Glacier to Yellowstone National Park Adventure

Day 1: Glacier National Park – West Glacier Arrival

Morning: Arrive in West Glacier and settle into your lodge. Take a leisurely stroll to the historic Glacier Park Lodge and enjoy views of the surrounding peaks.

Afternoon: Drive the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road to the breathtaking Lake McDonald shoreline, where you can rent a kayak or simply relax on the beach.

Evening: Dine at a local eatery in West Glacier and attend a ranger talk about the park’s geology and wildlife.

Day 2: Glacier’s High Country

Morning: Hike the popular Hidden Lake Trail from Logan Pass, spotting mountain goats and alpine flowers along the way.

Afternoon: Explore the Many Glacier area, taking a boat tour on Swiftcurrent Lake and marveling at the towering peaks of Grinnell Glacier.

Evening: Return to your accommodation for a relaxed dinner and optional night sky photography near the park’s entrance.

Day 3: Drive to Yellowstone – Scenic Transition

Morning: Depart Glacier National Park via US‑89, stopping at the historic St. Mary Visitor Center for a quick refresher on the route ahead.

Afternoon: Continue south through the breathtaking Gallatin Canyon, with a short detour to the Yellowstone River viewpoint for photo ops.

Evening: Arrive at the west entrance of Yellowstone, check into your lodge near West Yellowstone, and enjoy a hearty western-style dinner.

Day 4: Yellowstone Lower Loop Highlights

Morning: Visit the iconic Old Faithful geyser and explore the surrounding geyser basin, catching the predictable eruption.

Afternoon: Walk the boardwalk around Grand Prismatic Spring, then head to the Upper Geyser Basin for additional geothermal wonders.

Evening: Drive to Lake Yellowstone for sunset views and a quiet dinner at the historic Lake Hotel terrace.

Day 5: Yellowstone Upper Loop & Departure

Morning: Explore the striking canyon at Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, walking both the South Rim and North Rim trails.

Afternoon: Spot wildlife in Lamar Valley, often called “America’s Serengeti,” with chances to see bison, elk, and wolves.

Evening: Conclude your journey with a quick stop at Mammoth Hot Springs before heading back to West Yellowstone for departure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Going-to-the-Sun Road: 3 hrs, $0 (free access)
• Lake McDonald: 2 hrs, $0
• Logan Pass & Hidden Lake Trail: 4 hrs, $0
• Many Glacier & Swiftcurrent Lake boat tour: 3 hrs, $25
• St. Mary Visitor Center: 30 min, $0
• Gallatin Canyon viewpoint: 1 hr, $0
• Old Faithful eruption & Upper Geyser Basin: 3 hrs, $0
• Grand Prismatic Spring: 1.5 hrs, $0
• Lake Yellowstone sunset: 2 hrs, $0
• Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: 3 hrs, $0
• Lamar Valley wildlife viewing: 3 hrs, $0
• Mammoth Hot Springs: 1 hr, $0
• Accommodation (4 nights): 4 nights, $560
• Meals (average $35/day): 5 days, $175
• Park Entry Pass (7‑day): 1 pass, $35
• Fuel for 800‑mile round‑trip: Approx., $120
• Total Estimated Cost: $910

Tips

If you have extra time, add a day to explore the remote North Yellowstone area, including the Beartooth Highway and Yellowstone’s northern geyser basins. To shorten the trip, combine Day 2 and Day 3 by driving straight to Yellowstone after a brief morning hike at Glacier, focusing on the park’s main attractions in the remaining days.