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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Biking Testimonial
My husband and I had a half day fly fishing trip through Glacier Guides and Montana Raft. The whole experience was great, from making the reservations online, a phone conversation before our trip, checking in, customer service, and our wonderful guide. Glacier Guides was very easy to work with to get the trip we wanted, and very welcoming when we arrived. Everything happened exactly as advertised and exactly on time. Our guide Cam was just terrific. He took us down the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, taught us about fly fishing, helped us with our technique, and was a great companion throughout. It was a beautiful day on the river and a true highlight of our time in Montana.
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Fishing Testimonial
Great place! Amazing planning, preparation and logistics management. I had a great time on a half day fly fishing trip on the Northfork and learned some great techniques. I also went on a guided 3 day backpacking trip. Besides the spectacular views, our meals were healthy and tasty. Both guides were very knowledgeable, passionate and experienced. The guides as well as the service staff are great people. Everyone is upbeat, passionate about outdoor recreation, professional, safe and fun. It’s great being surrounded by like minded people. I will most definitely return to make some more memories.
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Lodging Testimonial
When searching for lodging close to Glacier National Park I happened upon Glacier Guides Lodge. It was comfortably rustic, cozy and the rooms had a nice array of amenities. The breakfast buffet was a plus with both hot & cold items. The coffee was excellent! Check-in was a hoot as we were greeted by a note telling us the keys were in the room and to check off our name so when staff returned they would know we’d arrived. When we did meet the staff they were welcoming and full of information about the park and surrounding area. Being a stone’s throw from the West entrance to the park was certainly a plus. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay there.
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Rafting Testimonial
I highly recommend booking with Glacier Guides. We booked white water rafting for 3 guys and had a blast. We felt like the guides did a really great job of demonstrating their expertise on the water and sharing history about the local area. Joe in particular was a great dude. If you’re in town, these guys are the best!
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Fishing Testimonial
We booked half day fly fishing afternoon trip on float boat. My husband fly fishes several times a year. I did not fly fish at all until we booked this trip. We were blessed to have our fly fishing guide be Jamie Burkholder. He was FANTASTIC!!!! I caught fish after he very calmly taught me his simple techniques for fly fishing. I would recommend him every time if your looking for a smart and nice guide that definitely knows what he’s doing.
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