Category: Hiking

A frequently asked question around here is how to get a reservation at Granite Park Chalet. And it’s a question we love, as the experience provided by Granite Park Chalet is one we would wish on everyone. After all, how else do you get to see Glacier’s star studded skies from the backcountry without having… Read more »

Glacier National Park covers over a million acres of land, is amoungst one of the country’s largest National Parks, has two mountain ranges, 130 lakes and one of the most diverse ecosystems in North America. Additionally, the landscape is said to be over 170 million years old, specifically the mountain ranges, which formed in an… Read more »

Glacier has over 700 miles of trails in it’s beautiful, rugged terrain. If you’re visiting Glacier, you’re probably planning other activities, inside and outside of the park, and how to best use your short amount of time in the area. While we are sure there are some true butt-kicking hikes in your list (take a… Read more »

There are so many blogs, books and shows out in the world that show people exploring on their own. Sure, it definitely gives you a sense of independence and flexibility, but you could be missing out on an epic and unforgettable Glacier National Park vacation when you ditch the guide. We have a never ending… Read more »

Okay, we know what you’re thinking. Why are you writing about the pit toilets in Glacier National Park? Well, first of all, using the rest room is part of the human experience. Wherever you go, you’re going to need to “go,” if you will. Second, Glacier National Park has some of the best (if not… Read more »

Glacier National Park has over 700 miles of trails, which means endless possibilities and routes for an epic 4-day backpacking adventure. If you didn’t know before, when you go with a guide (Like Glacier Guides) we take care of every little detail to ensure your backpacking trip is enjoyable and memorable from beginning to end…. Read more »

Glacier Guides & Montana Raft has a wide variety of backpacking trips that can suit any skill level. Our trips are also designed to be accessible and affordable, so when you book with us, you don’t need to worry about breaking the bank. If you’re new to the backpacking scene but are looking to take… Read more »

There is a lot to remember when it comes to planning your Glacier National Park vacation. From vehicle reservations & backpacking permits to planned park construction and what to expect day-to-day. We recently met with park staff and got a bit of information regarding what to expect moving forward. Vehicle Reservations If you haven’t heard… Read more »

There’s a lot to coordinate while planning a trip to Glacier National Park. Between vehicle reservations, hitting The Park during that perfect Goldilocks timeframe, seeing Going-to-the-Sun Road and making sure you don’t burn out on day 2. Luckily for you, we here at Glacier Guides and Montana Raft know Glacier National Park like the back… Read more »

Glacier National Park has a variety of hikes in it’s over 700 miles of trails. There’s a chance to take it easy on a family friendly hike like Avalanche Lake or Glacier Guides Wednesday hike to Virginia Falls, but for those of you looking for the ultimate trip that will leave those legs burning and… Read more »

POV: You want to travel to Glacier National Park and have the most epic vacation. You got the time off work, you’ve reserved the dog boarding and booked the flights. Now it’s time for the nitty gritty details of what to do every day and you’re interested in a “one stop shop” kind of place…. Read more »

At Glacier Guides and Montana Raft, we like to say if you’re lucky enough to live in Montana, you’re lucky enough! Montana boasts two gorgeous National Parks, being Glacier National Park, which also dips into Canada, and Yellowstone National Park, which is also in Idaho and Wyoming. Yellowstone was founded March 1st, 1872, making it… Read more »

There’s a lot to think about when vacationing somewhere you’ve never been. Like how close you want to be to town, what activities you want to do, the best restaurants and food you’ve got to try. But more important than that, you want to make sure your money is going to the right places and… Read more »

The search for the perfect wedding venue can be the best part of the planning process. In our opinion, anything in NW Montana within spitting distance of Glacier National Park is the exact definition of “perfect wedding.” However, getting married in a National Park can prove to have it’s own challenges — permits, prices, road… Read more »

There are plenty of reasons to not cancel your trip to Glacier National Park, and unfavorable weather is certainly a big one. The weather is always unpredictable on the Continental Divide, which bisects Glacier National Park and at Glacier Guides Montana Raft, we explore in every type — because there’s beauty to see even on… Read more »

