Montana
Trailside Glacier: Hiking in Glacier National Park
Program No. 4863RJ
Experience Glacier National Park on expert-led hikes, traverse the historic Going-to-the-Sun Road and explore the stunning valleys of Many Glacier and Two Medicine!
Participant Reviews
Based on 49 Reviews
SHOWING
Wonderful trip. Great hikes and fabulous guides, knowledgeable and caring.
— Review left July 28, 2025
With 3.5 million people visiting Glacier National Park each year, it is bursting at the seams and presents a challenge for park management tasked with striking a balance between the needs/desires of visitors with those of wildlife and the environment in general. Timed entry reservations, shuttle schedules and parking are some of the logistical challenges for visitors, and fortunately Road Scholar has navigated all of this behind the scenes. What a relief! The program was exceptionally well organized and well run, especially for a group of 26 with different levels of skill, fitness and experience on the trail. Hikes will be offered daily, rain or shine, so be sure to prepare for heat or chilly weather, dry or rainy conditions. Altitude may also be an issue as most of the hikes started at around 2500 feet or higher. With 26 participants, be prepared that you may not always get your first choice of hike (mellow, moderate or motivated). There were really not many options if for any reason you decide not to hike on a given day. Fortunately, all of our guides (Denny, Lisa and Helen) were wonderful and everyone cooperated to work that out. Our group saw grizzly bears, moose, big horn sheep, mountain goats and a variety of small mammals and birds. All of the guides made sure everyone saw everything and often pointed out interesting geology and plants. Lodge rooms are basic, but clean. Folks with dietary restrictions could not always be fully accommodated. Bring a spirit of flexibility and you will enjoy this beautiful park with a delightful group of guides and fellow Road Scholars.
— Review left July 26, 2025
The program covered the culture, history and natural science of the area.
— Review left July 21, 2025
Who would have expected to learn about how the earth's atmosphere was changed from "poison" to oxygen and then see the fossils of how that came about on a hiking trip? Each out-and-back hike had a leader and the hikers chose the "sweep" from amongst themselves.
Such a diversity of hiking alternatives. Having been here before, I was really looking forward to returning to Many Glaciers and it did not disappoint. Bear activity guides which trails you are able to go out on.
Our leaders not only led the hikes, they drove the vans we went out in each day. Our three women were fabulous and cared about the well being of each of their guests.
— Review left December 15, 2024
Hiking Glacier has been high up on my list for many years, and this was amazing! Getting permits and parking and lodging at Glacier can be incredibly difficult and complicated, and it's wonderful that RS handles all that, and all I needed to do was show up and hike! Stunning hikes with great guides!
— Review left September 7, 2024
I was happy about the variety of different ability levels of the hikes and that they were all great hikes. Each level had a unique and rewarding experience.
— Review left September 5, 2024
A very well organized program. If you choose the "challenging" level of this program, please make sure you are ready to hike. The instructors always provided a "choice" of distance and terrain -- However, Glacier National Park does include some tough terrain. The guides always made sure all participants were involved.
— Review left September 1, 2024
I highly recommend this trip for anyone who wants to experience Glacier National Park on foot. There were three hiking options each day so we could pick our desired level of exertion. The group leaders were exceptional, as was the camaraderie of the participants. Glacier National Park should be on everyone's bucket list!
— Review left September 1, 2024
Wonderful hiking trip of 7 to 10 mile daily hikes. Beautiful mountains and
peaks all around. I enjoyed the strenuous hikes and pushing myself
to longer distances that I usually do. Great knowledgable leaders who
know every inch of the park.
— Review left August 30, 2024
Glacial National Park is a must see.
— Review left August 30, 2024
Trailside Glacier:Hiking in Glacier National Park is a wonderful experience and a great overview of the Switzerland of America. The lakes and mountains in the park are magnificent!
— Review left August 25, 2024
As advertised. leaders were exceptional. Accommodations were made and everyone's needs were meet. Thank you for a worthwhile and active time!
— Review left July 28, 2024
This is one of the best experiences I have ever had. Glacier is a must see, spectacular, grand, gorgeous, postcard experiences at every turn. The hiking is wonderful, The leaders knowledgeable, truly caring and the whole thing choreographed so well.
— Review left July 23, 2024
Trailside Hiking Glacier National Park was a fantastic program! You should go! Captivating, beautiful scenery on each hike and very caring & knowledgeable Group Leaders!! This program was an outstanding way to experience Glacier NP! Also, shout out to Al Koss who is very warm & passionate Group Leader.
— Review left July 22, 2024
Our 3 trip leaders were excellent and really made efforts to find short hikes and things for us to do when one of our trip days was cold and rainy and our final morning was cold and very windy. They were able to be creative and change our schedule to work around weather issues.
The trip overall was great. However, I do have a few points to make:
- Even though we had 3 hike leaders, the group size (almost 30) was too large. It made it more difficult for us to get to know each other in the short time we had. We also had to squeeze into vans with all of our hiking gear. The size of our group created long wait times for meals at Swiftcurrent Inn.
