Hiking FAQ
What should we wear hiking?
Please refer to our detailed packing lists for overnight trips and day trips to properly prepare.
How fit do we need to be for backpacking trips?
Reasonably fit. Daily mileage averages six to eight miles per day, but can be much shorter or much longer. A short day is 3.5 miles and a long day is 12 miles. The weight of an average pack is 35 to 40 pounds. If you are worried about the weight or have youngsters who need help, ask about our Porter Service. The highest elevation you can expect to attain is about 8,000 feet with the valley floors at about 4,000-5,000 feet.
What's provided?
All food, cooking gear, water filter and first aid supplies necessary for your trip will be provided. We have tents, sleeping bags, thermarests and backpacks available for rent. View our packing lists for day trips and overnight trips.
What about the bears?
There are bears (black and grizzlies) in Glacier and we occasionally see them, but we’ve never had a problem in our 35+ years in business. Guides carry pepper spray just in case and go through NPS Bear Management training.
Where in Glacier National Park do you guide trips?
All of our backpacking trips visit remote parts of the Park, but for several reasons we cannot guarantee a particular hike ahead of time. We must take into account the interest and abilities of our guests, snow conditions, trail crew work, trail closures and availability of backcountry camping sites. We ask guests when making a reservation about special interests and abilities and always try to find an appropriate itinerary based on their requests.
Can we bring alcohol?
We do not recommend bringing too much alcohol on our trips (weight is the main factor). You are certainly allowed to bring it though. Many people like bringing a celebratory beer for the trailhead at the end of the trip. Let us know if you want to do this, and we can arrange for it to be put in your shuttle vehicle.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
We'd love to answer them.
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Group Trip Testimonial
My group of 6 had an absolute BLAST on our rafting trip. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable, and they provide great service. Very happy with our experience here!
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Hiking Testimonial
Glacier guides was more than I could’ve imagined! My Friends and I did the 5 day glacier challenge and it was amazing! They offer longer hikes and shorter hikes. I thought I would do all the long hikes but I didn’t every day. Every hike you take is absolutely stunning!! definitely do what your body will allow, you’ll still be very satisfied! Best part of the challenge is most certainly the guides… TOM MATELICH is awesome! he is a wonderful leader, cook, guide, absolutely hilarious and all around great guy! ARI MELINGER-COHEN is super chill and very calming to be around, extremely knowledgeable and very caring. MAKETE ROESCH is magical, super helpful and can pretty much answer anything you want to know (especially about bears and flowers). All these guys are seriously the best and when I go back I will 100% be requesting them. Glacier guides couldn’t have made this experience any better! Forever grateful for their guidance and the love they have for this beautiful place!
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Lodging Testimonial
I had a really pleasant stay at Glacier Guides Lodge. The room was super clean and comfortable and the service was terrific. Transportation for hikes was provided, which was really nice. Would stay there again.
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Biking Testimonial
Used Glacier Guides/Montana Raft Company for a bike trip up the Going to the Sun road in West Glacier and a white water rafting trip on the Flathead River. Jordan was our guide for the former, Blaine for the latter, and both were really awesome. Would definitely use them again for future hikes, biking, and rafting.
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Chalet Testimonial
Took the 3 day Granite Park Chalet hike with the Glacier Guides. It was a dream trip! The guide was fantastic. He is an avid hiker and could tell us all about the geology, as well as the flowers and animals in the park. We felt quite safe in his hands. He made all of our meals, which were delicious and not at all what we expected in a remote area. We hiked about 8 miles a day and saw parts of the park that we never would have seen otherwise. Glaciers, lakes, meadows, and views for miles and miles. This is my second trip with the Guides, and I will for sure book another one for next year (or maybe this year!)
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