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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Participant Reviews
Based on 76 Reviews
SHOWING
Glacier National Park is touted as the best of all of the national parks. While certainly lovely and interesting, we have been to a number of parks we enjoyed more, Yosemite and the Canadian Rockies for example. But perhaps we are suckers for water falls and snow capped mountains. Neither were very evident at Glacier in August.
On the other hand, The history of the Going to the Sun Road as well as traveling it were certainly well worth doing. The best part of the trip, however, was the talk on the next to last day on the history of native Americans since the coming of Europeans. It was perhaps the best presentation we've seen on Road Scholar trips (We have attended 11 trips before this.) The speaker herself was native American and she presented her material in a very even handed manner. For instance, when talking about the Indian schools and the harm done to many children and families, she also mentioned that these schools, while run by Catholic clergy, were not living according to Christian ideals.
The second thing that made this a less satisfying trip was that it was not labeled properly by Road Scholar. It was listed as a two in difficulty while it really should have been listed as a three. It is true that there were accommodations for the less physically able, but we were not able to see the highlights of the trip. Furthermore there were three days of serious hiking on steep trails (to be expected in mountains) but so covered in boulders and rocks that the novice has to constantly look at the path instead of the scenery. That, of course, can not be fixed. But people should be warned about the rigor and amount of difficult hiking. And encouraged to have proper gear, i.e. serious hiking boots, light weight back packs, and walking sticks.
4 stars
— Review left October 8, 2025
Traveling with Road Scholar was like traveling with good friends! The pace was great, the sights were amazing, the conversations were engaging and the leadership exceptional!
— Review left October 1, 2025
This program was wonderful in every way, and you can get to Glacier National Park on Amtrak! With Road Scholar you meet people from all over, and the park is a wilderness jewel. The combination of train, Glacier, and Road Scholar was a great way to see America and get to know it better!
— Review left September 14, 2025
This trip is a great opportunity to hike the Going-To-The-Sun Road. The Avalanche Trail and Trail of the Cedars is beautiful. Hiking to Hidden Lake is a nice uphill climb as well as the lakes in Many Glacier. It is not strenuous at all but an easy way to see the area with knowledgeable guides. The food at the Lodge is very good but the accommodations are simple, but that is to be expected. They are adequate. It was an enjoyable trip.
— Review left September 13, 2025
This was a once in a lifetime experience that all should enjoy. The Park is crowded and having guides, drivers and leaders with a plan for moving and parking made it possible to experience fully. The parking for individuals is almost impossible and at some point individual vehicles will be banned or very limited. Go with Road Scholar as a favor to yourself and family. The take care of everything!
— Review left September 8, 2025
We really enjoyed this program. We made new friends, had great instructors and the beauty of Glacier National Park is stunning. We highly recommend this program.
— Review left September 6, 2025
The scenery along the Glacier National Park trails was beautiful. We went the last week of August. The park was busy but not crowded. I was glad I didn't have to drive or find parking.
— Review left September 5, 2025
Loved it! It is an amazing park!
— Review left September 4, 2025
We had a relaxing time enjoying Glacier National Park while our guides and educators worked behind the scenes to make everything go smoothly. No worries--just enjoyment!
— Review left August 27, 2025
Just came back from a Road Scholar trip to Glacier National Park. It was breathtaking scenery and terrific in every way! Go ther!
— Review left August 19, 2025
If you like unbelievable scenery that includes mountains,animals and most of all hiking, this program is for you. Come to this beautiful place at least once in your lifetime. You won’t regret it!
— Review left August 17, 2025
Glacier National Park is an incredible place to experience and explore. The variety of plants, trees, wildlife, geological features-and the amazing, all-encompassing feeling of peace-all together with the knowledgeable and experienced leaders and guides, make this trip truly remarkable and enjoyable
— Review left August 11, 2025
The Best of Glacier program is just outstanding! You will enjoy the park at your pace, with others at similar physical ability levels. Wonderful vistas with fabulous instructors. Leila made the whole visit fantastic. Can't wait for the next trip!
