Glacier National Park - MT

Glacier National Park is one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country, known for its rugged peaks, turquoise lakes, and endless opportunities to explore. From driving the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road to hiking alpine trails and staying in historic park lodges, Glacier offers an experience that feels both wild and refined. With careful planning, smart timing, and insider knowledge, we help you experience Glacier beyond the crowds—making it our most popular destination and one of our favorites to design at Highline Horizons.

A Brief History Lesson

Glacier National Park has a deep and layered history shaped by ice, time, and the people who have lived in and traveled through this landscape for thousands of years. Long before it became a national park in 1910, this land was—and still is—culturally significant to the Blackfeet, Salish, Kootenai, and Pend d’Oreille peoples. The mountains, valleys, and passes you see today were important travel routes, hunting grounds, and gathering places, and many of the trails and corridors visitors follow now reflect those original paths.

In the early 20th century, Glacier began to open up to the rest of the country as railroads pushed west and the Great Northern Railway promoted the park as a must-see destination. Historic lodges like Many Glacier Hotel and Lake McDonald Lodge were built to welcome travelers seeking both adventure and comfort, and they remain iconic parts of the park experience today. Between the engineering feat of Going-to-the-Sun Road and the preserved lodge architecture, Glacier’s history is still very much alive—woven into the landscapes, stories, and places you experience while exploring the park.

Sample Itinerary

While every Highline Horizons trip is fully customized to your travel style, the sample itinerary below offers a glimpse of what this experience could look like.

Day 1: Arrive in Glacier

Fly into Glacier Park International Airport and make the easy, scenic drive toward West Glacier. Once you’re settled, take a walk along Lake McDonald or grab a drink at Lake McDonald Lodge and watch the light change on the mountains. No big plans tonight—just arrive, breathe, and let Glacier sink in.

Day 2: Rafting the Middle Fork

This morning is all about getting out on the water. A guided whitewater rafting trip on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River is a fun way to see Glacier from a different angle, with a mix of splashy rapids and calm stretches right along the park’s edge. Afterward, spend the afternoon hiking to a waterfall or taking a relaxed drive through the west side of the park.

Day 3: Going-to-the-Sun Road | Red Bus Tour

Today you’ll cross the park on the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, but instead of driving yourself, you’ll ride in a classic Red Bus with a local driver-guide. You’ll stop at the best viewpoints, learn the history of the park, and actually get to enjoy the views without watching the road. By the end of the day, you’ll arrive on the east side of Glacier, where the landscape feels bigger and a little wilder.

Day 4: Many Glacier | Boat Tour & Hiking

Many Glacier is a favorite for a reason. Start the day with a boat tour across Swiftcurrent and Josephine Lakes, then step right onto the trail for a hike deeper into the park. This area has some of the best scenery in Glacier—big peaks, turquoise water, and a good chance of spotting wildlife if you’re paying attention.

Day 5: Exploring by Horseback

Slow things down today with a guided horseback ride through meadows and along scenic trails. It’s a classic Glacier experience and a nice change of pace after a few hiking days. The afternoon is open for relaxing at a historic lodge, an easy walk, or just sitting somewhere with a good view.

Day 6: Quieter Corners of Glacier

Today is about getting away from the busiest areas. Depending on conditions, you’ll explore places like Two Medicine or spend more time in the Many Glacier area on trails that see fewer people. This is the kind of day that reminds you how wild Glacier really is—and it’s often the day people talk about the most afterward.

Day 7: Head Home

Enjoy one last morning in the park—coffee with a view, a short walk, or a final scenic stop—before heading back toward the airport. You’ll leave with tired legs, a full camera roll, and a Glacier trip that felt well-paced, thoughtful, and easy.

Contact Us

Book with us early for the Best Places to stay

  • Many Glacier Hotel

  • Lake McDonald Lodge

  • Glacier Park Lodge

  • Belton Chalet