Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park Tours

Glacier National Park receives more than 100 million visitors each year, hitting a record high of more than 3 million visitors in 2017. Why so many visitors, you may wonder? Perhaps it is because of the sheer unadulterated beauty of the landscape with its 26 glaciers.  

Planning for Your Glacier National Park Vacation

Glacier National Park tours through Road Scholar allow all explorers to discover this national park’s history dating back to 1932. As you journey down the 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road that’s carved out of the cliff sides of Montana’s Rocky Mountains, you’ll be able to spot wildlife like grizzly bears, take in the views of snow-capped mountains, and learn about the “Crown of the Continent Ecosystem.” 

If you’re looking to explore Glacier National Park, you’re in the right place. When taking a trip to Glacier National Park with Road Scholar, you learn from local expert guides who offer a unique glimpse into this beautiful protected area.

Highlights of Glacier National Park Tours

Vacations in Glacier National Park are perfect for those looking to experience the great outdoors. Through Road Scholar, you can experience many one-of-a-kind highlights through our Glacier National Park tours. Wondering what you’ll be able to see and do when venturing into Montana’s Rocky Mountains? Here are some of the activities you can enjoy:

• Going-to-the-Sun Road: Any visit to Glacier National Park will consist of a drive along Going-to-the-Sun Road, which connects the east and west entrances through the middle of the park. Along the way, you can view subalpine meadows, reflections of mountaintops in crystal clear lakes, and more.

• Hiking: Glacier National Park is home to over 700 miles of trails that wind through the dense forests, open meadows, and mountainsides. Some popular hikes include the 2.8-mile hike to Hidden Lake Overlook, the 4.5-mile hike to Avalanche Lake, the 1-mile hike down the Trail of Cedars, and the 11.6-mile hike along the Highline Trail.

• Lake McDonald: As the largest lake in the park, Lake McDonald offers spectacular views of crystal-clear waters and the surrounding mountains. You can even visit or stay at the historic Lake McDonald Hotel.

• Logan Pass: The highest point of Going-to-the-Sun Road is Logan Pass, with an elevation of 6,646 feet. Here, you can view the wildflower fields, jagged mountains, and wildlife like bighorn sheep, grizzly bears, and mountain goats.

Glacier National Park Tours

With such a vast area to explore, where do you begin? Here are a few of Road Scholar’s most popular tours exploring Glacier National Park, from birding to rafting to hiking. 

1. The Best of Glacier National Park

Discover Glacier National Park on a six-day tour full of adventure as you raft Flathead River, explore alpine trails, and learn how glaciers have been taking up space here for millions of years. On this awe-inspiring tour, travelers will take daily field trips to the Lake McDonald Valley, Logan Pass, and along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. 

2. Birding in Glacier National Park

If you love birds and enjoy being educated on all the different species, this six-day Road Scholar tour birding in Glacier National Park is not to be missed. Expert birders will lead you off-the-beaten path to search for and learn about warblers, loons, woodpeckers, and many more bird species that thrive in Glacier National Park. Expert local birders use sound and sight to find diverse bird species and tell you stories behind them. 

3. Trailside Glacier: Hiking in Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park has over 700 miles of hiking trails with spectacular views along 1 million acres of unspoiled wilderness. Road Scholar has curated a seven-day hiking tour of Glacier National Park with expert-led hikes on some of the most inspiring trails in Glacier National Park. On this adventure, you will hike 5-8 miles daily at elevations of 3,000-7,200 feet. 

4. Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks

Experience an eight-day immersive educational experience through Road Scholar in two of North America’s most magnificent national parks: Glacier National Park in Montana and Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada. These national parks combined in 1932 to create the world's first international peace park that bridged the United States and Canada. On this journey, travelers will enjoy field trips that take a deep dive into the most intact wilderness on the continent. 

5. Raft, Ride & Slide in Glacier National Park With Your Family

What better way to experience one of the most beautiful national parks in the world than with your family? From river rafting on the Flathead River on the lookout for wildlife to a spectacular gondola ride up Big Mountain and race down on an alpine slide, this will be an unforgettable trip with your family. You can spot wildlife such as mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and bears on expert-led walks. Hike along trails abundant with blooming flora and fauna. Experience the ultimate at Glacier National Park with a spectacular drive on the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road for an awe-inspiring view of Glacier National Park. 

Tips for Visiting Glacier National Park

As with any national park, it’s important to be fully prepared to stay safe and protect wildlife. Glacier National Park visits can be dangerous, especially with its steep mountain ledges, wildlife, and potential weather conditions. As you explore Glacier National Park, keep these tips in mind:

• Respect wildlife by viewing at a safe distance

• Stick to designated paths and trails

• Pick up after yourself and dispose of garbage in designated trash and recycling bins

• Pack plenty of layers to stay comfortable at various elevations and in different weather conditions

• Stock your bag with plenty of food and water to stay hydrated and energized throughout your trip

• Talk with park rangers to learn more about the park, hidden gems, and more

Book Your Glacier National Park Trip With Road Scholar

At Road Scholar, we offer some of the best Glacier National Park vacations. With a wide range of vacation packages for Glacier National Park, you can find a learning adventure that matches your activity level, interests, and more. Through our Glacier National Park tours, you’ll learn from a local guide and discover the area with a diverse cohort of lifelong learners. From Glacier National Park tours for seniors to group national park tours, we have an experiential learning adventure for you.

Want to learn more about travel to our national parks? Check out these national park tips.