If you only have 2 days in Glacier National Park, you need a plan. It’s become more complicated to visit Glacier National Park with its new reservation system to combat all of the crowds.
Can you still visit without a vehicle reservation? Is it possible to avoid crowds in Glacier National Park, even in the summer? Yes and yes.
In this itinerary, I’ll show you a way to explore this huge park efficiently — without crowds and without a reservation.
Why Follow This 2 Day Glacier National Park Itinerary?
Avoid crowds. Crowds affect only certain areas of the park, but there is so much more worth seeing in Glacier. Head off the tourist trail with this itinerary to see what else Glacier has to offer.
Avoid getting a reservation. Glacier is a massive national park that has become so popular a reservation is now required to enter. And these reservations are pretty hard to get. If you don’t get a reservation, don’t worry. I’ll show you some ways to visit Glacier (legally) without a reservation.
Be efficient. You don’t have any time to waste if you only have 2 days. This itinerary efficiently packs the most in while not feeling too rushed.
About Glacier National Park
It does have glaciers. In 1850, there were about 80 glaciers in the area that would become Glacier National Park. Today, Glacier National Park has about 26 glaciers. The number has been decreasing due to climate change, and some scientists erroneously claimed they would all be gone by 2030. However, it’s not yet possible to say for certain how much longer the glaciers will remain as they are still being studied. Nevertheless, best to visit sooner rather than later.
Includes part of Canada. Glacier National Park is part of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, which spans the border between the United States and Canada. It is the world’s first International Peace Park, established in 1932.
Features a famous scenic road. One of the park’s most iconic features is the Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile scenic route that crosses the park, winding through mountains and alpine areas, offering incredible views. It’s open only in summer months due to heavy snow in the winter.
How Many Days
2 days is the minimum number of days to explore Glacier National Park. I think 1 day is not enough.
If you have more than 2 days to spend here, definitely do so.
I would have liked to go on more hikes with more time. However, the two days I spent in Glacier National Park were fulfilling enough. I felt I saw what I wanted to see and didn’t feel like I missed out.
Reservations and Entry Fees for Glacier National Park
Entry Fees
It costs $35 per vehicle to enter Glacier National Park, and your entry is valid for one week.
If you plan to visit more than 3 national parks in a year, definitely get an America the Beautiful annual pass to save money.
When Do You Need a Reservation?
Timed reservations are needed to enter Glacier National Park’s west entrance from June 13 through September 28 between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Reservations can be booked starting on February 12, 2025 for dates 4 months in advance. Next-day vehicle reservations will be available starting on June 12, 2025.
Ways to Avoid Getting a Reservation
- Enter Glacier by its east entrance (St. Mary).
- Book an activity, hotel lodging, or camping reservation in the park for your desired date.
- Enter Glacier’s west entrance outside of the dates reservations are needed — before June 13 or after September 28.
- Enter Glacier’s west entrance outside of the times reservations are needed — before 7 a.m. or after 3 p.m.
- Tribal members do not need reservations to visit Glacier National Park in accordance with the American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978.
Learn more about the timed reservation system at the official Glacier NP website.
Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park
Glacier experiences a lot of snow throughout the year, so summer is the time to go.
Summer is also the most crowded season in the park, so you’ll need to be prepared.
When Does the Going-to-the-Sun Road Open/Close for the Season?
It varies. It opens typically in late June or early July, depending on when the road can be completely cleared of snow. It closes typically in September or October.
There is never an estimated opening date as they don’t announce when the road is open until the day it opens.
This makes it hard to plan.
My experience with the Going-to-the-Sun Road:
In 2024, I booked my trip to Glacier National Park for June 21-22. Many people warned us we wouldn’t get to drive on the Going-to-the-Sun Road because we were visiting too early.
However, on the morning of June 22, while we were at the Many Glacier Hotel planning our day, we got the alert that the Going-to-the-Sun road was open. What good timing!
If you’re visiting in late June or early July, have a plan A and a plan B. Be ready for either outcome (road open or closed).
Text alerts:
Sign up for text alerts about road conditions in Glacier National Park by texting GNPROADS to 333111.
Historical dates the Going-to-the-Sun Road opened:
2024: June 22
2023: June 13
2022: July 13
2021: June 25
2020: July 13
2019: June 22
See all historical opening and closing dates on the NPS website.