— Review left August 11, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this very first Road Scholar trip; it was an exceptional way to experience Glacier National Park! The hikes were incredible, the raft trip was lots of fun and the educational programs were interesting and entertaining. The accommodations were basic but the luxury of the location inside the park was so beneficial. The meal plan was outstanding, it included breakfast each morning, a delicious bag lunch to enjoy on the hikes and dinners at the Lake McDonald Lodge were excellent! Our leader, Rick, did a fabulous job, as well as the shuttle drivers and trainees. I felt we were able to see many aspects of Glacier National Park and enjoyed the program very much. I plan to visit more of our National Parks with Road Scholar Programs.
— Review left August 9, 2025
Glacier is not to be missed and the Road Scholar team of guides, led by the charming and able Deb Burfeind gave us a run for our money. We saw and learned so very much and did so with a great group of Road Scholars. There was nothing we did that I would want to miss. Truly a full picture of the park and a tribute to Road Scholars. However, at the end of many of the events, I felt too rushed. This was almost always true of the hikes. But as I said, I would not have wanted to miss anything. My suggestion is one of re-arrangement of events and not to drop any event or to add hours to our days. For example, the first night was rather a non starter that would have been enhanced with the addition of the excellent talk on the plants and animals and gealogy of the park. Similarly, the delightful Native American singer and story teller would have been perfect entertainment for our Discovery Center dinner.
That said, bravo for a great trip, but please allow us time on hikes to see birds or take more photos or to go a bit more slowly. We like to savor the beauty of the places we visit probably only once in our life times a bit more!!
Thank you, Wilda Campbell
— Review left August 8, 2025
Beautiful park. Our guide Karen was wonderful and very knowledgeable. Rick the leader needs more training. His organization skills need fine turning. I understand having to change things because of conditions but I feel he should have met with his guides and made decisions before meeting with the group. The dining room was lovely but I felt it didn't give us the opportunity to sit with others from the group. Lunch was to much bread and random chips? All the drivers were wonderful as were the trainees.
— Review left August 6, 2025
Great experience! Very knowledgeable guides and well run trip.
— Review left August 4, 2025
Glacier NP is a national treasure and I'm so glad Road Scholar runs tours here! I was uncomfortable hiking alone in grizzly country, but was very comfortable with tour guides that had bear spray!
— Review left August 2, 2025
I would recommend this program to anyone interested in visiting Glacier NP. Having Road Scholar make all the lodging, meal, and transportation arrangements meant we could focus on learning and enjoying the park and all it has to offer. The group leader accommodated all attendees by always offering a mild, moderate, and motivated trail hike. We were exposed to many ecosystems within the park, including a boat ride on Lake McDonald and a rafting trip. Staying at Motel McDonald meant we were conveniently located and could enjoy the surroundings during our 'free time'. As with all Road Scholar programs, presentations about the park were given throughout the week. The presentation on native peoples was especially interesting and enjoyable. I would also recommend taking advantage of the fact that Glacier NP is a 'dark sky' park. My husband and I went down to the dock at night (2am) a few times where we were able to view the Milky Way as well as other astronomical features. The meals were satisfying; and although the motel is old, we found it to be comfortable enough. Although cell service is generally not available inside the park, we were pleasantly surprised to have WiFi at the motel.
— Review left July 27, 2025
Great trip! Lots of options for great hikes. River rafting was fun. Good food. Friendly staff. The only issue that I had was the confusion about hike options. It would be nice to have the options in writing ahead of time so that people really knew what their choices were. The geology lecture was aimed at middle schoolers (as she was an eighth grade teacher), so I would change that speaker. The other lectures were excellent. Overall it was a wonderful trip. We saw and did a lot in a short period of time.
— Review left July 17, 2025
Being a participant in a Road Scholar program was not only educational and fun, but easy. Planning a trip to Glacier NP, or any other NP, can take hours and can be frustrating.
— Review left July 15, 2025
Great overall program with spectacular scenery.
I would have preferred more hikes and/or hiking choices, instead of the guitar playing.
— Review left July 15, 2025
Great trip, enjoyed all the hikes and the lectures were excellent.
