One Day in Glacier National Park
With over 1 million acres to explore, Glacier National Park offers endless opportunities for adventure. While it’s ideal to take your time and fully immerse yourself in this treasured landscape, sometimes a day is all you have. To help you make the most of it, we’ve gathered a list of top experiences perfect for a single-day visit. Please note that this itinerary is designed for the time of year when the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open, offering unparalleled access to the highlights noted below.
Know Before You Go
To enhance visitor experience, the National Park Service implements a vehicle reservation system for Glacier National Park’s peak season. Visitors entering the park in a vehicle or on a motorcycle in one of the designated areas during peak season dates and times need two things: (1) A timed-entry vehicle reservation or service reservation (such as a guided tour or lodging reservation) and (2) Park Entrance Fee or valid Park Pass (Annual, Senior, Military, etc.). Read more about vehicle reservations here. This does not affect motorcoaches that enter the park from the west entrance because they cannot travel past Avalanche Lake and ascend the Going-to-the-Sun Road and must arrange the transfer of their clients to a park concessionaire (Red Bus Tour or Sun Tour) for transport.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Guided Hiking Adventures
- Horseback Riding
- Scenic Boat Tours
- Shopping at GNP Villages
- Tours on Going-to-the-Sun Road
- Whitewater Rafting or Scenic Floats
Option 1: Drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road
STOPS:
- 1West Glacier
- 2Apgar Village
- 3Apgar Visitor Center
If you only have one day in Glacier National Park, you’re well-advised to explore the Going-to-the-Sun Road. If you are entering the park from the west entrance, stop in West Glacier for gas, a souvenir and any snacks you might want for the day. (If entering from the east side, get your provisions at St. Mary before entering the park.) Once inside the park, stop in Apgar Village and browse the shops before taking in the view from the southern end of Lake McDonald, the most photographed spot in the park. After dipping your toes in the lake, travel along the Going-to-the-Sun Road to St. Mary. Take advantage of the various pull-outs and scenic viewpoints along the way. Recommended stops include Trail of the Cedars, Logan Pass Visitor Center, Jackson Glacier Overlook, Sunrift Gorge and Sun Point.
Option 2: Take a Red Bus Tour or Sun Tour
STOPS:
- 4Going-to-the-Sun Road
If you don’t have a vehicle reservation or want to receive a fun and informative history lesson, reserve a seat on a historic red bus tour. It’s a fantastic way to take in the sights and sounds of the park. The driver, called a Jammer, is your tour guide. In the 1930s, drivers had to jam the gears to get the reds to climb the hills on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. All the reds have been upgraded, but the drivers have kept the name and dress in historic clothing, and they can tell you all about the flora and fauna in Glacier National Park. The reds are operated by and can be reserved through Glacier National Park Lodges. If you reserve seats on the most popular morning tour, called Western Alpine, you will be back in time for lunch at Lake McDonald Lodge. For a cultural perspective, consider Sun Tours, led by Blackfeet Nation tribal members who share the profound significance of the park through their heritage. Tours begin with a sweet grass blessing, and pickup locations vary from the east side of the park to the west side. Reservations are required.
Option 3: Dine at Lake McDonald Lodge
STOPS:
- 5Lake McDonald Lodge
- 6Lake McDonald Camp Store
After you return from your Going-to-the-Sun experience, visit Lake McDonald Lodge, built in 1913. This 82-room historic lodge sits on the edge of Lake McDonald. The front of the lodge—which faces the water—was built to greet tourists that would come via rail and then steamship up the lake in the early 1900s. Step inside this Swiss chalet-style lodge and eat at Russell’s Fireside Dining Room or Jammer Joe’s Grill and Pizzeria. Don’t forget to stop by the Lake McDonald Camp Store for snacks, souvenirs or a memento of your Glacier National Park adventure.
Option 4: Take a Historic Boat Ride
STOPS:
- 7Lake McDonald
- 8Lake McDonald Lodge
Board a historic vessel just steps below Lake McDonald Lodge, and set out on a serene cruise across the pristine waters. Enjoy captivating commentary from the captain or a knowledgeable park ranger as you take in the scenery. Glacier Park Boat Company provides tours on five lakes in Glacier National Park including St. Mary Lake, Lake McDonald, Lake Josephine, Swiftcurrent Lake and Two Medicine Lake.
Option 5: Take a Hike
STOPS:
- 9Trail of the Cedars
- 10Avalanche Lake
Known as a hiker’s paradise, your time in Glacier National Park would not be complete without a trek, big or small. The park offers 730 miles of trails for every age and fitness level, from the novice to the highly skilled backcountry hiker. One of the most popular hikes is the mile-long Trail of the Cedars (ADA accessible), followed by the 4.5-mile round-trip hike to Avalanche Lake. If going with a guide is more your style, Glacier Guides offers well-trained guides to lead the way and explain the geology, history and more. Pro tip: When hiking in the park, always be bear aware and never hike alone. Make noise, never leave food out, observe bears from a safe distance, carry bear spray as a precaution, and know how to use it.
Option 6: Saddle Up for a Trail Ride
STOPS:
- 11Lake McDonald Corals
- 12Apgar Corals
Experience Glacier National Park from a different perspective—on horseback. Swan Mountain Outfitters offers guided trail rides from their corrals in West Glacier, Lake McDonald, Apgar and Many Glacier. Beginners and seasoned riders alike will enjoy a leisurely trek through lush forestland and alongside pristine rivers. Guides provide insights into the area’s history, flora and fauna along the way.
Option 7: Whitewater Rafting or Scenic Float
STOPS:
- 13Middle Fork of the Flathead River
For those seeking an adrenaline rush or a tranquil escape, a trip on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River is a must. During late spring and early summer, the river’s rapids offer an exhilarating whitewater rafting experience. Expert guides will lead you through churning waves, all while ensuring your safety. For a more relaxed outing, opt for a scenic float trip, perfect for families or those who prefer to soak in the surroundings at a slower pace. As you drift along the river, watch for wildlife and enjoy the scenic backdrop.
Day 1
