If you’re wondering how many days to spend in Glacier National Park, you’ve come to the right spot. I’m here to help you determine the amount of time to budget for this national park, taking into account the adventures you’re hoping to have during your time in Glacier.
How many days should you spend in Glacier? I recommend 4 full days to see the highlights, best hikes, and best views of the park without feeling like you missed out on anything! This park is large and complex, and it takes hours to drive between the points of interest.
My name is Ash, and I am a former park ranger. I’ve spent a lot of time in Glacier, and I can’t wait to help you plan your trip to this phenomenal national park.
Let’s get deeper into the things you’ll want to consider when deciding how many days you should spend in Glacier National Park.
Can I See Glacier in One Day?
You can see a few major areas with one day in Glacier National Park, but you won’t even come close to seeing all of the best places in the park!
If you only have one day, you’ll have time to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which is the park’s most famous road. This route connects the west side of the park with the east side of the park. Get excited to hike some spectacular trails and enjoy the mountain views around Lake McDonald, Logan Pass, and St. Mary Lake. (Be certain to get an early start and secure a vehicle reservation during the summer months!)
With one day in Glacier, you won’t have time to see the smaller and off-the-beaten-path stops, which will also limit your wildlife sightings. You’ll be traveling to the most popular areas of the park during some of the busiest times of the day, so expect a lot of crowding and traffic (especially during the peak season!).
Traffic and crowding in Glacier can be terrible.
Did you know that it’s common for parking lots to completely fill before sunrise in Glacier?
Are you hoping to see the best sights without getting stuck in traffic, circling parking lots, or being surrounded by people?
Stay ahead of the crowds with this Glacier Itinerary. You will see all of the can’t-miss spots, plus get lodging and dining guides, driving directions, and insider tips!
Glacier in Two Days
I suggest two full sightseeing days in Glacier at the very least. With two days, you’ll have time to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road and explore some of the best stops in the high-elevation areas of the park, like the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail or the Highline Trail. You’ll also have time to explore the West Glacier area, including swimming in Lake McDonald or hiking to Avalanche Lake. You won’t have to rush, and it will be easier to avoid the crowds in both of these areas.
You’ll also have a good chance to add in some other exciting points of interest, such as the North Fork area, where you can get a delicious huckleberry bear claw in Polebridge or swim in Bowman Lake.
Glacier in Three Days
Spending three days in Glacier is when things really start getting good! During a three day trip in the park, you’ll have time to explore most of the main sections of the park. You can easily get to the best stops along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, West Glacier, and Polebridge.
You’ll also be able to add in some time at some of the harder-to-get-to areas of the park, such as Many Glacier. This is the best place to go to see wildlife like mountain goats or black bears. We love the boat ride on Swiftcurrent Lake and the family-friendly hike to Grinnell Lake. You’ll have time to enjoy this area if you have three full days in the park.
If you’re hoping to participate in a special activity like horseback riding, a guided boat tour, or hiking a longer trail, then I would plan at least three full sightseeing days in Glacier.
Glacier in Four Days
You can explore a good portion of Glacier in three days, but it’s amazing the difference an extra day can make. If you can spend four full days in Glacier, you will have time to see some of the most jaw-dropping parts of the park that many people never see.
With four full days, you’ll have time to see all of the park’s can’t-miss spots, hike several trails, enjoy wildlife viewing, and find solitude. You can see the very best of the park without the fear of missing out on anything!
A four-day visit will open up more options for capturing stunning photographs in the park in various lighting and weather conditions. It’s nice to have multiple evenings to enjoy a few nice dinners, join in on ranger programs, or return to your favorite spots after the crowds have gone.
One other fabulous thing about giving yourself four full days in the park is that it will be much easier to get to the busy spots when the crowds are the smallest. That will save you a lot of time and provide opportunities for solitude!
Do you need help with your daily schedule for Glacier?
Get the inside scoop for your upcoming vacation —> this itinerary is the most detailed, epic, and easy-to-follow guide to the park!
Other Things to Consider
Before you solidify your travel dates or book your lodging for Glacier, you’ll want to think about a few things, such as:
How much time will it take to travel to and from Glacier (not including your sightseeing days)?
Many people forget to factor in the time it will take to drive to the park, which can cut into your sightseeing and leave you wishing for more time. For example, if you plan on spending one day in Glacier but don’t get an early start, you’ll severely limit the things you’ll have time to see. This is especially true if you visit during the summer — parking lots completely fill super early in the morning during July and August.
Are there any major holidays/fee-free days/festivals you’d like to be in the park for or avoid?
If you’re visiting over a holiday or fee-free day, the crowds will be higher, and parking lots will be packed. You may have a harder time getting around to all the can’t-miss spots, so some extra time could be beneficial.
Are there other national parks and points of interest you’re hoping to see on the same trip?
Glacier is close to several other national parks, including Yellowstone and Banff. Even if you are hoping to visit other parks while you’re in the area, you’ll need to plan a good amount of time in Glacier. Most people underestimate the number of days they’ll need to fully enjoy the park!
Should I Spend More Time in Glacier or Yellowstone?
Chances are, if you’re heading to Glacier, you may also be visiting Yellowstone during the same trip. These parks are about 6 hours apart, but many people like to see both while in the area.
Glacier and Yellowstone are both large, complex, and busy national parks. You’ll want to spend as much time in each park as possible. If you can spend 4 full days in each park, you’ll get to all of the best sights for a first-time visitor!
