Category: Glacier National Park

We firmly belive that Glacier National Park is a year-round recreation playground. While we, Glacier Guides & Montana Raft, primarily focus on summer adventure travel, we still get out and about in Glacier in the winter months. We think exploring this magical place between October and April is underrated, breaktaking and worth every warm layer… Read more »

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 »

In the months of May and June (and sometimes early July!) the place is be is Going-to-the-Sun Road on a bike or an e-bike. Biking the Going-to-the-Sun Road is definitely a bucket list activity, especially in the spring before it opens to cars. We guide this incredible adventure and it’s an experience we would wish… 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’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 »

One of the best parts about summer is the warm weather and somewhat carefree attitude everyone seems to carry. The first couple of weeks, the heat isn’t so bad. If you’re in Montana, you likely endured a long, cold winter, followed by a long, wet, spring. Finally July comes around and you’re itching for some… 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 »

Summer 2022 at GNP will be the 2nd consecutive year where ticketed entry is required. We chatted with the National Park Service and got all the ins and outs about what to expect and have outlined it here.

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.

We recommend our fellow Glacier National Park concession partner, Swan Mountain Outfitters, for horseback riding in and around Glacier National Park. Ride horses in the park, then go rafting with us!

Glacier Park In September Ah, Glacier Park in the early fall. As the sun’s angle shifts, the mood here does, too. Everything goes golden and slows down. It’s an amazing and relaxing time of the year to visit. Let’s plan a trip to Glacier National Park: September Edition! Note: this is a general itinerary for… 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 »

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 »

The Highline Trail in Glacier National Park Hike Profile If expansive vistas and alpine meadows excite you, then hiking Highline Trail in Glacier National Park is perfect for you. This trail traverses the western side of the Continental Divide, the glacially carved ridge that divides our continent’ss watersheds. This trail is characterized by gentle ups… Read more »