Glacier Hiking
Glacier & Waterton Lakes National Parks
Glacier National Park offers chiseled valleys blanketed with wildflowers and bottomless lakes that mirror soaring peaks. Rolling grasslands stretch to the horizon, and a wealth of wildlife calls these mountains home. Just across the border is Canada’s Waterton Lakes National Park, where a majestic landscape is yours to experience. The area’s glaciated past comes to life as you hike by graceful waterfalls and over rugged mountain passes. Join Backroads to explore the scenic trails, revel in endless vistas and sink into the comforts of rustic mountain lodges.
Trip Planning Links
- Two national parks, two countries, one phenomenal trip
- Incredible hiking in a spellbinding tableau of glacier-carved valleys, broad lakes and majestic peaks
- The stunning Going-to-the-Sun Road
- Spot bighorn sheep, mule deer and maybe even a grizzly
- Panoramic views from the Many Glacier Hotel
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Lake McDonald
Meet in Whitefish 
On the Trail of the Cedars, hike through a dense forest of ancient red cedars to turquoise Avalanche Lake Test the waters of this glacial lake and later relax on the terrace of our lodge.
Day 2 Many Glacier Valley
Journey over Going-to-the-Sun Road, called "the most beautiful 50 miles in the world," to Logan Pass and the Continental Divide for beautiful views While hiking the Highline Trail, spot such geologic features as the Bishop’s Cap and Haystack Butte.
Days 3-4 Waterton Lakes
Shuttle north across the Canadian border to Waterton Lakes National Park Hike the Carthew-Aldersen Trail, which leads through numerous botanical zones Options abound: Enjoy a boat cruise to the northern gateway of Glacier National Park, walk to Rainbow Falls or Kootenai Lake for possible moose sightings, browse the shops of Waterton Townsite or just kick back at the hotel.
Days 5-6 East Glacier
Hike to Iceberg Lake, where freezing waters harbor icebergs well into summer Search the steep mountainsides for bighorn sheep and mountain goats After boating across Two Medicine Lake, follow a narrow trail to Twin Falls and along the northern shore of the lake.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
Alaska Walking Pays Basque Walking Hungary/Slovakia/Poland WalkingOther National Park Trips
Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
Our leaders were amazing!!! If we even (under our breath) mentioned to anyone that it might be nice to have this or that waiting for us at the end of a hike, it was there the next day. Talk about listening to your people!!! Our leaders were not only fabulous and professional and very knowledgeable, they made the trip flow extremely smoothly. They made this trip one of the best ones we've had. I cannot praise them enough!!! Thanks!- Mamaroneck, NY More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. For walking tours and hiking tours in , trust our in-depth connections. To see all our walking tours and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning multisport tours click here.
Glacier Hiking
SUPERB SETTINGS: Casual Inns
Lake McDonald Lodge
Lake McDonald (1 night) Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this hotel features a panoramic view of the lake.
Many Glacier Hotel
Many Glacier Valley (1 night) Built by the Great Northern Railway, this Swiss-style chalet sits on the shore of Swiftcurrent Lake.
Prince of Wales Hotel
Waterton Lakes (2 nights) A historic green-gabled beauty in Waterton Lakes National Park.
Glacier Park Lodge
East Glacier (1 night) Nestled at the foot of Squaw Peak Mountain with Douglas fir pillars gracing the lobby.
Glacier Hiking
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 5 miles
- 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 6.8, 9.3 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 5, 7.5, 11.8 miles
- 1000 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Optional Activities
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 5, 9 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 5, 7.2 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain