Montana
Trailside Glacier: Hiking in Glacier National Park
Program No. 4863RJ
Experience Glacier National Park on expert-led hikes, traverse the historic Going-to-the-Sun Road and explore the stunning valleys of Many Glacier and Two Medicine!
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
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
Activity Level:
Outdoor: Spirited (7)
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Activity Level:
Outdoor: Spirited (7)
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Activity Level:
Outdoor: Challenging (1)
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Activity Level:
Outdoor: Challenging (1)
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Not seeing the date you're looking for?
To be notified if dates of this program become available, click the button below.
This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
7 days
6 nights
17 meals
6B 5L 6D
1
Check-in, Orientation, Presentation
Kalispell
3
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Interpretive Hikes
East Glacier Village
4
Grinnell Valley Interpretive Hikes
East Glacier Village
5
Swiftcurrent Valley Interpretive Hikes
East Glacier Village
7
Program Concludes
Kalispell
At a Glance
Glacier National Park is a hiker’s paradise, with over 1 million acres of unspoiled wilderness and over 700 miles of hiking trails. Immerse yourself in the silent grandeur of the mountains as you hike spectacular trails amid soaring peaks, verdant forests, mountain meadows and turquoise lakes. Discover a wealth of natural beauty around every turn of the trail.
Activity Level
Varies by date
Varies by date. OUTDOOR SPIRITED Dates: Hiking 5-8 miles daily on rocky terrain at elevations of 3,000-7,200 feet. OUTDOOR CHALLENGING Dates: Hiking up to 7-12 miles daily on rocky terrain at elevations of 3,000-7,800 feet.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Enjoy expert-led hikes on some of the most inspiring trails in Glacier National Park, where breathtaking vistas, pristine lakes and wildlife abound.
- Travel the historic Going-to-the-Sun Road — a National Historic Landmark — for spectacular views of rugged peaks, vast canyons and idyllic waterfalls.
- Develop a deeper understanding of this intact and wild ecosystem with trailside lessons as local flora and fauna are encountered, and learn about the geological forces that carved this magnificent landscape thousands of years ago.
General Notes
This program will be split into small groups of about 10 for daily field trips and hikes.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Ellen Horowitz
Ellen Horowitz is a naturalist, writer, hiking leader, and Certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide whose outdoor education career spans 40 years. Ellen teaches botany classes at Flathead Valley Community College, and she is a long-time field instructor for the Glacier Institute and Road Scholar. Her work has been recognized with numerous honors including Montana Audubon’s Educator of the Year Award, and magazine writing awards from the National Wildlife Federation. She is the author of the award-winning children’s book, “What I Saw in Glacier.”
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Ellen Horowitz
View biography
Ellen Horowitz is a naturalist, writer, hiking leader, and Certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide whose outdoor education career spans 40 years. Ellen teaches botany classes at Flathead Valley Community College, and she is a long-time field instructor for the Glacier Institute and Road Scholar. Her work has been recognized with numerous honors including Montana Audubon’s Educator of the Year Award, and magazine writing awards from the National Wildlife Federation. She is the author of the award-winning children’s book, “What I Saw in Glacier.”
Dan'l Moore
View biography
Dan’l Moore is a true renaissance man. For many years, he worked with the U.S. Forest Service, utilizing his degree in wildlife resources. He then followed his passion for blacksmithing and has been the proprietor of Coon Hollow Forge since 1990, where he teaches and demonstrates the craft. Dan’l is a gifted musician and member of several local ensembles, as well as an avid hiker and patrol representative of Flathead Nordic Ski Patrol. He has led explorations in Glacier National Park for nearly 10 years.
Megan Chaisson
View biography
Megan Chaisson hails from in Concord, Massachusetts and developed a passion for nature early on. After attending Tufts University, she left New England to explore the Rocky Mountains at Glacier National Park in Montana. Enchanted by the free great spaces, she worked as a Park Ranger with Glacier National Park and Flathead National Forest for the next ten years. After leading hikes, snowshoeing, boat trips and youth field trips, Megan is now a 7th grade Life Science teacher in Whitefish, Montana.
