Montana's Road Trip
The National Parks in Montana, Glacier and Yellowstone, have long been among the top reasons to visit the Treasure State.
That makes the road trip between Yellowstone and Glacier one of the most popular, not to mention most picturesque, road trips in Montana.
What many visitors don’t understand is just how far it is from one park to the other and how much there is to see and do between the parks! With three Montana entrances to Yellowstone and 2 prominent entrances to Glacier, there are multiple routes that can be taken across the state, all of which traverse Southwest Montana.
We hope that you will use this guide to make the most of your time between Montana’s National Parks and explore some of the hidden gems that have led so many to fall in love with Big Sky Country.
We know that planning a trip to the National Parks can feel overwhelming – do I need a reservation to enter the Glacier? What options for accommodations do I have in the parks? Where are the National Park Entrances? How much does it cost to visit a National Park? And so much more. This guide to visiting Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, complete with varied resources and itineraries, is sure to help in your Montana vacation planning!
Select the Park You'd Like to Explore!
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park, sometimes referred to as the Crown of the Continent, is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.
Spanning over a million acres, it captivates with its rugged mountains, glacial lakes, and endless forests. Visitors can explore over 700 miles of trails and are often drawn to the area by the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road. Wildlife enthusiasts will find grizzly bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep throughout the park in addition to a plethora of other Montana wildlife.
The park's historic lodges offer a glimpse into the past and provide unique lodging opportunities for visitors. Whether hiking, boating, or soaking in the incredible landscapes, Glacier National Park promises an unforgettable adventure in one of America's most cherished landscape.
Glacier National Park Stats
- Highest Point of Elevation: Mount Cleveland 10,479ft
- 2023 Visitation: 2.9 million
- Visitor Centers: Saint Mary Visitor Center, Apgar Visitor Center, Logan Pass Visitor Center
- Established Date: May 11, 1910
- Park Size: 1583 square miles
- Entrances: West Glacier Entrance, Camas Creek Entrance, Polebridge Entrance, St. Mary Entrance, Two Medicine Entrance, Many Glacier Entrance, Cut Bank Entrance
Glacier National Park Links
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is renowned as America’s first national park.
This incredible park that spans over 2.2 million acres captivates visitors with dramatic landscapes, unmatched geothermal features, and diverse wildlife. A visit to Yellowstone is often marked by the opportunity to marvel at the explosive Old Faithful Geyser, the vibrant colors of Grand Prismatic Spring, and the expansive Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
In the park, you will find beautiful trails, unmatched wildlife viewing, and so much more. Yellowstone National Park promises an unforgettable adventure, showcasing the untamed splendor of the American West.
Yellowstone National Park Stats
- Highest Point of Elevation: Eagle Peak 11,372ft
- 2023 Visitation: 4.5 million
- Visitor Centers: Albright Visitor Center, Canyon Visitor Center, Fishing Bridge Visitor Center, Grant Visitor Center, Madison Visitor Center, Old Faithful Visitor Center
- Established Date: March 1, 1872
- Park Size: 3472 square miles
- Entrances: Mammoth/Gardiner Entrance; Cooke City Entrance; West Entrance; East Entrance; South Entrance
Useful Links for Both Parks
Covers entrance fees and standard amenity (day-use) fees at lands managed by various national outdoor agencies. Discounts avaiable for minors, seniors, and military.
Get up-to-date road conditions, weather alerts, closed roadways, travel alerts, road trip planning, and more. A perfect tool for your next Montana road trip.
Meet the Locals of Southwest Montana
The vast wild places of Southwest Montana are home to incredible biological diversity, from tiny shrews to massive elk and other iconic creatures of the West, like grizzly bears and gray wolves. Bring good binoculars or a spotting scope as well as some patience.
Southwest Montana's wide open spaces lend themselves to some incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing. Our region's diverse habitats are home to a wide variety of wildlife, or "the locals" if you will. From majestic elk and massive grizzlies to deep diving waterfowl and high flying raptors, you'll find the West's best in Southwest Montana. Make sure to bring your binoculars or even a spotting scope on your next Southwest Montana adventure.
Yellowstone to Glacier Itineraries
Glacier and Yellowstone beckon exploration, but the drive from one park to the other offers its own set of unique adventures. From historical landmarks to diverse recreation, you can make the road trip as memorable as the parks themselves. We have assembled a few itineraries to inspire your travel from park to park. Take a moment to explore what is possible as you travel through Southwest Montana. We encourage you to take the scenic route and experience Montana’s charming communities!
Pit Stops
If you feel like you don’t have time to add a few days to your road trip from Park to Park, consider one of these Pit Stops as you travel through Southwest Montana!
National Historic Sites in Southwest Montana
What is a National Historic Site?
In 1935, the Historic Sites Act was passed by the US Congress. This Act allowed the Secretary of the Interior to determine and designate sites, structures, and objects as “nationally significant” in American History and Culture. This designation then leaves the National Park Services with the authority to oversee these sites.
Southwest Montana is home to two National Historic Sites, the Big Hole National Battlefield and Grant-Kohrs National Historic Ranch. Learn more about two of the region’s most popular attractions.
Big Hole National Battlefield
Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site