— Review left October 18, 2024
Glacier National Park is difficult to do on your own due to vehicle permitting, limited parking and services. RS eliminated all the hassle and made it a relaxing exploration of a beautiful part of our world. Accommodations were basic but totally adequate for our needs. Highly recommended as an easy way to explore the park.
— Review left September 14, 2024
Glacier NP is a wonderful place! Pay attention to the trip description, accommodations & dining so you aren't surprised. This RS trip was very different than the other 6 we've taken in that we rode in passenger vans & ate very few meals together. One had to make a big effort to make new friends with this format. I probably won't choose this format for another RS trip. I enjoyed the bus trips more. But seeing Glacier's beauty was worth it!
— Review left September 9, 2024
Visiting Glacier National Park through ROAD SCHOLAR was excellent. Everything was well planned and well executed. We saw all the best places, hiked everywhere according to our own ability and were treated to instructional classes and entertainement that were fabulous. Keep up the good work!.
— Review left August 31, 2024
The Road Scholar program The Best of Glacier National Park is truly what it says. THE BEST OF GLACIER NATIONAL PARK! From the hikes to the boat rides and lectures, it was extremely diverse, presenting all the unique areas of the Park.
— Review left August 29, 2024
Glacier National Park is one of America's greatest treasures. This program taught me so much about its geology, wildlife and fantastic scenery. I recommend it for anyone wanting to enjoy and learn about the park.
— Review left August 5, 2024
Road Scholar's "Best of Glacier National Park" trip made it easy to explore the park. It is a huge and magnificent place and I would not have known where to begin. Great hikes, breathtaking scenery, animals galore and great food. Thanks for a fun, educational and active trip!
— Review left August 4, 2024
The scenery is spectacular, of course. I was looking forward to the hikes, but we were hiking in temps in the 90's - it was horrible. Certainly not what I expected in the mountains, even in July.
This is our 16th trip with RS and I felt the education provided was low compared to others. There was enough time in the schedule for a lecture or two: one on geology and one on biology, perhaps, but this wasn't done. There were several leaders, the idea being that one would do a hike with a different leader each day, each leader sharing their particular knowledge, but I don't think that worked very well.
The hotel was okay. There were only 2 restaurants in the area, with very few choices (but RS does warn this area is a food desert). Although the food was good enough, and all but 1 meal is included, it got to the point that I just wanted to go to the Camp store and get a packed sandwich.
The advantages of RS were, as usual, having the transportation and facilities handled by them, frequent bathroom breaks and meeting nice people. There was an unneeded confusion in getting the hikes organized (and not because hikes had to be changed due to snow still on some trails). Be aware the transport to and from the park costs almost $400 for 2 of us.
Glacier is so unique that even with the trip's faults, I'm glad I went. However, as a "flat lander", my advice is to get "cancel for any reason" insurance and check the weather before you go. Yes, it was not humid, but the sun is very intense at that elevation. While many of the hikes did not have very much elevation change, the elevation in itself was a challenge. (If you're used to such conditions, of course) disregard this.
— Review left July 15, 2024
An amazing opportunity to experience one of America's gifts
— Review left October 2, 2023
Glacier is a beautiful place to be. I enjoyed every minute of it with well studied guides and the best leader, and, of course wonderful people.
— Review left September 27, 2023
This was an awesome trip. The hikes were just right and the leaders were so informational and there was time to really "smell the roses. Thank you so much for all you do.
— Review left September 5, 2023
The Road Scholar program is a great way to see places that are incredible and to have leaders who know the area and can give history of the other as well as some information such as out of the way places to see that someone may not know about if not from the area. It is also a great place to meet people who also love the parks, nature and the out of doors.
— Review left September 1, 2023
It was a fabulous way to see a national park such as Glacier, sharing in its beauty, learning its geology and biological elements, and doing so with like-minded interesting and fun people.
— Review left August 30, 2023
I had a fabulous time on this trip! The hikes were beautiful, the guides were informative, interesting, and most of all, fun!! I made new friends from all over the country, and intend to keep in touch and perhaps travel together again. I can’t recommend this experience enough — you will LOVE IT!!
