Trip advice: 4 vs. 5 days? And East vs. West?

Question

Hi! I know variations of these questions have been asked a million times before, but here I go anyway :) I’m planning a trip to Glacier in August and can use advice on two questions:

1) I’m deciding between 4 full days and 5 full days (plus travel both sides — my first day could probably include a half day of seeing the park). I know more is always better, but I’m curious if anyone has specific thoughts on whether the fifth day is worth it? In general, I’m planning to hike and sightsee as much as possible.

2) I’ll be there a total of 5 or 6 nights, depending on the previous question. Does anyone have advice on how I split up the days/nights between east vs. west Glacier? I figure I’ll spend a few nights in each, to make accessing each side of the park easiest.

Thank you!

Answer

Glacier National Park is vast and stunning, so your trip length and how you split your time between the east and west sides can make a big difference in what you get to see and do.

Regarding 4 vs. 5 full days:

Four full days in Glacier allows you to hit the major highlights, especially if you prioritize a few key hikes and scenic drives. You can enjoy areas like Logan Pass, Going-to-the-Sun Road, Many Glacier, and Lake McDonald. However, adding a fifth full day gives you much more flexibility — you can fit in longer hikes, explore less crowded trails, or spend extra time relaxing at scenic spots. August is busy, so the fifth day can also help you avoid crowds at popular trailheads and viewpoints.

4 days: Good for seeing main attractions and doing 2–3 moderate hikes.
5 days: Ideal if you want a more relaxed pace, multiple longer hikes, and time to revisit favorite spots.

For splitting nights between east vs. west Glacier:

The park’s road system and hiking opportunities make it logical to spend some nights on each side. The west side (e.g., Lake McDonald, West Glacier, Apgar) gives easier access to Going-to-the-Sun Road and shorter, scenic hikes. The east side (e.g., St. Mary, Many Glacier) provides access to higher elevations, longer hikes, and iconic vistas like Grinnell Glacier or Iceberg Lake.

Option 1 (balanced): 2–3 nights west side, 2–3 nights east side. This allows you to drive less each day and see each area at a relaxed pace.
Option 2 (long hikes focus): 1–2 nights west side, 3–4 nights east side. Useful if your priority is extensive hiking in Many Glacier and St. Mary areas.
Option 3 (scenic drives focus): 3–4 nights west side, 1–2 nights east side. Works if your main goal is to experience Going-to-the-Sun Road and more moderate sightseeing.

Tips to maximize your visit:

Start your days early to avoid congestion at popular trailheads.
Reserve lodging well in advance — both sides fill up quickly in August.
Plan at least one half-day to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road completely, weather permitting.
Consider shuttle options if staying in backcountry or parking is limited at trailheads.

In summary, if you can stretch to 5 full days, it’s worth it for both flexibility and the chance to experience more of Glacier’s diverse landscapes. Splitting your nights roughly evenly between east and west sides is generally the best approach to minimize daily driving and maximize your access to different areas of the park.