Glacier National Park vs. Yellowstone

Question

Planning a first time trip to Montana either next June or late fall. Best to go to the Yellowstone Park area or to the area in the north near Glacier National Park? We would only do easy hikes, not fishing or biking, mostly sight-seeing. Thanks.

Answer

Montana offers two of the most iconic national parks in the United States—Glacier and Yellowstone. Both are spectacular but very different. Since you’re focusing on easy hikes and mostly sightseeing, the choice depends on what type of scenery and experience you prefer, as well as which season you travel.

Below is a detailed comparison to help you decide, along with what June and late fall look like in each location.

Overall Differences Between Glacier and Yellowstone

Glacier National Park is known for dramatic alpine scenery, turquoise lakes, and towering peaks. Yellowstone is known for geothermal features, wildlife, and enormous landscapes. For a first-time visitor who wants sightseeing and easy walks, both are excellent—but they offer very different atmospheres.

Glacier = Alpine mountains, lakes, stunning overlooks, waterfalls, scenic drives.
Yellowstone = Geysers, hot springs, wildlife viewing (bison, elk, bears), canyons, waterfalls.
Glacier is more rugged and mountainous; Yellowstone is more spread out and varied.

Best Time to Visit (June vs. Late Fall)

June can be very different depending on park:

Glacier in June: Snow lingers at high elevations. The famous Going-to-the-Sun Road may not be fully open until late June or early July. Many high trails still snow-covered. Still exceptionally beautiful at lower elevations.
Yellowstone in June: Fully open, great wildlife viewing, cool temperatures, wildflowers starting. Some snow on mountains but roads and main attractions open.

Late Fall (mid-to-late September into October):

Glacier in late fall: Stunning fall colors, fewer visitors, but many services close mid-September. Snowstorms are possible, and Going-to-the-Sun Road may close early.
Yellowstone in late fall: Beautiful golden landscapes, fewer crowds, but some lodging, roads, and services begin shutting down in early-to-mid October. Wildlife viewing remains excellent.

Which Park Is Better for Easy Hikes and Sightseeing?

Both parks offer easy walks, but Yellowstone is more accessible because most major sights are reached by short boardwalks or paved paths. Glacier has breathtaking scenery but often involves drives and trails that depend on weather.

Yellowstone is best for easy sightseeing: Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone Canyon—each involves very short walks from the car.
Glacier is best for scenic drives and lakes: Even without strenuous hiking, places like Lake McDonald, Many Glacier, and Two Medicine offer jaw-dropping scenery.

Pros and Cons of Each Park for a First-Time Trip

Choose Yellowstone if you want:

Easy access to dramatic sights without long hikes
World-famous geysers and hot springs
Great wildlife viewing from the road
More predictable conditions in June
A park that is mostly open regardless of snow levels

Choose Glacier if you want:

Snowcapped mountains, crystal-blue lakes, and iconic viewpoints
The Going-to-the-Sun Road experience (best June–early Sept)
Fewer geothermal features but more alpine scenery
Quiet, rugged landscapes

Recommendation Based on Your Travel Time

If traveling in June: Yellowstone is the stronger choice because Glacier’s top attractions may still be partially or fully closed.
If traveling in late fall: Tie—but with a warning. Both can have early snow, reduced services, and unpredictable conditions. Yellowstone remains easier to visit because more roads stay open longer.

Summary

If you want maximum accessibility, easy walks, and reliable sightseeing, Yellowstone is the more dependable choice for first-timers—especially in early summer or late fall. Glacier is unforgettable but requires better timing, ideally mid-July through early September, for full access.

Either way, you can’t go wrong—Montana is spectacular, and both parks offer unforgettable experiences even without strenuous hiking.