Explore the wonders of the American West between two incredible national parks: Yellowstone and Glacier. This unforgettable road trip through western Montana, under its legendary big skies, invites travelers to slow down, breathe deeply, and experience landscapes shaped by fire, ice, and time. Along the way, you’ll encounter bursting geysers, sparkling lakes, unhurried bison herds, historic small towns, rushing rivers, and ancient peaks. Here’s our Yellowstone to Glacier National Park road trip itinerary.
Getting from Yellowstone to Glacier National Park
The total distance between Yellowstone and Glacier is roughly 380–400 miles (6.5–7.5 hours of driving), depending on your route. The most scenic and straightforward way to travel between the parks is by following US-89 along Montana’s “Park-to-Park” corridor, beginning in West Yellowstone before driving north through the heart of Montana toward Glacier National Park.
Start in Bozeman, MT
A perfect starting point for your Yellowstone to Glacier National Park adventure, Bozeman is filled with mountain-town charm. Wander its lively downtown, home to award-winning Montana distilleries and breweries, farm-to-table dining, and galleries showcasing local artists. The Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) makes this the best place to fly into and pick up a rental car before heading to Yellowstone.
Stay Near North Yellowstone
Just 45 minutes from Bozeman, Under Canvas North Yellowstone – Paradise Valley is the perfect base for exploring Yellowstone’s northern wonders. Settle into upscale, safari-inspired glamping tents with king-size beds, ensuite bathrooms, and private decks, surrounded by the beauty of Paradise Valley and steps from the Yellowstone River. Guests can enjoy on-site fly fishing, peaceful river floats, scenic al fresco dining framed by the Absaroka Mountains, soaking in nearby hot springs, and savoring nightly s’mores around the campfire.
Explore Yellowstone National Park’s North Entrance Highlights
Yellowstone has five entrances, each leading to a different corner of the vast park. For this itinerary, you’ll explore the north and west entrance highlights. Check out our guide to Yellowstone Entrances for more details.
North Entrance must-see experiences include the iconic Roosevelt Arch, strolling the boardwalks of Mammoth Hot Springs, wildlife spotting in Lamar Valley (America’s Serengeti), and scenic drives along the Yellowstone River and the Blacktail Plateau.
On your final day in this area, exit through the West Entrance of the park to begin your next adventures in West Yellowstone.
Drive distance from the North Entrance to the West Entrance: 80 miles | 2-2.5 hours (longer with wildlife or scenic stops)
Experience West Yellowstone
The town of West Yellowstone is the gateway to the West Entrance of Yellowstone National Park and has attractions all its own. For adventures outside the park, visit the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, a nonprofit wildlife and research park. Learn about the park’s history at the Museum of Yellowstone in the historic Union Pacific Depot. Catch a glowing sunset at Hebgen Lake and watch for wildlife sipping at its shores. Take a scenic drive to Earthquake Lake (Quake Lake), formed by a massive 7.5 earthquake in 1959. And experience an authentic West Yellowstone rodeo (book ahead to avoid disappointment).
Stay Near West Yellowstone
Located just 10 minutes from Yellowstone’s West Entrance, Under Canvas West Yellowstone is the ideal base for exploring geothermal features, wildlife-rich valleys, and boundless outdoor activities. Guests enjoy uninterrupted views of Montana’s wild landscape, full-service dining in a classic Montana-style restaurant, nightly s’mores, and stylish safari-inspired glamping tents just moments from the nation’s first national park.
If you’d like to experience a Montana ranch-style getaway, Bar N Ranch, just six miles from Yellowstone’s West Entrance, offers exceptional lodging and scenery. Stay in spacious lodge rooms or private cabins on a 200-acre Western ranch with river access, wildlife, and panoramic views. With the South Fork of the Madison River meandering through the property, it’s easy to enjoy fly fishing right on-site.
Explore Yellowstone National Park’s West Entrance Highlights
From the West Entrance, you’ll have access to Yellowstone’s famous geothermal features. Wander the boardwalks of Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin, take in the rainbow colors of Grand Prismatic Spring in the Midway Geyser Basin, and explore the bubbling mudpots and steaming vents of Fountain Paint Pot and the Lower Geyser Basin. This corner of the park is home to geysers, hot springs, and valleys where bison often graze, and all are an easy drive from West Yellowstone.
Drive distance and time from West Yellowstone to Big Sky: 50 miles | 1 hour
Stop in Big Sky
Break for lunch in Big Sky, a lively mountain town offering live music, great food, boutiques, and trail access to stretch your legs with sweeping big-sky views. Explore everything from spirits and sapphires to nearby ghost towns and river canyons, and fuel up the car before you continue north.
Drive distance and time from Big Sky to Helena: 132 miles | 2.5 hours
Helena
Break up the drive between Yellowstone and Glacier with a stop in Helena, Montana’s capital city, and a natural midpoint between the two parks. Stroll historic Last Chance Gulch, explore the city’s gold rush past, or head out on a scenic Gates of the Mountains boat tour along the Missouri River, where towering limestone cliffs rise straight from the water. Spend the night in a hotel to rest up before the last leg of the drive.
Drive distance and time from Helena to Glacier: 193 miles | 3.5 hours
Start your day early and enjoy a gorgeous drive from Helena north toward Glacier, passing Seeley Lake, winding through the pines of the Flathead National Forest, and along the shimmering waters of Flathead Lake. Continue to West Glacier, where you’ll check into your accommodations and settle in for your Glacier adventures.
Where to Stay Near Glacier National Park
Located just seven miles from Glacier’s West Entrance, Under Canvas Glacier offers an exceptional glamping experience in the heart of Montana’s breathtaking Big Sky Country. Guests enjoy easy access to the park’s 700 miles of trails, which lead to alpine lakes, snow-capped peaks, and wildflower-covered meadows. In the evenings, unwind with s’mores and locally crafted brews before drifting off under a canopy of stars in comfort and style.
Explore Glacier National Park
Glacier’s rugged peaks, turquoise lakes, and sweeping glacial valleys make it one of America’s most breathtaking national parks. Spend at least two days exploring the Crown of the Continent – more if you want to slow down or take longer hikes. Glacier highlights include driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road, wildlife watching for mountain goats, bears, and bighorn sheep, hiking to alpine lakes, capturing incredible photos, and sampling huckleberry treats from local shops and restaurants.
When your epic Yellowstone to Glacier road trip comes to an end, fly out of Glacier International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, just 30 miles from the West Entrance.
Tips for a Yellowstone to Glacier National Park Road Trip
- Bring an America the Beautiful Pass for easy entry into the national parks.
- Rent a car or bring your own and fuel up often.
- The best time to go is July through September for good weather, wildflowers, and open roads. Some services in Glacier begin closing after Labor Day.
- Stay at Under Canvas camps in both Yellowstone and Glacier for seamless comfort between adventure days.
- Always check the National Park Service website for updates on reservations, road conditions, and closures.
Why Glamping is the Ultimate Adventure
There’s nothing quite like falling asleep beneath the stars, wrapped in the quiet sounds of the wild. Under Canvas elevates that experience with safari-inspired tents, upscale comforts, and unforgettable settings near Yellowstone and Glacier. After days spent exploring geothermal wonders or hiking to glacial lakes, return to your private deck, sip something warm, join in camp programming, and enjoy the perfect blend of comfort and nature. For even more adventure, our Adventure Concierge is ready to help you book the best guided experiences in and around the national parks.