15 days in Montana Itinerary

The glaciers from which Glacier National Park takes its name mostly dissipated eons ago, but they left behind a scoured landscape of high and steep mountain peaks, sparkling lakes, lush alpine meadows, and thick forests.

Take a break from the city and head to Iceberg Lake Trail and Two Medicine Lake. Explore hidden gems such as St. Mary Lake and St.Mary Falls. Change things up with a short trip to Aster Falls in East Glacier Park (about 54 minutes away). There's lots more to do: stroll through Swiftcurrent Falls, explore the activities along Iceberg Lake, hike along Goat Lick Overlook, and take some stellar pictures from Jackson Glacier Overlook.

For reviews, maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, use the Glacier National Park tour itinerary planner.

San Francisco to Glacier National Park is an approximately 4-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of bus and car. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from San Francisco to Glacier National Park. While traveling from San Francisco, expect somewhat warmer days and slightly colder nights in Glacier National Park, ranging from highs of 83°F to lows of 48°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Thu) early enough to drive to Missoula.

Missoula is a city in the U.S. state of Montana and is the county seat of Missoula County. On the 18th (Fri), see the interesting displays at Aerial Fire Depot and Smokejumper Center, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Garden of One Thousand Buddhas, and then sample the tasty concoctions at Big Sky Brewing. On your second day here, identify plant and animal life at Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, get in on the family fun at A Carousel for Missoula, and then take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports.

For more things to do, maps, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Missoula route builder tool.

Getting from Glacier National Park to Missoula by car takes about 4 hours. Other options: do a combination of car and bus. In August in Missoula, expect temperatures between 86°F during the day and 51°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Sat) so you can drive to Philipsburg.

Philipsburg is a town in and the county seat of Granite County, Montana, United States. Kick off your visit on the 20th (Sun): discover the riches below the earth's surface at Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine, stop by The Sweet Palace, and then sample the tasty concoctions at Philipsburg Brewing Company.

To see ratings, other places to visit, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the Philipsburg road trip planning site.

Getting from Missoula to Philipsburg by car takes about 1.5 hours. In August, Philipsburg is slightly colder than Missoula - with highs of 80°F and lows of 44°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Sun) early enough to drive to Helena.

Helena is the capital city of the U.S. state of Montana and the county seat of Lewis and Clark County. Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Cathedral of St. Helena and Grant-Kohrs Ranch. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Gates of the Mountains and Montana State Capitol. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Helena: Deer Lodge (Old Montana Prison Complex & Yesterday's Playthings). There's more to do: take an in-depth tour of Montana Historical Society Museum and explore the engaging exhibits at ExplorationWorks.

For ratings, maps, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Helena day trip planning app.

Traveling by car from Philipsburg to Helena takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. Traveling from Philipsburg in August, expect Helena to be somewhat warmer, temps between 86°F and 54°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Wed) to allow time to drive to Billings.

Billings is the largest city in the state of Montana, and is the principal city of the Billings Metropolitan Area with a population of 166,855.Billings is located in the south-eastern portion of the state and is the seat of Yellowstone County, which had a 2015 population of 157,048. Kick off your visit on the 24th (Thu): witness the site of a historic battle at Custer Battlefield Museum, take in the dramatic natural features at Pompeys Pillar National Monument, and then take in the dramatic natural features at The Rimrocks. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: take an exotic tour of Globe Trekkers Tours, then see the interesting displays at Moss Mansion, and then take a pleasant ride with a tour on horseback.

For traveler tips, photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, use the Billings trip itinerary tool.

You can drive from Helena to Billings in 3.5 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or fly. In August, daytime highs in Billings are 85°F, while nighttime lows are 58°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 25th (Fri) to allow time to drive to Big Sky.

Big Sky is a census-designated place (CDP) in Gallatin and Madison counties in southwestern Montana. Start off your visit on the 26th (Sat): take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports, trek along Ousel Falls Trail, and then take in the awesome beauty at Lone Peak.

For maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Big Sky tour planner.

Traveling by car from Billings to Big Sky takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. When traveling from Billings in August, plan for slightly colder days in Big Sky, with highs around 75°F, while nights are colder with lows around 37°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 26th (Sat) so you can catch the flight back home.