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Hiking and Rafting Glacier National Park
Destination: Glacier National Park, Montana
| Activities: Hiking and Rafting
Glacier National Park is truly one of the crown jewels of the National Park System. It has long been famous for having more glaciers than anywhere in the lower 48, and while there has been significant glacial melting in the past 30 years, they are still magnificent. The park is also known for an astounding array of jagged peaks, wildflowers, and abundant wildlife. We'll hike many of Glacier's classic trails, returning each night to one of the magnificent historic lodges that have been welcoming visitors for 100 years. Because the Park has a short hiking season and is a very popular destination, we will not find solitude on the trails or the river - we will, however, find fun, challenge, laughter and beauty during our week in Glacier National Park. Maximum group size: 12.
Highlights
- Hiking Glacier's classic trails with a local naturalist
- Immersing ourselves in a landscape of jagged peaks, glaciers, wildflowers, and meadows
- Experiencing the different landscape and excitement that only whitewater rafting can provide
- Staying in historic National Park lodges that have welcomed guests since the early 1900s
- Watching for bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and grizzlies
Departures and Prices
| August 22 to August 29, 2021 |
| $3450.00 - FULL |
| Join Waitlist |
Inclusions
- A local Glacier Park naturalist guide for 10, 2 local guides for more than 10
- Seven nights of double occupancy accommodation
- Full day whitewater rafting trip
- All meals from dinner the first to breakfast the last, with the exception of one dinner
- Transportation and luggage transfer within Glacier National Park
- Entrance fee into Waterton Park and boat ride
Trip Documents
Trip Intro
This trip is rated both a 3 and a 4 because of the choice on some days of longer or shorter hikes. This trip is a great choice for women in very good physical condition who can hike for 7 to 10 miles in mountainous terrain with elevation changes. Women who have significant fear of heights or problems with altitudes of 6,000 - 8,000 feet should consider choosing another trip. A rating of 3 requires some aerobic conditioning, such as walking vigorously up hills, jogging, cross country skiing or stair stepping for 30 - 45 minutes at least 3 - 4 times a week. A rating of 4 requires aerobic conditioning for at least 40-50 minutes 4-5 times a week. Additional endurance exercise and/or strength training is usually required. Rating: 1 2 [3] [4] 5.
The main activity of this trip is hiking on some of the best trails Glacier National Park has to offer. We will spend one day whitewater rafting - no previous rafting experience is required, the trip is appropriate for both novice and experienced rafters. We will also take a boat ride on Waterton Lake in Canada, followed by a short hike and time to explore the small town of Waterton.
We will be spending seven nights inside the Park at three different lodges. The lodges, built before 1920, are rustic by modern standards, but they are comfortable, well-maintained, and very scenically located. We will spend one night at Lake MacDonald Lodge, and three nights at Many Glacier Hotel, both of which are inside the Park. The next two nights are at St. Mary's Lodge. We spend our final night at the Best Western Rocky Mountain Lodge in Whitefish, Montana.
Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.
The trail is not only one of the most stunning in the Park, it sadly showcases the ongoing loss of the glaciers from which the Park gets its name. Upper Grinnell Lake is a fairly new lake that is being formed by the melting waters of a shrinking Grinnell Glacier (more than 40% over the past thirty years). Like all glacial lakes the water is milky white in color and is a rejuvenating place in which to very briefly dip ones feet. We retrace our steps for a total of 12 miles. Because the trail is out and back, those who wish a shorter hike can turnaround sooner. A 1.5 hour van ride brings us to Glacier Park Lodge on the east side of the park just outside the Park boundary, another of the venerable Park lodges and our lodging for the next 2 nights. (B, L, D)
We'll hike along the left side of the lake to Aster Falls (1.2 miles) and then on to Rockwell Falls (2.3 miles) where we'll dip our feet in the water and enjoy lunch. After lunch you have the option to return the same way or to continue around the lake to Twin Falls. Twin Falls is what it sounds like - a double waterfall that rushes down the mountain side. After stopping to gaze and take pictures, we continue around the lake for a total hike of 8.8 miles. We'll return to the same lodge tonight, perhaps enjoying a dip in the swimming pool. (B, L, D)
*These are the unfiltered reviews of women who have been on this trip in answer to the question "What made this trip special for you?". We take reviews very seriously and often tweak itineraries based on feedback. Please feel free to contact us about any questions you have.
4.5
(23 reviews)I wasn't sure what to expect as this was my first trip with a group. But it turned out to be a delight. The trip was beautifully planned and organized and staying at the historic lodges was exactly how I wanted to experience the park. The itinerary allowed me to see much more of Glacier then I ever would have on my own. And the park itself was just stunning.
The trails we hiked, seeing the wildlife, and, the opportunity to be flexible (i.e., length of hike or even taking a day off) made the trip excel. I wanted a trip in which I had the opportunity to experience Glacier but also not have to do the planning so that I could really immerse myself. That was fully met. Karen was an excellent guide. She was supportive of all of us and very open when someone chose a different option (e.g., I decided to stay at the lodge one day).