Or, you may decide to head up into Canada while you’re so close to the border! Waterton Lakes National Park is a great option that is only about an hour from the east side of Glacier. This park is smaller than Glacier, so you can get away with around 2 full days to see the main sights. If you plan on heading up to Banff National Park from there, try to plan another 4 days at least for that busy and popular park.
Glacier Itinerary Options
I’m here to help you determine how many days to spend in Glacier, so here are a few sample trip itineraries for the area that will help you decide the best way to split your time between parks!
After you decide how to split your time, these detailed itineraries will provide you with a ton of extra information on things to do, the closest airport, driving directions, lodging and dining options, and insider tips for your trip.
If you have:
A Weekend
I recommend spending your whole weekend in Glacier!
One Week
Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks
Day 1 — Fly into Kalispell and drive to the West Glacier Entrance (1 hour)
Day 2 — West Glacier
Day 3 — East Glacier
Day 4 — East Glacier
Day 5 — Drive to Waterton Lakes (1 hour)
Day 6 — Waterton Lakes
Day 7 — Drive back to Kalispell to catch your flight (4 hours)
10 Days
Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks
Day 1 — Fly into Bozeman and drive to West Yellowstone (2 hours)
Day 2 — Yellowstone
Day 3 — Yellowstone
Day 4 — Yellowstone
Day 5 — Drive to West Glacier (6.5 hours)
Day 6 — West Glacier
Day 7 — West Glacier
Day 8 — East Glacier
Day 9 — East Glacier
Day 10— Drive back to Bozeman to catch your flight (5 hours)
Glacier, Waterton Lakes, and Banff National Parks
Day 1 — Fly into Kalispell and drive to West Glacier (1 hour)
Day 2 — West Glacier
Day 3 — East Glacier
Day 4 — East Glacier
Day 5 — Drive to Waterton Lakes (1 hour) and explore
Day 6 — Waterton Lakes in the morning, then drive to Banff in the afternoon (4 hours)
Day 7 — Banff
Day 8 — Banff
Day 9 — Banff
Day 10 — Drive back to Kalispell to catch your flight (5.5 hours)
2 Weeks
Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Glacier National Parks
Day 1 — Fly into Bozeman and drive to West Yellowstone (2 hours)
Day 2 — Yellowstone
Day 3 — Yellowstone
Day 4 — Yellowstone
Day 5 — Yellowstone all day, then drive to Grand Teton National Park in the evening (2 hours)
Day 6 — Grand Teton
Day 7 — Grand Teton
Day 8 — Grand Teton
Day 9 — Drive to West Glacier (9 hours)
Day 10 — West Glacier
Day 11 — West Glacier
Day 12 — East Glacier
Day 13 — East Glacier
Day 14 — Drive back to Bozeman to catch your flight (5 hours)
Glacier, Waterton Lakes, and Banff National Parks
Day 1 — Fly into Kalispell and drive to West Glacier (1 hour)
Day 2 — West Glacier
Day 3 — East Glacier
Day 4 — East Glacier
Day 5 — Drive to Waterton Lakes (1 hour) and explore
Day 6 — Waterton Lakes for most of the day, then drive to Banff in the late afternoon/evening (4 hours)
Day 7 — Banff
Day 8 — Banff
Day 9 — Banff
Day 10 — Icefields Parkway to Jasper (3.5 hours)
Day 11 — Jasper
Day 12 — Jasper
Day 13 — Icefields Parkway to Banff (3.5 hours)
Day 14 — Drive back to Kalispell to catch your flight (5.5 hours)
Do you love to have a plan?
Get the inside scoop for your upcoming vacation —> This itinerary is the most detailed, epic, and easy-to-follow guide to the park!
I hope that helps you decide how many days to spend in Glacier National Park. Enjoy your trip!
More Glacier Trip Planning Information
Glacier Itinerary — a detailed hour-by-hour sightseeing schedule.
How to Get to Glacier — the best airports and roads in the area.
The Best Time to Visit — what to expect during each month of the year.
Weather, Hours, and Closures — important weather info and common closures.
Where Should I Stay? — the best options in and around the park.
All About Camping — learn about the park’s campgrounds and how to get a site.
10 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit to Glacier — the top 10 spots.
The Best Easy Hikes — the perfect trails for kids, wheelchairs, and beginners.
The Ultimate Glacier Trip Planning Guide — everything you need to know.
Best Things to Do — activities for every type of adventurer.
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My husband and I are planning a trip out west to visit Yellowstone the last week in June and then Glacier for 4 full days. It is noted that your Glacier itineraries are only good for July and August due to snow removal. Do you offer alternatives for June?
Hey Bethany! It totally depends on when they open the Going-to-the-Sun Road fully. Sometimes, it opens in mid-June or so, at which point my Glacier Itinerary would work perfectly for you. It’s just a really unpredictable time in the park, and many activities on the itinerary can only be accessed if the road is open to Logan Pass!
We are scheduled to visit Glacier June 20-24. It looks like GTSR won’t be fully opened by that time. I’m looking at doing 1-2 days around Flathead lake and 2 days in Glacier instead of the originally planned 3 full days in Glacier. Do you still recommend at least 3 days to explore Glacier when GTSR is closed for snow plowing?
At that time of year, you could still potentially fill 3 days. You could spend one day on the west side and two days on the east side of the Going-to-the-Sun, Many Glacier, and Two Medicine.