Itinerary Help

Question

Good morning, was looking for some help with an itinerary of sorts. We are traveling from Yellowstone Friday Aug 1st to Lake Mcdonald Lodge for one night, Not sure what we could accomplish this evening being we may not get there till around 5ish pending what we do yellowstone that morning. Sat Aug 2nd would like travel going to sun road to Many Glacier Hotel with some hikes/stops on the way? We have two nights at Many Glacier. Sunday Aug 3rd we do have boat reservations in morning to do the two lakes and Grinnel glacier from the hotel. I know my son really wants to do highline and looks like theres a rock jumping area in red rock falls that i think the kids would also like. Saw trail of cedars/avalanche lake, hidden lake, St marys/virginia falls trail. Just hard to know whats best are far as routes from one area to another? We will be going to kalispell area Tuesday evening Aug 4th because our flight leaves super early wednesday. I hope this gives enough detail for someone to give me some advice. Appreciate it.

Answer

Your itinerary through Glacier National Park sounds wonderful! Here’s a detailed breakdown of your trip, focusing on what you could do each day, along with the best routes to take, hikes to consider, and ways to make the most of your time in the park. I’ll also make sure to recommend the best hikes and stops for your family based on the details you’ve shared.

Friday, August 1st: Yellowstone to Lake McDonald Lodge

Since you’re traveling from Yellowstone, I’d recommend leaving early so that you can make it to Lake McDonald Lodge around 5pm. Depending on what time you leave Yellowstone, the drive can take about 6-7 hours, so you won’t have a lot of daylight left when you arrive. Here's what you could do upon arrival:

Evening Activities:
- Take a stroll along Lake McDonald. The lake is beautiful, and the area around the lodge is peaceful in the evening.
- If time permits, stop by the Lake McDonald Lodge for a drink on the porch while you enjoy the views.
- For dinner, check out the Lake McDonald Lodge Dining Room, which has a great atmosphere and local dishes.

Saturday, August 2nd: Going-to-the-Sun Road to Many Glacier Hotel

On your way to Many Glacier, you’ll be driving along the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, which is one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Since you have the whole day, you can make several stops along the way. Here’s a recommended route and hiking stops:

Early Morning: Start early to enjoy the best views and beat the crowds. Begin your drive towards Logan Pass via Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Stop 1 – Logan Pass and Hidden Lake Trail: The hike to Hidden Lake is a popular one, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and wildflower meadows. It’s about 3 miles round trip and is a fairly easy hike with some elevation gain. Keep in mind that this is a busy spot, so starting early is key!
Stop 2 – St. Mary’s Falls Trail: Another great stop is the short (0.6 miles) hike to St. Mary’s Falls. If you’re looking for a longer hike, consider adding the Virginia Falls Trail (about 1.5 miles total). The views are stunning, and it’s not too strenuous.
Stop 3 – Jackson Glacier Overlook: This is a short stop with incredible views of Jackson Glacier and the surrounding peaks. A great photo op!
Stop 4 – Many Glacier: Continue to Many Glacier Hotel for check-in and some downtime. You can also take a brief walk around the Many Glacier area and enjoy the views of the lake.

Saturday Afternoon: Once you reach Many Glacier, consider doing an easy hike like the Swiftcurrent Pass Trail or take a short walk around Lake Josephine for beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. These hikes are all relatively short and provide a great introduction to the area.

Sunday, August 3rd: Grinnell Glacier Boat Tour and Hikes

Since you’ve got the boat tour reserved in the morning, here’s how to plan your day:

Morning: Take your boat tour from Many Glacier Hotel to the Grinnell Glacier trailhead. This is a fantastic way to explore the stunning area while keeping your day easy-paced. Once you arrive at the trailhead, you can take the Grinnell Glacier Trail, which is about 7.6 miles round trip. It’s a bit challenging, but the views and the glacier are worth it. You could also do the shorter (but equally rewarding) Lake Josephine hike for something more leisurely.
Afternoon: After your morning hike or boat tour, you’ll want to head to Red Rock Falls. This is a relatively short (2 miles) but beautiful hike that will take you to a waterfall. It’s a great spot for kids to explore the rocks and enjoy the natural beauty. You could also try the Highline Trail (though it’s more strenuous) if your son really wants to challenge himself. The first portion of this trail is breathtaking and not too difficult if you turn around at the first scenic viewpoint.

Monday, August 4th: More Hikes and Depart for Kalispell

Before you head out, you can squeeze in a couple more scenic hikes in Many Glacier:

Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Lake: This is a beautiful, easy-to-moderate hike (around 4 miles) through a forest of towering cedars, with a stunning lake view at the end. It’s an easy hike for families, and it's also fairly close to the Going-to-the-Sun Road, so it’s an easy stop before you head out.
Depart for Kalispell: After finishing your hike, head to Kalispell (about a 1.5-2 hour drive). You’ll be in Kalispell in time for an early evening check-in, giving you some time to relax before your flight.

Tips for Your Trip:

Be sure to carry water, snacks, and layers for any hikes. The weather can change quickly in the mountains!
Check trail conditions ahead of time, as some trails may be closed due to snow or other factors, especially in early August.
For dinner at Many Glacier Hotel, make sure to reserve a spot in advance if possible, as it’s a popular dining spot.

Your itinerary looks fantastic, and with a little flexibility built in for weather or energy levels, you’re sure to have a memorable trip to Glacier National Park!

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