STEP THREE: Make Your Can’t-Miss List
>> What should I do while I’m here? <<
You made it to Step Three! Up until now, the steps have been pretty simple….but it’s time to dig into the nitty-gritty of trip planning.
Your task now is to decide what you want to see while you are in Glacier. This will likely involve several hours of planning and research.
Or…if you’d like to bypass this step, take a look at this Glacier Itinerary. I’ve already done all the hard work for you!
Now it’s time to get out your notes and laptop and get ready to research.
First, you’ll want to make a list of the things you absolutely don’t want to miss while you are in Glacier.
These are the big points of interest that initially piqued your interest in taking a trip to the park.
You may find the official NPS website and the Dirt In My Shoes Ultimate Guide to Glacier helpful for finding the can’t-miss spots.
If it’s your first time to Glacier, your list will probably include places like the Going-to-the-Sun Road, Lake McDonald, or Avalanche Lake.
This list might also include wildlife viewing spots, activities you’d like to take part in, or restaurants you’re dying to try depending on your own personal interests and priorities.
Second, make a list of things that would be nice to do or see if you’re able to fit them in.
Maybe you’re really excited about the waterfalls, but you’re not sure how many hikes you’ll have time for. Put those waterfalls on this list.
Maybe you think you want to go horseback riding or river rafting, but you haven’t decided if it’s worth the time in your schedule. Put those activities in this list.
Third, use the lists you made to group the activities together by region.
Take a look at the Glacier map and organize the things you want to do based on where they are located within the park.
For example, a few of the main regions in Glacier are West Glacier, Saint Mary, and Many Glacier. Referring to my list of things you can’t miss, I’d lump Lake McDonald, Avalanche Lake, and Trail of the Cedars under the West Glacier Area. The Many Glacier Area would include Fishercap Lake and the Boat Tour…..and so on.
It actually is possible to have a disastrous time in Glacier, which is why this step is so important to complete. Glacier is definitely not a place you just want to show up to without a good plan.
Don’t forget that I’ve already created a spectacular plan for you if you need some help completing this step.
It’s much easier to move forward with planning if you have a list of must-see’s organized together by region….and it sure will come in handy over the next two steps as we wrap up your Glacier plan.
That’s it for Step Three! Now on to Step Four, where you’ll learn all about the entrances and towns that surround the park.
Click NEXT to plan out your lodging.
We are thinking about visiting Glacier National Park the first week in June 2023 after 4 days in Yellowstone. Can you please share how Glacier is typically at the beginning of June as far as available open roads and lodging? How many days would you advise for this time of year in Glacier?
Thank you!
Hi Karen! You’ll find that info here: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/the-best-time-to-visit-glacier-national-park/ or here: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/is-glacier-open-year-round-weather-hours-and-closures/
I have a husband that loves to hike, and two teen girls that don’t. We scheduled a trip to Glacier July 3-8 2021… Does your itinerary allow for non-hiking activities – like an afternoon swim in one of the lakes (if it’s warm enough of course)?
It does! There’s a good variety of activities in there, including some time to swim :)