Overview of 2 Days in Glacier National Park Itinerary
This itinerary avoids the timed reservation requirement by entering Glacier by its east entrance (St. Mary).
You’ll also be visiting the Many Glacier area of the national park, which doesn’t currently require timed reservations.
Day 1: Explore Many Glacier
Arrive in Kalispell and start your drive to Many Glacier. If you arrive too late in the day, stay a night in Kalispell or Columbia Falls before waking up early the next day to start the drive.
Drive from Columbia Falls to Many Glacier via US-2.
Don’t take the Going-to-the-Sun Road yet — for a few reasons. One, you’ll probably need a reservation. Two, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is more crowded, takes much longer, and has more mountainous turns. Avoid all that for now.
We’ll drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road tomorrow, on the way down, starting from the east entrance where reservations aren’t required.
Be careful of the dirt road.
When you get to Many Glacier, you’ll have to drive on a dirt road for about 2.5 miles.
Many people at the Many Glacier Hotel were complaining about this dirt section of the road. Why is it there? Why can’t you pave it?
Employees said they’ve tried to pave it several times but this particular section of the road always ends up sinking in.
So just drive slow and take it easy. It’s flat, and not that bad of a drive.
Things to Do in Many Glacier
Many Glacier is an incredibly beautiful section of Glacier National Park. It’s, in my opinion, the BEST and most beautiful part of the park. I would return to Glacier National Park JUST to stay in Many Glacier.
There are some incredible (and lengthy) hikes in this area, but there is also a lot to see and do for those who are not as interested in hiking.
Here are some suggestions of what to do in Many Glacier:
Walk around Swiftcurrent Lake
First things first, head to admire Swiftcurrent Lake. This lake is right next to the Many Glacier Hotel and the main parking lot in Many Glacier.
This lake will surely take your breath away. I honestly couldn’t believe I was still in the U.S. Is this not Switzerland?
There’s an easy 2.6-mile path around the lake that takes about an hour to complete.
But you can also just sit behind the Many Glacier Hotel and take in the views.
Go on a Boat Tour
The Glacier Park Boat Company offers boat tours and rentals on Swiftcurrent Lake and Josephine Lake.
All of the boat tours involve a short 0.2-mile hike between Swiftcurrent Lake and Josephine Lake (and back, if you book a return trip).
The boat tours only run during summer months, and they book up quickly, so act fast to reserve your spot.
Watch Sunset or Sunrise at Swiftcurrent Lake
If you’re staying the night at Many Glacier Hotel, don’t miss the sunset or sunrise.
In summer, the sun rises around 5:30 a.m. and sets around 9:30 p.m.
We actually were so tired our first night in Many Glacier that we couldn’t even stay up to 9 p.m., so we missed the sunset. We couldn’t, however, miss the sunrise, so we woke up early to see it come up behind the peaks at Swiftcurrent Lake.
Many other guests of the hotel were also out enjoying the sunrise. It’s an incredible, can’t-miss sight.
Hike in Many Glacier
Most of the hikes in Many Glacier are lengthy and for advanced hikers. If you plan to hike, you’ll need to come prepared with bear spray and essential hiking gear.
Some trails may be closed due to bear sightings. This was our experience trying to hike the easy Swiftcurrent Nature Trail. A sign saying, “Danger: Closed to All Travel” hung in front of the trail, warning of bears.
Be safe out there.
Some of the most popular hikes in Many Glacier include:
- Cracker Lake: 12.8 miles, 1400 ft. elevation gain
- Grinnell Glacier Viewpoint: 10.6 miles, 1600 ft. elevation gain
- Iceberg Lake: 9.6 miles, 1200 ft. elevation gain
- Swiftcurrent Nature Trail: 2.3 mile loop, 127 ft. elevation gain
See all hikes in Many Glacier.
Enjoy the Amazing Views in Many Glacier
Walk around and explore the Many Glacier area as much as you can. It’s stunning.
Wake up early to see the morning light hit the lakes.
Wander around and see the trees, waterfalls, rocks, and overlooks.
Many Glacier is a photographer’s dream, so take as many photos as you can of this beautiful place.
Look for Wildlife in Many Glacier
Aside from bears, which you probably don’t want to run into (or at least I don’t), Many Glacier is home to lots of other wildlife, such as:
- Bighorn sheep
- Elk
- Moose
- Mountain goats
- Mountain lions
- Lynxes
- Wolves
Where to find bighorn sheep: You can easily see bighorn sheep near the Many Glacier Hotel as they run up the hill by the parking lot often. Many hotel guests wait outside, watching for them.
