Planning a Montana trip

Question

My husband and I are in the process of planning a vacation to Montana (this will be my first trip there). We are traveling to Bozeman for a wedding in Mid July. We would like to spend some time either before, after, or both, visiting Yellowstone and/or Glacier National Park. We are also trying to figure out if we can see the Grand Tetons during our visit. We are planning to spend 10-14 days, including our 3 days in Bozeman. We are not looking to do camping or intensive hikes. We would prefer to stay in hotels/lodges and love easy walks/hikes. We definitely want see Old Faithful. I would love any information you can pass along about must "sees and dos" during that time. Also if you have any suggestions about how best to organize our itinerary please pass it along! Thanks!

Answer

Planning a 10-14 day Montana trip with stops in Bozeman, Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, and potentially the Grand Tetons can be an incredible experience. Since you prefer hotels and easy walks rather than camping or intensive hikes, focusing on scenic drives, short trails, and must-see landmarks will allow you to see a lot without overexertion.

Suggested Itinerary:

Days 1-3: Bozeman – Attend the wedding and enjoy Bozeman’s charming downtown. Explore local shops, restaurants, and perhaps take a short stroll along the Gallatin River. Montana State University’s Museum of the Rockies is worth a visit if you enjoy paleontology and history.
Days 4-7: Yellowstone National Park – From Bozeman, drive south toward Yellowstone (approx. 1.5-2 hours to the north entrance). Stay in hotels/lodges within or near the park, such as West Yellowstone or Gardiner. Must-see attractions include:

Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin – Boardwalks make it easy to explore safely and comfortably.
Grand Prismatic Spring – A short walk/viewing platform for the best photos.
Yellowstone Lake and West Thumb Geyser Basin – Gentle trails and scenic views.
Mammoth Hot Springs – Easy walking paths to see the terraces.
Optional wildlife spotting – Lamar Valley for bison, elk, and possibly bears; early morning or evening drives are ideal.

Optional Extension: Grand Teton National Park

From Yellowstone, you can drive south (2-3 hours) to Grand Teton National Park if your schedule allows. Must-see spots:

Scenic drives along Jenny Lake and Jackson Lake.
Short, easy walks: Jenny Lake Loop, String Lake Boardwalk, and Colter Bay boardwalk trails.
Wildlife viewing – Moose, elk, and bears are often seen along the roads or in open meadows.

Days 8-11/14: Glacier National Park – Glacier is a longer drive from Yellowstone/Tetons (8-10 hours). Consider stopping overnight along the way (Missoula or Whitefish) to break up the drive. In Glacier, focus on scenic drives and easy hikes:

Going-to-the-Sun Road – Absolutely breathtaking views; many pull-offs and short hikes like Logan Pass and Hidden Lake Overlook.
Lake McDonald – Lakeside boardwalk and lodge area.
Many Glacier – Optional easy trails and wildlife viewing.

Logistics and Tips:

Book hotels/lodges well in advance for July – this is peak season for all parks.
Consider the flow: Bozeman → Yellowstone → Grand Teton → Glacier → return to Bozeman or another airport.
Use scenic drives to see wildlife and avoid long, strenuous hikes.
National park entrances often have traffic, so start early to maximize time.
Pack layers – summer days can be warm but mornings and evenings are cool, especially in Glacier.

By focusing on Yellowstone and Glacier as main highlights with an optional detour to the Grand Tetons, you can enjoy an unforgettable trip without strenuous activity. Staying in lodges and hotels near key attractions allows for relaxation and easy access to scenic walks and viewpoints.

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