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
Amazing time riding bikes on the Going to the sun road! Very helpful staff made sure that we had the best possible time.
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Rafting Testimonial
Holy cow this place is awesome! Right from the start, everyone was so nice and friendly and fun! Our family headed down the river for the scenic float with our three littles (9, 7 & 3) and my FIL and MIL (who cannot swim and is terrified of water!). We had the best time and our guide Nicolette was super knowledgeable about the river and the area. After the float we stayed for dinner and, let me just tell you, it blew my expectations out of the water! I was expecting to get our main course with a couple sides but they had that PLUS crazy yummy appetizers AND dessert too! I cannot recommend Montana Raft enough! If you have time, do the dinner option. You will not be disappointed!!
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Lodging Testimonial
The other reviewers did not lie. We loved our accommodations and the relaxed environment they’ve created for their guests. The lodge is down the road from the west entrance to GNP. This means it is quiet and the reason why we saw the “neighborhood” bear about 30 yards away as we drank our post-hike tea. Clearly, the signs were right, it is bear country. We would definitely lodge here again.
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Lodging Testimonial
Perfect base from which to explore Glacier National Park. We only had 4 in our group, but the house had plenty of room for more. We picked up groceries on the way from the airport so we could cook breakfast and dinners at the house and spend all day at the Park. Sunflower Cafe across the highway has great options to pack in for trail lunches. We loved all the windows and felt like we were already in the park while in the house. Great to have the laundry there, too to clean up before heading over to the east side of the park for the rest of our stay. I would recommend this house to anyone. visiting Glacier.
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Lodging Testimonial
We stayed at this lodge for 2 nights in July 2021. It exceeded my expectations in every way. I was greeted by Don by my name when I stepped out of my car. I introduced my husband, from then on whenever Don saw us – he knew both of our names and used them! The room is spacious and comfortable. The location is excellent. Don was beyond helpful in every way. The breakfast is wonderful and included. It was a variety of things each morning, including huge, homemade muffins. They also have bug spray and suntan lotion for everyone to use. Highly recommend this place.
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