Peak Vibes at this National Park
Visit Glacier National Park in Montana for epic hiking, glacial streams, and big sky views.
If you intend on visitng as many National Parks as possible this summer, may we suggest you visit Yellowstone National Park and then head into Montana towards Glacier National Park.
Your 4 Day Itinerary visiting Glacier and exploring the Big Sky state - Montana.
Day One
Head North on Highway 287 and follow directions to Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park, a 3,000-acre public recreation and nature preserve. Enjoy guided tours of huge limestone caves and ten miles of hiking trails. Head West on Interstate 90 towards Whitehall. The local Town Pump is a nice clean and stocked spot for gas, food and toilet breaks. Finish your day at Pintler’s Portal Hostel in Anaconda, Montana. This hostel is newly-renovated with all the amenities and plenty of parking and private stalls and a well-equipped kitchen perfect for budget travelers.
Day Two
Enjoy a leisurely morning and grab a yummy breakfast at Anaconda Taco in Anaconda. Then set out to enjoy Mt. Haggin which stands within the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness Area and the Beaverhead-Deer Lodge National Forest— the largest national forest in Montana—through which also passes the Continental Divide Trail. Trails, lakes, wildlife and vistas abound. Interested in how to access this area? Visit the Anaconda Trail Society or view the display available in Pintler's Portal Hostel. Bug spray encouraged during the hot summer months. Or for the most memorable experience possible, try out Montana Zipline Adventures—the longest zipline in all of Montana.
Then head North towards East Glacier Park and enjoy a tour of the Montana High Lands with expansive farmlands and truly Big Sky country. Arrive at Brownie’s Hostel & Bakery for a restful night of sleep before a big day of exploring the park. Be sure to try a hot pizza from Brownie’s to lull you into a deep rest and round your night out on the private patio with other park visitors.
Day Three
Set your alarm and start your journey into Glacier National Park early so you can take in all the best sights. But, don’t forget to grab the famous Bear Claw from the Brownie’s Bakery - and all the other pastries and goodies for your trail adventures. For more information on entering Glacier National Park visit this website and plan your trip. Be prepared for epic vistas and views, and always be aware of your surroundings and watch for bears and moose.
🏞 Top Hikes in Glacier National Park 🏞
Glacier National Park in Montana’s Rocky Mountains is a dream for hikers, offering stunning trails that won’t break the bank. Whether you're a seasoned trekker or new to hiking, these top hikes provide unforgettable experiences in this pristine wilderness.
1. Highline Trail Starting at Logan Pass, this 11.8-mile trail offers breathtaking views along the Continental Divide. Keep an eye out for wildlife and take in the incredible geological features.
2. Grinnell Glacier Trail This 8-mile round trip leads you to the magnificent Grinnell Glacier. Hike through vibrant meadows and past turquoise lakes for an unforgettable glacial view.
3. Iceberg Lake Trail A 9.7-mile hike to Iceberg Lake, where floating icebergs against towering peaks create a stunning sight. Bear safety is crucial on this trail, so come prepared.
4. Hidden Lake Overlook Trail A shorter, 2.7-mile hike from Logan Pass with panoramic views of Hidden Lake. Ideal for beginners, with abundant wildlife spotting opportunities.
5. Siyeh Pass Trail This challenging 10.3-mile loop offers some of the most rewarding summit views in the park. A perfect hike for experienced adventurers.
After a long day of exploring, you can head back to Brownie’s Bakery & Hostel for a second night of rest or road trip for 2.5 hrs to the highly rated small USA town of Missoula. Regularly listed in Best Small Towns in the USA and Best University Towns in the USA and Best Craft Beer Towns in the USA, this town is not miss! Be sure to check out Shady Spruce Hostel for your budget-friendly stay.
Day Four
Missoula, Montana, attracts visitors for its unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and outdoor activities. From stunning natural landscapes to local art and farmers markets to a quaint university town vibe, there’s lots to see and do in the area.
This itinerary offers a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and local dining, all while keeping costs low and showcasing the best of what Missoula has to offer.
Morning
🥾 Hike the "M" Trail on Mount Sentinel 🥾
Cost: Free
Details: Start your day with a morning hike up the "M" Trail on Mount Sentinel. This iconic trail, located near the University of Montana, offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains. It’s a relatively short but steep hike, taking about 30-60 minutes to reach the top, depending on your pace.
Location: Trailhead is near the University of Montana Campus.
☕️ Breakfast at Ruby’s Cafe ☕️
Cost: $10-15
Details: After your hike, head over to Ruby’s Café for a hearty breakfast. This local favorite diner offers quick and yummy, affordable breakfast options and bottomless cups of coffee. The atmosphere is vibrant and you’ll get a kick out of the waitstaff.
Location: 2101 Regent St, Missoula, MT 59801
Late Morning/Early Afternoon
🖼 Visit the Missoula Art Museum (MAM) 🖼
Cost: Free (Donations Encouraged)
Details: Spend some time exploring the Missoula Art Museum, which features contemporary art exhibits, including works by regional artists. The museum is small but offers a rich experience for art lovers, and admission is free.
Location: 335 N Pattee St, Missoula, MT 59802
🦦 Stroll Through Caras Park and the Clark Fork Riverfront Trail 🦦
Cost: Free
Details: After the museum, take a leisurely stroll along the Clark Fork Riverfront Trail, which runs through Caras Park. You’ll enjoy scenic views of the river and might catch kayakers playing in the Brennan's Wave. Caras Park often hosts free events and markets, so check the schedule to see if anything is happening during your visit.
Location: Downtown Missoula, along the Clark Fork River.
Afternoon
🥪 Lunch at Market on Front 🥪
Cost: $10-12
Details: Grab a budget-friendly lunch at Market on Front, a café and deli offering fresh, locally-sourced sandwiches, salads, and soups. It’s a great spot to enjoy a quick and healthy meal while staying within your budget.
Location: 201 E Front St, Missoula, MT 59802
🛍 Shop the Hip Strip and other local businesses 🛍
Cost: Window shopping is free, lol, but you will also find great deals at local resale stores and more
Details: Located just south of the river, and within walking distance from Worden’s Deli and downtown, the Hip Strip is a small, local business district occupying cool brick buildings and sourcing awesome wears and souveneirs.
Location: begins at 501 S. Higgins Ave
Evening
🥙 Dinner at Five on Black 🥙
Cost: $10-12
Details: For dinner, head to Five on Black, a fast-casual Brazilian-inspired eatery. You can build your own bowl with a variety of fresh and flavorful ingredients, making it a tasty and affordable meal option.
Location: 325 N Higgins Ave, Missoula, MT 59802
🍿 Catch a Movie or Show at The Roxy Theater 🍿
Cost: $7-9
Details: End your day with a movie or local event at The Roxy Theater, an independent theater known for showing indie films, documentaries, and hosting live performances. It’s a charming venue with affordable ticket prices, perfect for a relaxed evening.
Location: 718 S Higgins Ave, Missoula, MT 59801
Total Estimated Cost: $41-57 (depending on your choices)