Al Koss
View biography
Al Koss has lived and worked in the Glacier Park area for over 30 years. His love for the out-of-doors and passion for hiking was well represented in his career with the U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service. Al taught environmental education and is a Master Trainer for the Leave No Trace Program. His experience as a Park Naturalist has given him extensive experience and knowledge of the flora and fauna of the park. He enjoys sharing his passion for natural areas with others.
Suggested Reading List
(7 books)
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.
Trailside Glacier: Hiking in Glacier National Park
Program Number: 4863
Grizzly Country
The grizzly bear has always inspired awe in man, but the animal's true nature and character has long been shrouded in myth. Few people know grizzlies as Andy Russell does, and in Grizzly Country he shares stories from a lifetime of experience observing them, first as hunter, then as cameraman. In wonderfully engaging prose, he reveals the life cycle of this remarkable creature.
Wildflowers of Glacier National Park
Wildflowers of Glacier National park and Surrounding Areas is a user-friendly guide featuring over 300 of Glacier National Park's most common plant species. From wildflowers to trees to grasses and sedges, this book features beautiful photographs, detailed descriptions, notes on habitat and fun facts for each plant. It's a perfect plant reference for anyone with an interest in the natural history and splendor of Glacier National Park.
The index lists plants both by their common and scientific names.
Going-to-the-Sun Road: Glacier National Park's Highway to the Sky
Traveling Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road is an experience like no other. Laborers toiled for nearly 20 years to complete the 50-mile road that winds an impossible route through the heart of Glacier. One of the most scenic highways in the world, this marvel of engineering set the standard for all national parks. C. W. Guthrie tells the intriguing tale of the history and the construction of the epic Going-to-the-Sun Road. Includes more than 60 black-and-white historic and color photographs, maps.
Blackfeet Tales of Glacier National Park
The author writes a series of diary entries as his Blackfoot friends tell stories in the lodge or around the fire at the end of the day. He has managed to keep the compelling style of his original material, told by talented story tellers. The stories run the gamut from tribal history to legend and myth and convey something of Blackfoot culture, daily life, and beliefs.
Glacier - A Natural History Guide
Author and naturalist David Rockwell presents in-depth descriptions of the geology, history, flora, and fauna of the park. He explains the park's evolution from the erosion of Siberian mountains more than a billion years ago to the glaciers that gave Glacier National Park its distinctive landscape. He examines the park's great predators-grizzly bears, mountain lions, and wolves-and their complex relationship with their prey. The result is a fascinating and intimate portrait of one of the world's last wild places.
Glacier National Park: Including Waterton Lakes National Park
Writer, editor, and avid outdoorswoman Becky Lomax offers an insider’s perspective on Glacier National Park. From hiking through multi-color meadows filled with wildflowers to observing the Sperry Glacier, a victim of global warming that will vanish in less than two decades, Lomax knows the best ways to enjoy the park’s one million acres of wilderness. She also includes unique trip strategies for travelers with specific interests and restrictions, including a Wildlife-Watching tour and a whirlwind One Day in Glacier tour. Whether it’s biking up Going-to-the-Sun Road or watching a grizzly forage in huckleberries, Moon Glacier National Park gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Geology Along Going-to-the-Sun Road
With this colorful and lively guide, Glacier National Park visitors can tour the fascinating geologic events that created the park's majestic scenery. Complete with an easy-to-read map that offers a three-dimensional perspective on the area's geology, Geology Along Going-to-the-Sun Road gives lay readers and geologists alike a glimpse into Glacier's unique geologic summary.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
7 days
Program Begins
Kalispell
Program Concludes
Kalispell
Meals
17
| 6B |
5L |
6D |
Activity Level
Glacier National Park is a hiker’s paradise, with over 1 million acres of unspoiled wilderness and over 700 miles of hiking trails. Immerse yourself in the silent grandeur of the mountains as you hike spectacular trails amid soaring peaks, verdant forests, mountain meadows and turquoise lakes. Discover a wealth of natural beauty around every turn of the trail.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Enjoy expert-led hikes on some of the most inspiring trails in Glacier National Park, where breathtaking vistas, pristine lakes and wildlife abound.
