Are you ready for the ultimate American road trip adventure? Look no further than the stunning journey from Glacier National Park to Yellowstone! This epic route takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the US, from the towering glaciers and alpine lakes of Montana’s Glacier National Park to the geysers, hot springs, and diverse wildlife of America’s first national park, Yellowstone.
Spanning over 560 miles of picturesque roads, charming towns, and unforgettable attractions, this trip is a nature lover’s dream come true. In this article, we’ll dive into the best routes, must-see stops, and insider tips to help you plan an unforgettable adventure from Glacier National Park to Yellowstone. Let’s explore with nationalparkshops’s team!
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How far is it from Glacier National Park to Yellowstone National Park?
The distance from Glacier National Park to Yellowstone National Park varies depending on which entrances you use. From the Apgar Entrance of Glacier to the North Entrance of Yellowstone, the distance is approximately 408 miles, which takes about 6.5 hours of driving time without stops. If you’re traveling from the St. Mary’s Entrance of Glacier to the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone, expect a distance of around 426 miles, taking roughly 7.5 hours.
While these distances may seem manageable for a single day’s drive, I highly recommend breaking up your journey with scenic stops along the way. The drive itself is incredibly beautiful and offers numerous opportunities to explore charming towns and stunning landscapes.
>> What State Is Yellowstone National Park In: Located on Map
Best Times to visit Yellowstone & Glacier
The best time to explore Yellowstone National Park (YNP) is during late spring and early summer (May to June). This is when baby animals are abundant, wildflowers begin to bloom, and visitor numbers are significantly lower. However, it’s essential to confirm that the roads and facilities you intend to use are open. For more details, check out our guide to visiting Yellowstone in May.
Summer (July and August) offers the best road access and wildlife viewing opportunities, but it’s also the park’s busiest season, so plan for potential delays in your travel schedule.
For Glacier National Park, the ideal time to visit depends on your activities and interests. The peak season from June to September provides the best weather for hiking, boating, and driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road. For a quieter experience and vibrant autumn colors, consider visiting in September or October. Keep in mind that many roads and facilities close between October 15 and May 15.
How many days to see Glacier National Park to Yellowstone National Park?
I’d recommend spending at least 7 days in the area, though eight or nine days would give you a more in-depth experience and the chance to explore Grand Teton National Park as well. While summer offers long daylight hours, the 8+ hour drive between the parks will take up a significant portion of one day.
>> Itinerary: How Many Days Need For Yellowstone National Park?
Ultimate 7-Day From Glacier National Park To Yellowstone Road Trip Guide
This will be a detailed itinerary guide of my 7 days exploring from Glacier National Park to Yellowstone.
Day 1: Drive from Salt Lake City to Kalispell, Montana
I decided to tackle the longest drive first, aiming to reach Kalispell, a quaint town near Glacier National Park, shortly after sunset.
The journey from Salt Lake City to Glacier National Park spans 10 hours, but breaking up the drive with a stop in Missoula, Montana, turned it into an enjoyable adventure.
Missoula, home to the University of Montana, boasts a vibrant downtown filled with a variety of restaurants and outdoor activities. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour to admire the well-preserved historic buildings, which showcase the town’s pride in its architectural heritage. The clean and charming streets tell a story of careful preservation and community pride.
The Clark Fork River flows through Missoula, offering some of the region’s best white-water rafting opportunities, making it a must-visit for adventure enthusiasts.
Day 2: Glacier National Park
To beat the crowds and traffic, start your journey through Glacier National Park as early as possible. Arriving by 6 a.m. is ideal, but even our 7:45 a.m. entry allowed us to witness the breathtaking sunrise illuminating the streams, mountains, and glaciers.
Key Stops Along Your Route
- West Glacier Village: Located at the park’s entrance, West Glacier Village offers shopping, dining, mini-golf, and more. It’s a prime spot for lodging and RV parking. For additional details, visit the West Glacier Village website.
- Going-to-the-Sun Road: This 50-mile road is the crown jewel of Glacier National Park. Known for its remarkable engineering and switchbacks, it connects various trailheads, glacial viewpoints, and scenic overlooks. If your time is limited, simply driving this road will leave you awestruck.
- Apgar Visitor Center: Make a quick stop at the Apgar Visitor Center for clean restrooms, park information, and souvenirs. It’s a convenient starting point for your Glacier adventure.
- McDonald Lake and Lodge: Built in 1914, McDonald Lake Lodge offers a cozy retreat. Park in the large lot, stroll through the inviting lodge grounds and take in the serene views of McDonald Lake – an excellent spot for a snack or a quick break.
