Skip to Main Content
Montana

Raft, Ride & Slide in Glacier National Park With Your Grandchild

Program No. 2088460MEADV-1116-60
Alongside your grandchild, raft the Flathead River, look for wildlife, enjoy a gondola ride up Big Mountain and race down on an alpine slide on this national park adventure.

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
Age 8 - 12
ROOMING OPTION PRICING
The figures below indicate the rooming options available.
DATES
Jul 9 - Jul 14, 2025
Per Adult
2,399
Per Child
1,649
Jul 9 - Jul 14, 2025
2,399
/ Adult
1,649
/ Child
2,399
/ Adult
1,649
/ Child
2,999
/ Adult
1,649
/ Child
Jul 16 - Jul 21, 2025
Per Adult
2,399
Per Child
1,649
Jul 16 - Jul 21, 2025
2,399
/ Adult
1,649
/ Child
2,399
/ Adult
1,649
/ Child
2,999
/ Adult
1,649
/ Child
Jul 23 - Jul 28, 2025
Per Adult
2,399
Per Child
1,649
Jul 23 - Jul 28, 2025
2,399
/ Adult
1,649
/ Child
2,399
/ Adult
1,649
/ Child
2,999
/ Adult
1,649
/ Child
This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!

At a Glance

Discover the majestic peaks, sparkling rivers and green gullies of Glacier National Park and the Flathead Valley on an adventure with your grandchild! Learn about magnificent wildlife like the mountain goat, bighorn sheep and bears on instructor-led walks and visits to many favorite spots in the park. Raft along Glacier's southern border, hike trails full of flora and fauna and look out over valleys, lakes, rivers and glacier-carved mountains in this beautiful, rugged landscape.
Activity Level
Outdoor: No Sweat
Expect full days with lots of activity. Hike 2 miles daily on maintained dirt trails in mountainous, uneven, and rocky terrain. The ability to get on and off a motor coach and on and off a raft is required. Standing during trail-side lessons. Elevations of 3,000-7,200 feet.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Soar to new heights aboard the gondola to the Big Mountain summit and feel the wind in your hair as you slide down an Alpine slide.
  • Experience Glacier National Park with a spectacular drive on the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road.
  • Develop your teamwork skills on a raft journey down the Middle Fork of the Flathead River on Glacier's southern border.

