Category: Backpacking Glacier National Park

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’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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

Top 5 FAQ About Backpacking in Glacier National Park #1: What’s up with the backcountry permit system for 2023? Before you take off on your epic adventure, make sure you head to Recreation.gov or the permitting office the day your trip begins to snag a backpacking permit. Glacier National Park is transitioning to Recreation.gov for… Read more »

Hiking Ptarmigan Tunnel in Glacier National Park Hiking Ptarmigan Tunnel in Glacier National Park is a dance between meadow and forest. It’s the perfect butt-kicking, beautiful hike. Glacier Guides Difficulty Rating: Strenuous. Elevation Gain: 2,300 ft. Mileage: 10.6 miles. Hiking Time (estimate): Allow 4-4½ hours to reach the tunnel, 1 hour for lunch, and 3-3½… Read more »

4 Best Challenging Glacier National Park Hikes Are you ready to graduate from easy and intermediate hikes in Glacier National Park? You’ve gotten familiar with bear spray, blister prevention and treatment, and how to treat water? Awesome. You may be ready for what we like to call challenging Glacier National Park hikes! These are strenuous… Read more »

Everything You’ve Always Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask About: 10 Days Backpacking in Glacier National Park If you’ve ever poked around on our backpacking page, you’ve seen that we go on 3, 4, 6, and 10 days backpacking in Glacier National Park adventures. It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it. Have you… Read more »

There are 734 fabulous miles of trails in Glacier National Park, often referred to as the Hiker’s National Park. Glacier holds over a million acres of wonder, and you really can’t pick a “bad” trail. After all, hiking is always what you make of it. But today I’m going to play favorites, and talk about… Read more »

One of the most common questions I get about guiding is “How does Glacier National Park backcountry cooking work?” So, in this week’s blog, I’m sharing some of my best tips and tricks for cooking amazing food in the middle of nowhere. Today I present you with …