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Glacier Hiking

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  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.

big map

SUPERB SETTINGS: Casual Inns

Lake McDonald Lodge (1 night): Listed 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, this Swiss-style chalet sits 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
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6

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
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
2010 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS

Guest Trip Reviews

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!
Sylvia Yasgur - 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.
Marianna Cochran - San Diego, CA