General Notes

Program is for grandchildren ages 8-12. For a comparable family adventure for all generations, check out "Raft, Ride & Slide in Glacier National Park With Your Family" (#22729).
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Josh Gubits
Josh Gubits is an environmental scientist for Whitefish Lake Institute. While in school, Josh worked as a fishing guide on the Blackfoot, Clark Fork, Bitterroot and Missouri rivers. After receiving his environmental studies degree from the University of Montana, he worked for the Audubon Society to develop education and outreach programs in Santa Fe, N.M. Before joining WLI, Josh worked for the Watershed Education Network as the field programs coordinator where he taught teachers, students, and volunteers about water quality, through the collection of chemical, biological, and physical data on stream sites across Western Montana. Josh is a certified Montana Master Naturalist, and in 2009 he was the recipient of the Montana Water Teacher of the Year award presented by the Montana Environmental Education Association.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Josh Gubits
Josh Gubits View biography
Josh Gubits is an environmental scientist for Whitefish Lake Institute. While in school, Josh worked as a fishing guide on the Blackfoot, Clark Fork, Bitterroot and Missouri rivers. After receiving his environmental studies degree from the University of Montana, he worked for the Audubon Society to develop education and outreach programs in Santa Fe, N.M. Before joining WLI, Josh worked for the Watershed Education Network as the field programs coordinator where he taught teachers, students, and volunteers about water quality, through the collection of chemical, biological, and physical data on stream sites across Western Montana. Josh is a certified Montana Master Naturalist, and in 2009 he was the recipient of the Montana Water Teacher of the Year award presented by the Montana Environmental Education Association.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Kalispell
Program Concludes
Kalispell
Meals
13 | 5B | 3L | 5D |
Activity Level
Discover the majestic peaks, sparkling rivers and green gullies of Glacier National Park and the Flathead Valley on an adventure with your grandchild! Learn about magnificent wildlife like the mountain goat, bighorn sheep and bears on instructor-led walks and visits to many favorite spots in the park. Raft along Glacier's southern border, hike trails full of flora and fauna and look out over valleys, lakes, rivers and glacier-carved mountains in this beautiful, rugged landscape.)
Best of all, you'll...
  • Soar to new heights aboard the gondola to the Big Mountain summit and feel the wind in your hair as you slide down an Alpine slide.
  • Experience Glacier National Park with a spectacular drive on the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road.
  • Develop your teamwork skills on a raft journey down the Middle Fork of the Flathead River on Glacier's southern border.
General Notes
Program is for grandchildren ages 8-12. For a comparable family adventure for all generations, check out "Raft, Ride & Slide in Glacier National Park With Your Family" (#22729).
Featured Expert
Profile Image
Josh Gubits
Josh Gubits is an environmental scientist for Whitefish Lake Institute. While in school, Josh worked as a fishing guide on the Blackfoot, Clark Fork, Bitterroot and Missouri rivers. After receiving his environmental studies degree from the University of Montana, he worked for the Audubon Society to develop education and outreach programs in Santa Fe, N.M. Before joining WLI, Josh worked for the Watershed Education Network as the field programs coordinator where he taught teachers, students, and volunteers about water quality, through the collection of chemical, biological, and physical data on stream sites across Western Montana. Josh is a certified Montana Master Naturalist, and in 2009 he was the recipient of the Montana Water Teacher of the Year award presented by the Montana Environmental Education Association.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Activity Level
Outdoor: No Sweat
Expect full days with lots of activity. Hike 2 miles daily on maintained dirt trails in mountainous, uneven, and rocky terrain. The ability to get on and off a motor coach and on and off a raft is required. Standing during trail-side lessons. Elevations of 3,000-7,200 feet.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (7 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
13 meals | 5B | 3L | 5D |
2 expert-led lectures
8 expert-led field trips
4 hands-on experiences
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Expand All
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m. Remember to bring your Road Scholar nametag (sent previously). “America the Beautiful” passes cover entrance fees at national parks for up to four adults. If you have one of these national park passes, please bring it with you to the program and on our field trips.
Afternoon:
After you check in and have your room assignment, join us for Orientation in the specified meeting room. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Orientation: 4:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This is a Road Scholar Grandparent program. Grandparents are responsible for their grandchildren at all times. If/when separate age group activities are conducted concurrently, program staff will supervise. Minors are never to be left unsupervised. Local experts will lead hikes and share their knowledge along the trail. We will break into smaller groups for hikes based on preference and ability. We will travel by motorcoach and historic Red Bus. Restrooms are available at most trail heads. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 50 miles, approximately 1.5 hours riding time. Getting on/off a gondola and alpine slide. Walking up to 1 mile throughout the day, periods of standing/sitting; dirt trails that may be rocky, hilly, uneven. Aerial Adventure is physically demanding and requires climbing, crouching, and maneuvering through obstacles, safety harnesses required. Elevation maximum 6,800 feet.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board a motorcoach with our Group Leader and ride to Big Mountain at Whitefish Mountain Resort. There, we’ll climb, slide, and “fly” on an aerial adventure obstacle course in the trees. Secured in safety harnesses, we’ll move between the trees on suspended bridges, cable walkways, nets, ladders, and other fun elements. Grandparents can choose to participate in the aerial adventure or may choose to encourage kids from the ground. Next, we’ll board the “Glacier Chaser” gondola and chairlift, for a 15-minute scenic ride to the 6,800-foot summit of Big Mountain. At the top, we’ll have breathtaking panoramic views of Glacier National Park, Flathead Valley, and surrounding areas.