- I realize the park is remote and there are not a lot of food choices, but, for the cost of the trip, our bag lunches could have been better and more choice provided.
- I was a bit disappointed to find out how much the shuttle into the park cost. At least 3 weeks ahead of the trip, I tried to use the discussion board to find another person to share the ride. I was not able to logon to the board. I tried emailing Road Scholar several times and then calling. There was a technical glitch on your end and I was not able to logon until the day before travel. By then, it was too late to coordinate with a fellow traveler.
I truly did enjoy this trip! I am only stating these points to help with planning in the future.
— Review left September 24, 2023
Hiking in Glacier National Park was magical and magnificent. Cannot say enough wonderful things about our guides, Daphne, Deb and Dan-L. As individuals, each one had their own wonderful personality that gave each of our hikes a unique perspective on the beautiful trails and mountains that we hiked in Glacier National Park. I especially enjoyed the hikes. Most hikes are challenging and I would recommend that if you plan to take this trip, be prepared and know your limits and capabilities. One of our biggest thrills was to see one of the largest bull mooses on our hiking trail to Grinnell Lake. What an absolute thrill! Thanks Road Scholar, you never disappoint and I shall be back!
— Review left September 16, 2023
This was a great trip to Glacier NP. Every day we did a hike (rain or shine). Trip leaders were the best and it was great fun. The group was split into three groups every day providing us with the option of doing a shorter (5-6 mile) or a longer (11-12) hike, with a middle option. This is a very fun hiking tour to one of the most beautiful places. Highly recommend.
— Review left September 3, 2023
The program was very informative about Glacier National Park, it's history, flora and fauna and four legged inhabitants. the days were packed with well planned activities. The hiking is serious, always uphill and was a challenge for many who are not used to so much uphill hiking.
— Review left August 14, 2023
The tour exceeded all of my expectations. The guides were warm and knowledgeable, the accommodations were clean and comfortable, and the scenery was amazing!
— Review left August 13, 2023
It was an amazing trip. Our trip leader Al was outstanding. We had wonderful hikes everyday and the views were beautiful. There were various level of hike options available. I would have liked a few longer hikes, so I may have been better suited for the Challenging trip dates rather than the Spirited trip. But still had a great time.
— Review left August 8, 2023
Excellent hiking and guides. Definitely recommend!
— Review left August 6, 2023
My third visit to Glacier NP, first with RS, took me to places I had not been before in the park. I enjoyed the accommodations, restaurants, hikes and the transportation. The Guides were great and handled the few problems that happened well. This was my 7th RS trip and my experience was what I expected to happen. Some of the other participants and I stayed in the area and explored it more. Whitefish, Hungry Horse Dam and more of the park were explored. A 12+ mile hike on the Highline Trail from Logan Pass to the Loop were Challenging! Thank you Road Scholar!
— Review left August 6, 2023
If your looking for amazing scenery, this is not to be missed.
— Review left July 31, 2023
There are no words to describe the beauty we encountered at this park. Our guides made the experience even richer.
— Review left July 23, 2023
It was perfect! I didn't want to come home.
— Review left July 22, 2023
This was the first "Challenging" Road Scholar hiking program I've done (the other 4 were rated "Spirited"). Each day there were several hiking options that varied in terms of length and elevation gain, with the most challenging hikes being 12+ miles in length, with elevation gains of about 1800-2000 feet. I consider myself a good hiker, but I knew I was not as strong a hiker as many of the people in our group were, so I was happy to be able to choose less strenuous hikes every day. Those hikes ranged from 5-10 miles, with elevation gains of 400-800 feet. No matter which hikes you chose, all were wonderful experiences! The leaders were all first-rate in terms of sharing their knowledge of this beautiful area.
— Review left September 5, 2022
The three guides, Dan'l, Pat, and Deb, were fantastic and very knowledgeable about Glacier National Park. We would not have had the same wonderful experience if we had done the trip on our own. Our fellow guests were interesting to talk with. Hiking in the high altitude was a little challenging for me. Each day, we could choose which hiking option we wanted to do. I did notice that 5 miles really means 7 miles, etc. This is because the guides enjoy hiking so much and want the guests to experience as much as possible!
— Review left August 28, 2022
It needs a better explanation about what it means to have “limited space”, for example doubles only, shared roommate or singles allowed.
— Review left August 27, 2022
Glacier National Park is a sacred place. This trip was best for me because Road Scholar took care of getting the reservations, permits, and parking spots at the trailheads. We got to hike in all of the main parts of the park and we saw so much wildlife. Our guides were extremely knowledgeable about the birds, the animals, and the fauna around us. The accommodations were adequate and the food was good. I was just recovering from a foot problem and I really appreciated the three options of hikes every day as 5 miles was about my limit. I would do this trip again in a heartbeat if there weren't so many other places I need to see. Thank you to Pat, my favorite guide for joining the RS program.
