Continental Divide
Highlights
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See bison & bears in Yellowstone
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Experience the isolation of Montana
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Whitewater raft down the Snake River
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Weave up and down Trail Ridge Road
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Canoe on lakes in beautiful Glacier
3 States
4 National Parks
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12 days
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1,200 miles
National Park
checklist
Glacier
Yellowstone
Grand Teton
Rocky Mountain
Our example itinerary
Day 1 - Calgary & drive to Glacier NP, MT
Start the morning by exploring Calgary, one of the major cities of Western Canada. The city boasts a historic village, and zoo, both of which could be seen after having breakfast at OEB Breakfast Co., a popular location for residents and tourists alike!
In July, the city hosts the Calgary stampede, a famous rodeo and festival lasting 10 days that attracts over 1 million visitors a year! The stampede is usually in and around the second week of July, worth bearing in mind if this is something that might interest you!
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Head out of Calgary early afternoon, for an approximately 3.5 hours drive to Glacier National Park in Montana, USA. As you're crossing a border, make sure to have relevant documents including passports and ESTAs available, and review covid restrictions before travelling.
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Arrive at your accommodation, whether that's a designated camping site or hotel within the park such as Many Glacier Hotel, or Wonderstone is a great choice in nearby Columbia Falls. All the exploring starts tomorrow!
Calgary skyline as the sun sets. The city is famous for the annual Calgary Stampede, as well as boasting one of Canada's best zoos.
Day 2 - Glacier National Park, MT
Spend most of the day exploring Going to the Sun Road, the main road through the park which crosses the width of Glacier. The route is around 50 miles long, and reaches Logan Pass at 6,646 ft, the highest point of the road. It is here where the road crosses the Continental Divide, a ridge formed by mountains which acts as the point of division between different water drainage basins North America. Immense panoramic views of the valleys and peaks of the rockies fill this awesome drive, as well as the beautiful, large, McDonald and Saint Mary lakes, formed from snow melt. Spot the multi-coloured rocks lining the floor of these lakes that are famous in Glacier! These lakes are a canoe and kayak paradise, and definitely well worth hiring one to enjoy the tranquility!
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Just south of Lake McDonald lies the start of a White Water Rafting experience that is a must for any visitor to Glacier. Cutting through the John Stevens Canyon, this route is suitable for both beginners and those with previous experience. Immersing yourself with the raging water is really one of the best ways to enjoy this national park! As it lies to the west of the park, depending on where you stay will probably guide you as to whether you take on this challenge in the morning or afternoon!
​Lake McDonald is the largest of Glacier's lakes, running for 10 miles alongside Going to the Sun road.
Raft through class II and III rapids of the Middle Fork Flathead River on this half-day expedition!
Going to the Sun Road crosses the Continental Divide, with views of Glacier's biggest peaks as you weave along 50 miles.
Day 3 - Glacier National Park, MT
After exploring Glacier by road yesterday, explore on foot via the Hidden Lake Overlook trail, giving a beautiful panoramic view of Bearhat Mountain, one of the most picturesque mountains in the park. As this is a relatively short trail at just under 3 miles, you'll hopefully still have plenty of energy for the nearby Highline trail. At 11.6 miles, it is a lengthier hike, but one of the most famous, especially with the exposed cliffside section above the Going to the Sun road. You can also add the Garden Wall section to overlook Grinnel Glacier to make this one of the National Park Service's premier hikes. However, it is physically challenging, and technically so in places, so should only be attempted by fit hikers. You can then use the free shuttle to return to Logan Pass, where you started this hike. Bare in mind that Logan Pass parking lot, and the shuttles, are extremely busy, so make sure you start early - in the popular summer months, you may well need to be at Logan Pass by 4:30AM to have a chance to park... The National Park Service have introduced timed entry reservations for Going-to-the-Sun Road from the popular West Entrance, with the earliest starting at 6AM in the summer. However, entry to the park is untimed and free if you enter before 6AM, so unfortunately this has only exacerbated the difficulty in parking at some of the park's most famous locations.
The isolated nature of Bearhat Mountain contributes to its stunning yet imposing persona. Here, the early morning stillness allows a brilliant reflection of the mountain to be seen in Hidden Lake, with the valley releasing its mist as the sun rays enter it. A small hike along the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail will lead you to this wonderful view.
