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 fashion road trips are not only character 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, 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 road side stops along the way you can fill in your time with but one worth stopping 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 fresh water West of the Mississippi River and 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 not let yourself sit back and enjoy the view as you are too focused on your time 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 rugged beautiful canyons, the open playing of Montana and ending up in the majestic peaks of Glacier National park. 

With endless invitations of exploration and opportunities for wildlife, hiking, swimming and just soak 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!