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Montana

Trailside Glacier: Hiking in Glacier National Park

Program No. 4863RJ
Experience Glacier National Park on expert-led hikes, traverse the historic Going-to-the-Sun Road and explore the stunning valleys of Many Glacier and Two Medicine!

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At a Glance

Glacier National Park is a hiker’s paradise, with over 1 million acres of unspoiled wilderness and over 700 miles of hiking trails. Immerse yourself in the silent grandeur of the mountains as you hike spectacular trails amid soaring peaks, verdant forests, mountain meadows and turquoise lakes. Discover a wealth of natural beauty around every turn of the trail.
Activity Level
Varies by date
Varies by date. OUTDOOR SPIRITED Dates: Hiking 5-8 miles daily on rocky terrain at elevations of 3,000-7,200 feet. OUTDOOR CHALLENGING Dates: Hiking up to 7-12 miles daily on rocky terrain at elevations of 3,000-7,800 feet.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Enjoy expert-led hikes on some of the most inspiring trails in Glacier National Park, where breathtaking vistas, pristine lakes and wildlife abound.
  • Travel the historic Going-to-the-Sun Road — a National Historic Landmark — for spectacular views of rugged peaks, vast canyons and idyllic waterfalls.
  • Develop a deeper understanding of this intact and wild ecosystem with trailside lessons as local flora and fauna are encountered, and learn about the geological forces that carved this magnificent landscape thousands of years ago.

General Notes

This program will be split into small 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 Megan Chaisson
Megan Chaisson View biography
Megan Chaisson hails from in Concord, Massachusetts and developed a passion for nature early on. After attending Tufts University, she left New England to explore the Rocky Mountains at Glacier National Park in Montana. Enchanted by the free great spaces, she worked as a Park Ranger with Glacier National Park and Flathead National Forest for the next ten years. After leading hikes, snowshoeing, boat trips and youth field trips, Megan is now a 7th grade Life Science teacher in Whitefish, Montana.
Profile Image of 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.
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