Let’s go out west! This itinerary outlines a 10-day trip for visiting four National Parks out west— Glacier, Yellowstone, Teton, and a short visit to Bannack on our way back to the airport.
Fly in: Monday, September 23rd
Fly out: Wednesday, October 2nd
Total days: 10
These are the proposed dates. Any later and we run the risk of heavy snow. Any earlier and it could be more crowded with higher prices.
The shared expenses include car rental, hotel accommodations, and gas. It does not include air travel. Add around $350 - $450 per person for your plane ticket. I split the cost with 4 people. For the hotel, I assumed two per room.
Estimated cost per person is currently $870
<aside> <img src="/icons/info-alternate_green.svg" alt="/icons/info-alternate_green.svg" width="40px" /> I think this estimate is at the higher end. If we book early, we probably can save money on the rental car and hotel.
</aside>
Below is a 10 day itinerary. The current plan is we fly into Missoula, Montana. Then, we drive two hours north to Whitefish which is just outside of Glacier National Park. Then we head south 8 hours to Yellowstone and Teton National Parks. On our way back up we stop at Bannock State Park. Finally, we head back to Missoula for our flight out.
Fast hike a few miles outside of Whitefish, Montana.
Monday September 23rd · Missoula MT → Whitefish MT
We fly into Missoula, Montana, get our rental car, then drive about two or three hours north towards Glacier National Park. Depending where we get our hotel, we can stay the neighboring town Whitefish or directly in the park. Once we’re checked in, we can grab dinner, walk around, and have an early night.
View from Going-to-the-Sun Road
Tuesday September 24th · Whitefish → Glacier West Entrance
We wake up early and head into the west park entrance. Park fee is $35/car. There are shops with bathrooms and food before the entrance and a rest stop inside the park. However I recommend we pack a lunch.
For the first half of the day, we drive up and through the mountains on the famous Going-to-the-sun Road that winds up the mountains. On our drive we can see picturesque views and make lots of stops for short walks and pictures.
Near the top of the road is Hidden Lake trail where we can hike 5 miles to view the overlook of the lake and mountains. If don't want to hike the five miles, we can still see some beautiful views and wildlife around the halfway point.
Cabin near Polebridge entrance
Wednesday September 25th · Whitefish → Polebridge Entrance
The Polebridge entrance to the park is a bit more remote and is where the locals go. There are two lakes here and cabin rentals. We can have a more relaxed day here by the lake or go on a hike.
Forty five minutes north of Glacier is an isolated provisions store where hikers and bikers stop to rest and get supplies. It's a fun little spot we can go to and eat lunch, hang around, and talk to travelers. There are cabins for rent here.
Wildhorse Island
Thursday September 26th · Polebridge → Wildhorse → Yellowstone
This is a long day! In the morning we drive to Flathead Lake where we’ll get to Wildhorse Island for a 3 hour wildlife excursion. Then, we leave the Glacier area and head south to Yellowstone Park.
The aptly named Wildhorse Island sits in Flathead Lake, about 40 miles south of Whitefish, MT. The goal of this hike is to find wildlife. There we should see wild horses, goats, and maybe even a mountain lion.
Friday September 27th · Yellowstone Entrance
Gathering more info on what to do here. Stay tuned.
Saturday & Sunday Sep 28—29 · Jackson Hole
Will write this out soon! But it's fun and amazing!
Monday September 30th · Dillon, MT → Missoula, MT
Will write this out soon! But its fun and amazing!
Tuesday October 1 · Dillon, MT → Missoula, MT
We’ll figure this part out once we get flights. But the thought is we drive up the night before so we’re close to the airport on the day of our flights back.
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/2/edit?mid=1qDUE4UG9xkwhMFju_pZ9vFCZrunSMFs&usp=sharing