— Review left August 28, 2023
I highly recommend Road Scholar's The Best of Glacier National Park tour!!! The daily hikes take you to places in the park that you would otherwise miss. You are given a choice each day as to which level of hike you feel most comfortable taking. You'll learn a lot, make new friends and be inspired by the group leaders as well as the other members of your group. We ended our week with a relaxing raft ride down the Flathead River and a fabulous barbeque dinner. What a perfect way to end a perfect week in Glacier.
— Review left August 27, 2023
Glacier Nat Park is full of wonders and I'm glad we were able experience it. Our guides were knowledgeable and friendly as we hiked the trails. The hotel & food were good. A very memorable program.
— Review left August 23, 2023
This is the very definition of active learning, and oh, those mountain views!
— Review left August 20, 2023
So far, my favorite (only the 2nd) road scholar trip. The group members were very congenial, the hikes were beautiful and the organization made dealing with the road construction, park reservation system and overcrowded parking lots a breeze for us participants. Those who had more difficulty on the hikes were accommodated and I think had a great experience also. May do this program again!
— Review left August 13, 2023
What a terrific group!
— Review left August 9, 2023
Glacier National Park is one of the natural gems of our country. It's clearly in the same class as Yellowstone, Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and the other great national parks of the West. If you haven't seen it yet, this program is a great way to experience it.
— Review left July 25, 2023
This was a great trip. The weather was amazing. I learned new things. Our leader, Al Koss, was phenomenal. Glacier National Park is beautiful.
— Review left July 23, 2023
Pros: I loved the itinerary. Great hikes, beautiful scenery. Lynda Saul was the best hike guide and her geology background really added to the trip. The Quist Brothers (Jon & Rob) were very knowledgeable about Montana, the park and really made the bus rides up interesting. Rob Quist is a Montana music legend and performed aat one of seminars - it was a treat! Float down the river was great! I also loved the guide (Erik) for the Scenic Boat tour on Lake McDonald - very knowledgeable. On free day, we rented a double kayak for an hour on the Lake.
Cons: It was hard to get information about transportation arrangements..finally found out the best way to reach the transportation providers was to text them. I used Big Mountain (Andrew) in Kalispell to Glacier, and then used Venture Shuttle (Cathy) from Whitefish airport for a side trip. It was really inconvenient that RS didn't have anyone to help answer questions about the local options, but Andrew from Big Mountain really helped answer questions on transportation options and possible lodging. Since we were so close to Blackfoot Homeland, it would have been nice to have a presentation or interaction.
Although the itinerary is described as "No Sweat" there were options for more active hikes...however, it would have been helpful to get written descriptions of the trail and conditions so participants could more easily gauge their hike options....so ask LOTS of questions about the trail conditions. I don't know if the walkie talkies had sufficient reception, but it would have been helpful if guides would have communicated when wildlife was spotted so the whole group could have been able to view.
Things I wished I had packed - insect repellent. a rain jacket, and possibly binoculars.
— Review left July 17, 2023
This was my first experience with Road Scholar. Wow. Now I am a strong
Fan. The program was a wonderful combination of hiking and enjoying
the magnificent beauty of Glacier National Park. I learned so much
from the well trained staff and enjoyed making new friends who shared
my love of the outdoors and the need to take care of our environment.
I will be doing my Road Scholar programs in the future!
— Review left July 16, 2023
This program was very enjoyable and we learned a lot from the instructors and leaders. It was a great way to experience Glacier National Park without having to deal with the hassles of transportation and lodging and meals. We would highly recommend.
— Review left September 25, 2022
We participated in the Best of Glacier tour August, 2022. The tour was everything I had hoped it would be. The best part of the tour was the Road Scholar tour leaders and the tour participants who were in our group. I have never been on a tour and enjoyed the participants as much as we did on this tour. We were treated to a stay at the historic lodgings in the national park. Each day the tour group divided themselves into levels of activity with our own knowledgeable guide so that everybody's activity level was suited to their capabilities. Even in August the temperatures were delightful. I would highly recommend Road Scholar and their trip to Glacier.
— Review left September 19, 2022
I loved Glacier National Park. It is pristine and spacious. The Lake MacDonald Motel was a bit less than I expected on a trip of this price.
I wish I had bought the plane and taxi to and from from Road Scholar. Was it available?
