📍
United States
MONTANA WILD: GLACIER PEAKS TO YELLOWSTONE GEOTHERMAL FIRE
Glaciers crowning granite cathedrals, grizzlies fishing in wild rivers, geysers exploding skyward. Montana, American wilderness defined.
≈ 8
Days
405
Km
5
Stops
Take Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier, between granite peaks and turquoise lakes, then follow the valley toward Missoula, river vibe and outdoor spirit. Stop at Bozeman, then enter Yellowstone through Gardiner, where geysers, bison and steaming springs announce a living world. Here, the road becomes passage between mountains and telluric forces.
- Glacier: going-to-the-sun, alpine majesty
- Yellowstone: geyser basins, bison herds
- Bozeman: mountain town, outdoor gateway
- Big Sky: ski slopes, lone peak
Your day-by-day itinerary
1
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Glacier National Park — Enter this 4,100-square-kilometer wilderness preserving pristine ecosystems from prairie to alpine peaks. The Crown of the Continent features 700 lakes, 25 active glaciers, and abundant wildlife including grizzlies, wolves, and mountain goats.
2
Going-to-the-Sun Road — Drive this engineering marvel crossing the Continental Divide at 2,026-meter Logan Pass. The 80-kilometer scenic road completed in 1932 hugs cliff faces with stunning glacier and valley views.
3
Lake McDonald — Photograph the park's largest lake stretching 16 kilometers with mountains reflected in pristine waters. The glacially-carved lake reaches 141 meters deep surrounded by old-growth cedar and hemlock forests.
4
Trail of the Cedars — Walk this wheelchair-accessible boardwalk through ancient rainforest featuring 500-year-old western red cedars. The 1.1-kilometer loop crosses Avalanche Creek on a suspension bridge.
Activities
→
Wildlife watching — Scan meadows and roadside for grizzly bears, black bears, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. Early morning and evening offer best viewing opportunities along Going-to-the-Sun Road.
→
Apgar Village exploration — Browse visitor center exhibits, rent boats, and dine at this lakeside village. The park's west entrance hub offers services and lake access.
2
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Logan Pass — Hike from the Continental Divide summit where snow persists into July. The alpine visitor center offers exhibits and access to Hidden Lake Trail through wildflower meadows frequented by mountain goats.
2
Hidden Lake Overlook — Trek 4.8 kilometers roundtrip to dramatic views of turquoise Hidden Lake surrounded by peaks. The trail crosses alpine tundra revealing bighorn sheep and hoary marmots.
3
Jackson Glacier Overlook — View one of Glacier's most accessible glaciers from this roadside pullout. The ice field has receded significantly but remains impressive against the Continental Divide.
4
St. Mary Falls — Hike 2.6 kilometers through forest to this 10-meter waterfall cascading over bedrock. The trail follows Rose Creek through wildflower meadows with mountain views.
Activities
→
Scenic boat tour — Cruise historic wooden boats across pristine lakes hearing park history and geology from naturalist guides. Tours operate on Lake McDonald and St. Mary Lake.
→
Evening ranger program — Attend talks about grizzly bears, glaciers, or night skies at park amphitheaters. Rangers share ecological knowledge and conservation challenges.
→
Huckleberry treats — Sample Montana's signature berry in ice cream, pie, or jam at park lodges. Wild huckleberries ripen in late summer throughout Glacier's forests.
Next stop
Distance:
234.9 km
Travel time:
2h56
3
Day
8 photos
Discover
1
Flathead Lake — Drive along Montana's largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi spanning 490 square kilometers. The glacially-carved lake features cherry orchards, Wild Horse Island, and the Flathead cherry harvest in summer.
2
National Bison Range — Observe 350-500 bison roaming 7,600 hectares of Palouse prairie and Mission Valley grasslands. The refuge established in 1908 protects these icons of the American West along with elk, pronghorn, and bighorn sheep.
3
University of Montana campus — Visit this public university founded in 1893 featuring Gothic Revival architecture on 89 hectares. The campus sits in the Missoula Valley surrounded by five mountain ranges.
4
Smokejumper Visitor Center — Learn about elite firefighters who parachute into remote wildfires at this active smokejumper base. Exhibits explain training, equipment, and the dangerous work protecting Western forests.
Activities
→
Missoula downtown — Explore this vibrant college town featuring breweries, farm-to-table restaurants, and outdoor gear shops. The pedestrian-friendly downtown reflects Montana's recreation culture.
→
Clark Fork River walk — Stroll along riverside trails through Missoula's heart watching fly fishermen cast for trout. The Clark Fork flows through town creating green corridors and recreation opportunities.
→
Montana craft beer — Sample local brews at Missoula's thriving brewery scene. The city claims more breweries per capita than most American cities, celebrating Montana grains and water.
4
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Butte Historic District — Explore this former copper mining capital where 100 kilometers of underground tunnels honeycomb the hill beneath Victorian mansions and miners' cottages. The National Historic Landmark preserves boom-era architecture from when Butte was the richest hill on Earth.
2
Berkeley Pit — View this massive open-pit copper mine now filled with toxic acidic water. The 540-meter-deep pit operated 1955-1982 and demonstrates environmental impacts of hardrock mining.
3
Museum of the Rockies — Discover Montana's natural history including the world's largest Tyrannosaurus rex skull collection. Jack Horner's dinosaur research center houses fossils from Montana's Hell Creek Formation.
