'

Glacier, Yellowstone & Tetons National Parks

View My Main Profile
Erin Kloostra, Travel Agent in Selinsgrove, PA

Erin Kloostra

Selinsgrove, PA Travel Agent

Erin Kloostra

Selinsgrove, PA · 2 Years of Experience

The Adventure Advisor, an independent agent with WorldVia, a Travel Leaders Agency
5.0
(4)
100% Recommended
We are so grateful to The Adventure Advisor! She was very thorough and detail oriented during the planning stages and very attentive to our needs while... Read More >
COUNTRIES VISITED:Montana, Wyoming
PLACES VISITED:Gardiner, Glacier National Park, Grand Tetons, Jackson Hole, Kalispell, Yellowstone National Park
SUGGESTED DURATION:7 Days
This 7-day road trip is an efficient, high-impact circuit through the American Northwest, covering Glacier, Yellowstone, and the Grand Tetons. Starting in West Glacier, you’ll experience the high-alpine beauty of the Going-to-the-Sun Road and historic lodges. The midpoint involves a scenic transition into Northern Yellowstone for wildlife in Lamar Valley and the dramatic Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The final leg focuses on the geothermal wonders of the Upper Geyser Basin, a sunset kayak tour on Yellowstone Lake, and a grand finale featuring the jagged peaks of the Grand Tetons. By flying into Kalispell and out of Jackson Hole, you maximize your time in the parks while minimizing backtracking.
Close All Days
DAY1
Kalispell
-
Glacier National Park
Close Day
Lake McDonald and Northern Lights
Your journey begins in Kalispell, where you’ll pick up your rental car and make the short 45-minute drive to West Glacier. You’ll spend your first afternoon at Lake McDonald, exploring the shore and staying late to hunt for the Northern Lights. You’ll spend the night at the historic Belton Chalet.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Explore Lake McDonald
Watch Northern Lights
DAY2
Glacier National Park
Close Day
Drive and hike your way through Glacier
On your second day, you will drive the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road. Along the way, you’ll stretch your legs on the Trail of the Cedars and hike to the Hidden Lake Overlook. Depending on your energy, you might also head to the Many Glacier or Two Medicine areas to see Fishercap Lake or Aster Falls before returning to Lake McDonald for another night of stargazing.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Drive Going to the Sun Road
Hike Trail of the Cedars
Catch the views from Hidden Lake Overlook
Hike in Many Glacier or Two Medicine areas
Watch for more Northern Lights
DAY3
Glacier National Park
-
Gardiner
Close Day
Tour of Many Glacier Area
The third morning starts with a 6-to-8-hour Vintage Red Bus Tour, offering a classic perspective of the Many Glacier region. Once the tour ends, you’ll begin a 6.5-hour drive south to Gardiner, Montana. After checking into the Absaroka Lodge, you’ll head to Mammoth Hot Springs to watch the sunset over the travertine terraces.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Vintage Red Bus Tour
Many Glacier hiking
Mammoth Hot Springs
DAY4
Yellowstone National Park
Close Day
Wildlife and Sightseeing in Yellowstone
On day four, an early morning drive takes you into the Lamar Valley for wildlife viewing. The rest of your day is dedicated to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, where you’ll visit Tower Fall, Artist Point, and the Lower Falls. You’ll wrap up the day by checking into the Best Western Weston Inn.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Lamar Valley wildlife viewing
Discover Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
DAY5
Yellowstone National Park
Close Day
Geysers and Lakes
The fifth day focuses on Yellowstone’s famous thermal features. You’ll start at the Upper Geyser Basin to see Old Faithful, then move to the Midway Geyser Basin to see the Grand Prismatic Spring from the Fairy Falls overlook. In the late afternoon, you’ll visit the West Thumb Geyser Basin before heading out on a kayaking tour on Yellowstone Lake. Afterward, you’ll drive 90 minutes south to Jackson Hole to stay at the Miller Park Lodge.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Old Faithful
Grand Prismatic Spring
West Thumb Geyser Basin
Kayak tour on Yellowstone Lake
DAY6
Jackson Hole
-
Grand Tetons
Close Day
Tour the Grand Tetons
Your final full day is spent in the Grand Tetons. You’ll start with a Sunrise Tour to see the peaks in their best light and spend the afternoon on a scenic float down the Snake River. Watch for the Northern Lights from Miller Park Lodge for your second night stay.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Sunrise Tour of Grand Tetons
Scenic float on Snake River
Hunting for Northern Lights
DAY7
Jackson Hole
Close Day
Heading Home
On the seventh day, it’s a quick 15-minute drive to the Jackson Hole Airport to return your car and catch your flight home.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Jackson Hole
FINAL THOUGHTS
The best time to visit Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Tetons National Parks to view the Northern Lights is September, but be sure to check for road closings in case of winter weather conditions. Lots of driving, but completely worth it!