- Travel the historic Going-to-the-Sun Road — a National Historic Landmark — for spectacular views of rugged peaks, vast canyons and idyllic waterfalls.
- Develop a deeper understanding of this intact and wild ecosystem with trailside lessons as local flora and fauna are encountered, and learn about the geological forces that carved this magnificent landscape thousands of years ago.
General Notes
This program will be split into small groups of about 10 for daily field trips and hikes.
Featured Expert
Ellen Horowitz
Ellen Horowitz is a naturalist, writer, hiking leader, and Certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide whose outdoor education career spans 40 years. Ellen teaches botany classes at Flathead Valley Community College, and she is a long-time field instructor for the Glacier Institute and Road Scholar. Her work has been recognized with numerous honors including Montana Audubon’s Educator of the Year Award, and magazine writing awards from the National Wildlife Federation. She is the author of the award-winning children’s book, “What I Saw in Glacier.”
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Dan'l Moore
Dan’l Moore is a true renaissance man. For many years, he worked with the U.S. Forest Service, utilizing his degree in wildlife resources. He then followed his passion for blacksmithing and has been the proprietor of Coon Hollow Forge since 1990, where he teaches and demonstrates the craft. Dan’l is a gifted musician and member of several local ensembles, as well as an avid hiker and patrol representative of Flathead Nordic Ski Patrol. He has led explorations in Glacier National Park for nearly 10 years.
Megan Chaisson
Megan Chaisson hails from in Concord, Massachusetts and developed a passion for nature early on. After attending Tufts University, she left New England to explore the Rocky Mountains at Glacier National Park in Montana. Enchanted by the free great spaces, she worked as a Park Ranger with Glacier National Park and Flathead National Forest for the next ten years. After leading hikes, snowshoeing, boat trips and youth field trips, Megan is now a 7th grade Life Science teacher in Whitefish, Montana.
Al Koss
Al Koss has lived and worked in the Glacier Park area for over 30 years. His love for the out-of-doors and passion for hiking was well represented in his career with the U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service. Al taught environmental education and is a Master Trainer for the Leave No Trace Program. His experience as a Park Naturalist has given him extensive experience and knowledge of the flora and fauna of the park. He enjoys sharing his passion for natural areas with others.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Varies by date
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
7 days
6 nights
What's Included
17 meals | 6B | 5L | 6D |
2 expert-led lectures
10 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
6 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Orientation, Presentation
Location:
Kalispell
Meals:
D
Stay:
Red Lion Hotel
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
When you check in and get your room assignment, collect your Road Scholar welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes and other important information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in. Orientation: 3:30 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. We will ride in 15-passenger vans to trailheads for field trips. Trail selections will be made by Group Leaders each day based on weather, trail conditions, and group ability. Each day we’ll have a choice between hikes of different levels of difficulty. We will break into hiking groups based on preference and ability. Groups will be led by local experts who will share their knowledge along the trail. Bring two reusable, one-liter, leak-proof water bottles for lunch on the trail and throughout the day. Restrooms available at most trailheads. “America the Beautiful” passes cover entrance fees at national parks for up to 4 adults. If you have one of these national park passes, please bring it with you to the program and on field trips. Periods in the daily 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:
In our meeting room at the hotel.
Evening:
A local expert will join us at the hotel for a presentation focused on the natural history of Glacier National Park.