Lunch:
At a restaurant on the summit of Big Mountain.
Afternoon:
Next, we will be joined by a forest ranger who will give us a presentation about this spectacular part of the Rocky Mountains. We’ll then ride the gondola down the mountain to the start of the Alpine Slide. To end our day on the mountain, we’ll have an exciting ride down the 1,605-foot-long Alpine Slide. The flat, wheeled sleds have hand brakes to control the speed. We’ll whiz around curves, zoom through a tunnel, and fly down straightaways. Note: Kids under 48 inches (4 feet) tall must ride with an adult. We’ll ride back to the hotel tired but exhilarated and have some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 90 miles, approximately 2.5 hours total riding time. Walking about 2 miles, standing during trail-side lessons and activities; dirt trails that may be rocky, slippery, hilly, uneven. Elevation gain 225 feet, maximum elevation 3,410 feet.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll board the motorcoach and head out for a full-day field trip in Glacier National Park. We’ll participate in a variety of fun, instructor-led activities that will capitalize on kids’ natural curiosity. We’ll focus on using different senses to experience and explore the secrets of the natural, wild surroundings.
Lunch:
At a scenic surprise spot, we’ll have sack lunches.
Afternoon:
This afternoon, we'll take the bus to Lake McDonald where we will have independent time. You might like to explore historic Lake McDonald Lodge, enjoy time with new Road Scholar friends, or just sit by the lake to relax and enjoy the expansive scenery.
Dinner:
At a restaurant inside Glacier National Park.
Evening:
Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening will be at leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 80 miles round trip, approximately 2 total riding time. Getting on/off a raft; riding approximately 2 hours, periods of paddling (according to personal choice), sitting, opportunities to get out and stretch legs. Restroom facilities available at raft company headquarters. Note: Bring a change of dry clothes and a warm layer for after the raft trip.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll board the motorcoach and ride to Whitefish where a local environmental scientist will give us a “big picture” understanding of Whitefish Lake and nearby wetlands. We’ll learn about the complex food web of the lake, the native and introduced fish species found there, and about changes that are caused by introduced species. We’ll also participate in some hands-on scientific research and learn about insect indicators of water quality. Next, we’ll have time for personal independent exploration in Whitefish. The historic downtown is full of western charm and is pedestrian friendly. The nearby Whitefish Railway Depot was built in 1927 for the Great Northern Railway and is listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings.
Lunch:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like in Whitefish. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. There are numerous restaurants to choose from.
Afternoon:
We’ll hop back on the motorcoach and drive to the raft company headquarters in West Glacier. We’ll be outfitted with life jackets and any additional equipment we need. Then it’s a short ride on a bright blue school bus to the river launch. We’ll go on an expert-led rafting trip down the beautiful Middle Fork of the Flathead River. Those feeling adventurous can help paddle the boat through the rapids. Be prepared to get wet! As we float along the southern border of Glacier National Park we will gain a unique perspective of the landscape. We’ll learn about the geologic forces that shaped the landscape, appreciate the river’s Wild and Scenic Waterway designation, and why this pristine river is such an important part of the ecosystem. We’ll learn about where all the water comes from and where it is headed. Along the way keep, eyes peeled for wildlife that may be along the shoreline.
Dinner:
At the raft company pavilion, we’ll have a cookout.
Evening:
Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening is at leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach and Red Buses; driving about 100 miles, approximately 5 hours total riding time. Hiking up to 2 miles; maintained dirt trails that may be uneven and rocky, boardwalk with steep and deep steps. Logan Pass elevation 6,646 feet, maximum elevation 7,200 feet.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning we'll have an engaging presentation on Glacier National Park. We’ll then take a motorcoach to the Apgar area of Glacier National Park where expert instructors will provide enriching interpretation as we walk the trails and explore the area. We’ll also stop at the base of Lake McDonald to take in the mountain views and learn about the glacial forces that carved this huge lake long ago.
Lunch:
At a scenic spot on the banks of Lake McDonald, we’ll have sack lunches.
Afternoon:
