Lykkers, imagine walking above a turquoise lake with cliffs dropping away below and snow-streaked peaks filling the horizon. That “is this even real?” feeling is Glacier National Park at its best.

This guide condenses a long, detailed trip into a clear plan so you can hit the classic hikes, stay in smart locations, and avoid the biggest planning headaches.

Why Glacier

Glacier is very much a hiker’s park. The famous Going-to-the-Sun Road is spectacular, but the true magic sits at the end of trails: mirrored lakes, wildflower meadows, and viewpoints where several valleys spread out below. Anyone visiting should be comfortable with at least easy to moderate hikes of 4–6 miles on uneven ground.

The park is large, with the main road taking about two hours to cross. That’s why many travelers split their time between three bases: West Glacier/Columbia Falls, Many Glacier on the east side, and the quieter Two Medicine area to the southeast. This cuts down on daily drive times and lets each region get a proper day or two.

Trip Basics

Most visitors fly into Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell, then rent a car directly at the terminal. Expect summer rental rates to start around $70–$110 per day for a small SUV. A national park pass is required at entry (around $35 per vehicle for seven days, or $80 for an annual multi-park pass).

From late spring through summer, separate vehicle reservations are often required for areas such as the Going-to-the-Sun Road, Many Glacier, and Two Medicine. These limited-entry passes open months in advance on the official reservation site and sell out quickly. If a particular day is full, boat tours from concession companies typically include access to that specific corridor as long as you have a park pass.

West Side Highlights

Base yourself first around West Glacier or nearby Columbia Falls (about 25–35 minutes from the park gate). Vacation rentals here often run $200–$350 per night for a family home, with space to spread out and supermarkets close by for trail-food shopping.

The perfect warm-up day is Trail of the Cedars plus Avalanche Lake. A level boardwalk loop winds through cool forest before the path climbs gently toward Avalanche Lake. Combined, the route is roughly 5–6 miles round-trip with about 500 feet of elevation gain and plenty of shade. The reward is a blue-green lake ringed by waterfalls. Water shoes help with the stony shoreline.

After hiking, explore the small cluster of gift shops and cafés near the West Glacier entrance and treat yourself to a huckleberry shake or ice cream. This is also a good time to top up groceries and assemble simple trail lunches like wraps, nuts, and fruit for the next few days.

Going-to-the-Sun

Driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road is non-negotiable. The route climbs from cedar forest to high alpine scenery, cutting along cliffs, passing viewpoints, and crossing tall stone bridges. Those nervous about heights often prefer driving east to west, which keeps the vehicle closer to the rock wall than the drop-off.

Aim for Logan Pass in the morning to find parking more easily. From the visitor center, the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail offers a great introduction to high-country hiking: about 3 miles round-trip with roughly 460 feet of elevation gain on boardwalks and graded path. Expect open views, wildflowers in mid-summer, and good odds of spotting mountain goats or other wildlife.

The nearby Highline Trail is famous but has narrow exposed sections above the road, so it suits only sure-footed hikers who are comfortable with heights. Many families simply sample the first short stretch, then turn back if it feels too intense and instead devote time to Hidden Lake, photo stops, and a visit to historic Lake McDonald Lodge on the west side.

Many Glacier Magic

Next, shift base to the eastern side near Babb or the Many Glacier entrance. Lodging here ranges from simple cabins to rustic motels, often $220–$400 per night in peak season. Dining is limited, so it is wise to arrive with a cooler of groceries and plan some self-catered meals.

Start with a gentle afternoon outing to Fishercap Lake, a short stroll from Swiftcurrent Motor Inn. The lakeshore is a classic spot to watch for moose feeding along the shallows, especially in the calm light of morning or evening. On another day, continue past the Fishercap turnoff to Redrock Falls, about 3–4 miles round-trip with little elevation gain. Expect cascades, deep pools, and berry bushes along the way—plus plenty of motivation to bring insect repellent.

For many visitors, the signature hike of the entire trip is Grinnell Glacier. To shorten the day, take the two-lake boat shuttle from behind Many Glacier Hotel, which trims about 4 miles off the approach. Round-trip boat tickets are typically in the $35–$45 range. From the far dock, the hike to the glacier viewpoint is roughly 7–8 miles round-trip with 1,600–1,800 feet of climbing on a well-worn trail. The route overlooks three bright lakes and ends at a basin of ice, cliffs, and turquoise meltwater.

Two Medicine

Spending at least one night near Two Medicine lets this quieter corner shine. From the boat dock on Two Medicine Lake, a small passenger launch (about $20–$25 round-trip) shuttles hikers across the water to trailheads. From there, a relaxed itinerary is Upper Two Medicine Lake with a detour to Twin Falls—about 4–5 miles total with modest elevation and grand scenery.

Two Medicine feels more low-key than Many Glacier, with fewer crowds, excellent views, and a real sense of space. On the way in or out, short walks such as Running Eagle Falls provide big rewards for small effort, while other nearby trails sometimes reward patient walkers with huckleberry bushes in late summer. Always follow park guidance about foraging and wildlife safety when moving through berry patches.

Where To Stay

A balanced 7–8 day trip might look like this: three nights on the west side (Columbia Falls or West Glacier), three nights in the Many Glacier/Babb area, and one or two nights near Two Medicine or along Highway 2 at a lodge with cabins and an on-site restaurant.

West-side towns offer the most amenities: supermarkets, gear shops, and multiple casual restaurants. East-side bases are far more limited, so booking early and arriving with a stocked cooler saves stress. Rustic cabins often cost $200–$300 per night and sell out months in advance.

Essential Planning

Glacier rewards preparation. Key items include sturdy trail shoes, breathable layers, a lightweight rain jacket, sun protection, and at least 2 liters of water per person on longer hikes. Many hikers carry simple wraps or sandwiches, nuts, and fruit, plus a small first-aid kit and blister care in a daypack.

Bear spray is considered standard safety gear on Glacier’s trails. It cannot be packed in checked or carry-on luggage, so plan to buy or rent it in Kalispell, Columbia Falls, or West Glacier for roughly $40–$60 per can. Learn how to use it before heading out and always store food properly, follow distance rules around wildlife, and check the park’s official trail-closure alerts each morning.

Final Thoughts

Friends, Glacier National Park is one of those rare places where every day can end with a memory that feels like a postcard: the mirrored surface of Avalanche Lake at dusk, the first glimpse down on Grinnell Lake from high on the trail, or the quiet of Two Medicine after the last boat returns. It takes some effort to plan, but the payoff is huge.

After seeing how this trip comes together, which Glacier moment are you dreaming about most—lakeside reflections, high ridgelines, or boat rides into the mountains?