Driving from Yellowstone to Glacier in an RV? Here’s a Route Worth Exploring!

Discover Hidden Gems Between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks

If you’re driving between Yellowstone and Glacier, don’t just think about the start and end points—some of the best memories can come from the towns and stops in between. Here’s a route that’s packed with scenery, history, and great places to experience.

We’ve got it all laid out for you. Here’s what we recommend…

West Yellowstone, Montana

Your trip starts at West Yellowstone, a friendly town just outside Yellowstone’s west entrance. It’s a great spot to top off your RV, grab a bite to eat, or pick up a few souvenirs before hitting the road.

West Yellowstone to Ennis

When you leave West Yellowstone, you’ll skip the usual I-15 route and take the more scenic US-191 north for about 9 miles, then turn left onto US-287 west toward Ennis. This stretch follows Hebgen and Quake Lakes, where you might spot bighorn sheep, elk, eagles—even mountain goats—especially near the Quake Lake Visitor Center.

After a scenic drive along US-287, travelers arrive in Ennis. Known as one of the top fly-fishing destinations in the country, Ennis sits along the legendary Madison River, where anglers come from all over to cast for blue-ribbon trout.

You can fish or explore local shops, art galleries, and cozy eateries. Ennis offers a great blend of western flair and small-town hospitality.

Butte, Montana

Next up is Butte, a city that feels like stepping into the pages of American history. Known as The Richest Hill on Earth, Butte once fueled the nation with its vast copper mines—and that story is still alive in its streets, buildings, and people.

A must-see is the World Museum of Mining, perched on the site of the old Orphan Girl Mine. Take the underground mine tour, and you’ll come away with a deep respect for the miners who faced intense danger daily. The tour really gives you a sense of what life was like for the miners. It was tough, dangerous, and unbelievably hard work.

Also worth doing is the Butte Trolley Tour, led by local guides who explain the city’s colorful past. You’ll see historic neighborhoods, grand old buildings, and the eerie Berkeley Pit—a flooded open-pit mine that’s equal parts haunting and fascinating.

This is a town that’s weathered mine disasters, booms and busts, and even the erasure of entire neighborhoods—but it stands proud. Butte is a true American melting pot, built by immigrants from around the world, and it remains a place of resilience, character, and incredible stories.

Rest and Recharge at Fairmont RV Resort

After exploring Butte, travelers can unwind just 15 miles west at Fairmont RV Resort—a welcoming and well-appointed stop. The resort offers spacious pull-through sites, full hookups, and quiet surroundings, making it an ideal place to relax and recharge.

What makes this spot extra special? It’s right next to Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, where guests can enjoy soothing mineral pools, a spa, a golf course, and a family-friendly water slide.

Whether you’re enjoying Fairmont Hot Springs Resort or just stretching out by your rig with mountain views all around, Fairmont RV Resort is a great blend of convenience and comfort on your journey north.

If you have the time, Fairmont RV Resort makes an ideal home base. Stay with us and take easy day trips to:

• Philipsburg Montana (about 1 hr via MT-1) – The town was named after Philip Deidesheimer. He designed and supervised the construction of the ore smelter around which the town originally formed.  At Philipsburg you can mine for sapphires, visit the museum, brewery or micro distillery.
• Georgetown Lake (about 45 minutes) – This reservoir is situated within three mountain ranges; the Anaconda Pintlers to the South, the Sapphire Range to the West and the Flint Creek Range to the East. It’s a popular recreational area with campgrounds, resorts and picnic areas along its 17.36 miles shoreline. Georgetown lake is a blue ribbon fishery and is rated Montana’s most prolific lake with more fish caught per person than any other lake in Montana.
• Anaconda Montana (about 10 minutes) – Anaconda was founded by Marcus Daly, one of the Copper Kings. You can visit its historic district, explore Smoke Stack State Park, take a bus tour or visit Copper Village Museum and Art Center.
• Bannack State Park (about 1.5 hours) –  Want to visit a ghost town?  Bannack was the site of a major gold discovery in 1862, and served as the first capital of Montana Territory.

Discover the Unexpected in Deer Lodge

After a restful night at Fairmont RV Resort, it’s time to hit the road again. Your destination? Only about 25 minutes away lies Deer Lodge, a small town full of big surprises.

Start with the Old Montana Prison Museum, where you can walk the same stone corridors that held inmates over a century ago. On the same grounds, you’ll find the Montana Auto Museum, home to over 150 beautifully restored classic cars. Don’t miss the Grant–Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site.

Visitors will also find exhibits that bring the frontier days to life, along with displays of vintage toys and model railroads. RV parking is easy and convenient, and most of the attractions are within walking distance. When you’re ready to refuel, Deer Lodge offers cozy cafés and local bakeries.

A Scenic Retreat at Seeley Lake

From Deer Lodge, head north on I-90 West, a smooth and easy route for RVs. At Bonner, swing east onto MT-200, then follow MT-83 through the breathtaking Seeley-Swan Valley.

About 112 miles from Deer Lodge, Seeley Lake sits between the Mission and Swan Mountain Ranges. It’s quieter than nearby Flathead Lake, offering a peaceful break from the road.

You’ll find friendly shops, some good places to eat, and spots to stretch your legs by the lake. Whether you stay for a few hours or overnight, it’s a relaxing stop that offers a deep breath of Montana’s wild beauty.

The Final Stretch: From Seeley Lake to Glacier National Park

After visiting Seeley Lake, it’s a beautiful drive north into Montana’s mountain country, with Glacier getting closer by the mile. The route remains simple and RV-friendly: follow MT-83 N through the lush Seeley-Swan Valley until you reach MT-35, which takes you toward Kalispell, Columbia Falls, and eventually, West Glacier.

This segment takes about 3 to 3.5 hours, but there’s no need to rush. You’ll pass alpine lakes, towering pines, and scenic viewpoints that make this drive feel like a destination all its own.

As you near the park, the air feels crisper, the views grow bolder, and the sense of arrival is unmistakable. Whether you’re planning to explore Going-to-the-Sun Road, hike among glacial peaks, or simply take in the views, Glacier National Park is spectacular!

The Road Between Parks with the Perfect Place to Pause

Traveling between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks is more than just getting from one destination to another—it’s an adventure in its own right. From West Yellowstone to the mining history of Butte, the hidden gems of Deer Lodge, and the beauty of Seeley Lake, every mile offers a new memory.

And right in the heart of it all, Fairmont RV Resort provides the perfect place to pause, relax, and recharge. Whether you’re soaking in nearby hot springs, enjoying full RV hookups and amenities, or simply taking in the views, it’s the ideal place to rest and recharge.

This is the kind of trip where the drive is part of the destination—and Fairmont RV Resort is one stop you won’t want to miss.