Embarking on a road trip from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Glacier National Park offers your family to experience diverse landscapes. Here is a guide with some of the must-see stops along the way. This is a good template for families seeking adventure and also moldable to make sure it fully fits the desires of your crew!
Good old-fashioned road trips are not only character-building building but they are also a great way to cover more ground and really be able to explore. When you come to Glacier you will need a car so why not make the most of it and plan a little road trip!
Planning Your Route from Salt Lake City to Glacier
There are multiple routes you can take but by following I-15 you will have a smooth drive and plenty of opportunities to make fun, kid-friendly stops. Make sure the snacks are packed and the GPS is set because we are off on an adventure!
Antelope Island State Park in Layton, UT
The first stop for us is going to be Antelope Island State Park in Layton, UT. This is just 40 minutes out of Salt Lake, so hopefully this is going to be before the first “Are we there yet?”. This is a cool place for you guys to stretch your legs. Antelope Island State Park is known for its wildlife, including herds of bison and antelope. They also have a great visitor center where you can learn about the Great Salt Lake ecosystem.
City of Rocks National Reserve in Almo, ID
Next on the road map is, City of Rocks National Reserve in Almo, ID. This is a slight detour off I-15, but worth it. There are a lot of kid-friendly hiking trails where children can climb and explore the rugged terrain. The City of Rocks is also a great place to enjoy a picnic and take in the park’s natural beauty. This makes for a memorable stop for outdoor enthusiasts. You guys can even try rock scrambling (more suitable for older kids) or marvel at the geological features.
Lava Hot Springs
You could also decide to stop and soak at Lava Hot Springs. This small town is famous for its natural hot springs, which there are quite a few hot springs in Montana, so if you skip this one, there will be a few more along the route you can soak and enjoy!
Yellowstone Bear World in Rexburg, ID
Quickly become a member of the “Cool Parent Club” and swing through Yellowstone Bear World in Rexburg, ID. This drive-thru wildlife park will have your kids in awe! Wildlife you will see include elk, bison, deer, mountain goats, and don’t forget black and grizzly bear! How cool is that?!
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is also a must stop while you are on your way to Glacier. See Old Faithful, take a hike or just drive on through and enjoy the canyons, rivers, geysers and hot springs here!
Bannack State Park
Really enjoy the Wild West at Bannack State Park! This is Montana’s best-preserved ghost town, where Montana set off the first big gold strike all the way back in 1863. Take a tour to learn all about Montana’s first territorial capital.
World Museum of Mining in Butte, MT
Stop at the World Museum of Mining in Butte, MT, and learn about Hell Roarin’ Gulch, a replica 1890s mining town, the Orphan Girl Mine Yard, the Samie Keith Doll House exhibit, and the Roy Garrett Rock and Mineral Exhibit, or book an underground mining tour!
CSKT Bison Range
There are lots of cool roadside stops along the way you can fill in your time with, but one worth stopping at is driving through the CSKT Bison Range in the center of the Flathead Indian Reservation. Take in some of Montana’s landscape and count how many bison you can see. What other wildlife will you see?
Flathead Lake
As you continue your road trip to Glacier, you will eventually come up to Flathead Lake, which is the largest of freshwater lakes west of the Mississippi River, and it will take your breath away multiple times as you drive around it. There are also multiple pull-out spots or day parks to dip your toes in and enjoy.
Planning Your Salt Lake City to Glacier National Park Itinerary
Most of these stops are seasonal stops and have similar seasons, but some may differ. A lot of the activities near and around Glacier are Memorial Day to Labor Day, but make sure you check into all your stops before you fully set your road trip itinerary.
Don’t over-stress yourself on a timeline, or don’t overpack your day. You don’t want to let yourself sit back and enjoy the view, as you are too focused on your schedule.
Extending Your Adventure
We aren’t called Big Sky Country for nothing! You can travel for days around our great state and never run out of things to see. Man! After that road trip, and you hit Glacier, you will need to stretch your legs. Glacier Highline is a great place to do so! With over 50 different aerial adventure and ropes course activities, including Glacier ziplines, Burma loops, log walks, cargo nets, and a rock climbing wall, there is something for everyone to love. Tower Grill and Coffee Shop can also fill your belly and fuel up your next adventure! A road trip from Salt Lake City to Glacier National Park will offer unparalleled adventure, weaving through some of the most breathtaking landscapes this side of the country. You will journey through some of Utah’s rugged, beautiful canyons, the open plains of Montana, and end up in the majestic peaks of Glacier National Park.
With endless invitations to exploration and opportunities for wildlife, hiking, swimming, and just soaking in all of the scenery of the beautiful Rocky Mountains, this isn’t just a drive but a chance to connect with nature and make memories with your family. So get ready to pack your bags and hit the open road!
FAQs about Salt Lake to Glacier National Park
How long is the drive from Salt Lake City to Glacier National Park?
The drive from Salt Lake City to West Glacier is approximately 670 miles and takes about 10 hours of direct driving time via I-15 N. However, for a family-friendly road trip, we recommend breaking the journey into two days with an overnight stop in Idaho Falls or Dillon, Montana, to enjoy the scenic stops along the way.
What is the best route from Salt Lake City to Glacier for families?
The most efficient and scenic route for families is taking I-15 North through Idaho and Montana. This path offers the best balance of highway speeds and high-quality stops like Yellowstone Bear World, Lava Hot Springs, and the CSKT Bison Range. It leads you directly through the Flathead Valley and right past Glacier Highline in Coram, just minutes before you reach the park’s West Entrance.
Can you visit Yellowstone and Glacier National Park on the same road trip?
Yes! Adding Yellowstone to your Salt Lake City to Glacier itinerary is easy. Simply detour at Idaho Falls toward West Yellowstone. After exploring Yellowstone’s geysers, head north through Bozeman and Missoula to reach Glacier. This “two-park” trip is a bucket-list favorite for families visiting the American West.
Where should I stop for kids on a road trip to Glacier National Park?
Top kid-friendly stops include Antelope Island (for bison sightings), Yellowstone Bear World in Rexburg, and the World Museum of Mining in Butte. Once you reach the Glacier area, your final “reward” stop should be Glacier Highline, where kids can burn off road-trip energy on 50+ aerial obstacles and ziplines before you head into the park.