Glacier Hiking
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.
Day 1 Lake McDonald
Meet in Whitefish 
At 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 Stride along the Highline Trail marveling at 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 or a walk to Rainbow Falls or Kootenai Lake for possible moose sightings.
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.
SUPERB SETTINGS : Casual Inns
Lake McDonald Lodge (1 night): On the National Register of Historic Places, this hotel features a panoramic view of the lake.
Many Glacier Hotel (1 night): Built by the Great Northern Railway; a Swiss-style chalet on the shore of Swiftcurrent Lake.
Prince of Wales Hotel (2 nights): A historic, green-gabled beauty in Waterton Lakes National Park.
Glacier Park Lodge (1 night): Nestled at the foot of Squaw Peak Mountain with Douglas fir pillars gracing the lobby.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
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
- 250 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 5, 7.5, 12.9 miles
- 1000 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Optional Activities
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 5, 9 miles
- 700 - 1200 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 5, 7.2 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Trips 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 | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking | ||
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2008 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 7/26-31Price: $2698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $820 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/2-7Price: $2698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $820 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/9-14Price: $2598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $820 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/16-21Price: $2598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $820 for sgl. occ.)
SINGLES+SOLOS TRIPS
Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Trip praise
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
Besides the breathtaking majesty of the scenery, by far the highlight of the trip, were the two Backroads leaders. What delightful women! They were fun, flexible, informative, conversant, and a pleasure to be with. My husband and I were entirely confident we were in great hands. Both receive our highest praise.- San Diego, CA