Day
2
Lake McDonald Valley Interpretive Hikes, Natural History
Location:
Kalispell
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Red Lion Hotel
Activity Note
Getting in/out of vans; driving about 50 miles each way, approximately 1.5 hours. Hiking 5 to 7 miles throughout the day; maintained dirt trails, mountainous terrain that may be rocky and uneven. Maximum elevation gain of 800 feet; maximum elevation 4,500 feet. Restrooms available at most trail heads.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Setting out from the hotel aboard our 15-passenger vans, we will ride to Glacier National Park and explore Lake McDonald Valley. There will be several hike choices. Each will be led by a local expert who will provide interpretation along the trail. Trail selections will be made by the Group Leader and field instructors on the day of the hike and are subject to change based on weather, trail conditions, and group ability. Hikes may include the Avalanche Lake Trail, McDonald Creek Trail or Lake McDonald Trail. The Avalanche Lake Trail winds through an old-growth forest of western red cedar and western hemlock. The trail passes a narrow gorge carved by glacial water and ends at an idyllic, subalpine lake rimmed with waterfalls. The McDonald Creek Trail meanders through a mixed woodland of hemlock, western larch, and Douglas fir. The trail parallels McDonald Creek’s cascading turquoise waters and thundering falls. Observant hikers may get a glimpse of harlequin ducks that breed along McDonald Creek. The Lake McDonald Trail hugs the western shoreline of a glacially carved lake surrounded by towering peaks. The trail travels through the remains of recent wildfires, providing the unique opportunity to witness the rebirth of a forest.
Lunch:
On the trail, we’ll have sack lunches.
Afternoon:
Our expert-led hiking field trip will continue through the beautiful Lake McDonald Valley where we will learn about the unique ecosystem west of the Continental Divide. After hiking, each group will load into their van and ride back to the hotel.
Dinner:
In the hotel meeting room.
Evening:
We’ll learn more about Glacier National Park’s ecosystems, culture, and history from a local expert. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
3
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Interpretive Hikes
Location:
East Glacier Village
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Glacier Park Lodge
Activity Note
Getting in/out of vans; driving 105 miles, approximately 3 hours with stops. Motel elevation 4,900 feet. Hike 5 to 7 miles throughout the day; maintained trails may be rocky and uneven. Hike elevations 6,660 feet to 7,500 feet. Restrooms available at most trail heads.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we’ll head to Many Glacier Valley by way of the historic Going-to-the-Sun Road. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is a National Historic Landmark and the only road that crosses through Glacier National Park. The narrow, winding road that hugs the mountainside 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. We will stop on the Continental Divide at Logan Pass, the highest point along the road. We’ll then set out on our expert-led interpretive hikes and explore the fascinating alpine ecosystem. We will learn about the hearty plants and animals that live here and the adaptations that help them thrive in this unforgiving environment.
Lunch:
Sack lunches.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue our hiking field trip and learn about the past glaciation that sculpted this impressive landscape. After we complete our hikes, we will ride on over Going-to-the-Sun Road where we’ll view sky scraping peaks, waterfalls and meadows teeming with wildflowers and wildlife. Later in the afternoon, we’ll check in to the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn. The motel is located at the end of the road in Many Glacier Valley and is just steps away from trails that lead into the heart of Glacier National Park.
Dinner:
At a restaurant in walking distance of motel.
Evening:
At leisure. You might like to scan the surrounding slopes for wildlife, stroll over to the nearby campground to listen to an evening program by a park ranger, or just relax and enjoy the scenery.
Day
4
Grinnell Valley Interpretive Hikes
Location:
East Glacier Village
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Glacier Park Lodge
Activity Note
Hiking 5 to 8 miles throughout the day; mountainous terrain, maintained dirt trails that may be rocky and uneven. Starting elevation 4,890 feet, maximum elevation 6,550 feet. Restrooms available at most trail heads.
Breakfast:
At a restaurant in walking distance of the motel.
Morning:
We’ll ride a short distance in vans to the trailhead, then set off on foot to explore the majestic Grinnell Valley. We will choose from multiple hiking options that vary in difficulty. Thousands of years ago, a massive glacier carved Grinnell Valley, leaving behind a picturesque landscape of towering mountains and a chain of pristine lakes. Tucked high along the steep slopes of the continental divide, two small glaciers remain from the Little Ice Age of the mid-19th century. These glaciers feed waterfalls that cascade hundreds of feet into turquoise lakes below. A quiet forest covers the valley bottom providing abundant habitat for wildlife. While we hike, be on the lookout for bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and moose. Along the trail, our field instructors will share information about the geology, flora, and fauna that make this valley such a spectacular place.
