Glacier to Yellowstone
12 days · June to September · road, scenic
- Rockies
- Heading south
- National parks
- Mountains
- Lakes
- Summer
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Twelve days through western Montana, from the lakes near Glacier to the road into Yellowstone. A summer mountain classic.
This is a long, slow drive through Montana, with mountains on both sides. You begin at Whitefish, close to Glacier National Park, and follow Flathead Lake south through Missoula and on to Bozeman and Livingston. Livingston is on the road to Yellowstone's north entrance. Each stop has a different feel, from a lakeside resort town to a college town to an old railroad town, so the trip changes character as you go.
Summer is the main season. Roads in the high country can be closed by snow well into the season, so check park road status before you plan day trips in Glacier. Services are thin between towns, so keep the tank full. Philipsburg is a small mining town that makes a good change of pace on the way.
Stops
- Whitefish Montana, United States3 nights · Day 1 to 3
Base yourself here for Glacier National Park. A lake, trails and a lively downtown.
- Bigfork Montana, United States1 night · Day 4 · How to get there from Whitefish
A small town on Flathead Lake with galleries and a pleasant waterfront.
- Missoula Montana, United States2 nights · Day 5 to 6 · How to get there from Bigfork
A college town on the river, with trails, a good food scene and a relaxed pace.
- Philipsburg Montana, United States1 night · Day 7 · How to get there from Missoula
A small old mining town with a historic main street and an easy walk.
- Bozeman Montana, United States3 nights · Day 8 to 10 · How to get there from Philipsburg
A mountain college town that makes a base for Yellowstone and the surrounding valleys.
- Livingston Montana, United States2 nights · Day 11 to 12 · How to get there from Bozeman
A historic railroad town on the Yellowstone River, with galleries and the road south to the park.