The day guides were very helpful. We had way too much free time with nowhere to go. Saw a moose, few birds and two deer.
— Review left September 13, 2022
If you want to hike with outstanding and knowledgeable guides, this is the program for you. They had experience above and beyond what was needed. A real treat.
— Review left September 11, 2022
The leaders did a nice job of offering different levels of difficulty in hikes so I could choose among them. I started out easy and eventually choose a more challenging hike that I enjoyed. Those with mobility challenges were accommodated.
— Review left August 29, 2022
A wonderful chance to visit different parts of Glacier National Park, learning about the history, geology, and ecosystems of this region. I enjoyed hiking with other participants, who were friendly, inquisitive, and fun.
— Review left August 28, 2022
Glacier is such a fabulous place to get immersed in Nature. The hikes are geared to your ability and the presentation and float trips add to the experience.
— Review left August 21, 2022
Plan well how to get to Glacier Park as the taxis are expensive. Roadscholar does not get you into the Park.
— Review left August 14, 2022
This was a stunning week of Glacier exploration led by masterful Josh. He and the other trail guides were helpful, knowledgable, and personable. Each day was a different hike and you could easily choose one that fit your interest and capability. We were so lucky to be there the week that the Road-to-the-Sun to Logan Pass opened! What spectacular vistas! Lake McDonald Motel was fine as it gave you the opportunity to stay inside the park but not at those outrageous lodge rates. It was convenient to be in the same lodging for the entire week. All meals were at the historic Lodge nearby. Guest speakers, naturalists, even a folk singer made this trip memorable. The closing night dinner came after river rafting, and our river guides then prepared a sumptuous cookout. We really recommend this Best of Glacier National Park. It’s quite a contrast to us Floridians!! Traveling in July was perfect as the roads were opened and the waterfalls were flowing. Coming this distance, we also stayed for the back-to-back Road Scholar week, Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks, another glorious week of hiking and exploration. —Ben and Joyce Wiley/Florida
— Review left August 4, 2022
I give a “holler” to Road Scholar! If someone has desire & discipline to get up & stay on an activity schedule, this program answers the call. We had to be ready to leave by 8 AM each morning to leave for our hikes. That is the reason for discipline. And we were all there! Wonderful adventures!
— Review left July 31, 2022
I give this program 5 stars. The itinerary was well planned and easily executed by our leader. All aspects of the itinerary were fun and the lectures were amazing. To prepare for this trip we read the Trip Advisor reviews for the Motel Lake McDonald. So we came prepared for this primitive motel by bringing our own electric kettle to make instant coffee in our room before the Lodge Dining room opened for breakfast, and we brought a 3 prong adapter for the existing 2 prong electric outlets in the room. There are only 2 electric outlets, so consider bringing a power strip if 2 are not enough for your needs. Being prepared for the Motel's limitations we then enjoyed the experience. Note to Vegetarians - the box lunch cheese sandwich was tasty, but the Lodge provided no dinner vegetarian entree. The Lodge provided 4 meat entrees at every dinner buffet, but never provided a vegetarian entree. You will also want to pre-book your airport transportation to AND from the Motel lake McDonald. There are few options, and because there is no cell service in Glacier Park, you can't arrange your transportation last minute. Have this booked and confirmed before you leave home. Then relax and enjoy this amazing Road Scholar experience.
— Review left July 24, 2022
Glacier National Park is a must see for everyone, especially before all the glaciers are gone!. Going with Road Scholar and learning about the mountains and glaciers, the flora and fauna, and making new friendships, enhanced the experience.
— Review left July 17, 2022
Great way to learn.
— Review left July 17, 2022
The trip was wonderful. The guides were excellent, very informative. Such a beautiful place to visit and so much to see.
— Review left February 17, 2022
Kudos to RS for pulling this off while COVID continued to be a challenge. Very well organized, excellent coordinator and field instructors. We liked the division of the group into 4 self-selected smaller groups for the three days of field trips and hiking - something for every ability. There is no way we could have enjoyed the spectacular views in the park or the knowledge imparted on the hikes if we were traveling on our own. Unfortunately COVID protocol prevented any communal breakfasts and dinners, but walk-up window service at nearby lodge worked well, food was very good and plentiful, and fine weather cooperated for seat wall or picnic table dining. One other challenge is the cost of transportation from airport to the Motel McDonald RS site in the park, a short drive at a pretty high cost. We have been on 4 RS national park trips, thoroughly enjoying all, and this was the best organized and staffed program that we have been on. Very talented and friendly leaders from beginning to end.
— Review left October 5, 2021
I appreciated the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular scenery and geology, view native plants and wildlife, take hikes tailored to my interests and ability, and learn from excellent leaders and teachers in beautiful Glacier National Park without having to worry about parking at crowded sites and the challenges of the national parks reservation system. I had a wonderful time and made many happy memories.
— Review left September 17, 2021
Link up with a Road Scholar trip of your choosing now. It will inspire, expand and enrich your life in many wonderful ways. Don't wait. Life is short and these trips are sweet.
— Review left September 15, 2021
Take one look into Road Scholar online, and a life-enriching experience awaits you!
— Review left September 13, 2021
Glacier National Park is a spectacularly beautiful place, and even though there are millions of visitors each year one can experience the ruggedness of the terrain just visitors did when Glacier became a national park over 100 years ago. As usual Road Scholar does a terrific job introducing it to visitors through local leaders and staff who are both knowledgeable and welcoming.
— Review left September 12, 2021
Glacier was my first Road Scholar trip and it was amazing all the way around!!
I will definitely book other Road Scholar tours but this may remain my favorite. It is certainly a trip to put on your list!
Julie from Kansas
— Review left August 31, 2021
This program of beautiful scenery, exciting hikes and fun activities was just what I needed! Kudos to all the leaders and educators along with fellow participants who made this a very memorable trip.
— Review left August 29, 2021
My husband and I are so happy that we chose Best of Glacier National Park. Our leader and instructors were very knowledgeable and definitely added to the experience. It was perfect to get a description of the hike each day, allowing us to chose what level of difficulty was right for us.
— Review left August 27, 2021
The host guide offers suggestions of the type hike each guide will offer. You decide which one suits your physical abilities best. In the mean time, I suggest getting a good pair of hiking boots, and practice gentle hikes, and work your way to a level where you are most comfortable before the trip.Cannot stress enough:layers,layers,layers.
— Review left August 22, 2021
I loved this program on Glacier National Park. Great leaders, good weather and good fellow travelers. Staying in one of the historic properties made it special. I would recommend this program highly.
— Review left August 6, 2021
A great program for hiking through areas of Glacier National Park. Nice variety of difficulty in hikes. Phenomenal scenery and wildlife. And importantly, you don't have to drive or deal with parking issues.
— Review left July 31, 2021
Accommodations were primitive. No AC. Over 100 degrees in room when retiring for the night. Had to wait in line sometimes for over an hour just to order food. Way over priced for essentially 4 days of hiking and sightseeing. $2500 breaks down to $625 a day, not counting air fare and $215 for round trip shuttle.
Josh and other guides were entertaining.
— Review left July 29, 2021
This was my first Road Scholar program and I will definitely be back. The program was just the right mix of education and activity in a place that was on my bucket list. I felt that RS did a great job of living up to the program name of the "best of Glacier". Well done Road Scholar
— Review left July 28, 2021
Beautiful scenery, excellent guides, balanced and varied activities, meeting new people and interesting lectures make for a perfect visit to a national park. So nice not to have to worry about the details - just experience and enjoy. Glacier National Park has so much to offer.
— Review left July 20, 2021
Great program in one of most scenic National Parks.
— Review left September 18, 2019
So many places to see and limited time, but make this trip a priority...if nothing else, to witness the existence of the glaciers which are fast disappearing. The pace was great with a nice mix between hiking in the field and educational presentations - though, honestly, you will learn just as much/more in the field. With familiarity of GNP from this trip, one can return to explore more on their own or through another Road Scholar trip.
— Review left September 7, 2019
This is a wonderful program with good, knowledgeable staff, outstanding scenery and activities, and lots of opportunities to learn about Montana now and in the future.
— Review left July 15, 2019