Itinerary Input - August

Question

This is my first trip to GNP and would appreciate some input on my itinerary. Staying at a VRBO outside of the park on the West Glacier side. Family of 4 with a 15 and 13 year old.

August 11th - arrive / get rental car / check-in

August 12th - Get timed entry pass - Avalanche Lake / Trail of the Cedars / Hidden Lake Overlook / Logan Pass

August 13th - Get a timed entry pass - Highline Trail - Take shuttle from the pick up point first thing in the morning and hike back to the car.

August 14th - Booked a 4 hour motorboat reservation on Lake Macdonald. This seems to have already include my timed entry pass

August 15th - half day white water rafting outside the park

August 16th - Get timed entry pass and Many Glacier bus pass. Iceberg Lake Trail or Grinnell Glacier - I guess to do this I need to deal with the Many Glacier access issues that have been documented previously and get a bus pass. Unless someone is aware of a way to access either of these trails without going into the Many Glacier access area?

August 17th - TBD (hiking or something else)

Would appreciate some feedback on some ideas for the last day (family wasn't that into horseback riding when we did that previously), any logistical concerns that you see, any trail recommendations that might be missing etc.

Answer

Your itinerary looks fantastic, and it’s clear that you’ve planned some amazing hikes and activities that will give your family a great introduction to Glacier National Park. Here's some feedback on your itinerary, including some tips and ideas for the last day:

August 11th - Arrival Day:

Arriving, picking up your rental car, and checking into your VRBO is a great way to start your trip. It’s best to take it easy this day and enjoy the surroundings. If you arrive early enough, consider taking a short stroll in the West Glacier area or checking out Lake McDonald (just outside the park) to stretch your legs after the drive.

August 12th - Avalanche Lake / Trail of the Cedars / Hidden Lake Overlook / Logan Pass:

This is a solid day for the whole family! The Avalanche Lake Trail (5 miles round trip) is moderate, with incredible views and lush forest. The Trail of the Cedars is an easy, short walk that’s perfect for easing into the park’s beauty. Hidden Lake Overlook is a great choice for a short, scenic hike (about 3 miles round trip), and it starts from Logan Pass, where you can see bighorn sheep and other wildlife. However, if you’re doing the Hidden Lake Overlook hike, keep in mind that the trail can be steeper in sections. Logan Pass is a busy spot, so having your timed entry pass will ensure you get in. Be prepared for high altitudes and cooler weather at the pass.

August 13th - Highline Trail:

The Highline Trail is one of the park’s most famous hikes. Taking the shuttle from the starting point is a good idea to avoid the uphill climb at the beginning. It’s about 11.8 miles one-way, so be prepared for a long day. The hike itself offers stunning views of the park, so it’s definitely worth it! Just make sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection, as the trail can be exposed. You can also turn back after a couple of miles if you want a shorter hike and still enjoy the views. Be sure to confirm shuttle schedules in advance.

August 14th - Lake McDonald Motorboat:

The motorboat ride on Lake McDonald is a fantastic way to experience the park from the water. Since your reservation includes a timed entry pass, you're all set! Afterward, consider exploring the Lake McDonald Lodge area, where you can take a stroll along the shoreline or even have a picnic if the weather allows. It's a perfect day to unwind after your big hike the day before.

August 15th - Whitewater Rafting:

Whitewater rafting near Glacier is an exciting activity! It will give your family a chance to see the area from a different perspective and have a fun adventure outside of the park. It’s also a nice break from hiking and a chance to cool off if it’s a warm day.

August 16th - Many Glacier Access and Iceberg Lake/Grinnell Glacier:

For the Many Glacier area, you are correct that you need to secure a bus pass to access the trailheads for Iceberg Lake or Grinnell Glacier. You can’t access these trailheads by private car, so planning to get the bus pass is key. If your family enjoys scenic hikes, Iceberg Lake (about 9 miles round trip) is one of the most beautiful trails in the park, with a chance to see wildflowers, wildlife, and stunning glacier views. Grinnell Glacier is a more strenuous hike but offers amazing views of the glacier. Make sure to check the bus schedules in advance, as spots fill up quickly. If you can’t get a bus pass, there are other beautiful hikes in the Many Glacier area, such as Swiftcurrent Pass or Siyeh Bend, though access to these may still require the bus.

August 17th - Free Day / Hiking or Other Activities:

For the final day, you have a lot of options. If you’d like another hike, here are a few suggestions:

Redrock Falls: A moderate, 3-mile round-trip hike in the Many Glacier area with stunning waterfall views. It’s less crowded and still beautiful.
St. Mary Falls: A shorter, easier hike (1.6 miles round trip) that takes you to a stunning waterfall in the St. Mary area.
Hidden Lake Trail: If you didn’t get a chance to do this earlier, it's a great option for a short day hike with stunning views.
Ranger Programs: If you’re interested in learning more about the park's history or wildlife, the park offers educational programs, including guided hikes and evening talks. Check out the schedule for any events that might interest your family.

If you’re looking for something other than hiking, consider driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road one more time to capture the beauty of the park from different angles or exploring the Many Glacier Hotel for some historical charm.

Logistical Tips:

Make sure to book your timed entry passes and bus passes as soon as they become available. These can fill up quickly, especially in August.
Since you’re staying outside the park, factor in the drive time to and from the park, especially if you plan to get an early start.
Be prepared for high elevation. Drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and bring layers, as temperatures can vary throughout the day.
If you’re visiting popular spots like Logan Pass or Many Glacier, plan to arrive early to ensure parking and avoid the crowds.

Overall, it looks like you have a well-balanced itinerary with a mix of hiking, relaxation, and adventure. Your family will have an unforgettable time exploring Glacier National Park!

Itinerary Input - August

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