and unforgettable.
Where We Stayed: Historic Lake McDonald Lodge
🛏️ Book Lake McDonald Lodge — Another gorgeous spot that books up fast.
Day 4: Hidden Lake Overlook + Avalanche Lake
We planned to hike Hidden Lake Overlook or tackle the Highline Trail, but by the time we reached the Logan Pass parking lot (around 6:40 AM!), it was already full—except for a 30-minute spot. Glacier’s parking is no joke, so go super early.
We explored part of the Hidden Lake Trail boardwalk before heading to a more accessible trail.
🌲 Trail of the Cedars + Avalanche Lake
Trail of the Cedars: 0.7-mile accessible loop
Avalanche Lake Hike: 4.6 miles out-and-back, ~500 ft elevation gain
The hike to Avalanche Lake was serene and peaceful—towering cedars, cool shade, and a stunning payoff at the lake.
Where We Stayed: Historic Lake McDonald Lodge
🛏️ Book Lake McDonald Lodge — Another gorgeous spot that books up fast.
🚘 Driving Going-to-the-Sun Road: What You Need to Know
No Glacier National Park trip is complete without experiencing the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road—a stunning, winding 50-mile stretch connecting West Glacier to St. Mary. With its jaw-dropping alpine views, waterfalls, and dramatic drop-offs, it’s easily one of the most scenic drives in the U.S. (and one of our personal favorites).
📍 Drive time: ~2 hours (without stops)
🗓️ Full road typically opens: Late June through early October (weather dependent)
🚧 Year-round access only available near the West Entrance
🚦 Do You Need a Timed Entry Ticket for Going-to-the-Sun Road?
Yes, during peak season (typically mid-May to early September), a timed entry reservation is required to access Going-to-the-Sun Road from the West Entrance between 7 AM and 3 PM, in addition to your standard National Park Pass.
✅ Alternate Ways to Access Going-to-the-Sun Road (Without a Timed Entry)
If you weren't able to grab a timed entry reservation (they go fast!), don’t worry—here are a few legit ways to still drive this bucket-list road:
1. Enter After 3 PM from West Glacier
You won’t need a timed entry pass if you enter after 3 PM, and with long summer daylight hours (sunset around 9 PM), you still have plenty of time for scenic stops and even short hikes.
🌄 Great for: Late afternoon hikes, photography, and catching golden hour at Logan Pass.
2. Enter From the East (St. Mary Entrance)
Timed entry is not required at the St. Mary Entrance, so you can drive westbound on Going-to-the-Sun Road anytime—just note that parking can be competitive.
3. Have a Valid In-Park Reservation
If you’ve booked any of the following on the west side of Logan Pass, you’re good to go without a timed entry pass:
Lodging or campground reservations (e.g., Lake McDonald Lodge, Motel Lake McDonald)
Guided tours (like Glacier Boat Company cruises or horseback rides)
Commercial activities (e.g., photography tours, guided hikes)
✅ Just make sure your reservation matches your entry date, and bring a copy (digital or printed).
🧭 Insider Tips for Driving Going-to-the-Sun Road
Start early or go late: The road is less crowded early morning or after 3 PM.
Download offline maps: Cell service is spotty throughout the park.
Plan your stops: Popular points like Logan Pass, Weeping Wall, and Wild Goose Island can fill up fast.
Don’t rush: Allow a full day if you want to hike, picnic, or really take it all in.
🧳 Suggested Tours and Essentials
Want a stress-free way to enjoy Going-to-the-Sun Road without the hassle of timed entries or driving?
🚐 Book a Red Bus Tour – A historic and guided open-roof tour through the best parts of the park.
🚤 Reserve a Glacier Boat Cruise with Glacier Boat Company
🛏️ Where to Stay in Glacier National Park (Our Picks + Tips)
One of the most important parts of planning your Glacier National Park itinerary is booking your lodging early—we’re talking 9 to 12 months in advance if you want to stay inside the park. Trust me, it’s worth it for the convenience and unbeatable views.
Here’s a breakdown of the top Glacier National Park lodging options, split between the West and East sides, along with our personal recommendations.
West Glacier Lodging (Near Apgar & Lake McDonald)
This side is closest to the West Entrance and Apgar Visitor Center. It's ideal if you're planning to explore Lake McDonald, Trail of the Cedars, Avalanche Lake, and Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Top Places to Stay on the West Side:
🏨 Lake McDonald Lodge
Historic and charming, right on the lake with rustic vibes and easy trail access.
✅ Also counts as a timed entry reservation.🛏️ Motel Lake McDonald
A more budget-friendly option next to the lodge, but still inside the park.
✅ Qualifies as your vehicle reservation too.🏡 Apgar Village Lodge
Right near Apgar Visitor Center, offers cabins and motel rooms just minutes from Lake McDonald.🌄 Village Inn at Apgar
Lakeside motel with unbeatable views of Lake McDonald—perfect for sunrise lovers.
Important: Only Lake McDonald Lodge and Motel Lake McDonald reservations will allow you to enter the park without a timed entry ticket during restricted hours.
East Glacier Lodging (Near Many Glacier & St. Mary)
The east side of the park is home to some of Glacier’s most iconic hikes, like Grinnell Glacier, Iceberg Lake, and Hidden Lake Overlook. It’s also where you’ll find the Many Glacier and St. Mary areas.
Top Places to Stay on the East Side:
🛎️ Many Glacier Hotel
This is where we stayed for our first two nights—absolutely breathtaking setting on Swiftcurrent Lake. Book it the moment availability opens!🛏️ Swiftcurrent Motor Inn & Cabins
Great for hikers, it’s close to several trailheads and a bit more affordable than the hotel. (Closed in 2025)🏨 Rising Sun Motor Inn
Conveniently located between St. Mary and Logan Pass—ideal for hitting Going-to-the-Sun Road early.🌲 St. Mary Village
If in-park lodging is fully booked (which happens quickly), St. Mary Village is a solid backup. It’s only 0.2 miles from the St. Mary Entrance, making it a top pick for proximity and convenience.
We stayed two nights at Many Glacier Hotel and two nights at Lake McDonald Lodge. This split made it easy to explore both sides of the park without backtracking too much.
Final Thoughts + Travel Tips for Glacier National Park
Plan ahead for lodging and boat tours. These book up months in advance.
Get up early—especially for Logan Pass parking and popular trailheads.
Bring layers. Weather changes fast. Ponchos, hiking poles, and a daypack are essentials.
Consider a Parks Pass or book a timed entry ticket (varies by season).
Glacier National Park is truly one of the most magical places we’ve visited—raw, vast, and humbling. Whether you're in it for the hikes, the views, or just to escape the daily grind, Glacier delivers in every way.