June trip advice

Question

I'm planning a trip for a family (all adults) from June 18th to June 23. One of my daughters is working Helena this year. It seemed like a good time to visit her and Glacier. (bucket list item!)

So here is the plan.

6/18: fly to Helena

6/19: drive to Glacier. We have reservations at Village Inn at Apgar, 1/2 day in Glacier

6/20: Hopefully take GTTSR . Reservations at Many Glacier

6/21: Take 11:00 boat tour at Many Glacier. Reservations at Many Glacier

6/22: 1/2 in the park, drive back to Helena

6/23: fly home

It's a little rushed for my liking but based on my daughters work schedule this is what we could manage. We are mostly car drivers with a few short hikes (1 - 3 miles) thrown in.

I was hoping to get reservations to GTTSR from 1 - 3 and do a short hike or drive in the morning on 6/20. Also plan on getting to Many Glacier at dinner time on 6/20 and hope to get parking if we arrive later in the day.

Anything I'm not thinking about? I haven't had time yet to research the hikes.

Answer

Your trip plan sounds fantastic, and it's great that you'll be visiting Glacier National Park — it’s a bucket list destination for many! I think you've covered most of the logistics, but there are a few things to consider to make your trip more enjoyable and less rushed, along with some advice for hikes and other key details.

Here are a few thoughts:

Reservations and Timing for GTTSR: The Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTTSR) is a must-do! Since you're hoping for a window between 1-3 PM on 6/20, it’s a good idea to check if any reservations are required for this time slot and confirm if they’ve been fully booked yet. If possible, consider starting early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the heaviest crowds. Parking at key spots like Logan Pass can be difficult during peak hours, so arriving a little before or after peak times will help.
Parking at Many Glacier: The parking lot at Many Glacier can fill up quickly, especially during the summer months. Since you're planning to arrive around dinner time, I recommend keeping a flexible approach — if the parking lot is full, there are some overflow parking areas or you can try parking at the nearby Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and walk to the trailheads.
Hikes: Since you’re doing short hikes (1-3 miles), here are a few options to consider:
- Johns Lake Loop (2.5 miles): A nice, relatively flat hike in the Apgar area. It’s easy and offers beautiful views of the surrounding forests and lake.
- Hidden Lake Overlook (1.5 miles): A stunning, slightly uphill hike from Logan Pass, offering panoramic views of Hidden Lake and the surrounding peaks. This is a very popular hike, so plan accordingly.
- Swiftcurrent Pass Trail (2.5 miles to the first bridge): Located in the Many Glacier area, this offers some incredible vistas and a relatively easy way to access some spectacular mountain views.
- Grinnell Glacier Trail (3 miles one way): While this one is a bit longer, it’s one of the most iconic hikes in Glacier. The hike is moderately strenuous but worth it for the breathtaking views at the glacier.
Wildlife: Glacier is home to many wild animals, including bears, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and moose. Be bear-aware during your hikes — carry bear spray (and know how to use it!) and stay alert. You’re likely to see wildlife from the road as well, so keep your camera ready.
Weather & Packing: The weather can be quite unpredictable in Glacier, especially in June. Even though it’s summer, temperatures can drop significantly in the mountains, especially in the morning and evening. Bring layers and be prepared for sudden changes. A light rain jacket and hiking boots are good to have on hand for hikes.
Park Timing: I understand that the trip is a bit rushed, but if you can, try to carve out some extra time for spontaneous exploration. Glacier National Park has so many scenic viewpoints and opportunities for short detours that are worth exploring. You may want to visit Lake McDonald or the Two Medicine area if time allows.

Your schedule is fairly tight but manageable with some flexibility. It’s great that you’re aiming for a good balance of driving, hiking, and relaxation. Don’t forget to stop by some of the iconic viewpoints along GTTSR for photos, and enjoy the incredible beauty of the park!

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