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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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6 days
5 nights
13 meals
5B 4L 4D
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At a Glance

From our lodging inside Glacier National Park, explore different areas of the park daily and return to relax on cool summer evenings on spectacular Lake McDonald. Experience the grandeur of Glacier National Park — so named because its dramatic landscape was carved by glaciers eons ago. Encounter the wonder and splendor within this “Crown of the Continent” during daily field trips to the Lake McDonald Valley, Logan Pass and along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Field trips are enhanced by instructors, naturalists and other experts detailing the variety of life, mammoth lakes and serrated peaks in one of nature’s greatest works of art.
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.

What You'll Learn

  • 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 trip experts
Profile Image
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 this program.

Profile Image of Ellen Horowitz
Ellen Horowitz View biography
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.”
Profile Image of Ashley Mason
Ashley Mason View biography
Ashley started her career at the North Carolina School of the Art but transferred to Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina to receive her B.S. in Geology with a minor in field biology. Ashley then came to Montana to teach for the Glacier Institute and then completed graduate work at The University of Montana – Missoula in Environmental Studies. A veteran naturalist and conservation educator Ashley is a former Ranger Naturalist for Glacier National Park. In 2012 she was voted Audubon Educator of the year.
Profile Image of Dave Streeter
Dave Streeter View biography
Dave Streeter spent seven years traveling the world designing computer systems. Then he had a flat tire in Great Falls, Mont. Some 30 years later, he is still teaching at Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell and exploring Montana’s wilds at every opportunity. He has been a favorite Road Scholar instructor for 25 years, imparting his knowledge of bears, mountain goats, wolves, weather, flowers, glaciation, winter ecology, backcountry skiing and healthy hiking. Dave also performs with the “Grin & Bear it String Clan.”
Profile Image of Elise Van Valkenburg
Elise Van Valkenburg View biography
Elise grew up in Spokane, Washington and enjoyed camping and fishing with her family. It was not until college that Elise fell in love with the Rocky Mountains and began hiking and backpacking with her husband and their goldendoodles. She is currently a middle school science teacher in Bigfork, Montana and recently earned an MS in science education. When she is not teaching, you will find her exploring the trails of Glacier National Park, the Flathead National Forest and the Bob Marshall Wilderness!
Profile Image of Lynda Saul
Lynda Saul View biography
Lynda Saul received the National Wetlands Award for her career protecting and restoring Montana's wetlands and streams. Now retired, she's an avid bird watcher and citizen scientist in Glacier National Park and across Montana. Lynda loves sharing her fascination about nature with others. She spends winters seeking out new birds while volunteering in Latin America and East Africa. Lynda keeps active canoeing, hiking, and cross-country skiing, and has led numerous long-distance bicycle trips over the years. She has degrees in geology and forest hydrology.
Profile Image of Rob Quist
Rob Quist View biography
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.
Profile Image of Richard Moore
Richard Moore View biography
Rick Moore is a forester with a distinct interest in forest ecology, wild and prescribed fire effects, and plant identification. He has much experience in the Rocky Mountain West, having lived and practiced forestry in five different states. He has also hiked in many of the national parks and Forest Service wilderness areas, preferring those located in the higher elevations. Rick has degrees in forestry and outdoor recreation. His interests include hiking, rafting, fishing, exploring, and photography.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.





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