- Trail of Cedars: A 1-mile loop through a lush cedar forest that also serves as a gateway to the Avalanche Lake Trail.
- Avalanche Lake Trail: A moderate 4.5-mile round-trip hike leading to Avalanche Lake, surrounded by towering mountains and cascading waterfalls. The views are worth every step.
- Logan Pass: As the highest point on Going-to-the-Sun Road, Logan Pass offers panoramic views of glaciers and access to popular hiking trails. Arrive early to secure parking, as the lot fills up quickly between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Hidden Lake Trail: This 5.3-mile out-and-back trail is a favorite, featuring alpine views, wildlife sightings (including mountain goats and bighorn sheep), and the serene Hidden Lake.
- Highline Trail: For adventurous hikers, this 11.6-mile one-way trail offers jaw-dropping views and a chance to see diverse wildlife. Even a short walk along this trail is rewarding.
- Saint Mary Falls Trail: A family-friendly 1.7-mile hike leading to a stunning turquoise waterfall. The trail can be busy but is worth the effort for the scenery.
- Wild Goose Island: This iconic viewpoint along Going-to-the-Sun Road is easily recognized by the crowd of photographers capturing its beauty. Don’t miss this quick stop.
Day 3: Bozeman, Montana
On our trip from Glacier National Park to Yellowstone, we can stop by Bozeman, Montana on day 3.
Bozeman is an amazing town, and I could easily imagine myself living there. Similar to Missoula, Bozeman boasts pristine streets bordered by beautifully maintained historic buildings. The downtown area is brimming with fantastic stores offering top-notch products, and one of my personal favorites is Schnee’s Boots, Shoes, and Outdoors.
Don’t miss the hidden park and network of trails located behind the public library. This extensive trail system is dotted with quirky art installations that add a unique charm to the experience.
>> Bozeman to Yellowstone National Park: Ultimate Travel Guide
Day 4: Yellowstone National Park
The key choice in planning your Glacier National Park to Yellowstone journey is deciding which Yellowstone entrance to use. If you’re traveling from Glacier, the North entrance is the most logical option, allowing you to pass through the iconic Roosevelt Arch.
Alternatively, you could adjust your route to enter through the West entrance, bypass Mammoth Hot Springs, and prioritize visiting Grand Prismatic Spring right away.
Places to visit in Yellowstone National Park:
- Mammoth Hot Springs
- Mammoth Terraces Trail
- Biscuit Basin
- Grand Prismatic Spring
- Old Faithful
- Upper Geyser Basin
>> Things To Do in Yellowstone National Park
Day 5: Yellowstone National Park
The last day of your Glacier National Park to Yellowstone journey features some truly breathtaking spots. As these areas tend to get very crowded early in the day, it’s best to start as early as possible, ideally before sunrise.
While the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is the main attraction, there’s plenty to explore here, with multiple viewpoints and trails on both the north and south rims. You’ll have the opportunity to hike along the canyon’s edge, stop at several incredible viewpoints, and wrap up the day by wandering through Norris Geyser Basin, one of Yellowstone’s most active geothermal areas.
Day 6: Jackson, Wyoming
Jackson is a charming ski resort town and an ideal “base camp” for discovering Grand Teton National Park. The iconic town square, with its unique antler arches gathered from the nearby National Elk Refuge, is surrounded by a variety of shops, restaurants, galleries, and bronze artwork.
Day 7: Explore Salt Lake City and/or Travel Day
On your final day on Glacier National Park to Yellowstone road trip, make your way back toward Salt Lake City and, depending on your flight schedule, take some time to explore the city by visiting Temple Square or enjoying a relaxing stroll around Liberty Park. If you have extra time before your flight, you could also consider visiting nearby attractions like Antelope Island State Park, where you can take in the stunning views of the Great Salt Lake.
>> Yellowstone National Park Weather Forecast: Month-by-Month
FAQs
Can you do Glacier and Yellowstone in one trip?
You can definitely visit both in one trip. While it might seem far for those on the East Coast, West Coasters will find a 7-hour drive relatively short. However, I’d recommend spending some time at Glacier to fully experience the park’s awe-inspiring beauty. Alternatively, you could take a quick tour of Yellowstone before heading straight to Grand Teton National Park for a more focused exploration.
What airport should I fly into for Glacier National Park?
For this Montana road trip, it’s best to fly into Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, located roughly 30 miles from the park entrance.
What are the best places to stop between Glacier and Yellowstone?
In this 7-day Montana road trip guide, we suggest making stops in Whitefish and Big Sky, Montana. These two distinct areas offer a range of activities, allowing you to fully experience and enjoy your Montana adventure!
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