Where to find moose: Moose are also often spotted around lakes in Many Glacier. We saw one while driving by a lake and I got to snap a quick photo with my zoom lens.
Keep your distance from all wildlife.
Hotel staff as well as park rangers have to remind people frequently to keep their distance from the wildlife, so I’ll add it in here as well.
Be sure to stay at least 75 feet (25 yards) away from all wildlife and 300 feet (100 yards) away from bears.
Bring binoculars or a zoom lens to get a better view of wildlife, but don’t approach them.
Where to Stay: Stay in Many Glacier Hotel (If You Can)
Stay at the Many Glacier Hotel if you can because it’s amazing and in the most convenient location. The hotel looks like a Swiss chalet and is simply stunning.
I loved our stay in Many Glacier Hotel and wish we had stayed longer, but I was only able to find a booking for one night. It wasn’t with a view of the lake, but that’s okay, because we still got to soak in all the views by walking around and sitting on the back patio.
Note that the Many Glacier area is undergoing some construction until 2026, closing Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and Many Glacier Campground. Many Glacier Hotel will be open, and their parking lot will be the only one available for both guests and hikers. It may be more congested than usual.
Day 2: Explore Glacier National Park via St Mary Entrance
My biggest recommendation is to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road one day, one way. It’s too stressful to try to drive the entire road, there and back, in one day. So I hope you can pack up and spend tonight (day 2) at another hotel in Kalispell.
Plan A: If the Going-to-the-Sun Road is open, head out early to St. Mary, as you will need the whole day.
Plan B: If the Going-to-the-Sun Road is partly closed, spend a little more time exploring Many Glacier in the morning, then head to St. Mary later in the day to enjoy that area before driving back out the east entrance and around on US-2 (the way you came up). The Going-to-the-Sun Road will usually be open just until Jackson Glacier Overlook on the east side, even if the alpine section is closed during shoulder seasons.
Morning in Many Glacier
Watch the sunrise in Many Glacier and have breakfast at the Ptarmigan Dining Room. Come early to get a window seat with a view of the lake. The dining room is gorgeous, and there’s a buffet breakfast to enjoy. Reservations aren’t needed as it’s first come, first served.
Drive to the St. Mary Entrance
Enter the park via the St. Mary entrance. When you first arrive in St. Mary, be sure to stop by:
- St. Mary Visitor Center
- Wild Goose Island Lookout
Hike the Sun Point Nature Trail, overlooking St. Mary Lake
Distance: 0.8 mi
Elevation loss: 250 ft
Trailhead: Sunrift Gorge Pullout
Ready for the first major stop of the day? Be sure to stop and see St. Mary Lake and do a quick hike on the Sun Point Nature Trail.
This nature trail is less than a mile, and pretty flat, but it offers beautiful views of the lake. I also saw some wildflowers on the trail. It is definitely worth a stop.
We arrived around 9 a.m. and the parking lot was completely empty.
Hike to St. Mary Falls or further to Virginia Falls
St. Mary Falls from the St. Mary Falls Trailhead
One-Way Distance: 1.2 mi
Elevation loss: 260 ft
Virginia Falls from the St. Mary Falls Trailhead
One-Way Distance: 1.8 mi
Elevation change: loss 260 ft, then gain 285 ft
A hike to St. Mary Falls was our only major hike of the day, and I’m very glad we chose this one.
The waterfall is beautiful, and you’ll see lots of pretty views along the way, including wildflowers, trees, and butterflies fluttering upon rocks.
Many people opt to continue hiking another half mile past St. Mary Falls to see Virginia Falls. A hiker we passed said Virginia Falls was a much prettier waterfall and very much worth the extra distance.
Where to park: You can either drive to the smaller parking lot near the St. Mary Falls trailhead or you can simply head out from the larger parking lot near the Sun Point Nature Trail (this will add one mile to the hike).
We arrived fairly early so we decided to drive to the St. Mary Falls trailhead as it was not yet crowded.
See all day hikes in the St. Mary area.
View Jackson Glacier Overlook
The Jackson Glacier Overlook is a quick, side-of-the-road stop but a must-see nevertheless.
Here you’ll find the best view of a glacier along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, according to the NPS.
