Scenic Road Trip from Dallas to Glacier National Park

Day 1: Dallas to Denver (Monday, July 14)

Morning: Early departure from Dallas, heading northwest. Experience sunrise at a rest stop as you begin the 12-hour drive, passing through the plains of Texas and into Colorado.

Afternoon: Continue driving, with a stop in Amarillo for lunch and a quick visit to . Rest and refuel at cheap motels around Colorado Springs or Denver.

Evening: Arrive in Denver around sunset. Check into budget accommodations like . Enjoy inexpensive dinner at local fast-food joints or casual diners.

Day 2: Denver to Cheyenne & then to Casper (Tuesday, July 15)

Morning: Depart early towards Cheyenne, Wyoming. Stop at for a quick tour. Drive onwards, crossing into Wyoming.

Afternoon: Lunch in Casper; explore downtown and relax by . Continue driving toward Billings, Montana for overnight stay.

Evening: Check into affordable accommodation like . Watch the sunset near . Dinner at budget-friendly diners.

Day 3: Billings to Glacier National Park via Beartooth Highway (Wednesday, July 16)

Morning: Early start towards Red Lodge, then take the scenic . Enjoy breathtaking mountain views and numerous photo stops.

Afternoon: Arrive at Glacier National Park in late afternoon. Check into a budget lodge or campground ().

Evening: Sunset at . Relax and prepare for next day's activities. Light dinner from affordable picnic supplies or local eateries.

Day 4: Glacier National Park - Going-to-the-Sun Road & Lake Activities (Thursday, July 17)

Morning: Drive along the iconic , stop at key viewpoints like and . Sunrise is best at .

Afternoon: Rent a kayak at or for an adventurous paddle. Enjoy the scenic beauty and wildlife sightings.

Evening: Relax at the lodge, watch sunset over the mountains. Dinner outdoors with packed meals or food bought from local grocery stores.

Day 5: Glacier NP to Yellowstone NP (Friday, July 18)

Morning: Drive south through Flathead National Forest, heading toward Yellowstone. Optional stop at along the way.

Afternoon: Arrive at Yellowstone. Check into budget accommodations like . Explore the and .

Evening: Sunset at . Relax and prepare for full exploration tomorrow.

Day 6: Yellowstone National Park (Saturday, July 19)

Morning: Tour and visit .

Afternoon: Continue exploring geysers, hot springs, and wildlife at . Have a picnic or budget-friendly meals within park.

Evening: Sunset views from . Relax at the accommodation.

Day 7: Yellowstone to Cody & Back (Sunday, July 20)

Morning: Optional drive through Hayden Valley, then exit Yellowstone heading towards Cody, Wyoming.

Afternoon: Short visit to . Return drive back towards Denver or base camp, stopping along scenic routes.

Evening: Rest at economical hotels or campgrounds along the route back or close to the park.

Day 8: Final Drive to Dallas (Monday, July 21)

Morning: Early start for the 12-hour drive back to Dallas. Breaks for meals and stretching at rest stops. Enjoy the scenic drive across the Great Plains.

Evening: Arrive in Dallas by sunset. Check into budget hotel or rest at home if possible.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Driving: Approx. 2200 miles total, 40 hours of driving estimated, $150 in fuel costs.
• Accommodation: Budget motels, ~$60/night x 7 nights = $420.
• Food: $15 per person/day, total $45/day x 8 days = $360.
• Park Entry Fees: Yellowstone & Glacier annual pass ~$80, Beartooth Highway tolls ~$25.
• Kayak Rental: Approx. $40/hour, plan for 2 hours = $80.
• Miscellaneous & Souvenirs: ~$100.
• Total Estimated Cost: approximately $1,225

Tips

If you want to extend your trip, consider staying longer at Glacier or Yellowstone to fully explore. To save money, camp at park campgrounds instead of hotels, and prepare simple meals. For a shorter journey, focus on fewer parks and spend more time relaxing at each location.