Yellowstone, grand teton and glacier mid May

Question

My wife is graduating from UMT ( Missoula) and we will be flying from houston to montana ( May 16- May 25- 2 adults and 2 kids- 13 and 9), her commencement is on Missoula on May 17, so we are planning for the following:

May 16- friday- fly from houston to bozeman airport- rent a car and drive to missoula-3 hr drive

May 17- commencement at UMT

May 18- sunday- head to Glacier NP ( not sure if its worth going in mid May 5 hr drive per google) and spend 2 days in GNP?

May 21, wednesday- head to yellowstone (8 hr drive)

May 22,23 and 24- yellowstone NP

May 25- fly back to houston from bozeman airport

I am wondering if it would be better to skip Glacier NP and head to Grand Teton from missoula (10 hr drive) on sunday and spend 2-3 days there , looking for recommendations for itinerary, accomodations and any suggestions for stop overs during the drives.

Thank you 🙏

Answer

Congratulations to your wife on her graduation from UMT! Your trip sounds like a wonderful adventure, and there are a lot of great options for how to make the most of your time in Montana and the surrounding national parks. Here’s an analysis of your options, along with some recommendations for your itinerary, accommodations, and stopovers:

Regarding whether to visit Glacier National Park (GNP) or head directly to Grand Teton, here’s a breakdown of your choices:

Option 1: Visiting Glacier National Park (GNP) in Mid-May

Glacier National Park is absolutely stunning, but keep in mind that mid-May can still be early in the season there. While the Going-to-the-Sun Road (the iconic drive through the park) is usually closed until mid-June due to snow, the park still offers hiking trails, scenic drives, and views of glaciers and wildlife, though some areas might be inaccessible. Depending on snow conditions, you may be able to access some of the lower elevation hikes, such as the Trail of the Cedars or the Apgar area near Lake McDonald.

It’s worth considering whether your family will enjoy the cool temperatures and the possibility of snow on the ground. If you do decide to go, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Accommodations: Many lodges and cabins in the park are closed in May, but there are still some open options in the West Glacier area (like Lake McDonald Lodge or the Apgar Village Inn). In addition, there are plenty of accommodations in nearby towns like Columbia Falls or Kalispell.
Drive Time: The 5-hour drive from Missoula to GNP is manageable, but be aware that some roads or hikes might not be accessible due to lingering snow. Also, temperatures can still be chilly in the evenings.
Activities: You can enjoy scenic views, short hikes, and the natural beauty of the park. Consider taking a boat tour on Lake McDonald, visiting the Many Glacier area (weather permitting), or driving around the Flathead Lake area.

Option 2: Heading Directly to Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton is about a 10-hour drive from Missoula, which is quite a bit longer, but it offers more accessible attractions and activities in mid-May. The Teton range is a majestic sight, and the park opens its full summer season in mid-May, so you’ll be able to access most areas without the snow restrictions of Glacier. The weather will be milder, and there will be more accommodations available.

Grand Teton National Park offers an excellent range of family-friendly activities. You can explore the scenic Snake River, enjoy short hikes like the Jenny Lake Loop, or take in the stunning mountain views from various vantage points. Wildlife watching is also a highlight, and you may spot bison, elk, and possibly even bears as the animals start to emerge from hibernation.

Accommodations: Options include lodges like the Jackson Lake Lodge, which opens in mid-May, and the Grand Teton Lodge Company. Alternatively, there are motels and cabins in nearby Jackson, Wyoming, which is a charming town with plenty of dining and shopping options.
Drive Time: Although it's a longer drive from Missoula (around 10 hours), it is all paved, and you can make some interesting stopovers along the way, including Bozeman or Livingston, and enjoy the picturesque drive through Idaho and Wyoming.
Activities: In addition to hiking, you can enjoy boating on Jackson Lake, visiting the Colter Bay Visitor Center, or taking a scenic drive through the park. You could also make a day trip to nearby Yellowstone National Park, as it's just a short drive from the Tetons.

Suggested Itinerary

Here’s a sample itinerary based on your preferences:

May 16 (Friday): Arrive in Bozeman, drive to Missoula (3-hour drive).
May 17 (Saturday): Attend commencement at UMT.
May 18 (Sunday): Drive to Grand Teton National Park (10-hour drive). Stay in Jackson or at a lodge inside the park.
May 19-21 (Monday-Wednesday): Explore Grand Teton National Park. Activities can include hiking, wildlife watching, boat tours, and scenic drives.
May 22 (Thursday): Option for a day trip to Yellowstone National Park (1-1.5 hours from Grand Teton) or explore more of the Tetons.
May 23-24 (Friday-Saturday): Enjoy more time in Grand Teton or Yellowstone. Depending on your preferences, you can spend a couple of days in Yellowstone.
May 25 (Sunday): Drive back to Bozeman (4.5 hours) and fly back to Houston.

This plan would allow you to explore both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park, with minimal time spent driving. It also gives you the flexibility to adapt based on weather conditions or personal preferences.

Ultimately, both Glacier and Grand Teton offer incredible experiences, but Grand Teton is likely the better option for mid-May when accessibility is more guaranteed. Have an amazing trip, and enjoy celebrating your wife’s graduation in beautiful Montana!

Yellowstone, grand teton and glacier mid May

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