Glacier Guides and Montana Raft

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.

  • 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!

    — Britney Doe

    Read More Reviews  
  • Our Guides

    Our guide Scott did a great job prepping and leading the tour, which consisted of 6 guests (including myself). The description of the tour and FAQ/prep materials list and itinerary that the company sent over beforehand were very accurate and super helpful! Aside from a quick hail storm, we got great weather and an extremely enjoyable three days of hiking in East Glacier crossing the Continental Divide. Scott did an excellent job of explaining to us how the backcountry permitting system works and from that explanation I was amazed at the amount of work that each guide must put into every single tour. They are truly responsible for everything while you’re out, so having an experienced guide with the right temperament and attitude are a must—especially if things go wrong. I’m glad to say everything went as planned! I was able to spot several animals and some breathtaking scenery alongside good conversation within our group of former strangers. Great job, Scott and Glacier Guides!

    — Ryan Gabbart

    Read More Reviews  
  • Our Guides

    Shout out to our guides Jared, Jacob, and Sage!! They were funny, entertaining, energetic, knowledgeable, and kept the vibe high! My family came with a huge party of about 30 people which included adults and children. The Lee and Yang family had a great time and highly recommend this rafting company!

    — Chewy Yang

    Read More Reviews  
  • 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.

    — Scott G

    Read More Reviews  
    Lodging Glacier National Park
  • 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!

    — VRBO Review

    Read More Reviews  
Back to Top