In 1966, Jackson Glacier measured 316 acres. In 2015, it measured 187 acres. It has decreased in size 129 acres in 49 years.
You can see the glacier fairly well from the parking lot, but using binoculars or a zoom lens will be helpful in seeing details.
This is where Plan B ends, if this road is closed at the alpine section. You’ll have to turn around and drive back down to Columbia Falls via US-2.
For Plan A, if the road is completely open, keep driving down the Going-to-the-Sun Road and enjoy the views.
Stop at Overlooks after Siyeh Bend (Alpine Section)
Along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, there are several areas to stop and park along the side to take in the views.
I particularly recommend stopping at the overlook after Siyeh Bend, just before the tunnel. This viewpoint overlooks a beautiful valley with waterfalls in the distance.
Keep your eyes peeled and stop whenever something strikes you. Safely, of course.
Stop at the Weeping Wall
The Weeping Wall is a very crowded, quick stop on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. You’ll know you’re close when you see all the cars parked on the side of the road.
Is it worth the stop?
Yes, I believe so. It may be crowded, but it’s also a beautiful waterfall. Take a few minutes to see for yourself.
See Lake McDonald
The bottom of Lake McDonald is full of colorful pebbles, and the water in the lake is clear enough to see them.
Lake McDonald is an incredibly large lake, going on for miles.
Where to stop to see it?
We stopped at the Apgar Campground, where there are trails and beach areas to go down to the water.
There are also a view overlooks along the lake, on the side of the road.
Which is more scenic — St. Mary Lake or Lake McDonald?
They both have their charms, but I was more struck by the beauty of St. Mary Lake.
Tips for Visiting Glacier National Park
Drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road one way, one day.
It’s too stressful to try to drive the entire road, there and back, in one day. So plan to drive it just one way by driving up on US-2 and staying the first night at Many Glacier and the next day driving down Going-to-the-Sun Road and staying the second night at a hotel in Kalispell or Columbia Falls.
Skip the crowded places.
The most crowded places and trails in Glacier National Park are:
- Avalanche Creek
- Avalanche Lake Trail
- Logan Pass
- Highline Trail
- Hidden Lake Trail
To hike or park at these places requires waking up and arriving well before sunrise in order to find a parking space.
If hiking in Logan Pass or Avalanche Creek is on your bucket list, you’ll have to devote your day to just this. Wake up early. Go straight there. Don’t stop anywhere else.
However, if you want to do ANY hike in Glacier, I’d recommend hiking in Many Glacier or St. Mary instead. Far less people, same beautiful park.
There are over 700 miles of trails in Glacier National Park, and hiking a less popular one will allow you to miss out on crowds but not views.
How to Get to Glacier National Park
Where in Montana is Glacier National Park? Which airport to use?
Fly into Glacier Park International Airport as it’s the closest airport to Glacier National Park, about 25 miles from the west entrance.
The airport is in Kalispell, Montana, and it’s a pretty impressive airport for being so small.
Cheap airline for California travelers: If you’re visiting Montana from California, I’d recommend traveling on a newer airline, Avelo Airlines. It’s a low-budget airline, so the plane tickets are cheaper, and it will get you to Glacier Park International Airport non-stop, coming from either the Burbank Airport or Sonoma County Airport.
Do you need a rental car in Montana? Definitely. I’d recommend booking a rental car to explore Glacier National Park and beyond. Note that some of the rental car companies are on the Glacier Park Airport grounds, and some require taking a shuttle. I used Enterprise, which required a shuttle.
Where to Stay in Montana after Visiting Glacier NP
On your first night in Glacier National Park, if you’re following my itinerary, I’d recommend staying at the Many Glacier Hotel.
After visiting Glacier National Park, at the end of the second day, I’d recommend staying in Kalispell. Kalispell has plenty of hotel options and is a central location for visiting other nearby areas in Montana, such as Flathead Lake, Whitefish, Bigfork, and Columbia Falls.
Kalispell is also where the airport is located, making it an even more convenient place to stay.
We stayed in Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kalispell, an IHG Hotel, after we drove out of Glacier National Park, and would recommend it.
Recommended hotels in Kalispell:
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kalispell
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Kalispell, MT
- Hilton Garden Inn Kalispell
- SpringHill Suites Kalispell
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Wow great information beautiful pictures! Thanks 😊