Lunch:
Sack lunches.
Afternoon:
Our expert-led interpretive hikes will continue in this extraordinary setting.
Dinner:
At a restaurant near the motel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Swiftcurrent Valley Interpretive Hikes
Location:
East Glacier Village
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Glacier Park Lodge
Activity Note
Hiking 5 to 8 miles; mountainous terrain, maintained dirt trails that may be rocky and uneven. Starting elevation 4,900 feet, maximum elevation approximately 6,200 feet.
Breakfast:
At a restaurant in walking distance of the motel.
Morning:
We will have multiple hiking choices of varying difficulty levels to choose from. We’ll head out the front door and hit the trail — no driving required! Keep eyes open for waterfalls and wildlife as we begin a full-day, expert-led, interpretive hike in the Swiftcurrent Valley.
Lunch:
Sack lunches.
Afternoon:
We will continue to deepen our knowledge and appreciation of the ecosystem we are hiking through with trailside lessons from our expert field instructors. After the hike, we’ll return to the motor inn.
Dinner:
At a restaurant in walking distance of the motel.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
6
Two Medicine wilderness area Interpretive Hikes
Location:
Kalispell
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Red Lion Hotel
Activity Note
Getting in/out of vans; driving about 105 miles, approximately 3 hours with stops. Hiking 4 to 7 miles; mountainous terrain, maintained dirt trails that may be rocky and uneven. Maximum elevation 7,600 feet, maximum elevation gain 1,850 feet. Restrooms available at most trail heads.
Breakfast:
At a restaurant in walking distance of the motel.
Morning:
After checking out of the motor inn, we will ride along the gorgeous stretch of highway between Swiftcurrent and Two Medicine. Along the way, we will stop for our final hikes. We’ll have a chance to view the majestic peaks in the Eastern part of Glacier National Park. Sinopah Mountain dominates the western area of Two Medicine Lake, while immediately to the north, Rising Wolf Mountain rises over 4,450 feet above the lake. We will have a chance to view Running Eagle Falls, which gets its name from a remarkable young female Blackfeet warrior.
Lunch:
Sack lunches.
Afternoon:
After completing our hikes, we’ll finish our ride along the mountainous highway and check back in to the hotel in Kalispell.
Dinner:
In the hotel meeting room. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
7
Program Concludes
Location:
Kalispell
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00am.
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
17 Meals
6 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
6 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 18, 2025
- Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 18, 2025
- Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025
- Jul 26, 2025 - Aug 01, 2025
- Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025
- Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 15, 2025
- Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025
- Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025
- Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 05, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 47 Reviews
Sort By:
Hiking Glacier has been high up on my list for many years, and this was amazing! Getting permits and parking and lodging at Glacier can be incredibly difficult and complicated, and it's wonderful that RS handles all that, and all I needed to do was show up and hike! Stunning hikes with great guides!
— Review left September 7, 2024
I was happy about the variety of different ability levels of the hikes and that they were all great hikes. Each level had a unique and rewarding experience.
— Review left September 5, 2024
A very well organized program. If you choose the "challenging" level of this program, please make sure you are ready to hike. The instructors always provided a "choice" of distance and terrain -- However, Glacier National Park does include some tough terrain. The guides always made sure all participants were involved.
— Review left September 1, 2024
I highly recommend this trip for anyone who wants to experience Glacier National Park on foot. There were three hiking options each day so we could pick our desired level of exertion. The group leaders were exceptional, as was the camaraderie of the participants. Glacier National Park should be on everyone's bucket list!
— Review left September 1, 2024
Wonderful hiking trip of 7 to 10 mile daily hikes. Beautiful mountains and
peaks all around. I enjoyed the strenuous hikes and pushing myself
to longer distances that I usually do. Great knowledgable leaders who
know every inch of the park.
— Review left August 30, 2024
Glacial National Park is a must see.
— Review left August 30, 2024
Trailside Glacier:Hiking in Glacier National Park is a wonderful experience and a great overview of the Switzerland of America. The lakes and mountains in the park are magnificent!
— Review left August 25, 2024
As advertised. leaders were exceptional. Accommodations were made and everyone's needs were meet. Thank you for a worthwhile and active time!
— Review left July 28, 2024
This is one of the best experiences I have ever had. Glacier is a must see, spectacular, grand, gorgeous, postcard experiences at every turn. The hiking is wonderful, The leaders knowledgeable, truly caring and the whole thing choreographed so well.
— Review left July 23, 2024
Trailside Hiking Glacier National Park was a fantastic program! You should go! Captivating, beautiful scenery on each hike and very caring & knowledgeable Group Leaders!! This program was an outstanding way to experience Glacier NP! Also, shout out to Al Koss who is very warm & passionate Group Leader.
— Review left July 22, 2024
Our 3 trip leaders were excellent and really made efforts to find short hikes and things for us to do when one of our trip days was cold and rainy and our final morning was cold and very windy. They were able to be creative and change our schedule to work around weather issues.
The trip overall was great. However, I do have a few points to make:
- Even though we had 3 hike leaders, the group size (almost 30) was too large. It made it more difficult for us to get to know each other in the short time we had. We also had to squeeze into vans with all of our hiking gear. The size of our group created long wait times for meals at Swiftcurrent Inn.
- I realize the park is remote and there are not a lot of food choices, but, for the cost of the trip, our bag lunches could have been better and more choice provided.
- I was a bit disappointed to find out how much the shuttle into the park cost. At least 3 weeks ahead of the trip, I tried to use the discussion board to find another person to share the ride. I was not able to logon to the board. I tried emailing Road Scholar several times and then calling. There was a technical glitch on your end and I was not able to logon until the day before travel. By then, it was too late to coordinate with a fellow traveler.
I truly did enjoy this trip! I am only stating these points to help with planning in the future.
— Review left September 24, 2023
Hiking in Glacier National Park was magical and magnificent. Cannot say enough wonderful things about our guides, Daphne, Deb and Dan-L. As individuals, each one had their own wonderful personality that gave each of our hikes a unique perspective on the beautiful trails and mountains that we hiked in Glacier National Park. I especially enjoyed the hikes. Most hikes are challenging and I would recommend that if you plan to take this trip, be prepared and know your limits and capabilities. One of our biggest thrills was to see one of the largest bull mooses on our hiking trail to Grinnell Lake. What an absolute thrill! Thanks Road Scholar, you never disappoint and I shall be back!
— Review left September 16, 2023
This was a great trip to Glacier NP. Every day we did a hike (rain or shine). Trip leaders were the best and it was great fun. The group was split into three groups every day providing us with the option of doing a shorter (5-6 mile) or a longer (11-12) hike, with a middle option. This is a very fun hiking tour to one of the most beautiful places. Highly recommend.
— Review left September 3, 2023
The program was very informative about Glacier National Park, it's history, flora and fauna and four legged inhabitants. the days were packed with well planned activities. The hiking is serious, always uphill and was a challenge for many who are not used to so much uphill hiking.
— Review left August 14, 2023
The tour exceeded all of my expectations. The guides were warm and knowledgeable, the accommodations were clean and comfortable, and the scenery was amazing!
— Review left August 13, 2023
It was an amazing trip. Our trip leader Al was outstanding. We had wonderful hikes everyday and the views were beautiful. There were various level of hike options available. I would have liked a few longer hikes, so I may have been better suited for the Challenging trip dates rather than the Spirited trip. But still had a great time.
— Review left August 8, 2023
My third visit to Glacier NP, first with RS, took me to places I had not been before in the park. I enjoyed the accommodations, restaurants, hikes and the transportation. The Guides were great and handled the few problems that happened well. This was my 7th RS trip and my experience was what I expected to happen. Some of the other participants and I stayed in the area and explored it more. Whitefish, Hungry Horse Dam and more of the park were explored. A 12+ mile hike on the Highline Trail from Logan Pass to the Loop were Challenging! Thank you Road Scholar!
— Review left August 6, 2023
Excellent hiking and guides. Definitely recommend!
— Review left August 6, 2023
If your looking for amazing scenery, this is not to be missed.
— Review left July 31, 2023
There are no words to describe the beauty we encountered at this park. Our guides made the experience even richer.
— Review left July 23, 2023
It was perfect! I didn't want to come home.
— Review left July 22, 2023
A very good trip. Guides were organized and full of information. Hike options were great and I have referred Road Scholar to many of my friends.
The only negative was the Hilton Hotel in Kalispell. The meals were awful. I expected more on our last night. The breakfasts were not very good either. Other than providing breakfast early on most days.
On a personal note. I reported to the front office that my elec outlet did not work in my bathroom, Rm 114. When I returned later the the week, the outlet had not been repaired. It was very disappointing. I reported it again but who knows if it was taken care of.
— Review left November 4, 2022
This was the first "Challenging" Road Scholar hiking program I've done (the other 4 were rated "Spirited"). Each day there were several hiking options that varied in terms of length and elevation gain, with the most challenging hikes being 12+ miles in length, with elevation gains of about 1800-2000 feet. I consider myself a good hiker, but I knew I was not as strong a hiker as many of the people in our group were, so I was happy to be able to choose less strenuous hikes every day. Those hikes ranged from 5-10 miles, with elevation gains of 400-800 feet. No matter which hikes you chose, all were wonderful experiences! The leaders were all first-rate in terms of sharing their knowledge of this beautiful area.
— Review left September 5, 2022
The three guides, Dan'l, Pat, and Deb, were fantastic and very knowledgeable about Glacier National Park. We would not have had the same wonderful experience if we had done the trip on our own. Our fellow guests were interesting to talk with. Hiking in the high altitude was a little challenging for me. Each day, we could choose which hiking option we wanted to do. I did notice that 5 miles really means 7 miles, etc. This is because the guides enjoy hiking so much and want the guests to experience as much as possible!
— Review left August 28, 2022
It needs a better explanation about what it means to have “limited space”, for example doubles only, shared roommate or singles allowed.
— Review left August 27, 2022
Glacier National Park is a sacred place. This trip was best for me because Road Scholar took care of getting the reservations, permits, and parking spots at the trailheads. We got to hike in all of the main parts of the park and we saw so much wildlife. Our guides were extremely knowledgeable about the birds, the animals, and the fauna around us. The accommodations were adequate and the food was good. I was just recovering from a foot problem and I really appreciated the three options of hikes every day as 5 miles was about my limit. I would do this trip again in a heartbeat if there weren't so many other places I need to see. Thank you to Pat, my favorite guide for joining the RS program.
— Review left August 22, 2022
This was a bucket trip for me. I have always wanted to hike in GNP. I wish I hadn't waited until I was 71. It was an emotional trip and it pushed me physically. I actually liked that experience. It was well organized. I really savored every minute of it and it was over too soon. Our country is a beautiful place. I would do it again. I will make further comments on the survey. Thank you
— Review left August 21, 2022
Top-notch trail guides offered a variety of hiking options each day to accommodate all levels of activity and the wealth of knowledge and experience shared by our guides was beyond my expectations. I can't imagine hiking Glacier any other way.
— Review left August 15, 2022
Active hiking program with knowledge subject matter experts and program leaders. Highly recommend for physically prepared individuals.
— Review left August 14, 2022
Glacier National Park is simply beautiful and majestic! Hiking with Road Scholar allowed me to learn and enjoy the best of this park and have all the the many details taken care of! Thank you again to Dan'l, Denny and Lynda!
— Review left August 9, 2022
This was a fantastic trip. The planning and organization were exceptional and the scenery was absolutely incredible. Having three hikes to choose from each day varying in length and difficulty was a real plus. Make sure you go soon before all the glaciers are gone.
— Review left August 9, 2022
Among the continents most beautiful and diverse land, with excellent guides at a very reasonable price. Geared to active adults but allowing for different levels of challenging hikers.
— Review left August 1, 2022
Glacier NP was spectacular in scenery and the knowledge of each guide was outstanding. Second trip for me with Road Scholar and was not disappointed. Planning my third trip soon.
— Review left September 19, 2021
The main reason we liked this trip is that for sure we wouldn't have been able to accomplish what we did with road scholar on our own. The selection of trials as well our guides provided exceptional value to this trip.
— Review left September 17, 2021
Fantastic program - great leaders, great hikes, spectacular scenery! Highly recommend this program if you like to do a lot of hiking!
— Review left September 12, 2021
Very challenging and very worthwhile. Recommended for experienced hikers only
— Review left September 12, 2021
If you are up for adventure and want a life-affirming experience, Road Scholar's Glacier National Park hiking week is for you. Experienced instructors/hiking guides teach about the local flora, fauna, and geological aspects of the park. For sheer beauty of terrain, there are few things that can rival America's own alpine experience. Getting to see vistas that are available only by hiking makes the experience even more impressive. Our entire group was friendly, accommodating, and interested in the same things I was. This also increased the enjoyment I got throughout the week. This program challenged me, met my needs, and taught me things that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
— Review left September 5, 2021
If you enjoy an active lifestyle, love hiking in spectacular scenery, and seeing wildlife, this Road Scholar program is right for you!
— Review left September 5, 2021
If you're a hiker, a landscape/wildlife photographer, or just an outdoor nature lover, this program is for you. The beautiful landscape and the opportunities of seeing bears, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats are just amazing.
— Review left August 30, 2021
Our first trip with Road Scholar but it won't be our last. It was our kind of people, our kind of activities (hiking) and very nice guides and accomodations!
— Review left August 13, 2021
Wow! Great trip experience in a true national treasure. Come enjoy the wilderness and see the glaciers while you can!
— Review left August 10, 2021
Check the Air Quality Index. Hey, I'm one of those people who can enjoy changing a flat tire, getting too close to a bear, etc., so I enjoyed my trip to Glacier with stinging eyes and smoke-obscured views. Buy the cancel-for-any-reason insurance because you can't predict Forest fires. Great trip if you like seeing wild animals. I saw: Mountain Goats, Fox, Bears, Moose, Mule Deer, Boreal Toads, Marmots, Ground Squirrels, Finch. (and rocks and trees and lakes) Staffing at the Mini-Glacier Lodge was inadequate, maybe next season service staffing will improve - this was not the fault of the excellent program staff, who handled logistics with humor and patience.
— Review left August 9, 2021
This program provides a variety of hiking options in a different location each day in beautiful Glacier Park. Geology, botany and scenery galore.
— Review left August 1, 2021
This was my first Road Scholar program and it exceeded my expectations! The hikes were amazing, the accommodations comfortable, the food decent, and the instructors so knowledgeable and friendly. Plus the other participants were a lot of fun. We really bonded.
The hikes were gorgeous - and there were various levels offered, so we could choose the amount of elevation gain we wanted to tackle each day. We saw amazing glaciers, gorgeous lakes, waterfalls, and lots of wildlife. Clear evenings made for spectacular star gazing. All in all, a fabulous trip!
— Review left September 10, 2019
If you like to hike and want to learn a lot and have fun doing it, this is a great program to consider going on.
— Review left August 18, 2019
OMG...this program was everything I hoped for and more! I learned so much about ecosystems, plants, animals. I enjoyed the ability to do both strenuous hikes and easier, slower paced hikes. The beauty of Glacier National Park was awe-inspiring! The team leader and instructors were wonderful! And it was terrific to interact with other like-minded people with so many similar interests. I made many new friends from all over the country who I will be keeping in touch with. Thank you Road Scholar!
— Review left August 4, 2019
I may have done this last year. Can't remember.
The trip was great. Guides were excellent and fun. Speakers were also very informative and full of energy. Manny Glacier hotel was one of the highlights. Hikes were very good and some challenging. Our first hike was a little too aggressive for some of our group. I would like to do it again soon and bring my fishing pole along.
— Review left February 23, 2019
