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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Hiking Testimonial
What an amazing experience! Just finished a four day backpacking trip with guide, Jen. Jen was extremely professional and so “in tune” to the group. Her knowledge of the surroundings we walked through was incredible. It’s clear she holds a passion for what she does that really shines through. She went above and beyond to help give me a most memorable first time experience at Glacier. Thank you!
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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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Hiking Testimonial
I went on a six day hike with four guys and our guide, Maketa. It was amazing. We had a wide range of ages 35-70 and our guide was able to create the perfect trip for all of us. It is an unbelievable park and we were able to optimize our time there because of the expert planning from Maketa. Glacier Guides was helpful throughout the experience and I wouldn’t have had the same trip any other way. Definitely a FIVE STAR rating. Best trip of my life!
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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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