Day 4 - Driving to Yellowstone NP, WY
Unfortunately when it comes to travelling around, America is big and the wilderness is vast. But this long drive must be done in order to reach America's oldest national park. This 6.5 hour, 400 mile drive will be largely quiet, but you'll be surrounded throughout by a range of forests, lakes and open plains, with rolling hills and mountain peaks passing by. Arriving at Yellowstone's western gate will allow quick access to the main sights of the park tomorrow. Again, pitch camp at your designated permitted campsite, or one of the many hotels of West Yellowstone. We recommend a spot of glamping to give you a slight wilderness feel to your Yellowstone adventure. Or, if you really want to be in the heart of the park, then stay at Old Faithful Inn, in view of the famous geyser itself!
Day 5 - Yellowstone National Park, WY
One of the main hubs of activity of the park is around Old Faithful. This geyser is the most famous of over 1000 in the park, and is known for its reliable eruptions. Numerous other geysers are located in the Upper Geyser Basin, with many predicted eruption times being given out in the visitor centre. Here, you can learn about the history of the park, including the 'super volcano' which erupted 640,000 years ago, creating a huge depression in the ground called a caldera, the ridge of which can be seen when below the ridge mostly when travelling around the sights of the southern loop.
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After, head north to the Midway Geyser Basin, home to Grand Prismatic, a colourful pool cloaked by bacteria, giving its amazing appearance. Hike amongst the steam on the boardwalk, or hike up to the overlook for the best view. From there, you can hike the 4.8 mile roundtrip to Fairy Falls, a 200ft thin waterfall. To end the day, head up to Mammoth Hot Springs to see different geothermic structures, before watching sunset by Roosevelt Arch which guards the north entrance of this iconic park.
Old Faithful erupts every 44-120 minutes, making it one of the most reliable and consistent geysers in the park. Plenty of people come to watch the phenomenon so arrive with spare time if you want to get the best view.
Day 6 - Yellowstone National Park, WY
Head over to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone to see the spectacular Yellowstone Falls, formed of the Upper and Lower segments. A short walk down some switchbacks will take you to a platform right beside the Lower fall, where you can feel the power of the water. From here, you can choose to drive slowly around the northern loop, stopping off to see any wildlife in the distance. Tower-Roosevelt hosts another waterfall and great views of the river via Calcite Springs Overlook. If you still fancy seeing some more wildlife, head east into Lamar Valley, which is particularly excellent during summer when Bison and Elk are openly grazing. Bears and even wolves can be seen with a bit of luck. If not, then head Mount Washburn and hike up however much of the 6.8 mile out and back trail as you please for more great views of this 2.2 million acre park.
​Mammoth Hot Springs bubbles away in the north of the park, a reminder of the continuous geothermal activity occurring below the surface.
The Yellowstone River has carved a huge canyon through the park through millions of years of erosion, with the spectacular Yellowstone Falls as must see during any visit.
The Grand Prismatic Spring plays host to a variety of bacteria, giving the incredible array of colours. Feel the steam walking the boardwalk, or view from the overlook.
Day 7 - Yellowstone NP to Grand Teton NP, WY
Start the day by heading down to Yellowstone Lake for a half-day guided kayak tour, seeing geysers and wildlife from the water - a great opportunity if you missed out on kayaking in Glacier! Afterwards, travel along the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway to enter Grand Teton National Park. Stop at Jackson Lake lodge for a late lunch before driving up Signal Mountain road for a great view of the biggest lake in the park, and the towering Tetons. Then feel free to choose your setting for hopefully another great sunset - head to Mormon Row with its historic barns as the foreground, or a get an expansive view of the park from Snake River overlook. Head out of the park in the darkness to your accommodation in Jackson, where there are a tonne of great choices, but just take note that Jackson Hole is one of the most expensive towns in the country!
The Tetons look magnificent from countless areas in the park. Here they're seen from Jackson Lodge at sunrise, with a beautiful purple hue.
Want to explore Wyoming's national parks in more detail? Check out our full park guides!
Day 8 - Grand Teton National Park, WY
If the weather's good, perhaps start off with sunrise at our other recommendation for sunset from the previous evening. String Lake is then an excellent small hike if the air is still, as the water beautifully reflects the Tetons and their forested lower slopes. After numerous photo opportunities, continue the hike to Jenny lake, and then up to Inspiration point. If you're keen for a challenge, one of the best hikes in the park up through Cascade Canyon continues from here. But it will take you much of the day, being 10 miles long in total, making it about 6 hours hiking.
