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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Lodging Testimonial
We had a wonderful stay at the guest house-wish it could’ve been longer! The house was clean and comfortable. We even got to enjoy watching deer each evening from the front patio. It is a perfect house for multiple families, especially nice to have the whole downstairs for those with younger children. Great place!
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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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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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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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Group Trip Testimonial
Our Tuesday half-day guided group hike on the Highline Trail at Logan’s Pass was exciting and literally breathtaking. Jen and Ryan were our guides and were excellent. Billed as a “moderate” hike, the 7-mile round trip hike had some steep inclines, but Jen set a steady pace and seemed to know exactly when the group needed a breather. Ryan gave her credit as the creative chef for the excellent lunch Glacier Guides provided. Be sure to follow the company’s recommendation to dress in layers. Our morning started out with rain and a chill in the air, but the skies eventually turned blue and warm. Bring your camera to capture the natural beauty of the area, including the wildlife. At one point, we were even sharing the trail with a bighorn sheep! We will definitely use Glacier Guides again on our next trip to Montana and will likely book a different day of the week to experience a different trail. Enjoy!
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