Hiking approximately 1 to 2 miles throughout the day on maintained dirt trails that may be rocky and uneven, paved trails, and a boardwalk with steep and deep steps. Max elevation about 6,800 feet. Driving approximately 105 miles; approximately 1 hour on motor coach and 3 hours on historic Red Bus.
We'll use a voucher for the hotel buffet.
Gathering at the hotel, we’ll start the day with a presentation given by a local expert on the ecosystems and wildlife of Glacier National Park. After checking out of the hotel, we’ll drive to the shore of Lake McDonald inside Glacier National Park. While enjoying the scenery, which includes towering peaks and a deep lake carved by glaciers over 10,000 years ago, our expert field instructors will share information on topics that may include botany, geology, wildlife, history, aquatics, and more.
On the shores of Lake McDonald, we’ll have sack lunches with sandwiches or wraps, and sides. Please bring your own reusable, leak-proof water bottle to consume at lunch and throughout the day.
We’ll then begin our transfer to the historic Many Glacier Hotel via Red Buses along the Going-to-the-Sun Road (access subject to weather and road conditions). As we travel aboard these iconic vehicles, we’ll be fully immersed in the natural grandeur of the region through insightful commentary from the drivers. First used in the mid-1930s to transport visitors in Glacier, and fully restored in 2001, the historic Red Busses continue to delight passengers today. Their canvass roll-back tops allow for unsurpassed views of the towering mountains in every direction. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is a National Historic Landmark and it is the only road that crosses Glacier National Park. The narrow road hugs the cliffside as it winds through the mountains and it inspires 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. We'll stop to stretch our legs and take in the view at Logan Pass which is located along the Continental Divide, where waters flow either toward the Pacific or the Atlantic Oceans. Our instructors will lead us on short hikes where will learn about the fascinating alpine ecosystem and the hearty plants and animals that thrive in this unforgiving environment. Logan Pass is the highest point on the Going-to-the-Sun Road with an elevation of 6,646'. Continuing our journey over the Going-to-the-Sun Road we'll view sky scraping peaks, cascading waterfalls, and broad alpine meadows teeming with wildflowers and wildlife. Then we'll check in to Many Glacier Hotel. Many Glacier Hotel was built in 1914 by the Great Northern Railway as a destination resort for its rail tourists. The hotel sits among soaring peaks and glassy lakes.
In the Ptarmigan Dining Room located on-site at the hotel, we'll order plated meals from the menu. Our vouchers include a soup or side salad, entree, dessert and a non-alcoholic beverage. Other beverages available for purchase.
At leisure. You may wish to bring your binoculars and join our instructors behind the lodge for wildlife viewing where we'll look for grizzlies, moose, and bighorn sheep, or you may want to just relax and enjoy the scenery.