Montana
The Best of Glacier National Park
Program No. 21016RJ
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The Best of Glacier National Park
The Best of Glacier National Park
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Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Whitefish, MT
Program Concludes
Whitefish, MT
Meals
12 (
5B, 3L, 4D
)
Activity Level
From
3,599Immerse 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." Each day, venture into different realms of this natural masterpiece, from the tranquil shores of Lake McDonald 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.
General Notes
Participants split into smaller groups of about 10 for daily field trips and hikes.
Featured Expert
All 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 the program
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
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.”
Ashley Mason
Ashley Mason has spent over three decades as a naturalist, educator, and guide in Glacier National Park and Northwest Montana. She specializes in distilling the amazing geologic wonders of the area into captivating stories. She is a former ranger naturalist for Glacier National Park and has worked for many organizations, including The Glacier Institute, Swan Ecosystem Center, Flathead Audubon Society, Crown of the Continent Ecosystem Education Consortium, and Flathead Valley Community College. In 2012, she was voted Audubon Educator of the Year.
Denny Olson
Denny Olson is an award-winning naturalist and acclaimed author. He received an M.S. in zoology and geology from the University of Minnesota and has researched beavers, hares, and loons. Using Native American and personal stories as tools, he blends science, humor, and drama. Denny has experience leading hundreds of interpretive hikes, writing the nature and science sections for the park website and an 88-activity International Peace Park K-12 curriculum, leading Road Scholar trips for over a decade, and making presentations in 44 other national parks.
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.
Tanya Brist
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
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.
Chris Crane
Chris Crane began his outdoor education journey in North Carolina. He followed his passion to Montana, where he spent years exploring and teaching in and around Glacier National Park. By assisting in multiple research projects with bears and bull trout, he grew his understanding and respect for wild things and habitats. He spent the next 21 years as a Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Game Warden. He retired as a Sergeant in 2025, in which capacity he protected the wildlife, places, and people of Montana. His years of patrolling the outdoor spaces of Montana enables Chris to bring a game warden’s experience, a tracker’s eye, a naturalist’s curiosity and a deep respect for Glacier’s rugged beauty to every hike.
Activity Level
Outdoor: No Sweat
Hiking up to 2 miles per day at a moderate pace of 2 mph over paved trails, boardwalks, and maintained dirt trails that may be rocky and uneven. Program will require approximately 8 miles of walking over 4 days; opportunities for longer hikes available on some days. Elevations between 3,000 feet and 7,200 feet. Must be able to climb steps, sometimes steep, in order to navigate field trip sites; elevators not available at all accommodations. Travel requires boarding and disembarking the motorcoach several times a day and unavoidable use of stairs. Due to pacing, terrain and limited elevator availability, this program is not suitable for wheelchairs, scooters, or canes. Must be physically capable of participating in all planned program activities.
Suggested Books and Resources
View Full List
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
Helpful Links
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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.
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