If you are planning a summer road trip, consider driving from Jackson, Wyoming, to Glacier National Park in Montana. Driving from Temple to Jackson takes about 22 hours if you drive straight through, so plan for extra time to get there and back if you want to make this an epic road trip. Once you start out in Jackson, you’ll see some of the country’s best mountains and wildlife at five national parks. The route from Jackson to Glacier National Park is 600 miles. To get back to Temple and Johnson Bros. Ford from Glacier National Park, you’ll need to plan for a 26-hour drive.
What to Bring
Be sure to bring binoculars, your camera, hiking shoes and cool-weather clothing along with the things you would normally pack for a summer road trip.
The Trip
Start out with visiting Jenny Lake, which rests in the shadow of the Teton Mountains. In Yellowstone, drive past the Yellowstone Lake; visit Hayden Valley to see buffalo, grizzly bear and elk; and soak in the 100-degree Gardener River, which is two miles north of Mammoth Hot Springs. Be sure to stop in Bozeman to grab a cold drink at the 406 Brewing Company.
Head over to Missoula, but be sure to stop at the Missouri Headwaters State Park. Rent a kayak at Brennan’s Wave, grab some great food at Biga Pizza or stop for a cold drink at the Montgomery Distillery.
Once you hit Whitefish, hike the Whitefish trail and take Highway 2 to the Walton Ranger Station. Hike up to Lake Isabel for some great views. Continue on your way north, stopping at various parks for hiking and biking; birding and to take some great pictures.
The route starts on 89 in Jackson, then picks up 90 in Bozeman and 93 near Missoula. The last part of the journey is on Highway 2 from Whitefish to the Glacier National Park. If you prefer to stay longer in one place, you can skip one of the other parks – but have fun trying to figure out which of these great parks to skip!
Visit Johnson Bros. Ford
Be sure to have your vehicle serviced before you leave on this long road trip. Stop by Johnson Bros. Ford before you leave; and since this is a long trip, you may have to have your vehicle serviced when you get back. Watch for your service minders!
