Return to Whitefish for dinner; Tupelo offers regional American dishes while Abruzzo serves hearty Italian—both are popular so reserve ahead (typical open evenings).
Early breakfast at the hotel or Loula’s Cafe in Whitefish (Loula’s typically opens early); fuel up for a long day—oatmeal, eggs or sandwiches are recommended.
Drive ~30 minutes to Apgar Village and board the early shuttle to Logan Pass (shuttle schedule varies—check nps.gov/glac for 2025 schedule). Early shuttle secures access and avoids Logan Pass parking shortages.
Tackle the iconic Highline Trail to Granite Park Chalet (7.6 miles one-way, strenuous, ~5–6 hours) for dramatic Garden Wall exposures and high alpine wildlife; alternate: Haystack Butte out-and-back (~3–4 hours) if you prefer a shorter option.
Eat a packed lunch or quick visitor-center fare at Logan Pass—this is your main refuel after the Highline; pack snacks and use bear-resistant storage for food while hiking.
Hike the Hidden Lake Overlook (2.7 miles RT, ~2 hours) for close Garden Wall views and mountain-goat sightings; afternoon timing usually reduces the crowds from the morning rush.
Scenic ~2-hour drive (~70 miles) along Going-to-the-Sun Road—stop briefly at Jackson Glacier Overlook for photos; show your America the Beautiful pass at park entrances.
Hike Grinnell Glacier Trail (10.3 miles RT, strenuous, ~5 hours) for incredible glacier viewpoints and high likelihood of seeing mountain goats, moose or bears—carry bear spray and a bear-proof lunch bag.
Guided hike along the Blackfoot River (3–4 miles, ~2–3 hours) with local guides—great for birdlife, elk and scenic river viewpoints (guides help with safety & wildlife interpretation).
Drive ~45 minutes to Garnet Ghost Town (about 35 miles) and spend the afternoon exploring historic mining buildings; early afternoon visits are quiet and great for photos.
Enter Yellowstone NP via the West Entrance and hike the Fairy Falls / Grand Prismatic Overlook loop (5.2 miles RT, ~3 hours) to see the Grand Prismatic from above; start early to avoid the main crowds at the boardwalk viewpoint.
Hike Observation Point & Mystic Falls (≈3.5 miles RT, 2–3 hours), then walk the Upper Geyser Basin boardwalks to see Old Faithful's scheduled eruption—check current predicted eruption times at the visitor center.
Drive to the canyon area and hike the South Rim Trail to Artist Point (≈3.8 miles RT, ~2–3 hours) for classic views of the Lower Falls and canyon walls.
Drive ~1.5 hours to Lamar Valley for prime evening wildlife viewing (wolves, bears, elk). Bring binoculars and be prepared to stop at pullouts—dusk can be productive for predators.
Drive ~30 minutes to Mammoth Hot Springs and walk the Lower & Upper Terrace loops (≈1.5 miles total, ~1 hour) to see the travertine terraces and abundant elk.
Visit the Museum of the Rockies (opens 8:00AM) to see world-class dinosaur exhibits and regional displays—arrive at opening for a quieter experience (≈1 hour).
Flight departs Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport back to Greenville-Spartanburg; enjoy your return flight and review photos and notes from the trip.