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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 Many Glacier Valley!

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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.

What You'll Learn

  • 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 trail-side 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
Denny Olson
Denny Olson holds a master’s degree and was trained as a biologist and geologist, but his approach to illuminating nature with humor is better illustrated by one of his less formal titles: Professor Avian Guano. Denny is a published author, an educator with more than 30 years’ experience, and a master performer inspired by Native American storytelling traditions. He enjoys sharing his intimate knowledge of, and love for, Glacier National Park.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Denny Olson
Denny Olson View biography
Denny Olson holds a master’s degree and was trained as a biologist and geologist, but his approach to illuminating nature with humor is better illustrated by one of his less formal titles: Professor Avian Guano. Denny is a published author, an educator with more than 30 years’ experience, and a master performer inspired by Native American storytelling traditions. He enjoys sharing his intimate knowledge of, and love for, Glacier National Park.
Profile Image of Dan'l Moore
Dan'l Moore View biography
Dan’l Moore is a true renaissance man. For many years, he worked with the U.S. Forest Service, utilizing his degree in wildlife resources. He then followed his passion for blacksmithing and has been the proprietor of Coon Hollow Forge since 1990, where he teaches and demonstrates the craft. Dan’l is a gifted musician and member of several local ensembles, as well as an avid hiker and patrol representative of Flathead Nordic Ski Patrol. He has led explorations in Glacier National Park for nearly 10 years.
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.
Meals
17 Meals
6 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
6 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Aug 10, 2024 - Aug 16, 2024
  • Aug 10, 2024 - Aug 16, 2024
  • Jul 13, 2024 - Jul 19, 2024
  • Jul 20, 2024 - Jul 26, 2024
  • Aug 03, 2024 - Aug 09, 2024
  • Aug 10, 2024 - Aug 16, 2024
  • Aug 17, 2024 - Aug 23, 2024
  • Aug 24, 2024 - Aug 30, 2024
  • Aug 31, 2024 - Sep 06, 2024
  • Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 18, 2025
  • Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025
  • Jul 26, 2025 - Aug 01, 2025
  • Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025
  • Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 15, 2025
  • Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025
  • Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025
  • Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 05, 2025
3 nights
Kalispell
This central and comfortable hotel welcomes guests with a friendly and helpful staff. It is conveniently located in the heart of the Flathead Valley, in historic downtown Kalispell. Glacier International Airport (FCA) is 10 miles away and Glacier National Park is 35 miles away. Centrally located, Red Lion Hotel is close to Walgreens, and local grocery stores and coffee shops.
3 nights
Babb
Swiftcurrent Motor Inn is located at the end of the road in the Many Glacier Valley. The location of the Motor Inn is highly valued by those who love hiking as several inspiring trails begin just steps from the front door. Wildlife such as moose and bear is often spotted nearby. The Motor Inn is made up of three single level motel-style buildings which were constructed between 1935 and 1957.
3 nights
Kalispell
This central and comfortable hotel welcomes guests with a friendly and helpful staff. It is conveniently located in the heart of the Flathead Valley, in historic downtown Kalispell. Glacier International Airport (FCA) is 10 miles away and Glacier National Park is 35 miles away. Centrally located, Red Lion Hotel is close to Walgreens, and local grocery stores and coffee shops.
3 nights
Babb
Swiftcurrent Motor Inn is located at the end of the road in the Many Glacier Valley. The location of the Motor Inn is highly valued by those who love hiking as several inspiring trails begin just steps from the front door. Wildlife such as moose and bear is often spotted nearby. The Motor Inn is made up of three single level motel-style buildings which were constructed between 1935 and 1957.
3 nights
Kalispell
This central and comfortable hotel welcomes guests with a friendly and helpful staff. It is conveniently located in the heart of the Flathead Valley, in historic downtown Kalispell. Glacier International Airport (FCA) is 10 miles away and Glacier National Park is 35 miles away. Centrally located, Red Lion Hotel is close to Walgreens, and local grocery stores and coffee shops.
3 nights
Babb
Swiftcurrent Motor Inn is located at the end of the road in the Many Glacier Valley. The location of the Motor Inn is highly valued by those who love hiking as several inspiring trails begin just steps from the front door. Wildlife such as moose and bear is often spotted nearby. The Motor Inn is made up of three single level motel-style buildings which were constructed between 1935 and 1957.
3 nights
Kalispell
This central and comfortable hotel welcomes guests with a friendly and helpful staff. It is conveniently located in the heart of the Flathead Valley, in historic downtown Kalispell. Glacier International Airport (FCA) is 10 miles away and Glacier National Park is 35 miles away. Centrally located, Red Lion Hotel is close to Walgreens, and local grocery stores and coffee shops.
3 nights
Babb
Swiftcurrent Motor Inn is located at the end of the road in the Many Glacier Valley. The location of the Motor Inn is highly valued by those who love hiking as several inspiring trails begin just steps from the front door. Wildlife such as moose and bear is often spotted nearby. The Motor Inn is made up of three single level motel-style buildings which were constructed between 1935 and 1957.
3 nights
Kalispell
This central and comfortable hotel welcomes guests with a friendly and helpful staff. It is conveniently located in the heart of the Flathead Valley, in historic downtown Kalispell. Glacier International Airport (FCA) is 10 miles away and Glacier National Park is 35 miles away. Centrally located, Red Lion Hotel is close to Walgreens, and local grocery stores and coffee shops.
3 nights
Babb
Swiftcurrent Motor Inn is located at the end of the road in the Many Glacier Valley. The location of the Motor Inn is highly valued by those who love hiking as several inspiring trails begin just steps from the front door. Wildlife such as moose and bear is often spotted nearby. The Motor Inn is made up of three single level motel-style buildings which were constructed between 1935 and 1957.
3 nights
Kalispell
This central and comfortable hotel welcomes guests with a friendly and helpful staff. It is conveniently located in the heart of the Flathead Valley, in historic downtown Kalispell. Glacier International Airport (FCA) is 10 miles away and Glacier National Park is 35 miles away. Centrally located, Red Lion Hotel is close to Walgreens, and local grocery stores and coffee shops.
3 nights
Babb
Swiftcurrent Motor Inn is located at the end of the road in the Many Glacier Valley. The location of the Motor Inn is highly valued by those who love hiking as several inspiring trails begin just steps from the front door. Wildlife such as moose and bear is often spotted nearby. The Motor Inn is made up of three single level motel-style buildings which were constructed between 1935 and 1957.
3 nights
Kalispell
This central and comfortable hotel welcomes guests with a friendly and helpful staff. It is conveniently located in the heart of the Flathead Valley, in historic downtown Kalispell. Glacier International Airport (FCA) is 10 miles away and Glacier National Park is 35 miles away. Centrally located, Red Lion Hotel is close to Walgreens, and local grocery stores and coffee shops.
3 nights
Babb
Swiftcurrent Motor Inn is located at the end of the road in the Many Glacier Valley. The location of the Motor Inn is highly valued by those who love hiking as several inspiring trails begin just steps from the front door. Wildlife such as moose and bear is often spotted nearby. The Motor Inn is made up of three single level motel-style buildings which were constructed between 1935 and 1957.
3 nights
Kalispell
This central and comfortable hotel welcomes guests with a friendly and helpful staff. It is conveniently located in the heart of the Flathead Valley, in historic downtown Kalispell. Glacier International Airport (FCA) is 10 miles away and Glacier National Park is 35 miles away. Centrally located, Red Lion Hotel is close to Walgreens, and local grocery stores and coffee shops.
3 nights
Babb
Swiftcurrent Motor Inn is located at the end of the road in the Many Glacier Valley. The location of the Motor Inn is highly valued by those who love hiking as several inspiring trails begin just steps from the front door. Wildlife such as moose and bear is often spotted nearby. The Motor Inn is made up of three single level motel-style buildings which were constructed between 1935 and 1957.
3 nights
Kalispell
This central and comfortable hotel welcomes guests with a friendly and helpful staff. It is conveniently located in the heart of the Flathead Valley, in historic downtown Kalispell. Glacier International Airport (FCA) is 10 miles away and Glacier National Park is 35 miles away. Centrally located, Red Lion Hotel is close to Walgreens, and local grocery stores and coffee shops.
3 nights
Babb
Swiftcurrent Motor Inn is located at the end of the road in the Many Glacier Valley. The location of the Motor Inn is highly valued by those who love hiking as several inspiring trails begin just steps from the front door. Wildlife such as moose and bear is often spotted nearby. The Motor Inn is made up of three single level motel-style buildings which were constructed between 1935 and 1957.
3 nights
Kalispell
This central and comfortable hotel welcomes guests with a friendly and helpful staff. It is conveniently located in the heart of the Flathead Valley, in historic downtown Kalispell. Glacier International Airport (FCA) is 10 miles away and Glacier National Park is 35 miles away. Centrally located, Red Lion Hotel is close to Walgreens, and local grocery stores and coffee shops.
3 nights
Babb
Swiftcurrent Motor Inn is located at the end of the road in the Many Glacier Valley. The location of the Motor Inn is highly valued by those who love hiking as several inspiring trails begin just steps from the front door. Wildlife such as moose and bear is often spotted nearby. The Motor Inn is made up of three single level motel-style buildings which were constructed between 1935 and 1957.
3 nights
Kalispell
This central and comfortable hotel welcomes guests with a friendly and helpful staff. It is conveniently located in the heart of the Flathead Valley, in historic downtown Kalispell. Glacier International Airport (FCA) is 10 miles away and Glacier National Park is 35 miles away. Centrally located, Red Lion Hotel is close to Walgreens, and local grocery stores and coffee shops.
3 nights
Babb
Swiftcurrent Motor Inn is located at the end of the road in the Many Glacier Valley. The location of the Motor Inn is highly valued by those who love hiking as several inspiring trails begin just steps from the front door. Wildlife such as moose and bear is often spotted nearby. The Motor Inn is made up of three single level motel-style buildings which were constructed between 1935 and 1957.
3 nights
Kalispell
This central and comfortable hotel welcomes guests with a friendly and helpful staff. It is conveniently located in the heart of the Flathead Valley, in historic downtown Kalispell. Glacier International Airport (FCA) is 10 miles away and Glacier National Park is 35 miles away. Centrally located, Red Lion Hotel is close to Walgreens, and local grocery stores and coffee shops.
3 nights
Babb
Swiftcurrent Motor Inn is located at the end of the road in the Many Glacier Valley. The location of the Motor Inn is highly valued by those who love hiking as several inspiring trails begin just steps from the front door. Wildlife such as moose and bear is often spotted nearby. The Motor Inn is made up of three single level motel-style buildings which were constructed between 1935 and 1957.
3 nights
Kalispell
This central and comfortable hotel welcomes guests with a friendly and helpful staff. It is conveniently located in the heart of the Flathead Valley, in historic downtown Kalispell. Glacier International Airport (FCA) is 10 miles away and Glacier National Park is 35 miles away. Centrally located, Red Lion Hotel is close to Walgreens, and local grocery stores and coffee shops.
3 nights
Babb
Swiftcurrent Motor Inn is located at the end of the road in the Many Glacier Valley. The location of the Motor Inn is highly valued by those who love hiking as several inspiring trails begin just steps from the front door. Wildlife such as moose and bear is often spotted nearby. The Motor Inn is made up of three single level motel-style buildings which were constructed between 1935 and 1957.
3 nights
Kalispell
This central and comfortable hotel welcomes guests with a friendly and helpful staff. It is conveniently located in the heart of the Flathead Valley, in historic downtown Kalispell. Glacier International Airport (FCA) is 10 miles away and Glacier National Park is 35 miles away. Centrally located, Red Lion Hotel is close to Walgreens, and local grocery stores and coffee shops.
3 nights
Babb
Swiftcurrent Motor Inn is located at the end of the road in the Many Glacier Valley. The location of the Motor Inn is highly valued by those who love hiking as several inspiring trails begin just steps from the front door. Wildlife such as moose and bear is often spotted nearby. The Motor Inn is made up of three single level motel-style buildings which were constructed between 1935 and 1957.
3 nights
Kalispell
This central and comfortable hotel welcomes guests with a friendly and helpful staff. It is conveniently located in the heart of the Flathead Valley, in historic downtown Kalispell. Glacier International Airport (FCA) is 10 miles away and Glacier National Park is 35 miles away. Centrally located, Red Lion Hotel is close to Walgreens, and local grocery stores and coffee shops.
3 nights
Babb
Swiftcurrent Motor Inn is located at the end of the road in the Many Glacier Valley. The location of the Motor Inn is highly valued by those who love hiking as several inspiring trails begin just steps from the front door. Wildlife such as moose and bear is often spotted nearby. The Motor Inn is made up of three single level motel-style buildings which were constructed between 1935 and 1957.





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