Please critique my itinerary

Question

8:00Going to the Sun Road

8:30 Apgar Village & Visitor Center

9:30 Rocky Point Nature Trail -0.2 miles north of Fish Creek Campground

11:00 Lunch: Russell’s Fireside

@Lake McDonald Lodge- colored rocks

12:00 McDonald Falls

12:30 Sacred Dancing Cascade Falls overlook

1:00 Trail of the Cedars

1:30 Red Rock Point

2:00 The Loop& Heavens Peak

Bird Woman Falls

2:30 Big Bend Overlook*

3:00 Oberlin Peak*

3:30 Hidden Lake Overlook Trail*

Park Logan Pass Visitor

5:00 Wild Goose Island

5:30 Dinner: Two Dog Flats Rising Sun Motor

Back to Columbia Falls

Is it in the right order? Doable with two young kids?

Answer

Your itinerary for Glacier National Park looks packed with incredible sights, but it may be a bit too ambitious for a day, especially with two young kids. Some of the hikes and viewpoints can be more strenuous, and with the travel times between stops, it's important to ensure you're not rushing too much. Here’s a detailed critique of your plan:

1. Going to the Sun Road (8:00 AM)

Starting early is a good choice, especially in the summer when crowds can increase later in the day. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is a must-see and offers breathtaking views, but driving it takes time due to its winding nature, so be sure to give yourself some flexibility for stops along the way.

2. Apgar Village & Visitor Center (8:30 AM)

Apgar Village is a good first stop to get maps, advice, and souvenirs. It's also a nice spot to grab a coffee or take a quick walk along the lake. You might want to consider spending 20-30 minutes here, especially with kids who might enjoy stretching their legs after the drive.

3. Rocky Point Nature Trail (9:30 AM)

This 0.2-mile trail is very short and easy, so it should be perfect for young kids. It's a great way to ease into the day, but be mindful that you'll need time to get to the trailhead from Apgar Village.

4. Lunch at Russell’s Fireside (11:00 AM)

Russell’s Fireside is a great lunch spot, but this might feel rushed after the short hike and drive. If you’re planning a big meal, it might be better to adjust the timing so you can relax and enjoy the food without feeling like you’re on a tight schedule.

5. Lake McDonald Lodge & Colored Rocks (12:00 PM)

Lake McDonald is beautiful, and the colored rocks are a fun stop for kids. You could probably extend this stop for some scenic photos or a quick walk along the shore.

6. McDonald Falls (12:30 PM)

This is a short walk from the lodge and shouldn't take too long. It’s a great spot for some photos, and the kids might enjoy the waterfall. Plan on around 15 minutes here unless you decide to do a short hike.

7. Sacred Dancing Cascade Falls Overlook (1:00 PM)

This is a beautiful spot and worth the quick stop. However, it can be hard to find the exact location if you're unfamiliar with the park. Make sure you check a map, and allow time to pull over and enjoy the views.

8. Trail of the Cedars (1:30 PM)

The Trail of the Cedars is one of the easiest and most rewarding hikes in the park, especially with kids. It’s only a short 0.7-mile loop, so it's perfect for a family walk. However, make sure you give yourself enough time here to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the forest.

9. Red Rock Point (2:00 PM)

This viewpoint offers stunning views, but it can require some time to navigate to depending on traffic and road conditions. If you’re doing this after the Trail of the Cedars, make sure to account for that extra time.

10. The Loop & Heavens Peak (2:30 PM)

This is a popular scenic stop, but the drive can be slow due to the winding nature of the road. If you want to get a glimpse of Heavens Peak, a quick stop will work, but you might want to allow more time here if you're planning to take in the views or do any additional short hikes.

11. Bird Woman Falls (2:45 PM)

This is a beautiful waterfall, but it’s more of a quick view rather than a hike. If you’re running behind, you might want to consider skipping this and revisiting it on another day or during a later visit.

12. Big Bend Overlook (3:00 PM)

Big Bend is one of the park’s most famous overlooks and offers fantastic views of the valley. This is another stop where you may want to linger, but don’t spend too much time unless you’re sure the kids are okay with the extended break.

13. Oberlin Peak (3:30 PM)

Oberlin Peak can be a more strenuous hike if you’re planning to reach the top. If you’re not doing the hike and are just stopping to take in the view, you can make it quick, but with kids, you may want to skip this one for something more relaxed.

14. Hidden Lake Overlook Trail (3:45 PM)

The Hidden Lake Overlook Trail is popular but also requires a bit of energy, especially for kids. If you're only going to the overlook, it will be a shorter visit, but it might be too much after all the previous stops. Consider adjusting this to another day or shorter activity.

15. Logan Pass Visitor Center (4:30 PM)

The Logan Pass Visitor Center is great for some quick information, but the parking can be tricky, especially in summer. If you’re not doing a long hike from here, a quick stop will work, but be prepared for crowds.

16. Wild Goose Island (5:00 PM)

This is a beautiful stop, and the views are gorgeous. You can easily enjoy it for a short while without much trouble, but make sure the kids are ready for one last scenic overlook before heading to dinner.

17. Dinner at Two Dog Flats (5:30 PM)

Two Dog Flats is a great choice for dinner, and it’s a good idea to make sure you have a reservation, especially during peak seasons. It’s a relaxing spot to end the day, but be mindful of how tired the kids might be at this point.

Back to Columbia Falls (6:30 PM)

After a long day of exploring, heading back to Columbia Falls will be the final stretch. Traffic can be slow on the way out of the park, so keep that in mind for timing.

Suggestions:

Consider cutting back on the number of stops or focusing on the top highlights to make it more manageable for young kids.
Allow more time for meals, especially with kids, as they might need extra time to eat and take a break.
Factor in time for potential delays, parking, and walking between spots.

Overall, the itinerary is filled with amazing sights, but adjusting the timing and pace will help ensure that you and the kids enjoy the trip without feeling rushed!

Please critique my itinerary

More Glacier National Park Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions