Bozeman to Glacier National Park Road Trip Itinerary (2 Route Options)

A road trip from Bozeman to Glacier National Park is a fun one! There are two routes to Glacier, and each has a lot of things to see along the way.

The drive from Bozeman to Glacier National Park is approximately 5 hours and covers 250 miles. My favorite route goes through Missoula, Kalispell and Whitefish, Montana and has lots of things to do along your road trip.

I spent a month in Montana exploring Glacier National Park and Bozeman. Keep reading to snag my best travel tips.

This blog post includes:

• Things to do in Bozeman
• Two route options from Bozeman to Glacier
• Recommended stops for each route
• Things to do in Glacier National Park
• Where to stay
• Downloadable map
• Packing checklist

Bozeman is a popular airport to fly into for a visit to Glacier National Park. It’s a larger airport with more flight options and tends to have cheaper airfare than smaller regional airports near Glacier. You can compare flight prices for your trip here.

Bozeman also offers more affordable car rentals for your trip to Glacier National Park. Check out rental car prices and options here.

Planning Your Route From Bozeman to Glacier National Park

There are two routes from Bozeman Montana to Glacier National Park. 

The first takes you through Helena, and is the most direct route. This route brings you to the East side of Glacier National Park.

The second takes you through Missoula, Kalispell and Whitefish and adds about 30 minutes to your drive time. This route brings you to the West side of Glacier National Park.

Bozeman To Glacier National Park Map

I’ve pinned all the best stops for your road trip from Bozeman to Glacier on this map. You can download this for your trip so it’s easy to reference. I’ve labeled items by activity type (noted by icon).

Tip: Open this map in your browser by clicking the icon in the top right corner. Then click the star icon on the left-side bar. This saves the map to your google maps app on your phone so you can easily reference it during your trip. Locate this map in your Google Maps app by selecting ‘you’ at the bottom of the app and then scroll down and click ‘maps’ to find saved trip maps.

First, let’s talk about all the great things to do in Bozeman. Then, I’ll share specifics on the two different route options from Bozeman to Glacier National Park and the highlights to see along each one.

Things To Do In Bozeman Montana

I spent several weeks in Bozeman, Montana. It’s one of my favorite towns (in many ways it reminds me of home in Raleigh, NC) and has a wonderful mix of cozy coffee shops and outdoor activities.

Coffee Shops

I highly recommend The Farmers Daughter for a latte and a cute morning coffee date. Wild Joe’s Coffee Spot is another cute cafe I really enjoyed – it’s right along main street with lots of great local shops to pop into.

Local Shops In Bozeman

Check out the curated local shops in West Main Street. Treasure Emporium is a really fun vintage shop to explore. Heyday is a cute gift shop with a western theme – I picked up some Christmas gifts for friends and family here.

Check Out A Local Event

My visit to Bozeman in October happened to align with Montana State University’s homecoming weekend, so I watched the parade (which was really impressive and featured a marching band!) on Main Street.

I also made it to The Jump every Wednesday night I was in town for their free Country Dance night! I have no experience with country dancing (and frankly, had no business being there) but they offer lessons for beginners and it was so. much. fun. I highly recommend grabbing dinner there and then participating on the dance floor after!

Hiking In Bozeman

The “M” Trail is a popular short, but steep hike with great views of the Gallatin Valley and Bozeman from the giant white “M” on the mountainside. This is one of the most iconic hikes in Bozeman.

My favorite trail is Palisade Falls, which is an easy hike located about 45 minutes outside of Bozeman in the Hyalite Canyon Recreation Area.

Bozeman Hot Springs

Bozeman Hot Springs is another popular local spot to check out. They have both indoor and outdoor pools with natural hot spring water.

I was lured here for a hot shower (hello van life shower!) but the cold plunge pools were an added bonus. I spent several hours here.

Road Trips From Bozeman

Lastly, consider extending your road trip to Yellowstone before heading north to Glacier National Park.

Yellowstone is just 1.5 hours from Bozeman, although it’s in the opposite direction than Glacier National Park, so you’ll want a few extra days for your road trip.

Best Places To Stay In Bozeman

The Sapphire Motel is a cute and cozy retro style motel that’s really close to several cute cafe’s and shops. Guest rooms are very affordable and start around $100 per night.

For a luxury stay, consider Kimpton Armory. It’s a 4-diamond hotel with a pool, hot tub, and rooftop bar. It’s even pet friendly!

Bozeman also has a variety of vacation rentals to choose from, like this Gorgeous Midtown Condo (2 bedrooms) or this luxury Mountain Studio which comes with e-bikes for exploring downtown.

Direct Route: Bozeman Montana to Glacier National Park via Helena (I-90 and US-287)

Traveling the direct route from Bozeman Montana to Glacier National Park via Helena on I-90 and US-287 is a great way to experience a mix of Montana’s scenic beauty, charming towns, and interesting stops. 

It’s the fastest route between Bozeman and Glacier National Park and takes approximately 4 hours and 40 minutes to drive. Here’s a list of some of the best things to do along this route.

Three Forks, Montana

Three Forks, Montana, is a small but charming town located at the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin Rivers, where they merge to form the Missouri River. It’s just 30 minutes north of Bozeman.

It’s a great stop along the route from Bozeman Montana to Glacier National Park. The two route’s split from here, so regardless of which road trip route you take from Bozeman to Glacier, plan to stop in Three Forks on your way.

Missouri Headwaters State Park

Missouri Headwaters State Park is right off I-90. This park marks the point where the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin rivers come together to form the Missouri River. It’s great for a quick hike, picnic, or learning a bit of Lewis and Clark history.

Sacajawea Hotel

Next, drop by the Sacajawea Hotel. It’s a historic hotel dating back to 1910 that’s worth a stop to see its charming architecture or have a meal at the hotel’s restaurant, Pompey’s Grill.

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park

Finally, visit Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park, which is about 20 minutes from Three Forks. Take a guided tour through the stunning limestone caves filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and other unique formations. The Caverns are also a great way to beat the summer heat.

Restaurants in Three Forks

Three Forks has some great restaurants as well. Iron Horse Cafe and Pie Shop, known for its homemade pies, and Wheat Montana Bakery for fresh-baked goods and sandwiches are two delicious options.

Helena, Montana

Helena, Montana’s capital city, is a hidden gem with a mix of history, culture, and outdoor adventures.

The distance from Bozeman to Helena is just under 2 hours.
From Helena to Glacier National Park the distance is 3 and a half hours.

Montana State Capitol

Walk through the Montana State Capitol. You can take a self-guided or guided tour of the beautiful building, known for its stunning architecture, impressive grand rotunda dome, and original murals depicting Montana’s history.

Last Chance Gulch

Then, stroll along Helena’s historic main street, named Last Chance Gulch, where the city began during the 1864 gold rush. Explore boutique shops, local art galleries, cafes, and historic buildings. It’s a fun way to spend an afternoon window shopping and picking out unique holiday gifts.

Helena Montana Hotels

Oddfellow Inn & Farm is a beautiful Georgian-style home with 8 guest rooms. The property has a working farm and hot springs.

Residence Inn is a quiet and cozy hotel with rates starting around $170. They also have a great indoor pool.

For a smaller town, Helena has quite a few vacation rental options. If you want something super colorful checkout Rhinestone Cowboy Apartment downtown, or a more traditional style 2-bedroom home.

From Helena to Glacier National Park is a beautiful 3.5 hour drive. You’ll know you’re getting close to Glacier when you start seeing mountains pop up over the horizon.

Scenic Route: Bozeman to Glacier National Park Via Missoula (I-90 and US-93)

The scenic route from Bozeman to West Glacier National Park is about 30-minutes longer to drive, taking about 5 hours and 15 minutes total, but offers a ton of epic scenery and cozy towns to visit along the way.

After you leave Bozeman you’ll drive through Three Forks before the route splits West up towards Missoula, Kalispell and Whitefish.

Personally, I think this is the better route from Bozeman to Glacier because not only does it take you through Whitefish (which I loved) but it also brings you to the West side of Glacier National Park which is the best place to start your Glacier itinerary.

Missoula, Montana

Missoula, Montana, known as the “Garden City,” is a lively city with a lot to offer, from outdoor adventures and cultural experiences to local food and craft beverages.

Downtown Missoula has an eclectic mix of shops, galleries, breweries, and restaurants. The area is known for its charming historic buildings and vibrant street art, and it’s a fun way to spend an afternoon exploring. 

The drive from Bozeman to Missoula is just under 3 hours.
From Missoula to Glacier National park it’s another 5 hours and 15 minutes.

Hike To the M

If you missed The “M” Trail in Bozeman then you’ll have another chance to hike this trail in Missoula! The Missoula “M” Trail also takes you up to the iconic M on Mount Sentinel but be prepared for a tough series of switchbacks to reach the summit.

Shop On Hip Strip

Hip Strip is a collection of unique shops located in a neighborhood near Higgins Street Bridge in downtown Missoula.

All of the shops are locally owned and operated. You can find clothing, art, surfboards, books, music and a variety of coffee shops, bakeries and breweries.

Check out Betty’s Divine for fun vintage items, Shakespeare & Co – the “best bookstore in Montana”, and grab a hazelnut latte from Clyde Coffee.

Missoula’s Farmers Market (Saturdays)

If you’re in town on a Saturday, then stop by one of Missoula’s famous farmers’ markets, such as the Clark Fork Market or the Missoula Farmers’ Market, held on Saturdays from spring to fall.

You can shop for fresh local produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, and enjoy live music and food vendors.

Local Breweries

There are several local breweries and distilleries including KettleHouse Brewing Company, Highlander Beer, and Montgomery Distillery. Stop in for a flight.

Garnet Ghost Town

Finally, visit Garnet Ghost Town, one of Montana’s best-preserved ghost towns, located about an hour from Missoula.

Walk through historic buildings and imagine life during Montana’s gold rush days. I wasn’t able to make it here, but a friend of mine visited and said it’s one of the most fascinating things she’s seen – it’s almost like the residents left yesterday.

Lodging In Missoula

The Lolo Creek Loft and Bitterroot Bungalow are airy and cozy 1-bedroom vacation rentals located in the heart of hip street and easily walkable to lots of cafe’s and shops.

LOGE is a great pet-friendly hotel option in the center of the city. Pets stay for free here!

Kalispell, Montana

Kalispell is a very charming town and a great stop along your road trip from Bozeman Montana to Glacier National Park. Whether you have a day or a week to spend here, there’s plenty to explore.

The Bozeman to Kalispell drive takes 5 hours.
From Kalispell to Glacier National Park is just under one hour.

Conrad Mansion Museum

Visit the Conrad Mansion Museum in Kalispell. It’s a beautiful preserved historic home of one of Kalispell’s founding families.

I’m a sucker for touring gilded age mansions – it’s fascinating to see how people used to live (or at least, some of them!) You can take a guided tour to learn about the Conrad family and life in the early 1900s.

Flathead Lake

Just a short drive south of Kalispell is Flathead Lake. You can access the lake from Wayfarers State Park. It’s the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi and the water is really clear (which is basically a requirement for me to get in the water – I need to see what I’m swimming with!).

Spend the afternoon paddle boarding or jumping in the water. There’s also a fantastic dog park here, if you’re traveling with your pets.

Local Brews

Spend the afternoon sampling locally made wines and craft beers at one of the area’s wineries or breweries.

Popular spots include Sacred Waters Brewing Company and Waters Edge Winery & Bistro.

Lodging In Kalispell Montana

Kalispell Grand Hotel is located in the center of the city and nearby to the Conrad Mansion. They offer beautifully decorated guest rooms, free parking and breakfast, and they’re pet friendly!

Glacier International Lodge fits the Montana lodge theme in every way. They also have a great indoor pool and rooms with mountain views.

Sherman Lodge in historic downtown Kalispell is a bright and clean 1-bedroom vacation rental within walking distance to shops and restaurants. If you’d prefer to be on the water, check out this cozy bungalow right on Flathead Lake.

To get to Whitefish from Kalispell is a short 25-minute drive.

Whitefish, Montana

Whitefish, Montana offers year-round activities. In winter, enjoy skiing and snowboarding; in summer, try zip-lining, mountain biking, or hiking. Best of all, Whitefish is just 30 minutes from Glacier National Park.

The distance from Bozeman to Whitefish is 5 hours and 15 minutes.
From Whitefish to Glacier National Park is just 30 minutes.

Explore Historic Downtown Whitefish

Stroll through downtown Whitefish and explore the vibrant mix of local shops, art galleries, restaurants, and cafes. I visited Whitefish in the fall and really enjoyed walking around, popping into the different local shops and eating at the delicious restaurants in town.

The town’s charming streets are lined with historic buildings and boutique stores. The downtown area of Whitefish isn’t very large, so it’s manageable to fully explore it in an afternoon.

I had a matcha latte and a delicious breakfast at Folklore Coffee before spending the afternoon wandering in and out of shops like The Montana Scene and Sage & Cedar.

Local Craft Brews

Visit the Great Northern Brewing Company, one of the oldest breweries in Montana, to sample a variety of locally brewed beers.

Whitefish Farmers Market

Every Tuesday from 5:00 – 7:30pm during the summer you can drop by the Whitefish Farmers Market.

There’s a variety of local food and craft vendors, live music and food trucks!

Whitefish Winter Carnival (February)

Finally, if you happen to be visiting in February, don’t miss the Whitefish Winter Carnival, a quirky and fun event that includes a parade, polar plunge, skijoring (like dogsledding, but with horses), and various other winter activities.

Whitewater Rafting

There’s a popular spot for whitewater rafting not far from Whitefish. Guides will take you on a 2-hour whitewater rafting trip, or you can do a full-day trip.

If you’ve never been whitewater rafting before I cannot recommend it enough! You’ll be fully briefed on what to do before you get in the water and each boat has a guide who does the “heavy lifting” – they tell you when to paddle, where to go, etc.

I’m always a little nervous when I first get in the boat, but it’s always far less scary than I’m anticipating and I usually laugh until I cry. It’s good wholesome fun!

Zipline & Obstacle Course

Glacier Highline is located a few minutes outside of Whitefish towards Glacier National Park and has a zipline and ropes obstacle course.

It’s a fun way to spend an afternoon outside, up in the trees. There’s also a restaurant and coffee shop on site.

Whitefish Lodging & Vacation Rentals

Whitefish has a big variety of accommodations, from luxury resorts to vacation rentals.

Good Medicine Lodge Bed & Breakfast is a mountain B&B with lodge-style rooms and a private home available for guests. It’s a smaller property that offers great service and lots of charm.

Grouse Mountain Lodge is another mountain lodge style hotel with an indoor pool, hot tub, and comfortable guest rooms. They’re even pet friendly!

Additionally, there are plenty of vacation rentals near Whitefish. Including this 2-bedroom A-Frame Cabin and a charming historic condo in the heart of downtown Whitefish.

Glacier National Park

This part of your road trip from Bozeman to Glacier National Park is the crown jewel! I truly think Glacier is the best National Park, hands down. I’ve been to many US National Parks and I’ve yet to find one I like better, or is more scenic, than Glacier.

If you drive through Helena on the more direct route, you’ll land on the east side of the park. And, if you drive through Missoula, Kalispell and Whitefish you’ll land on the west side of the park. 

You’ll want at least 3 days in Glacier National Park to fully explore both halves of the park, but it really doesn’t matter where you start.

Read my travel guide & itinerary for Glacier National Park for a day-by-day itinerary, free downloadable map and tips to avoid crowds.

Glacier National Park Vehicle Reservations

One very important thing to note is that the east and west sides of the park are connected by Going To The Sun Road. This road is closed seasonally (in the winter) due to massive amounts of snow. 

During the open season this road is wildly popular and you must have a vehicle reservation for specific entrances from May to September.

The vehicle reservation system changes slightly from year to year, so be sure to get current vehicle reservation details here. I recommend getting your vehicle reservation very early (they open 120 days in advance) because they sell out almost immediately.

There are some really incredible stops along Going To The Sun Road, including some of the best hikes in Glacier National Park so you’ll definitely want access to this part of the park.

However, this is not the only way from the east to the west side of the park. You could also take US RT-2 if Going To The Sun Road is closed or you’re unable to get vehicle reservations.

Camping and Lodging Near Glacier National Park

The best way to see Glacier National Park is by staying in or very nearby the park. There are several options for camping in Glacier, as well as lodging options in the park and right outside the perimeter. 

If you’re staying on the west side, I recommend Lake McDonald Lodge or Apgar Campground.

If you’re staying on the east side of the park, I recommend Many Glacier Hotel or Many Glacier Campground.

Best Hiking Trails In Glacier

There are so many great hikes in Glacier National Park to choose from. My personal favorites are Hidden Lake Trail, Avalanche Lake Trail and Grinnell Glacier Trail.

There are also a ton of waterfall hikes in Glacier National Park, which is a major highlight. I recommend making time for St Mary & Virginia Falls.

I hiked solo on my recent trip, and while it’s a bit unnerving given the number of bears in the park, I never had an encounter with wildlife and I felt comfortable and safe hiking alone in Glacier National Park.

I recommend packing trekking poles, a good day hiking backpack, a hydration bladder and bear spray for hiking in Glacier.

Glacier National Park Entrance Fees

Glacier National Park requires an entrance fee (which is different from a vehicle reservation for Going To The Sun Road). 

It’s $35 per vehicle (good for up to 7 days) or you can enter with the America The Beautiful Park Pass – $80 per year, good for 12 months from the month of purchase. 

The America The Beautiful pass is a good option if you’ll visit more than 2 National Parks in 12 months as it’ll save you money.

FAQs About Driving from Bozeman Montana to Glacier National Park

How Far Is Bozeman From Glacier National Park?

There are two routes from Bozeman to Glacier National Park. The more direct route (from Bozeman to East Glacier) is 4 hours and 40 minutes, and the scenic route (from Bozeman to West Glacier) is 5 hours and 15 minutes.

What is the best time of year to visit Glacier National Park?

The best time of year to visit Glacier National Park is from July-September when Going To The Sun Road is open. This road is the primary route from the east to the west side of the park, and has a lot of great hikes and sights to see along it, so it’s worth timing your trip so you can make the most of this portion of the park.