Glacier National Park
One of the most beautiful National Parks out there! Glacier National Park offers everything you could ever want including high exposure view trails, wildlife, glacier lakes, and one of the most scenic drives in America. Here is a guide with everything you need to know about Glacier including all information for permits/tickets, packing lists, trail spec, must see spots, and a sample itinerary. Happy exploring!
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Travel
Airport
Glacier International Airport (FCA)
30 min drive from the west entrance of the park
Transportation
We rented a campervan and it was the absolute best! We stayed in campgrounds around the park and were able to drive everywhere we wanted to go. If you do not want to rent a campervan I suggest renting a car.
Accommodation
There are many campsites inside the park that make it easier to get to the trailheads early, but if you are wanting to stay in a hotel there are many options outside of the park. For my specific recommendations scroll down to the sample itinerary below!
Packing list
Here is a packing list speicifically for car camping and hiking Glacier National Park. If you are looking for an all inclusive day hiking and camping gear guide, click here!
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Most campervans come with a camping kit so ensure you check your vans information before packing unneeded items!
Passes and Permits
America the Beautiful Pass (annual National Park pass)
Do not need a Glacier National Park Pass if you have this
Need this as well as a park pass to enter the park from the west entrance (unless you are camping inside the park!)
Top Must See Spots/Hikes
Going-to-the-Sun Road
One of the most scenic drives in America! You will drive this entire road if going from the west entrance to the east entrance of the park.
West Side
East Side
Two Medicine Lake
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Fly into Glacier International Airport (FCA) and drive to the west entrance of the park
Pro tip: there is a sharing shack on the way to the park meant to be used as a food/gear exchange system. Stock up on anything you may need here before hitting the grocery store and be sure to stop by on your way home to drop off any left overs you may have!
Camp around Lake McDonald area (there are 3 campsites around this lake, ensure you check the reservation website as they fill up quick!)
Choose this campground first if available (will make your drive shorter the next morning)
Day 2
Drive to Logans Pass parking
this parking lot is known for filling up FAST, like before 6am fast. I recommend getting to the parking lot around 5:30am as this will be the trailhead parking lot for all your trails today
Hike Highline Trail (18 miles)
About 6 miles into the Highline Trail there is a side quest trail to the left that goes up to Grinnell Glacier Overlook, be sure to embrace the suck of this 1 mile 1k elevation gain climb and prepare to see one of the best views of Glacier National Park.
This is a through hike and the Glacier shuttle will pick you up at the end and take you back to your car at Logans Pass Parking Lot
Drive to St. Mary’s Campground
This campground sells out FAST, so here are some options outside of the park to camp at
Day 3
Drive to the Many Glacier area of the park (this will be the area of all your trailheads for the rest of the trip!)
Camp at Many Glacier Campground
Again, this campsite sells out FAST, ensure you book at least 6 months in advance.
Day 4
Camp at Many Glacier Campground
Day 5
Camp at Many Glacier Campground
Day 6
On your way back to Glacier International Airport stop at Two Medicine Lake and take a walk around the shoreline. This was a great relaxing way to end our trip!
Fly out of Glacier International Airport
