Glacier National Park offers some of the most dramatic mountain scenery on Earth. Chiseled valleys are blanketed with wildflowers while bottomless lakes mirror soaring peaks. Rolling grasslands stretch to the horizon and a wealth of wildlife, including bighorn sheep and black bears, call these mountains home. Explore some of the parks' most scenic trails, hike through ancient cedar and hemlock trees to the base of glaciers, travel the stunning Going-to-the-Sun Road, and raft the Middle Fork of the Flathead rive. Sleep well at a quintessential Montana lodge and a comfortable historic hotel-both perfectly located for Glacier National Park exploration.
Glacier National Park offers some of the most dramatic mountain scenery on Earth. Chiseled valleys are blanketed with wildflowers while bottomless lakes mirror soaring peaks. Rolling grasslands stretch to the horizon and a wealth of wildlife, including bighorn sheep and black bears, call these mountains home. Explore some of the parks' most scenic trails, hike through ancient cedar and hemlock trees to the base of glaciers, travel the stunning Going-to-the-Sun Road, and raft the Middle Fork of the Flathead rive. Sleep well at a quintessential Montana lodge and a comfortable historic hotel-both perfectly located for Glacier National Park exploration.
Delight in the magnificent scenery of Glacier National Park on this hiking focused trip
[Description] => Delight in the magnificent scenery of Glacier National Park on this hiking focused trip
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Challenge your legs and lungs on the iconic Grinnell Glacier and Iceberg Lake trails
[Description] => Challenge your legs and lungs on the iconic Grinnell Glacier and Iceberg Lake trails
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Learn from knowledgeable naturalist guides as they bring the Rocky Mountains' impressive natural history to life
Welcome to Whitefish, Montana! Your guide will pick you up this morning from your pre-trip hotel. Following an orientation meeting, you will embark on a hike along the first tourist trail ever constructed in Glacier National Park! Marvel at the towering trees, some over 500 years old, thriving in the unique climate of the Lake McDonald Valley. The trail unfolds with breathtaking sights, including the lower Avalanche Gorge. Upon reaching Avalanche Lake at the base of Bearhat Mountain, you will continue along the shore with glimpses of distant waterfalls originating from Sperry Glacier. Conclude the day with dinner at a local favorite restaurant in Whitefish.
Accommodation: Grouse Mountain Lodge
Activity: 5-6 hours/6 miles hiking with 575 ft elevation gain
Transportation: Two 45-minute private van transfer
Check out of the lodge and start your travel east via Going-to-the-Sun Road, one of the most celebrated roads in the US. An engineering masterpiece, the road took 35 years to complete. Marvel at the spine-tingling scenery as you reach Logan Pass (6,646'), atop the Continental Divide. Break at Logan Pass for a pretty alpine hike to Hidden Lake Overlook or along Highline Trail (depending on the group's ability). Explore the east side of Glacier National Park before checking into your lodging for the next three evenings.
Accommodation: Glacier Park Lodge Accommodation: Many Glacier Hotel
Activity: 2-3 hours/3-5-miles hiking with 200'-400' elevation gain
Transportation: 3-4-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to Grinnell Glacier
Day 3
Spend the day immersed in the beauty of iconic Many Glacier Valley, often referred to as the "Switzerland of North America." Soak in the alpine scenery as you start your trek to Grinnell Glacier, one of the most spectacular hikes in the park. You will be rewarded with views of glacial lakes and crystalline cascading waterfalls with stunning vistas of the surrounding peaks. At the trail's end, enjoy the view of massive Grinnell Glacier and the milky turquoise Grinnell Lake, which is formed from the glacier's melt, along with two smaller glaciers above Grinnell: Salamander and Gem.
Accommodation: Glacier Park Lodge Accommodation: Many Glacier Hotel
Activity: 7-8 hours/11 miles hiking with 1,600' elevation gain
Transportation: Two 60-minute private van transfers
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Scenic Hike to Iceberg Lake
Day 4
Embark on a hike to breathtaking Iceberg Lake, following one of the best trails in the Many Glacier area. Ascend along the lower slopes of Mt. Henkel (8,770'), and delight in views of Mt. Grinnell (8,851') and Mt. Wilbur (9,321'). Continue to the head of the valley and trace the base of the Ptarmigan Wall. From the ridge, the trail heads south and opens to a beautiful view of turquoise Iceberg Lake, nestled in a perfect cirque with peaks rising up over 3,000 feet around it. After returning to your hotel, you will have free time to enjoy the view at your leisure.
Accommodation: Glacier Park Lodge Accommodation: Many Glacier Hotel
Activity: 6-7 hours/9.3 miles hiking with 1,450' elevation gain
Transportation: Two 60- minute private van transfers
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Two Medicine Valley
Day 5
After breakfast, set out for a day's exploration of Two Medicine Valley, which is located along the southeastern edge of the park and shared with the neighboring Blackfeet Nation. Learn why this area is considered sacred by the Blackfeet as you hike along the shore of Two Medicine Lake and past the iconic Mt. Sinopah. Travel to Whitefish, check in to Grouse Mountain Lodge for the evening and gather with your guide and fellow adventurers for a farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Grouse Mountain Lodge
Activity: 4-5 hours/7.7 miles hiking with 350' elevation gain
Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike Whitefish Mountain Resort & Depart
Day 6
Following breakfast, it's time to explore Whitefish Mountain Resort starting with an open chairlift ride with 360-degree views of Whitefish Lake, Glacier National Park, and the Flathead Valley. Hike around the East Rim to take in the views and enjoy the fresh mountain air. End your adventure with a transfer to Glacier Park International Airport
MT Sobek has been exploring US National Parks for more than 50 years, placing a strong emphasis on responsible travel practices that support local communities and protect the natural environment.
