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Montana

The Best of Glacier National Park

Program No. 21016RJ
Discover Glacier National Park as you raft Flathead River, explore alpine trails, visit pristine lakes and learn how glaciers carved this stunning landscape eons ago.
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National ParksMost PopularNature & Environment
Length
6 days
Rating (4.86)
Activity Level
Starts at
2,999
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Lake McDonald in West Glacier
Program Concludes
Lake McDonald in West Glacier
Meals
13 ( 5B, 4L, 4D )
Activity Level
Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring landscape of Glacier National Park, a land profoundly shaped by ancient glaciers, earning its title as the "Crown of the Continent." Your journey begins from comfortable lodging conveniently located inside the park, allowing you to maximize your exploration. Each day, venture into different realms of this natural masterpiece, from the tranquil shores of Lake McDonald, where you'll return to relax on cool summer evenings, to the soaring heights of Logan Pass and the engineering marvel of Going-to-the-Sun Road. With instructors, naturalists and other experts as your guides, you'll gain profound insights into the park's vibrant ecosystems, its mammoth lakes and its serrated peaks—truly one of nature's greatest works of art.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Travel the historic Going-to-the-Sun Road for spectacular views of rugged peaks, vast valleys and idyllic waterfalls.
  • Float down the scenic Middle Fork of the Flathead River.
  • Touch the Continental Divide.
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General Notes
Participants split into smaller groups of about 10 for daily field trips and hikes.
Featured Expert
All Experts
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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
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
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.”
Jack Gladstone is a storysmith and troubadour from the Blackfeet Nation of Montana. Regarded as a cultural bridge builder, he produces programs on indigenous history and tradition. Jack has released 15 critically-acclaimed CDs, and garnered the prestigious Best Historical Recording award from the Native American Music Association. A former college instructor and Smithsonian scholar, Jack has opened shows for Rita Coolidge, Garrison Keillor, and Bonnie Raitt.
Tanya Brist was raised on a large wheat farm in eastern Montana. After graduating from college, she invested nearly three decades in elementary and middle school classrooms in western Montana. She has been a trainer of teachers at the local, county, and state levels in science. Even after retiring, Tanya kept on teaching, this time as a field instructor for lifelong learners exploring the incredible outdoor classroom of Glacier National Park.
Rob Quist is an artist, musician, and public figure. Known for his versatile talents, he is a celebrated singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, and vocalist. His connection to Montana is evident in the theme of his music. He draws inspiration from the state's rich landscapes and the experiences of its residents. His influence extends into Montana's cultural and political spheres. Quist's legacy is characterized by his commitment to preserving Montana's musical heritage and his contributions to the artistic and social tapestry of the region.
Lori Ortley, an enthusiast of Glacier National Park, was raised in Cedar Falls, Iowa, where she graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a B.S. in biology and a minor in earth science, certified to teach 7th through 12th grades. She taught at Flathead High School for 18 years before retiring in 2019. Her students participated in Glacier National Park’s Citizens Science program. After retiring from teaching in 2019, Lori transitioned to work as a field instructor with Road Scholar.
Activity Level
Outdoor: No Sweat
Hiking two miles daily over varied terrain. Possible optional hikes up to five miles some days. Some stairs; getting in/out of vans, bus, and water raft. Elevations of 3,153-7,200 feet.
Suggested Books and Resources
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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
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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

  • Peace of Mind

    We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

  • Assurance Plan

    Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

  • Want to Protect Your Investment?

    Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

  • Sustainable Travel

    We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.