Montana: Glacier National Park
Montana’s Glacier National Park is a wilderness experience not to be missed—and this hiker’s tour lets you discover the park’s natural wonders in style! Our experienced local leaders are expert naturalists—adept at navigating Montana’s wilderness trails and rugged terrain. Under their tutelage, you’ll learn how to spot eagles, elk, and bighorn sheep among the lush slopes of the Highland Trail—and the perfect spot to photograph the stunning turquoise waters at Iceberg Lake. Hike to Appistoki Falls and enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking stunning views of the Continental Divide—and ride the parks’ famous open-top Red Jammer buses as you travel from hotel to hotel. In the evenings, relax in historic mountain lodges steeped in Glacier National Park lore, spectacular mountain scenery, and mouthwatering local cuisine.
Highlights
- Ascend the peaks and cliffs of the Continental Divide as you cruise the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road in one of the park’s classic Red Buses.
- Learn from passionate and knowledgeable naturalist leaders, as they bring Glacier National Park’s impressive geological history to life.
- Traverse alpine slopes through a profusion of colorful wildflowers and grasses, all beneath the impressive face of Mt. Wilbur.
Positive Impact
Country Walkers is proud to support the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative with a donation on behalf of each guest on this tour. Stretching some 2,000 miles, the Yellowstone to Yukon region is enormously diverse and inhabited with wildlife, nature, and millions of people. The Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative is the only organization dedicated to securing the ecological health of this entire region. Through their big-picture perspective they focus on local issues that have continental-scale implications. Since 1993 they have worked with over 300 partners including businesses and government and non-profit organizations on dozens of on-the-ground initiatives.
Accommodations
Glacier National Park was on the top of my list for a while. Friends of ours did this trip last year, highly recommended it and so we booked with CW. First – the guides – Jennifer and Gabby. WOW! They are an amazing part of your organization and truly made this trip for us. They were expert guides, lunch makers, nurses, gear providers, cheerleaders, driver and simply anything and everything that was needed. They are the ultimate hosts offering exceptional hospitality. They are the sole reason I gave this trip Five Stars. Itinerary – I would give it 3.5 stars. For me – our day started too late. I would have preferred an early start with a bit of time to relax in the afternoon before lunch. I know others preferred to sleep in – simply a preference thing - perhaps you could alternate each day. The hikes were well planned – but the pace was a bit slow for me. We also encountered a some rain. Had I been solo – I would not have pushed for the extra 1 mile back and out in the rain for a view that was not really good. Lots of days of continuous hiking – I would have preferred mixing it up a bit – as they did on our day to the Museum of the Plains Indians. Lodging I would give this 2 Stars– While the lodges were Historic and beautiful in all the common spaces. Our rooms were a disgrace. Small, cramped, showers with moldy curtains. Our group was given sub par accommodations. I saw other rooms in the lodges – they were remodeled and far nicer. Since you are all one company (Xanterra) I would think you might giver preference to your groups. In the Many Glacier hotel we had one bed that was so small we had to sleep head to feet. Really? The rooms were very disappointing – and it was not because the lodge is historic – it was because you gave us unremodeled rooms that easily could be updated to be more appealing and appropriate. Food – overall 4 stars – food was well presented and tasty. I would have enjoyed a more healthful, contemporary selection but I did appreciated we had unrestricted choices in the dining rooms. The menu was OK – the service mixed – I expect that if I booked my own reservations they would be exactly the same. Perhaps in your dining rooms you might offer a more casual section – burgers, wraps, larger salads for dinner etc….. Guests – Overall 3 stars - I took this trip very seriously and had all the recommended gear. I am a capable hiker and expected, based on your description and requirement that other guest would be too. Some arrived without the appropriate gear (Jennifer and Gabby anticipated this and had tons of spare gear). Some arrived not knowing how far or high we would hike. And some were simply too slow and fragile to be in the “faster” group. I’m not sure I would book another CW trip. While I appreciated the itinerary and planning that went into making this happen – the value proposition for my time and money was simply not a good fit for me.
Montana: Glacier National Park
My husband and I went on our first Country Walkers trip to Glacier National Park in August, 2024. Everything about the tour was excellent. The guides, Jennifer and Wade, were so knowledgeable, enthusiastic and helpful. Scenery was spectacular and the Park Lodges so unique. We got a choice of hikes daily and guides adapted them for the group’s needs. Moose and bear sightings were incredible.
Montana: Glacier National Park
Expert Local Leaders
Experience your destination like an insider with people who call it home.
Gabby Holm
The outdoors has been a lifelong inspiration for Gabby Holm. As an artist, she draws inspiration from the natural world. With prior experience at Glacier Guides and Montana Rafts, Gabby appreciates the richness of Glacier’s beauty, diversity, and natural and cultural history. Gabby has a wealth of information to share, and enjoys helping others learn about birds, animals, plants, and geology while hiking.
David Moench
Born and raised in New Mexico, David grew up exploring the beauty of the southwest. After graduating from Humboldt State University with a degree in Recreation Administration and Adventure Tourism Management, David went on to realize his dreams—becoming a professional guide and environmental steward. Following years of guiding throughout the United States and internationally, David now calls Whitefish his forever home where he can share his love of Glacier Park with others.
Eva Stone
Eva Stone was raised in Gardiner, Montana at the entrance to Yellowstone National Park, one of the few humans among its bison and elk inhabitants! She has worked and guided in Yellowstone and Denali National Park, but Glacier has been far and away her favorite and is home. Whether she’s hiking, biking, rafting, or skiing she loves being out in the mountains and sharing her enthusiasm for protected wilderness with others.
Jennifer Buls
Jennifer Buls hails from Great Falls, Montana, and has worked as a rafting and hiking guide since 2002. Gifted in plant identification, Jennifer studied Forest Resource management. When not guiding, one can find her working in a local gear shop or out on the slopes snowboarding.
Wade Holm
Born in South Africa, Wade has spent his life exploring the outdoors in places like Kruger National Park and the Drakensberg mountain range. At an early age, these experiences instilled in him a deep sense of wilderness stewardship. Since moving to North America, he has made a career of guiding trips in Glacier National Park, where he explores the rugged Montana landscape-sharing his passion for adventure with his guests. When not guiding, you can find him happily photographing, and documenting, birds and wildlife on his many adventures.