The Road Trip Route That Changed Everything 🏔️
32 hours, almost 2,000 miles, a Jeep packed with everything we needed, and one very important question somewhere between Colorado and Glacier National Park.
This route ended up becoming so much more than a road trip for us. We drove from Colorado up through Montana to Glacier, then continued through Yellowstone, Jackson Hole and Grand Teton, with some of our favorite hikes, wildlife sightings, little mountain towns and eventually an engagement mixed in along the way.
I just put the full route together on A Life in Practice, including where we stopped, the hikes we loved, where we stayed, what I’d do differently, parking tips, bear-country notes and the little things that made the drive so worth it.
If you’re planning a western road trip, especially Colorado → Glacier → Yellowstone → Jackson Hole → Grand Teton, save this one and head to my Substack for the full itinerary. The latest route to your next trip is live now. 🏔️
A Life in Practice | link in bio
#roadtrip #glaciernationalpark #yellowstonenationalpark #grandtetonnationalpark #montanatravel Glacier National Park
Having experienced this western road trip route myself, I can attest to how much it offers beyond stunning landscapes. Driving nearly 2,000 miles over 32 hours across diverse terrains requires thoughtful preparation—from packing essentials to understanding bear country safety, especially in places like Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks. One of the best parts about this journey is the combination of iconic hikes and spontaneous wildlife sightings. Early morning hikes are particularly rewarding; in Glacier, trails like Hidden Lake Overlook offer breathtaking views and chances to see mountain goats or even bears at a safe distance. In Yellowstone, watching bison roam freely and spotting elk near the Grand Tetons adds a memorable wildlife element to the trip. Small mountain towns along the route, such as Jackson Hole, provide charming stops for local cuisine and cultural experiences, which helped break up long drives and enrich the trip's atmosphere. Parking can be tricky in popular spots during peak season, so arriving early or visiting less crowded trails is advisable. We also learned to carry bear spray and know how to use it, which is crucial for safety in both Glacier and Yellowstone. What made this road trip truly life-changing wasn’t just the scenery—but the slow moments, like shared campfires and spontaneous detours that led to discovering local hidden gems. For anyone planning a similar adventure from Colorado through Montana and into Wyoming, this route combines natural wonder with practical travel tips, making it perfect for both first-timers and seasoned road trippers seeking to deepen their connection with the American West’s wild beauty.