The short answer
Glacier is a 5–6 hour drive from Bozeman and sits at the edge of Journey’s 300-mile radius. It’s a superb multi-day trip — but Going-to-the-Sun Road limits vehicles over 21 feet long or 8 feet wide (including mirrors) on its alpine section, so check your van’s dimensions or plan to use the park shuttle.
The route
Stops along the way
- 1
Helena
Montana’s capital, about 1.5 hours from Bozeman.
- 2
Rocky Mountain Front
Choteau and the plains meeting the peaks on US-89.
- 3
St. Mary
East entrance to Going-to-the-Sun Road.
- 4
Many Glacier
Glacier’s wildlife and lake hub on the east side.
- 5
Lake McDonald
Colorful pebbles and the west side of the park.
By van
Road notes for van drivers
- Going-to-the-Sun Road: vehicles over 21 ft long or 8 ft wide including mirrors are prohibited between Avalanche Creek and Rising Sun.
- Check NPS for any vehicle reservation requirements in your travel dates.
- Stay within Journey’s 300-mile radius from Belgrade to avoid per-mile fees.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can a 15-passenger van drive Going-to-the-Sun Road?
Full-size passenger vans are close to the road’s width limit of 8 feet including mirrors. Check the exact van dimensions with your rental company, or park and ride the shuttle when it’s running.
How far is Glacier from Bozeman?
About 300 miles to St. Mary on the east side via Helena, or about 350 miles to West Glacier via Missoula and Flathead Lake.
Destinations on this trip