Glacier National Park exceeded my expectations. Loved the itinerary and staying in Natl Park lodges. Great hikes despite crowds. Loved trip to International Peace Park even tho we couldn’t get off boat in US. Rafting last day great end to trip.
staying at the lodges fabulous scenery wildflowers good company great Glacier guides
Everything was taken care of, I didn’t have to worry about a thing except to get up for breakfast in time
This was my first solo group travel experience so I didn't know what to expect going in, but I will have to say it exceeded all my expectations.Everything about this trip was wonderful! Our AGC guide Karen was excellent. She was very nice and easy to talk to. The Glacier Guides were very knowledgeable and supportive. The park itself was stunning, more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. It was fun to stay in the park lodges and hear about their history. The food was good too! Just an amazing trip overall! I hope to travel with AGC in the future!!!
The hiking was awesome and what I was looking for.
The glaciers and scenery.
Glacier was a park I always wanted to see - on some levels, it did not deliver to my expectations as far as other parks I've enjoyed hiking more. Most of the hikes were down in deep vegetation, and that's not my preferred. These were the fastest hiking pace I've ever hiked with on an AGC group and some hikes such as a 3.5 mile nonstop hike, fast, to just see a waterfall, seemed not worth the trek - some hikes felt like forced marches with no time to even stop and look around. Iceberg Lake was my favorite hike for certain as it had a payoff for a 10 mile round trip. Although I've been on other 3-4 rated trips I've never felt so rushed down trails. Some of the hikes for the effort had not a great payoff at the end.
Loved hiking to the Glacier. The accommodations were amazing and the locations were breathe taking.
I loved the views, the lodges and the hiking
Glacier was beautiful-loved the hike to Grinnell glacier. I probably could have skipped the day trip to Canada
Particular highlights were the beautiful hikes in Glacier National Park, being out in nature, meeting and getting to know some really great women and the level of enthusiasm, thoughtfulness, professionalism and organization of all of the guides (Marian, Bree and Andrea). The trip was beautifully planned and organized. I think the only reason I didn't rate it a 5 was simply because I would have enjoyed a slightly faster walking pace on the hikes, but I completely understand that the guides had to walk at a pace that was appropriate for the average level of this particular group of women.
Meeting Marian!! Seeing past participants (Beth from Grand Canyon, Maine
Glacier itself, the women in our group, the guides, all of it 🙂
It's hard for me to come up with the highlights, as I felt so grateful to be on this trip. Everything was amazing- the landscape, the wildlife, the people, the guides, the lodging. All of it combined to be one giant highlight.
The hiking through the National Park was excellent! The guides, both AGC and the Glacier Guides, were simply amazing. We were very lucky to see lots of wildlife, always a highlight for me. The stunning landscape of these mountains, lakes, rivers and glaciers is of course better experienced in person....truly wonderful! Being able to order off the menu for dinner at the lodges was rather unexpected, so I felt rather pampered, actually. Food was plentiful and delicious, especially the great lunches provided by the guides. The rafting day was also lots of fun, a nice new experience for a novice white water rafter like myself.
Staying in the park lodges, the gorgeous scenery and seeing moose and bear
The tone set by Kim was inclusive and one of ease. Katie and Jen came on a bit strong the first day but were attuned enough to dial it down and were wonderful in providing info and so in service to our needs. I loved the hiking and rafting. I would like to have skipped crowded Highline trail and hiked a more remote trail. Upper grinell trail was my favorite hike
The scenery was spectacular, and the lodges were very nice/comfortable. The hikes were decently crowded, I definitely would have been wiling to start a bit earlier to beat the crowds and heat.
Really enjoyed my first attempt at rafting!
The location was better than I imagined - Glacier National Park is stunning. The two local guides (Jen and Katie) were very impressive. At first I found Jen a bit annoying because she talked too much and, in some moments, disturbed the peacefulness and serenity of the setting. However, in the end, I realized she was more positive than both Katie and Kim in encouraging every women to opt for the longer hike option to Grinnell Glacier if they wanted to get to the top. Also, Jen was extremely expert in rowing the boat down the river and made it a more exciting experience given how low the water was.
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Where do we eat?
Most breakfasts and dinners will be in restaurants where you can order off the menu. Before you start the day, the guides will put out lunch 'fixings' and you'll take a packed lunch or occasionally lunch will be picnic style. There will be one dinner on your own in Waterton. -
What dietary preferences or restrictions can you accommodate on this trip?
If we know well in advance, we can accommodate vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-sensitive diets. We cannot guarantee a completely gluten-free diet and we cannot provide a kitchen guaranteed to be free of cross-contamination. If you are vegan, we ask that you bring some additional protein bars; and if you are gluten-sensitive, please bring some gluten-free snacks. If you have severe allergies, Celiac disease and/or other significant dietary restrictions, please call the office before you register. -
I will be coming by myself. Do I need to pay a single supplement?
You only need to pay a single supplement if you want to guarantee you have your own room. Otherwise we’ll pair you up with someone and then switch roommates every time we switch lodging.