Next, we’ll board a Red Bus and ride along Going-to-the-Sun Road to Logan Pass (subject to weather and road conditions). Aboard these iconic vehicles, we’ll be immersed in the natural grandeur of the region with insightful commentary by the drivers. First used in the mid-1930s to transport visitors in Glacier, the historic Red Busses were fully restored in 2001 and continue to delight passengers today. Their canvass roll-back tops allow for unsurpassed views of the towering mountains in every direction. Going-to-the-Sun Road is a National Historic Landmark and the only road that crosses Glacier National Park. The narrow road hugs the cliffside as it winds through the mountains, inspiring awe at every turn. The road was designed to complement the landscape and give visitors the opportunity to enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery Glacier National Park has to offer. Logan Pass is the highest point on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Located on the Continental Divide at 6,646 feet, waters here flow either toward the Pacific or Atlantic Oceans. We’ll set off on an expert-led walking field trip in the subalpine ecosystem. The trail starts at about 6,660 feet and climbs up from there. The trail consists of pavement, a boardwalk with steep and deep steps, and a dirt and rock trail We’ll search for evidence of past glaciers by looking for geological features such as aretes, glacial horns, moraines, and waterfalls. We will also be on the lookout for special plants and animals with unique adaptations that allow them to thrive in the harsh, high elevation environment. Along the way, we may be distracted by meadows teeming with wildflowers and towering snow-capped peaks! At the end of our field trip, we’ll take the Red Buses and return to Apgar via Going-to-the-Sun Road. There, we’ll we will hop back aboard the motorcoach and ride back to the hotel.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out 11am.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Please select a day to update the map
Map details are not available for this location.
MEALS
13 Meals
5 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
5 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
Jul 23, 2025 - Jul 28, 2025
  • Jul 23, 2025 - Jul 28, 2025
  • Jul 09, 2025 - Jul 14, 2025
  • Jul 16, 2025 - Jul 21, 2025
  • Jul 23, 2025 - Jul 28, 2025
5 nights
Location: Kalispell
This central and comfortable hotel welcomes guests with a friendly and helpful staff. It is conveniently located in the heart of the Flathead Valley, in historic downtown Kalispell. Glacier International Airport (FCA) is 10 miles away and Glacier National Park is 35 miles away. Centrally located, Red Lion Hotel is close to Walgreens, and local grocery stores and coffee shops.
5 nights
Location: Kalispell
This central and comfortable hotel welcomes guests with a friendly and helpful staff. It is conveniently located in the heart of the Flathead Valley, in historic downtown Kalispell. Glacier International Airport (FCA) is 10 miles away and Glacier National Park is 35 miles away. Centrally located, Red Lion Hotel is close to Walgreens, and local grocery stores and coffee shops.
5 nights
Location: Kalispell
This central and comfortable hotel welcomes guests with a friendly and helpful staff. It is conveniently located in the heart of the Flathead Valley, in historic downtown Kalispell. Glacier International Airport (FCA) is 10 miles away and Glacier National Park is 35 miles away. Centrally located, Red Lion Hotel is close to Walgreens, and local grocery stores and coffee shops.
Participant Reviews
5
Based on 7 Reviews
Sort By:
Evelyn – Class of 2007 | Durham, NC
This program was great fun for grandparents and the children alike. The inclusion of daily educational experiences along with fun active adventures was great. Plus having a pool in the hotel allowed for the children to interact casually every evening, encouraging relationships. Our group leader, Al Koss, was outstanding! I strongly recommend this program.
— Review left August 22, 2024
Cecilia – Class of 2012 | Saint Peters, MO
I received seven priceless gifts from Road Scholar. Thanks to the Grandparent/Intergenerational programs, I was able to spend six days one-on-one with each of my seven Grandchildren at wonderful destinations throughout the USA. The trips were educational and fun! We met and bonded with other Grands and Grandparents! My seven Grandchildren and this Grandmother loved each and every trip! Thanks, for making these learning experiences so enjoyable and so affordable.
— Review left July 18, 2024
Esther – Class of 2024 | Phoenixville, PA
I value the opportunity I had to spend quality time with my granddaughters in a fun, educational program. All three of us stretched ourselves to try new things. I loved having someone else do all the planning to ensure a great trip.
— Review left July 18, 2024
Mary – Class of 2010 | Fredericksburg, IA
We were very happy with this program. The leaders were excellent, knowledgeable, and great with children. The activities were just the right amount of challenge both for the 8 to 12 year old and for the grandparents.
— Review left July 18, 2023
Linda | Agoura, CA
If you're looking for fun with your grandchild while learning some new things this is the program for you! I've got three more grand kids to travel with and looking forward to adventures with each of them through Road Scholar!
— Review left September 16, 2022
Katie – Class of 2022 | Grand Rapids, MI
What a remarkable experience! Road Scholar provided the perfect setting and program to allow our New York City grandson and his Michigan grandparents all the time, lessons, challenges and fun we had hoped for. We highly recommend it as a way to meet families from all over the country and have the chance to explore together. Thank you
— Review left August 1, 2022
Carol – Class of 2009 | Asheville, NC
Of 6 inter generational trips I have taken with Road Scholar, this is clearly one of the best. Leadership was excellent, the activities were informative and fun, and the spectacular beauty of the park is second to none.
— Review left August 2, 2019





Recommended For You