Looking to visit Montana’s Glacier National Park but only have two days? Here’s how to make the best of a weekend visit to Glacier National Park. 

Why this blog? Hi there! I’m Maddy and I’ve been working as a wilderness guide and outdoor writer since 2018. Helping people get outside is my job, and I’m happy to show you around!

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Leave No Trace in Glacier National Park:

Glacier National Park is on the traditional homelands of the Blackfeet, Salish, Pend d’Oreille, and Kootenai. Everywhere you recreate likely has historic, cultural, and archeological significance. For this reason as well as respect for other hikers and ecological concerns, remember to pack out everything you bring with you, stay on the designated trails, and take nothing with you form the park. 

Permits and Passes in Glacier National Park 2024:

A National Parks Pass is required in Glacier National Park and to drive the popular Going-to-the-Sun Road, tickets are required in advance. These can be purchased online at recreation.gov for $35 in addition to a National Parks Pass. 

Tickets are made available 120 days in advance, and sell out very quickly after releasing. 

Reservations are required May 24 through September 8th, from 6 am to 3 pm. To do this itinerary, you will want a Going to the Sun Road permit for the second day of your trip. 

Additional permits are required for all backcountry camping.

What to pack for Glacier National Park:

Weather in Glacier National Park can be variable depending on where in the park you are and at what elevation. Expect hot days in the summer with the potential for cooler evenings.

• 2 lightweight, long hiking pants. I wear a size 8 and am short, and find the REI trailmade to be super flattering as well as the Kuhl freeflex.
• A fleece. Any fleece will do, but I really love my Patagonia Synchilla
• Wool baselayers. Five years of heavy paddling and my Smartwool baselayers are the only wool baselayers I’ve had that have really stood the test of time. For seven days, pack four baselayer tops. 
• Study hiking boots. I like my Bridger Mids. Working in outdoor retail I literally never had anyone try on these shoes and not buy them. Pair with Darn Tough hiking socks and pack at least five pairs. In the alpine areas, trekking poles are also a great choice!
• hiking sandal and quick dry shots: I like Patagonia Baggies
• If camping, a tent, packable sleeping bag (Nemo Disco) and pad (comfortable sleeping pad): Read my budget tent recommendations here!
• A day hiking pack: I love my Perimeter 35L. I was gifted this pack a few years back and it’s still my go-to day pack; a savvy packer can easily pack for a seven day hiking trip in this bag. 
• A raincoat. I love the Moss Raincoat from Helly Hansen; It’s affordable, cute, and super durable.

moments from the Going-to-the-Sun Road

How to see Glacier National Park in Two Days:

Here’s a quick and handy guide to visiting Glacier National Park if you only have two days, or the equivalent of just one weekend!

Day One: Red Bus Tour

For the perfect intro to Glacier National Park, book an open air Red Bus Tour. A Western Crown of the Continent tour begins at $124 per adult, but is money well spent to enjoy the Going-to-the-Sun Road without being behind the wheel. 

This is also a great way to decide whether or not you want to drive the road in the high alpine sections yourself the following day! The roads and cliffs are very intimidating. 

Exploring the Many Glacier Region during the Red Bus Tour lunch stop. Can you spot the grizzly bears in the photo on the left!?

There are several meeting points on the West Side of the park, and this is a great way to learn about the park, spot wildlife, and experience the mountains and glaciers. To date, this is one of my favorite experiences.

Pack yourself a breakfast and coffee or pick one up on the Lake McDonald Lodge! Spend an afternoon enjoying the sights as a passenger (dress warm; the temperature will drop as you climb!) and grab lunch at the Many Glacier Inn, the turn around point for the day. 

At Many Glacier, keep your eyes peeled for grizzlies! We saw several here. 

After your Red Bus tour, head into Whitefish, Montana for dinner and catch the sunset on the lake. 

Day Two: Hiking Western Glacier National Park

Wake up early and grab a breakfast on the go! In order to grab parking at one of the best hikes in Glacier National Park, you’ll want to be ready to enter the park around 6 am. 

Hike One: Avalanche Lake Trail

Head to the beautiful Avalanche Lake Trail. This five-mile round trip hike has very little elevation gain, but is easily one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Glacier National Park. Despite the milage, this hike is often considered accessible and fairly easy.

the iconic view at Avalanche Lake

This route is extremely popular, and takes you through the beautiful Trail of the Cedars and past the extremely picturesque, electric blue Avalanche Creek. Here, observe the red carved rock, green moss, and blue of the stream. 

From here, continue your hike to Avalanche Lake, where several waterfalls cascade down the mountains into the lake in the distance. 

Avalanche Lake and Avalanche Creek

NOTE: Keep your eyes peeled for bears in Glacier National Park. On this trail in the early morning, we saw a grizzly in the distance. He wasn’t so concerned with us! Carry bear spray and ideally travel in groups of three or more. 

Hike Two: Trails from Logan Pass

If you’re looking for more hiking, from Avalanche Lake, continue up the Going to the Sun Road to Logan Pass where you can hike either Hidden Lake or Highline Trail (IF parking is available up top! You might have to be patient in waiting for a spot if you’re there around midday). 

As seen near beautiful Logan Pass

Afternoon in West Glacier: Exploring Lake McDonald

Alternately, spend the day enjoying the beautiful Lake McDonald! Here, you can take a boat tour, rent a canoe, or swim.

Lake McDonald Boat Tours

Hop on a one-hour boat tour with Glacier Park Boat Company; you can also rent canoes or kayaks for Lake McDonald from Glacier Park Boat Company either at Apgar Village or Lake McDonald Lodge.

As for most things in this National Park, reservations are recommended in advance. 

Where to stay in & near Glacier National Park:

Glacier National Park is one of the most popular National Parks in the US, which means you’ll want to plan your trip early especially if staying in the park. Check out a full list of campgrounds here, and note that you will need to book well in advance. 

There are also several smaller first-come first serve sites and campgrounds within the park that are well worth the trip if you don’t mind gambling.

Another great option is to stay in the nearby town of Whitefish, MT. Check out the Good Medicine Lodge, or for a more budget friendly accommodation, the Hampton Inn and Suites. 

to explore more national parks…

• Check out this budget friendly guide to Olympic National Park!
• Plan a trip to this bucket-list Grand Canyon Destination
• Ever wanted to visit one of the least visited National Parks in the US? Plan a trip to Isle Royale National Park!