The Best of Glacier National Park

Activity note: Motel check-in from 4:00 p.m. Walking 300 yards to/from dining and meeting room facilities.

Afternoon: When you check in and get your room assignment, collect your Road Scholar welcome packet with the up-to-date schedule and other important information. Program Orientation 3:30 p.m. in the auditorium at Lake McDonald Lodge. Here we will meet the Group Leader and complete any necessary paperwork. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will ride in 15-passenger vans to trailheads for field trips. Trail selections will be made by Group Leaders each day based on weather, trail conditions, and group ability. Each day, hikers will have a choice between hikes of different levels of difficulty. We will break into hiking groups based on preference and ability. Groups will be led by local experts who will share their knowledge along the trail. Bring a reusable, one-liter, leak-proof water bottle. Restrooms available at most trailheads. “America the Beautiful” passes cover entrance fees at national parks for up to 4 adults. If you have one of these national park passes, please bring it with you to the program and on field trips. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: At a restaurant in walking distance of the motel.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

Activity note: Getting in/out of vans; driving about 6 miles, approximately 20 minutes each way. Hiking 2 to 5 miles; maintained dirt trails that may be rocky and uneven. Starting elevation approximately 3,200 feet, maximum elevation 4,000 feet. Bring reusable, one-liter, leak-proof water bottle. Restroom facilities available at most trail heads.

Breakfast: At a restaurant in walking distance of the motel.

Morning: Get ready for a full day packed with learning. We will be traveling in 15 passenger vans to the trailhead. We'll have a choice between hikes of different levels of difficulty, and break into groups based on preference and ability. Restroom facilities available at most trail heads. We’ll begin our exploration of Glacier National Park with an expert-led hike on the Trail of the Cedars, Avalanche Lake Trail, or McDonald Creek Trail. Each group will be led by a local expert who will share their knowledge of Glacier along the trail. As we hike, we will learn about the flora, fauna, and geology that characterize this unique ecosystem west of the continental divide. Trail of the Cedars follows Avalanche Creek as it winds through old-growth stands of towering western red cedar, western hemlock, and black cottonwood. Along the way, we’ll pass a narrow gorge carved by the tumbling glacial waters of Avalanche Creek. Avalanche Lake Trail continues along the rim of the gorge and ends at an idyllic subalpine lake rimmed with waterfalls. McDonald Creek Trail wanders through a mixed woodland of western hemlock, western larch, and Douglas fir, leading on a path to McDonald Creek’s turquoise waters and churning waterfalls.

Lunch: On the trail, we’ll have sack lunches.

Afternoon: We will continue our expert-led hikes through the beautiful Lake McDonald Valley. Returning to the motel, we’ll gather in the auditorium for an introduction to captivating Glacier National Park presented by a local expert. We’ll walk a short distance to the boat dock for a study cruise around Lake McDonald aboard a historic wooden boat. The boat captain will provide commentary that will help orient us to the terrain and history of the park.

Dinner: At a restaurant in walking distance of the motel.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Getting in/out of vans; driving about 22 miles, approximately 1 hour each way. Hiking 2 to 4 miles; maintained dirt trails that may be rocky and uneven, boardwalks with steep and deep stairs. Trailhead elevation is approximately 6,700 feet, hiking to maximum elevation 7,200 feet. Bring reusable, one liter, leak-proof water bottle. Restroom facilities available at most trail heads.

Breakfast: At a restaurant in walking distance of the motel.

Morning: We will ride along the spectacular western portion of the Going-to-the-Sun Road to Logan Pass. At 6,646 feet, Logan Pass is the highest point along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, and it sits on the Continental Divide. During our instructor-led hikes, we will explore the fascinating alpine ecosystem. We will learn about the hearty plants and animals that live here and the adaptations that help them thrive in this unforgiving environment.

Lunch: On the trail, we’ll have sack lunches.

Afternoon: We’ll keep an eye out for wildlife and wildflowers as we continue our expert-led hikes. Then we’ll return to the motel and say goodbye to our field instructors.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Activity note: Getting in/out of vans; driving about 60 miles, approximately 2 hours each way. Hiking 2 to 4 miles; maintained dirt trails that may be rocky and uneven. Starting elevation approximately 4,900 feet, maximum hiking elevation 5,200 feet; maximum driving elevation 6,700 feet.

Breakfast: At a restaurant in walking distance of the motel.

Morning: Another full day of exploration and discovery awaits. We’ll set out for the east side of Glacier National Park via the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, the only road that bisects the park. The 51-mile, narrow, winding road is built into the sides of sheer mountain cliffs and was carefully designed to complement the natural landscape. The Going-to-the-Sun Road showcases some of the most spectacular scenery in Glacier National Park, including panoramic views of rugged peaks, glacial lakes, and flower filled meadows. The road was completed in 1933 and is a National Historic Landmark. As we ride, we’ll learn more about the history of the road and the surrounding landscape. A choice of hikes will be offered and we'll break into groups based on preference and ability. Instructor-led interpretive hikes will be on beautiful trails that explore the ecosystems found east of the Continental Divide. We will arrive at Many Glacier and continue our exploration.

Lunch: On the trail, we’ll have sack lunches.

Afternoon: We’ll continue our exploration at Many Glacier with hikes led by expert field instructors. As we observe evidence of historic glaciation and recent wildfires, we’ll gain an understanding of how these forces of nature shape the ecosystem. We’ll return to the motel with some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

Dinner: At a restaurant in walking distance of the motel.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; on/off inflatable rafts, approximately 2 to 3 hours with opportunities to get out and stretch your legs, and paddle (elective). Life jackets, water shoes, and wet suits (optional) provided. Restroom facilities available at raft company. For evening, bring jacket or extra layer as it may be cool.

Breakfast: At a restaurant in walking distance of the motel.

Morning: We’ll be joined by a local expert this morning to learn about the native peoples of Glacier National Park. We'll have a little bit of free time before lunch to explore the historic and beautiful Lake McDonald Lodge. Go for a swim, go on a short hike, or relax with a delicious beverage in the gorgeous main hall of the lodge.

Lunch: At a restaurant within walking distance of the motel.

Afternoon: We’ll be joined by a local expert for a presentation on more of the fascinating natural history of Glacier. We’ll then set out on a scenic, interpretive float trip down the Middle Fork of the Flathead River aboard inflatable rafts. Each raft will be led by a certified guide. As we float along the southern border of Glacier National Park, we will have a unique perspective on the landscape. We’ll gain an appreciation for the river’s “Wild and Scenic Waterway” designation and learn why this pristine river is such an important part of the ecosystem. We’ll also learn where the water comes from and where it is headed. Along the way, keep watch for wildlife that may be present along the shoreline.

Dinner: Immediately following the float trip, we’ll have a special outdoor barbecue. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: We’ll return to the motel via shuttle. The remainder of the evening is at leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure after breakfast in the morning.

Activity note: Hotel check-out 11:00 a.m.

Breakfast: At a restaurant in walking distance of the motel.

Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!