In six epic and well-paced days on the trail, you'll experience the best of this mountain paradise including hanging valleys, alpine tundra, jagged peaks, and permanent snowfields.
Follow top-notch guides as they share their passion and in-depth knowledge of this remote and expansive alpine region. We also partner with the Glacier Institute team for an enhanced interpretive experience.
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Abigail D.
Abigail is a native of upstate New York, nestled at the foothills of the Adirondacks. Since her early days, she and her family have immersed themselves in the wonders of the Adirondacks, embarking on hiking, biking, skiing, and boating adventures. In recent years, her pursuits have shifted, balancing her time between guiding rafting trips through the Hudson River gorge in the summers, and rock climbing in the renowned Gunks during the school year. She has a degree in outdoor education and is currently pursuing her interest in art at SUNY New Paltz. Her heart craves adventure and the outdoors, and she loves to share her passion with others.
Fred A.
Fred enjoyed his first backpacking trip in college, walking 20+ miles in inappropriate footwear and spending a few cold nights in front of the fire without a sleeping bag. He caught the travel bug from there and was soon plotting and executing adventures in California's endless wild places. In addition to being an adventure guide, Fred is also an EMT with a certification in wilderness medicine. He's hiked and climbed thousands of miles around the Sierra including a solo 200+ mile hike of the Sierra High Route. Join Fred on MT Sobek's hiking adventures in California.
Luke E.
Luke hails from New York where he guided through the lush forests and rugged peaks of the Adirondak Mountains. He fell in love with outdoor adventure—the thrill of whitewater rafting, climbing, and hiking—while pursuing his degree in outdoor education. Since 2018 he’s been sharing that passion, guiding challenging hiking routes and rapid-filled rivers and looks forward to adventures together with you. Even when he’s not guiding, you’ll find him paddling, exploring the mountains, or building ice castles.
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[ActivityHighlight] => Moderate to challenging hiking on some high-altitude mountain terrain up to 7,280 feet for 4-8 hours, 5-11 miles per day. There is a mix of undulating terrain with some steep, rocky sections and a 1,600-feet maximum elevation gain.
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Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 3. Moderate to challenging hiking on some high-altitude mountain terrain up to 7,280 feet for 4-8 hours, 5-11 miles per day. There is a mix of undulating terrain with some steep, rocky sections and a 1,600-feet maximum elevation gain. Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 1
5-6 hours/6 miles hiking with 575 ft elevation gain
Day 2
2-3 hours/3-5-miles hiking with 200'-400' elevation gain
Day 3
7-8 hours/11 miles hiking with 1,600' elevation gain
Day 4
6-7 hours/9.3 miles hiking with 1,450' elevation gain
Day 5
4-5 hours/7.7 miles hiking with 350' elevation gain
Day 6
1 hour/1.5 miles hiking
Accommodations
Modern and historic three-star lodges with comfortable accommodations in five-star alpine settings.
The historic Glacier Park Lodge, located in the southeast corner of Glacier National Park, was built by the Great Northern Railway. The expansive lobby features towering Douglas fir logs, a large stone fireplace, and plenty of relaxed seating. The accommodations are modest and authentic providing a true National Park Lodge experience. While there is no television or air conditioning at the property, complimentary Wi-Fi is available. The hotel features several on-property dining options including the Great Northern Dining Room which serves up classic entrees and robust dinner salads.
Many Glacier Hotel is situated on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake inside Glacier National Park. The historic hotel was built by the Great Northern Railway in 1914-15 and features a spectacular lakeside setting. All guest rooms at Many Glacier Hotel are rustic, yet comfortable. In keeping with the era in which the hotel was built, the rooms offer guests modest amenities and old-world style accommodations. There are no televisions or air conditioning. The hotel also offers several on-property dining options including the lakeside Ptarmigan Dining Room.
Just eight miles from Whitefish Mountain Resort and one mile from downtown Whitefish, Grouse Mountain Lodge is a comfortable base camp. The hotel features comfortable rooms and suites. The hotel also offers a shuttle to downtown, pool, outdoor hot tub, sauna, 24-hour gym, complimentary WiFI, and the on-property Logan's Bar and Grill which serves up Montana casual cuisine.
Weather
Expect sunny days in July, August, and September with high daily temperatures from the 60-80°Fs. Always be prepared for rain showers.
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Glacier National Park
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Glacier National Park
61
39
70
45
70
45
60
38
Know Before You Book
Accommodation The national park accommodations on this trip provide great access to the top activities in the area. However, they are simpler compared to what we usually consider comfortable lodging - the rooms being more basic. Some buildings date back to the early 1900s and have been minimally renovated to follow park regulations. Overall, the service might feel slower and meal quality and selection much more limited compared to other MT Sobek trips. Keep in mind that internet and cell phone service are very limited throughout the parks.
FAQs
How close can I get to wild animals in the National Parks?
You should stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves and at least 25 yards away from other large mammals.
What kind of physical shape do I need to be in for this trip?
Regular exercise before any outdoors trip will add to your enjoyment, but this trip is geared towards anyone in good health and an active lifestyle.
What wildlife do you typically see?
We often see mountain goats, bighorn sheep, black and grizzly bears, deer, elk, wolves and coyotes. Each new season brings a wide variety of mammal and birds species and on any given day.
What is the minimum age for this trip?
The standard minimum age for this trip is 18, but check out our private trip options for families and groups with younger guests.
"A prominent reason we have chosen MT Sobek as our favorite adventure travel company has been the excellent travel guides."
Carol & Burt D. MT Sobek Guests
"I've taken six MT Sobek trips and they have all exceeded my expectations. The staff, the food, the logistics and the communications have always been exceptional. Thank you for being my "go to" adventure travel company!"