Known for rolling wilderness, rocky peaks, and wide-open skies, there’s a reason why Montana is called the Treasure State. It’s home to two iconic national parks, Glacier and Yellowstone, and with this guide, you can experience both. First-time visitors might wonder, “how many days do I need in Montana?” and we recommend at least five to seven days to experience the best of Big Sky Country. Start planning your trip to the Old West with our trip itinerary for five perfect days in Montana.
Day One: Glacier National Park
Morning:
Experience early morning magic as the mountains are illuminated by the sun’s warm glow. Enjoy a cup of coffee with breakfast from the comfort of your treehouse tent before setting off on a day of adventure. Under Canvas Glacier is conveniently located less than 10 minutes from the entrance of Glacier National Park, so you can be among the first to enter the park.
Afternoon:
Driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road is a trip into the heart of Glacier. The 50-mile scenic drive is one of the best things to do in Glacier National Park and ranks among the best scenic drives in the U.S. Every twist, turn, and tunnel is even more spectacular than the last, revealing glacially sculpted peaks, lush valleys, and crystalline lakes. There are stopping points along the road where you can take in the views or hike the trails. Some highlights include Lake McDonald, Trail of the Cedars, Hidden Lake Overlook, St. Mary Falls, and the Logan Pass Visitor Center. The drive can take several hours or a full day, depending on how many stops you make.
Evening:
Visit Lake McDonald on your way back to camp. The Rocky Mountains form a crown around the lake that is mirrored on the calm waters. Paddle out in a kayak or canoe and settle into the serenity of nature. When the sun goes down, the show has just begun. Glacier is a Dark Sky Park, which means you’ll see some of the best stargazing in the country. Check the Ranger Led Program schedule for dates and times during the summer for full moon hikes and astronomy talks beneath the stars.
Day Two: Flathead National Forest and Whitefish
Morning:
Start your day with a stretch on the yoga deck at Under Canvas. Check the camp programming schedule for guided classes. Then head into nearby Whitefish, one of the most beautiful towns in Montana, to explore the historic downtown. Grab a bite to eat for breakfast and browse the locally-owned shops and galleries along the main street.
Afternoon:
Explore the vast Flathead National Forest. There are countless ways to explore the forest and nearby Flathead Lake. Experience Glacier like a local by floating down the Flathead River in a tube, swimming in the Hungry Horse Reservoir, or hiking the many trails. One of our favorite ways to see the sights is with a guided raft trip on the Flathead River that ends with a gourmet riverside dinner.
Evening:
After two full days of activity, enjoy dinner in Whitefish and then kick-back under the stars on your tent deck or around the campfire. There’s no better way to connect with nature and recharge for the next day.
Day Three: Drive to Yellowstone
Morning:
Rise from your tent feeling well-rested before hitting the road for Yellowstone. The drive takes about six hours without stops, so you’ll want an early start on the day.
Afternoon:
The drive from Glacier to Yellowstone offers breathtaking views and unique places to stop. We recommend visiting Garnet Ghost Town in Drummond, a perfect halfway point. Step back in time to what once was a thriving gold mining town in the 1890s and is now Montana’s best-preserved ghost town.
Evening:
Arrive at Under Canvas North Yellowstone before dusk. Check into your luxury safari-style tent set in the scenic high plains of Paradise Valley. The camp is set along the banks of the Yellowstone River where you can experience world-class fly fishing or float on the river just steps from your tent.
Day Four: Yellowstone National Park
Morning:
Set out for a fun-filled day at America’s first national park. Under Canvas is less than an hour from Yellowstone National Park’s North Entrance. It’s worth visiting Mammoth Hot Springs to explore what looks like an inside-out cave along with other curious hydrothermal features. It takes about two hours to walk the entire boardwalk.
Afternoon:
Spend the afternoon exploring Lamar Valley. Known as America’s Serengeti, it’s one of the best places to see wildlife in Yellowstone. Along the 29-mile drive, you can spot Yellowstone’s “Big Five” most iconic animals: moose, elk, wolves, bison, and bears. After your safari, head to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone for breathtaking views of two massive waterfalls. You can drive along the rim or hike around the Upper and Lower Falls to gain different perspectives.
Evening:
Head back to Under Canvas West Yellowstone to enjoy live music, open-air dining and indulge in complimentary s’mores around the campfire before cozying up in your plush king-sized bed for the night.
Day Five: Bozeman
Morning:
Take in the incredible mountain vistas, alpine forests, and babbling streams on horseback like pioneers and cowboys from days of old. Pair your riding experience with a half-day white water rafting expedition on the Gallatin River for a thrilling adventure.
Afternoon:
Visit the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman to come face-to-face with dinosaurs that once roamed the West. The natural history and cultural museum has a world-class collection of fossils including a complete Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton. Check out the planetarium to see 4K digital projections of the cosmos.
Evening:
Explore the picturesque streets of Downtown Bozeman, where you can breathe in the fresh mountain air while you shop, drink, and dine. Make sure to try an elk or bison burger paired with a local microbrew. Top it off with a slice of huckleberry pie or cherry flavored ice cream. Enjoy your last evening beneath wide-open skies with s’mores around the campfire.
If you have more than five days in Montana, consider spending more time in Yellowstone National Park with a stay at Under Canvas West Yellowstone. Located just 10 minutes from the park’s primary West Entrance, you’ll have easy access some of the park’s best-known attractions like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring.