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Trailside Glacier: Hiking in Glacier National Park

Program Number: 4863RJ
Start and End Dates:
7/15/2012 - 7/21/2012; 7/15/2013 - 7/21/2013; 7/29/2013 - 8/4/2013; 8/12/2013 - 8/18/2013; 8/26/2013 - 9/1/2013;
Duration: 6 nights
Location: Whitefish, Montana
Price starting at: $1,399.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Walking/Hiking; National Parks Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 17; 6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Hike the trails of Glacier National Park's incredible landscapes while discovering the natural wonders of bears and berries, goats and glaciers, marmots and pikas. Explore the "Crown of the Continent's" dramatic scenery, shaped by geologic forces that continue to create hanging valleys, cirques, and knife-edged arętes. Traverse Going-to-the-Sun Road through the Park and enjoy a special experience with three nights in the fabled Many Glacier Hotel, part of the Park's exceptional heritage.




Highlights

• Naturalists lead you to both sides of the Continental Divide and along the famous Highline Trail to study wildlife in natural settings.
• Enjoy the ambience of a bygone era with a stay in the fabled Many Glacier Hotel, part of the Park’s fascinating heritage.
• Learn about icons of the wild, grizzlies, mountain goats and moose, and see evidence of the powerful geological forces that created the spectacular scenery.



Activity Particulars

Hikes, 5-8 miles, with an option to 10, with 500-2,000-foot elevation gains. Physically demanding terrain. Elevations of 4,700-7,000 feet.



This program will be split into small groups of 10 for daily field trips and hikes.




Date Specific Information

7-15-2013, 7-29-2013, 8-12-2013, 8-26-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Itinerary Summary

Arrival Whitefish, Mont., 2 nights; coach to Many Glacier Hotel, 3 nights; coach to Whitefish, 1 night; departure.



Coordinated by Black Hills Educational Institute.




Glacier National Park

This million-acre wilderness includes towering summits, mirror-like lakes, and hundreds of bird and mammal species, as well as the spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 52-mile narrow and winding journey through the heart of the park over the Continental Divide.



Whitefish

This community in the Flathead Valley offers breathtaking scenery, as well as small-town ambiance. Near the wonders and wildlife of Glacier National Park only 25 miles away, Whitefish is a vibrant wilderness gateway.
Accommodations
Whitefish: beautiful lodge in a mountainous setting. Many Glacier: Rustic, historic lodge, 1-3 flights of stairs.
Meals and Lodgings
   The Pines on Big Mountain
  Whitefish, Montana 2 nights
   Many Glacier Hotel
  Many Glacier 3 nights
   The Pines on Big Mountain
  Whitefish, Montana 1 night
 The Pines on Big Mountain
Type: Hotel
  Description: Experience a condominium ski lodge in a mountainous setting, during its quiet off season, with walking and hiking right outside your door. Accommodation types range from a hotel room with mini fridge to a one bedroom condo unit with full kitchen and living room or a two bedroom condo unit with full kitchen and living room.
  Contact info: 3820 Tamarack Lane
Whitefish, MT 59937 USA
phone: 406-381-2388
  Room amenities: Telephone and televisions
  Facility amenities: THERE IS NO FRONT DESK OR ONSITE STAFF. PLEASE CONTACT THE PROPERTY MANAGER AT 406-381-2388 NO LESS THAN 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE TO SCHEDULE YOUR CHECK-IN TIME.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: call for information Call The Pines Manager for additional night reservations. 406-381-2388
  Check in time: 4:00 PM
  Additional nights after: call for information Call The Pines Manager for additional night reservations. 406-381-2388
  Check out time: 10:00 AM

 Many Glacier Hotel
Type: Hotel
  Description: Many Glacier Hotel is on of Glacier's most popular lodges due to its stunning setting, positioned on the shore of Swiftcurrent Lake. The 1945 lodge centers around its massive four-storied lobby with a large fireplace.
  Contact info: Hwy 8, Swiftcurrent Lake
Glacier National Park, MT 59434 USA
phone: 406-732-4411
web: www.glacierparkinc.com
  Room amenities: Rooms have land-line phones. There are no T.V.s, air-conditioning, or Internet service available. Bathrooms are quaint with skinny shower stalls.
  Facility amenities: There is no elevator, cell phone service or laundry service available.
  Smoking allowed: No


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Check-in will be at The Pines Condominium on Big Mountain, also known as Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort. Check-in time is at 4:00 PM. Orientation will take place at 5:00 PM at Ed & Mully's. You will be staying at The Pines on Big Mountain that night.
  End of Program:
Program ends after breakfast. Hotel check-out by 10:00 AM. You will be staying at The Pines on Big Mountain the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Completed Health/Travel/Emergency Form.
  Parking availability:
Plenty of free parking available.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Whitefish, Montana
  Nearest city or town:  Kalispell
  Nearest highway: HWY. 93
  Nearest airport:  Glacier Park International Airport (FCA)
  From End of Program
  Location: Whitefish, Montana
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Kalispell, MT

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Flathead Glacier Transportation
phone: 406-892-3390
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Call for information
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

30 minutes 
   

Call seven days in advance for reservations to and from the airport.
 

Kalispell, MT

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Drive 4 U
phone: 406-730-2879
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Call for detail information
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

30 minutes 
   

Call in advance for details, prices and reservations.
 
Driving Directions
  From the south (Kalispell) Directions – From Glacier International Airport 1.Start out going NORTH/LEFT on US-2. 4.6 mi 2.Turn LEFT onto MT-40. 4.5 mi 3.Turn RIGHT onto US-93. Continue to follow US-93. 2.2 mi 4.Turn LEFT onto 2ND ST E/US-93. 0.1 mi 5.Turn RIGHT onto BAKER AVE/MT-487. Continue to follow MT-487. 2.5 mi 6.Turn RIGHT onto BIG MOUNTAIN RD. 5.1 mi 7.At Stop Sign, turn RIGHT onto ALPINE VILLAGE DR. 0.1 mi 8.Turn LEFT onto TAMARACK AVE. First building on Left – 3820 Tamarack. Directions – From HWY 93 North 1.Continue on HWY 93 into Whitefish 2.Turn LEFT onto 2ND ST E/US-93. 0.1 mi 3.Turn RIGHT onto BAKER AVE/MT-487. Continue to follow MT-487. 2.5 mi 4.Turn RIGHT onto BIG MOUNTAIN RD. 5.1 mi 5.At Stop Sign, turn RIGHT onto ALPINE VILLAGE DR. 0.1 mi 6.Turn LEFT onto TAMARACK AVE. First building on Left – 3820 Tamarack. Directions – From Amtrak 1.Start out going NORTH on DEPOT ST toward CENTRAL AVE. 2.Turn LEFT onto CENTRAL AVE. 0.1 mi 3.Turn RIGHT onto RAILWAY ST. 0.1 mi 4.Turn RIGHT onto BAKER AVE/MT-487. Continue to follow MT-487. 2.4 mi 5.Turn RIGHT onto BIG MOUNTAIN RD. 5.1 mi 6.At Stop Sign, turn RIGHT onto ALPINE VILLAGE DR. 0.1 mi 7.Turn LEFT onto TAMARACK AVE. First building on Left – 3820 Tamarack.
Elevation Note: Program altitude's range from 4,600' to 7,000' with 500' to 2400' elevation gains.

Equipment Requirements: Warm waterproof clothing, hiking boots, day pack, hat and a water bottle are required. A collapsible trekking pole is highly recommended.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Check-in and orientation
(Sunday, July 15)
   
 Afternoon: Check-in at 4PM. Orientation at at 5:00 PM at Ed & Mully's - a few blocks from The Pines Condominium.
 Dinner: Dinner at Ed & Mully's - a few blocks from The Pines Condominium.
 Evening: Free time to get settled in.
   
Accommodations: The Pines on Big Mountain
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Scenic Hikes on Big Mountain and Gondola Ride to the Summit
(Monday, July 16)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Ed & Mully's
 Morning: Enjoy a hike on Danny On Trail learning about the local flora and fauna. Next experience a panoramic view of Glacier National Park and Flathead Valley with a gondola ride to the Summit.
 Lunch: Lunch on site
 Afternoon: Introduction to Glacier National Park presentation.
 Dinner: Dinner at Ed & Mully's
 Evening: Evening presentation about 'The Crown of the Continent.'
   
Accommodations: The Pines on Big Mountain
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Transfer to Many Glacier Hotel via Going-to-the-Sun Road.
(Tuesday, July 17)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Ed & Mully's
 Morning: Transfer from The Pines Condominium on Big Mountain to Many Glacier Hotel by way of the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road with hikes along the way. (subject to weather and road conditions)
 Lunch: Sack lunch in the field
 Afternoon: Continuation of all day field trip to Many Glacier with talks and walks led by expert field instructors.
 Dinner: Dinner at Many Glacier
 Evening: Wildlife vewing in the Many Glacier valley.
   
Accommodations: Many Glacier Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Scenic Hikes around Many Glacier
(Wednesday, July 18)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Many Glacier
 Morning: Hike one of the beautiful Many Glacier valley and mountain trails.
 Lunch: Sack lunch in the field
 Afternoon: Continuation of hikes.
 Dinner: Dinner at Many Glacier
 Evening: Free evening
   
Accommodations: Many Glacier Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Scenic Hikes around Many Glacier
(Thursday, July 19)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Many Glacier
 Morning: All day hike on one of the beautiful Many Glacier trails. Keep your eyes open for waterfalls and wildlife.
 Lunch: Sack lunch in the field
 Afternoon: Continuation of hike
 Dinner: Dinner at Many Glacier
 Evening: Wildlife viewing
   
Accommodations: Many Glacier Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Transfer to Big Mountain via the Going-to-the Sun Road
(Friday, July 20)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Many Glacier
 Morning: Travel the Going-to-the-Sun Road with hikes and lectures along the way.
 Lunch: Sack lunch in the field
 Afternoon: Continuation of travel and hikes. Return to The Pines Condominium on Big Mountain.
 Dinner: Dinner at Ed & Mully's.
   
Accommodations: The Pines on Big Mountain
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Independant Departures
(Saturday, July 21)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Ed & Mully's
 Morning: Hotel check-out by 10AM.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Blackfeet Tales of Glacier National Park


Author: James Willard Schultz


Description: 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.



Exploring Glacier National Park


Author: David Rockwell


Description: Glacier National Park in northern Montana offers visitors the chance to be immersed in a pristine landscape, and an opportunity to experience the Rocky Mountain West in all its unspoiled glory. Author and naturalist David Rockwell explains the evolution of the park's geology from the erosion of mountains more than a billion years ago to the glaciers that gave Glacier National Park its distinctive landscape. He explores the natural history of the plants and animals of the park's six distinct regions.



Flathead Watershed Sourcebook, A Guide to an Extraordinary Place


Author: Lori Curtis


Description: This book serves as a primer to the Flathead Watershed. Viewed from a bioregional perspective, it discusses the many people and systems that make up the Flathead Watershed - one of the most biologically intact ecosystems in North America. This book weds science and art, nature and human nature into an appealing and informative publication. Call 406-862-1160 or visit publisher@flatheadwatershed.org to receive a copy



Going-to-the-Sun Road: Glacier National Park's Highway to the Sky


Author: C.W. Guthrie


Description: 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.



Grizzly Country


Author: Andy Russell


Description: 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


Author: Shannon Kimball and Peter Lesica


Description: Wildflowers of Glacier National Park and Surrounding Areas is a user-friendly field 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.





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