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For those looking for a break from hiking, the Snake River provides another fantastic opportunity to tackle some white water if you didn't experience it back in Glacier, or go for a more relaxing 13-mile scenic rafting trip instead, just taking the beauty in! Or go on the 42-mile scenic drive loop around the park. Chances are you've already ticked off parts of it, but take it at a slow pace, make plenty of stops, and enjoy one of the most stunning mountain ranges in the country.
Small in size and sheltered by trees, String Lake may greet you with mirror reflections if you're in luck!
Day 9 - Arriving at Rocky Mountain NP, CO
Head south from Jackson to Estes Park today, an unfortunately long drive of around 8 hours. After 40 miles, the scenery will start to change, as you temporarily depart the green mountain slopes and become surrounded by a flat, arid landscape. Plenty of small towns are dotted along the route to grab snacks and a coffee to keep you going. Grab dinner when you arrive in Colorado before unpacking.
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For your stay in Estes Park, there is a KOA campground in Estes Park, or choose one of the multiple cottages, cabins or suites of Stonebrook Resort by Fall River, just minutes away from the entrance to the park.
Sunset above the mountains, with the road into Estes Park guiding the foreground.
Day 10 - Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
After a long day in the car yesterday, today is all about stretching the legs. Start your day with breakfast at the Egg of Estes for a great selection of sweet and savoury dishes. Then head into the park for a short hike around Bear Lake, looping around just under 1 mile, before continuing off to Alberta Falls, which is raging during much of late spring and summer as the snow melt runs off many of the 14,000 ft peaks of the park. Continue on to Mills Lake, Sky Pond, Ribbon Falls or Timberline Falls, depending on how far you want to adventure. Bear in mind though that at this elevation, all hikes feel considerably more tiring than those faced earlier on the trip where the elevation was usually below 6,000 ft.
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Return to Estes Park late afternoon and explore around some of the shops of the town, where you can find mountain and fishing equipment, small galleries, jewellery and glassware stores. Grab a big dinner that you'll absolutely deserve after the busy day you've had.
Rocky Mountain NP is scattered with alpine lakes, filled from snow melt and glaciers, many being enjoyable hikes.
​This 30 ft waterfall is a popular sight, as Glacier Creek roars past on its way towards Estes Park.
Bear Lake is one of the shorter hikes, but acts as good warm up for many of the nearby hikes up into the mountains.
Day 11 - Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
Start your day off by experiencing a quieter version of Rocky Mountain. Head into the park early on a sunrise tour, stopping to watch the main event itself, but also for wildlife on the drive back, taking around 3 hours in total. Another hearty breakfast will then set you on your way as you drive Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved highway in the United States, which crosses the continental divide just as you did at Logan Pass in Glacier NP. Beautiful bends such as Medicine Bow Curve and Many Parks Curve swing you across the landscape as you tower over the rest of the park. 11 miles of the road is above the treeline, so there is literally nothing to obscure your view. Rising from 7,500 ft to over 12,000 ft in about 45 minutes, you can see the dramatic changes in landscape which is hard to find anywhere else in the world.
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For the first half of the summer, and sometimes longer, huge columns of ice border the road. The blockage of the road by snow isn't usually cleared until the last week of May, before usually closing mid-October, so bear this in mind when deciding when to visit. On the route lies the Alpine Visitor Centre, as well as the Kawunechee Valley, often filled with wildlife. The road ends at Grand Lake, the largest natural lake in Colorado, with the town home to more shops, including Cearia's sweet shop selling delicious ice cream!
Snow can still be found along large parts of Trail Ridge Road well into the summer, with the height of the ice walls lining the road giving an idea of the incredible amount of snow that falls in winter.
Trail Ridge Road is 48-miles of winding, weaving roads taking you up over 12,000 ft. Here the road can be seen shining as the sun sets over Colorado.
Day 12 - Denver, CO
Sadly it's the final day of your adventure along the spine of the Rocky Mountains. Make the relatively short (by this trips standard!) to Denver, capital of Colorado and known for being the mile high city, at 5,280 ft, or exactly one mile, above sea level.
As Denver is the most populated place you've seen on this trip, there are tonnes of different options for the day! Stroll around the Denver Botanic Gardens, watch some baseball at Coors Field, or go on a Downtown food tour. Yum! Voodoo donuts is definitely worth checking out too! And maybe the best way to end your trip is by catching a film, concert or show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, one of Denver's most unique and coolest landmarks.
The increasing modern and youthful city of Denver is filled with cool bars, restaurants, shops and attractions! It's easy to see why the city is one of the fastest growing in the nation!
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