GLACIER NATIONAL PARK ADVENTURES IN THE TIME OF COVID-19
Updated April 25, 2022
KEEPING YOU SAFE
We believe that outdoor recreation is an essential aspect of good mental health. Our rafting, hiking, fishing, and biking experiences offer a way to get outside when many of us crave it most. Whether we’re in a pandemic or not, safety has always been our #1 focus as your Glacier National Park guides. We’re used to preparing for and executing the best possible trip experiences, while continuously training for the worst.
The ongoing COVID-19 situation is no exception to our overall philosophy of keeping you safe and comfortable. We have continuously updated our COVID-19 policies in accordance/compliance with the latest recommendations from the CDC and the National Park Service.
Here’s what to expect in Summer 2022:
Face Mask Guidance
The CDC website indicates that the COVID-19 Community level in Flathead and Glacier counties is “medium”. Therefore, consistent with the CDC guidance and NPS policy, mask wearing is not required at Glacier NP for staff, concessioners, visitors, or others, regardless of vaccination status. Any person who feels more comfortable wearing a mask may do so.
- HIGH: masks are required for everyone indoors, regardless of vaccination status. Indoor areas include, but are not limited to, park visitor centers, administrative offices, lodges, gift shops, and restaurants.
- MEDIUM and LOW: masks are optional indoors.
- Masks are still required for everyone on all forms of public and commercial transportation.
- Practice physical distancing by maintaining at least 6 feet (2 m) of distance between you and others.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. If you feel sick, please do not visit the park.
GROUP SIZE
We want you to know that our trips have always been small, and typically offer plenty of room for natural spacing even before socially distancing was a thing! Our average hiking, rafting, and biking group size is around 8. For fishing, we’ve always hosted 1-2 guests per guide, per boat. And private tours are available, too.
What To Expect On Guided Adventures with Glacier Guides & Montana Raft
BEFORE THE TRIP
We follow the guidelines put in place by Glacier National Park. We will not require masks or face coverings in our main office, any buildings on our campus, on raft trips, bike trips or hiking/backpacking trips. If you feel more comfortable having a face mask or covering, that is fine by us!
ON THE WAY TO AND FROM THE TRIP
When transportation is required in Glacier National Park, Glacier Guides and Montana Raft recommends everyone to wear a mask. Please bring your preferred face coverings for safety. We have comfortable, reusable masks available for sale in our office, too. Transportation outside of Glacier National Park, such as for rafting and fishing trips, does not require masking.
DURING THE TRIP
Should a guest become sick with COVID-like symptoms during a trip, we will have procedures in place to isolate them, and will contact local medical authorities and follow their advice. Our guides and staff will be trained to recognize the symptoms of COVID-19.
If a guest or staff member develops flu-like symptoms during a trip, as per CDC guidelines, Glacier Guides and Montana Raft will socially distance the individual(s) from the rest of the group and any community items, disinfect any suspected items or areas of contamination, encourage them to wear a surgical mask (to help prevent the spread of their illness), and consult local agencies about the possibility of an evacuation.
COVID-19: What To Expect When Staying at Glacier Guides Lodge and Glacier Guides Guest House
Our warm Montana hospitality has long been famous, and our cleaning standards and food preparation procedures have always exceeded industry standards. In light of COVID-19, we’re taking extra steps to enhance our safety protocols for cleaning and social distance in our lodging facilities.