4
Montana State University — Visit this land-grant university founded in 1893 featuring brick buildings and mountain-framed campus. The Gallatin Valley institution enrolls 16,000 students.
Activities
→
Bozeman Main Street — Browse outdoor recreation shops, galleries, and restaurants in this thriving mountain town. Bozeman balances Old West heritage with modern amenities serving recreationists.
→
Brewery and distillery tasting — Sample craft beers and spirits using Montana grains and glacial water. Bozeman's beverage scene reflects the state's agricultural bounty.
→
Gallatin Valley sunset — Watch alpenglow paint the surrounding peaks pink and orange. The valley's mountain rim creates spectacular evening light displays.
Next stop
Distance:
99.3 km
Travel time:
1h39
5
Day
10 photos
Discover
1
Yellowstone National Park North Entrance — Enter America's first national park through the Roosevelt Arch built in 1903. The Montana gateway provides access to Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley wildlife viewing.
2
Mammoth Hot Springs — Explore terraces of travertine formed by hot springs depositing calcium carbonate. The ever-changing formations create rainbow-colored steps where thermophile bacteria produce brilliant hues.
3
Lamar Valley — Scan the Serengeti of North America for wolves, grizzlies, bison, and elk. This glacial valley offers the park's premier wildlife viewing with herds visible across open sagebrush landscapes.
4
Tower Fall — Photograph this 40-meter waterfall plunging from volcanic pinnacles. The cascade named for the tower-like formations dropping into the Yellowstone River canyon.
Activities
→
Wildlife photography in golden hour — Position for dawn or dusk when animals are most active and lighting is optimal. Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley offer best opportunities.
→
Gardiner riverside dining — Enjoy elk steaks and bison burgers at restaurants overlooking the Yellowstone River. This park gateway town maintains Western character.
Next stop
Distance:
70.6 km
Travel time:
1h11
6
Day
10 photos
Discover
1
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone — Marvel at the 366-meter-deep canyon carved by the Yellowstone River with waterfall views from multiple overlooks. The yellow volcanic rock that named the park creates dramatic walls plunging to the rushing river.
2
Artist Point — Photograph the Lower Falls plunging 94 meters into the canyon from this iconic viewpoint. Thomas Moran's 1872 painting of this scene helped convince Congress to establish the national park.
3
Hayden Valley — Drive through this prime grizzly habitat where bison herds graze and wolves hunt. The glacial valley along the Yellowstone River offers wildlife viewing rivaling Lamar Valley.
4
Norris Geyser Basin — Explore the park's hottest and oldest hydrothermal area with acidic geysers and colorful hot springs. Steamboat Geyser erupts irregularly to 90 meters, the world's tallest active geyser.
Activities
→
Big Sky Resort area — Visit Montana's premier ski destination offering summer hiking and mountain coaster rides. The resort at the base of Lone Peak provides year-round mountain recreation.
→
Gallatin River fly fishing — Try casting for wild trout in this blue-ribbon stream flowing through the Madison Range. The river featured in A River Runs Through It showcasing Montana's fishing culture.
→
Montana ranch dinner — Feast on grass-fed beef at working ranch restaurants. The agricultural heritage shapes Montana cuisine emphasizing quality meat and local ingredients.
7
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park — Tour Montana's largest known limestone cavern featuring stalactites, stalagmites, and helictites. The 90-minute guided walk descends into chambers carved by water over millions of years.
2
Gates of the Mountains — Boat through this section of the Missouri River where limestone cliffs rise 370 meters. Lewis and Clark named the formation in 1805 during their expedition upriver.
3
Helena historic downtown — Explore Montana's capital featuring Victorian architecture from gold rush prosperity. Last Chance Gulch preserves 1880s buildings housing shops and restaurants.
Activities
→
Scenic drive return — Navigate mountain passes and valleys back to Glacier through heart of the Rockies. The journey showcases Montana's vast wilderness and big sky.
→
Farewell Montana dinner — Celebrate the journey with bison ribeye or grilled trout at a mountain lodge. Montana cuisine emphasizes wild game and locally raised meats.
🗺️ Itinerary map
🗺️ Nearby itineraries
🛡️ Travel advice - United States
Check official recommendations
❓ Frequently asked questions
What weather should you expect?
Spring (April-May): Perfect weather across most regions (15-25°C) with blooming landscapes, moderate crowds, and excellent conditions for national parks and cities. Ideal for diverse activities nationwide.
Autumn (September-October): Excellent temperatures with spectacular fall foliage, harvest festivals, and comfortable weather. Perfect for outdoor activities, cultural events, fewer crowds than summer.
Summer (June-August): Peak season with warmest weather but highest crowds and prices. Excellent for northern regions, challenging in southwestern deserts, perfect for beaches and national parks.
Winter (December-February): Variable conditions from tropical Florida to snowy Colorado. Perfect for skiing, southern destinations, indoor attractions, lowest prices outside holiday periods.
How many days should I plan?
We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 6 and 10 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.
What to discover in United States?
Continental diversity with iconic landmarks, cultural melting pot, and endless possibilities. Experience natural wonders, vibrant cities, and authentic American dreams from coast to coast. The country offers incredible diversity with modern amenities and cultural richness. United States provides life-changing experiences with natural beauty and cultural authenticity.