Glacier: Wild Peaks & Wildflowers

This trip is very doable for a hiker with average ability — most of our days are easy to moderate, with just two longer, more challenging hikes: the Highline Trail (about 12 miles) and Iceberg Lake (about 9.7 miles), both with gentle-to-moderate climbing. Between them we've built in a relaxed horseback-and-boat day, so you'll be rested and ready. Put in some training miles this spring and summer and you'll handle these beautifully. As always, we pace ourselves, rest often, and soak in every view.

One note: the Highline Trail begins with a famous cliffside ledge — narrow, with a cable to hold onto and a big drop-off. It's completely walkable and wildly scenic, but if heights aren't your thing, let us know and we'll make a plan.

Glacier is high, wild, and stunning. Expect long valley trails to iceberg-dotted lakes, a legendary ledge walk along the Garden Wall with waterfalls and wildflowers at every turn, and a climb to an alpine lake where mountain goats often wander right past. We balance the two big hikes with a horseback ride, a scenic boat cruise, a gentle old-growth cedar walk, and the unforgettable drive over Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Your first and last nights are spent at the same comfortable hotel near the Kalispell airport (Glacier International Lodge), with your own bed and time to settle in. Your final night's stay is included in your trip.

For the heart of the trip, we glamp at Many Glacier, widely considered the most beautiful corner of the park, tucked beneath the peaks beside Swiftcurrent Lake. You'll share a large, walk-in tent (two women per tent) outfitted with cots, sleeping mattresses, sleeping bags, pillows, a rug underfoot, and a shared nightstand with a lantern — and you'll always have your own bed. Showers and flushing toilets are available.

A note on weather & wildlife: mountain days are lovely but mornings and evenings run cool, so pack warm layers and a rain jacket. And Glacier is prime grizzly and black bear country — we follow careful bear-safety and food-storage practices throughout, and your guide will walk you through everything. Spotting wildlife from a safe distance is one of the joys of this park!

Fly into Kalispell and settle in at our hotel. This evening, meet Michele in the lobby for a welcome dinner, where you'll meet your fellow adventurers and we'll walk through the exciting week ahead. (Dinner included.)

After breakfast, we'll drive to Many Glacier and set up our basecamp beneath the peaks. To ease in, we'll take a gentle stroll along Swiftcurrent Lake, keeping our eyes peeled for moose and bear on the hillsides, before our first dinner and campfire in this breathtaking setting. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner included.)

Our first big hike, and it's a beauty: the trail to Iceberg Lake (9.7 miles, 1,453 ft) climbs gently through wildflower meadows to a stunning cirque lake where icebergs float on the water even in the heat of summer. Bring a layer — it's chilly at the lake, and worth every step. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner included.)

A well-earned change of pace. This morning we'll saddle up for a guided horseback ride through classic Glacier scenery. In the afternoon, we'll head to St. Mary Lake for a scenic boat cruise, gliding beneath the peaks with the wind in our hair. A relaxed, joyful day between our two big hikes. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner included.)

Today's the crown jewel: the Highline Trail (12.3 miles, 1,502 ft). Starting at Logan Pass, we'll walk the Garden Wall high along the Continental Divide — waterfalls, wildflowers, mountain goats, and views that stretch forever — then descend to The Loop, where the park shuttle carries us back. It's a long, glorious day you'll never forget. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner included.)

A gentler day among the giants. We'll head back up to Logan Pass to hike to Hidden Lake (5.39 miles, 1,355 ft) through wildflower meadows often dotted with mountain goats and marmots, with jaw-dropping views of the surrounding peaks. There's time to relax in the afternoon and soak in our last full day in the park. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner included.)

For our grand finale, we'll break camp and drive the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road in its full glory, winding past glaciers, waterfalls, and overlooks. We'll stop to walk the ancient Trail of the Cedars, and enjoy some shopping and lunch at beautiful Lake McDonald before arriving at our hotel for your final, included night. (Breakfast and lunch included; dinner on your own tonight — go toast to an incredible week!)

Planning your flights home: Your final night's hotel is included, so most guests fly out on Saturday. If you'd rather head home Friday evening, just be sure to book your flight for after 5:00 PM so we have time to make the drive back.