The Best Trip to Montana and the National Parks

Best place to grab a quick bite:

STEVE’S

Best way to stretch your legs:

RIVER’S EDGE TRAIL

Today, you’ll travel west towards Glacier National Park and the border town of East Glacier. You have two route options to get to East Glacier: I-15 or the more picturesque Hwy 89, which we recommend. East Glacier Park is situated in stunning surroundings and has amenities such as motels, restaurants, grocery stores, and gas stations. However, you should note that you will NOT find certain amenities such as banks, hospitals/clinics, or auto parts stores here.

We recommend that you spend at least three days in Glacier National Park to fully appreciate its majesty. On the third day, you can drive through the park to Kalispell, MT.

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

Glacier National Park, a 1,583 square-mile wilderness area in the Rocky Mountains, is a life-changing experience. It boasts glacier-carved peaks and valleys extending to the Canadian border. The park contains 25 active glaciers, which can be seen from the Going-to-the-Sun Road, a scenic drive that also features towering granite spires and crystal-clear alpine lakes. There are over 700 miles of hiking trails to explore, and plenty of turnouts and parking areas for capturing breathtaking photographs. The hike to Hidden Lake is one of the park’s great attractions, which begins from the west side of the Logan Pass Visitor Center. Additionally, visitors can partake in activities such as backpacking, cycling, and camping. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including mountain goats and grizzly bears. Before embarking on your exploration of the park, we recommend visiting the East Glacier Park Chamber of Commerce for information and maps about the area. After getting acquainted with the region, head to the Saint Mary Entrance.

Can’t miss it:

GOING TO THE SUN ROAD

Best hike to see the glaciers: 

GARDEN WALL TRAIL

Today, you’ll be leaving the wilderness behind and heading to the city of Kalispell. Depending on how much time you spend traveling on the scenic Going to the Sun Road, you’ll probably arrive in Kalispell in the afternoon. Be sure to give yourself enough time to venture out to discover all the fantastic things to see and o in Kalispell!

Best place to stock up on gear:

SNAPPY’S

Go Griz! On today’s itinerary, you’ll be making your way to the charming college town of Missoula, but before you get there, you’ll pass through the small lakeside community of Polson, along the shores of Flathead Lake. While you’re there, make sure to stop by the Miracle of America Museum, which is one of the most unique museums you’ll ever come across.

Once you arrive in Missoula, you’ll be faced with the delightful dilemma of deciding between the numerous outdoor and indoor activities available in the area. To help with your decision-making process, we recommend stopping by the Destination Missoula visitor center for some guidance. In the meantime, below are a few suggestions to get you started.

Great place for a hike:

BLUE MOUNTAIN RECREATION AREA

Best Missoula thing ever:

A CAROUSEL FOR MISSOULA

Today, your destination is Butte and you’ll be driving through the scenic Lolo National Forest. To kick start your day, we suggest having a leisurely breakfast at Missoula’s top breakfast spot, Paul’s Pancake Parlor, before heading south towards Phillipsburg, a charming mining town. At Montana Gems, you can mine for precious stones and then visit the Granite County Museum for an hour or so. After Phillipsburg, it’s a short drive to Butte, the county seat of Silver Bow County. Butte has a fascinating mining history and you’ll find multiple tours and museums dedicated to it. One must-see tour is the Old Butte Historical Adventure Tour, which takes you through some of the most interesting and unique aspects of the town, including a visit to the old jail.

Great place for a hike:

BIG BUTTE OPEN SPACE

Best historical visit:

THE DUMAS BROTHEL

As you leave Butte, you’ll embark on a journey back in time on your way to Yellowstone National Park. Virginia City, Montana was established after the discovery of gold in Alder Gulch in 1863. It was a boom town in the post-Civil War era and served as the Montana Territorial Capital for a decade until the gold reserves were depleted. Nevada City, a western town made up of structures from other ghost towns, lies just a mile away. Both towns have been extensively restored and preserved and now serve as living examples of the Old West. Make sure to allocate a few hours for exploring these two towns as they are well worth your time.

Situated at an elevation of almost 7,000 feet and approximately halfway between the equator and North Pole, West Yellowstone provides an opportunity to re-enter modern civilization after visiting a couple of ghost towns. Located in Gallatin County, Montana, West Yellowstone offers a plethora of attractions to experience, such as museums, historical centers, an IMAX, and zipline rides. It’s an excellent place to stay and explore.

Best way to fly through the air:

YELLOWSTONE AERIAL ADVENTURE

Spending fewer than three days exploring the two magnificent national parks in Wyoming would not do justice to the grandeur of the place. Upon reaching the eastern entrance of Yellowstone National Park, be sure to pick up a park map that highlights all the points of interest. Yellowstone encompasses a vast area of land, and spending a night within the park can provide a more immersive experience without having to drive long distances.

NOTABLE ATTRACTIONS IN YELLOWSTONE:

• LAKE BUTTE OVERLOOK
• FISHING BRIDGE VISITORS CENTER
• YELLOWSTONE LAKE
• MUD VOLCANO
• SULPHUR CALDRON
• VIRGINIA CASCADE
• BERYL SPRING

Best place for wildlife:

THE LAMAR VALLEY

Best hike:

STORM POINT NATURE TRAIL

After enjoying the wonders of Yellowstone National Park, it’s time to bid farewell to the geothermal marvels and head south to Grand Teton National Park. You won’t truly grasp the beauty of these mountains until you’re up close and personal. Today, you’ll explore crystal-clear lakes, flowing rivers, and picture-perfect spots with the rugged Grand Tetons as your backdrop. If you want to enjoy the park without the crowds, we recommend biking on the many trails throughout the park.

Once you’ve been awed by the Tetons, make your way to Jackson. As you approach the famous tourist town of Wyoming, keep your eyes peeled to the left, as the National Elk Refuge is nearby and offers plenty of activities for a close-up experience with the herd. Once you reach Jackson, it’s time to indulge in the art, culture, cowboy bars, and delicious restaurants. For a bird’s-eye view of it all, we suggest taking a ride up the Aerial Tram at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. No matter the time of year, you’re bound to have a great time in Jackson.

Best road for photo ops:

SIGNAL MOUNTAIN SUMMIT ROAD

Best hike:

COLTER BAY LAKESHORE

2.5 HOURS/142 MILES

Best short hike:

GROTTO FALLS TRAIL

Best place to catch the sunset:

PEETS HILL/BURKE PARK