What To Do For 5 Days in May You’re ready to explore, you’ve been dying to go rafting for years, you have seen photos of people biking Going-To-The-Sun Road and want to try it out yourself. And it just so happens, you’re extremely free and ready to roam in May. As luck would have it,… Read more »

If you’re anything like us, you’re getting ready for summer and you’re already planning that trip to Glacier National Park. Visit Glacier Guides where you can raft, hike, fish, bike or stay with us while you’re in town.  While you plan that trip, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with Leave No Trace and best… Read more »

Let us start off by saying, there is a whole other level of beauty in Glacier in the winter. There’s just something about waking up to see snowy mountains in the brisk morning air. Or watching the alpenglow along the Lake McDonald skyline in the early evening light.

If you’re thinking of hiking Siyeh Pass in the fall, there are a few things you should know. It’s not every autumn that Siyeh Pass is still accessible to hikers. Glacier National Park can see snow every month of the year, and September snows are the rule, not the exception.

November In Glacier National Park You can often see, and hear, your breath in November in Glacier National Park. Flaming trees and frosty meadows abound. The cold silence is thrilling to prepared visitors – but preparation is the key to success! Read on for our advice on Glacier National Park trips in November. What’s Open… Read more »

Gunsight Lake Waterfalls, Moose Habitat, and Glaciers Galore The hike to Gunsight Lake in Glacier National Park makes for an incredibly scenic day. This hike is known for its up close and personal views of Blackfoot and Jackson glaciers on the way to the spectacular lake. Difficulty: Advanced. 12.6 miles, 1500 feet. This hike is challenging,… Read more »

This particular Glacier Park trip is a specific plan that incorporates one of our absolute favorite experiences in the park. Check it out!

2021 Glacier Itinerary: What To Do, Eat, and Drink While the Many Glacier Road Is Under Construction

Six Days in Glacier’s Backcountry Backpacking in Glacier National Park is our passion. As a company, we were founded because of the need we saw for ecologically sensitive backpacking in Glacier Park. That was back in 1983. Since then, we’ve taken thousands of guests on 2, 3, 4, 6, and even 10 day backpacking tours of… Read more »

Granite Park Chalet Hike: The Photo Tour We’re starting to plan out next summer’s adventures, including our 3 day Granite Park Chalet hike! Although we won’t have firm Summer 2025 trip dates until January 2025, we are signing people up to be on the first-to-know-trip-dates email. We’ll send that email in January. If Chalet trips interest… Read more »

2019 Hike to Sperry Chalet in Glacier National Park Two years ago today, on August 31, 2017, the main dormitory at Sperry Chalet burned to the ground in the Sprague Fire.The Glacier National Park community was shocked. I sat on my porch and cried my heart out at the loss of the old gal. Next morning, seeing… Read more »

Grinnell Glacier   If your Glacier National Park dream is to see a glacier up close and personal, hiking to Grinnell Glacier is an absolute must! Outstanding vistas, alpine meadows, and the park’s only glacier fairly easily accessible by trail make this steep trek worth every step. There are two ways to approach Grinnell Glacier:… Read more »

Hiking Siyeh Pass in Glacier National Park Siyeh Pass Hike Profile Glacier Guides Difficulty Rating: Strenuous.  Elevation Gain: 2,240 ft./683 m (3,440 ft./1,048 m descent) Mileage: 10.1 miles (16.3 km) round trip.  Hiking Time (estimate): Allow 3 ½ -4 hours to reach the pass, 1 hour for lunch, and 3- 3 ½ hours to complete… Read more »

Otokomi Lake, Glacier National Park, Montana This hike explores the Rising Sun Area. Nestled in a bright red cirque known as the Rose Basin, Hiking Otokomi Lake Glacier National Park is perfect for anyone looking for something challenging and very little foot traffic. The Otokomi Lake trail provides opportunities to learn about glaciation, forest fire… Read more »

Hiking Apikuni Falls in Glacier National Park Hike Profile Hiking Apikuni Falls in Glacier National Park requires little effort and provides rewarding views of Many Glacier Valley. The destination is less than a mile from the trailhead. The Apikuni Falls hike transitions through meadow, forest, and finally a rocky outcropping from where the 100-foot waterfall… Read more »