— Review left August 22, 2022
This was a bucket trip for me. I have always wanted to hike in GNP. I wish I hadn't waited until I was 71. It was an emotional trip and it pushed me physically. I actually liked that experience. It was well organized. I really savored every minute of it and it was over too soon. Our country is a beautiful place. I would do it again. I will make further comments on the survey. Thank you
— Review left August 21, 2022
Top-notch trail guides offered a variety of hiking options each day to accommodate all levels of activity and the wealth of knowledge and experience shared by our guides was beyond my expectations. I can't imagine hiking Glacier any other way.
— Review left August 15, 2022
Active hiking program with knowledge subject matter experts and program leaders. Highly recommend for physically prepared individuals.
— Review left August 14, 2022
This was a fantastic trip. The planning and organization were exceptional and the scenery was absolutely incredible. Having three hikes to choose from each day varying in length and difficulty was a real plus. Make sure you go soon before all the glaciers are gone.
— Review left August 9, 2022
Glacier National Park is simply beautiful and majestic! Hiking with Road Scholar allowed me to learn and enjoy the best of this park and have all the the many details taken care of! Thank you again to Dan'l, Denny and Lynda!
— Review left August 9, 2022
Among the continents most beautiful and diverse land, with excellent guides at a very reasonable price. Geared to active adults but allowing for different levels of challenging hikers.
— Review left August 1, 2022
Glacier NP was spectacular in scenery and the knowledge of each guide was outstanding. Second trip for me with Road Scholar and was not disappointed. Planning my third trip soon.
— Review left September 19, 2021
The main reason we liked this trip is that for sure we wouldn't have been able to accomplish what we did with road scholar on our own. The selection of trials as well our guides provided exceptional value to this trip.
— Review left September 17, 2021
Very challenging and very worthwhile. Recommended for experienced hikers only
— Review left September 12, 2021
Fantastic program - great leaders, great hikes, spectacular scenery! Highly recommend this program if you like to do a lot of hiking!
— Review left September 12, 2021
If you enjoy an active lifestyle, love hiking in spectacular scenery, and seeing wildlife, this Road Scholar program is right for you!
— Review left September 5, 2021
If you are up for adventure and want a life-affirming experience, Road Scholar's Glacier National Park hiking week is for you. Experienced instructors/hiking guides teach about the local flora, fauna, and geological aspects of the park. For sheer beauty of terrain, there are few things that can rival America's own alpine experience. Getting to see vistas that are available only by hiking makes the experience even more impressive. Our entire group was friendly, accommodating, and interested in the same things I was. This also increased the enjoyment I got throughout the week. This program challenged me, met my needs, and taught me things that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
— Review left September 5, 2021
If you're a hiker, a landscape/wildlife photographer, or just an outdoor nature lover, this program is for you. The beautiful landscape and the opportunities of seeing bears, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats are just amazing.
— Review left August 30, 2021
Wow! Great trip experience in a true national treasure. Come enjoy the wilderness and see the glaciers while you can!
— Review left August 10, 2021
Check the Air Quality Index. Hey, I'm one of those people who can enjoy changing a flat tire, getting too close to a bear, etc., so I enjoyed my trip to Glacier with stinging eyes and smoke-obscured views. Buy the cancel-for-any-reason insurance because you can't predict Forest fires. Great trip if you like seeing wild animals. I saw: Mountain Goats, Fox, Bears, Moose, Mule Deer, Boreal Toads, Marmots, Ground Squirrels, Finch. (and rocks and trees and lakes) Staffing at the Mini-Glacier Lodge was inadequate, maybe next season service staffing will improve - this was not the fault of the excellent program staff, who handled logistics with humor and patience.
— Review left August 9, 2021
This program provides a variety of hiking options in a different location each day in beautiful Glacier Park. Geology, botany and scenery galore.
— Review left August 1, 2021
This was my first Road Scholar program and it exceeded my expectations! The hikes were amazing, the accommodations comfortable, the food decent, and the instructors so knowledgeable and friendly. Plus the other participants were a lot of fun. We really bonded.
The hikes were gorgeous - and there were various levels offered, so we could choose the amount of elevation gain we wanted to tackle each day. We saw amazing glaciers, gorgeous lakes, waterfalls, and lots of wildlife. Clear evenings made for spectacular star gazing. All in all, a fabulous trip!
— Review left September 10, 2019
If you like to hike and want to learn a lot and have fun doing it, this is a great program to consider going on.
— Review left August 18, 2019
OMG...this program was everything I hoped for and more! I learned so much about ecosystems, plants, animals. I enjoyed the ability to do both strenuous hikes and easier, slower paced hikes. The beauty of Glacier National Park was awe-inspiring! The team leader and instructors were wonderful! And it was terrific to interact with other like-minded people with so many similar interests. I made many new friends from all over the country who I will be keeping in touch with. Thank you Road Scholar!
— Review left August 4, 2019
I may have done this last year. Can't remember.
The trip was great. Guides were excellent and fun. Speakers were also very informative and full of energy. Manny Glacier hotel was one of the highlights. Hikes were very good and some challenging. Our first hike was a little too aggressive for some of our group. I would like to do it again soon and bring my fishing pole along.
— Review left February 23, 2019