Yes, a tropical getaway is always a fun way to spend a girls’ getaway. However, what if you seek more adventure instead of leisure? Well, then Glacier National Park might be just the ticket for you. Follow along with my friend Kayla and me as we explore this majestic park. Expect to walk away with ideas and images of what your next adventure could look like in this beautiful park.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park is often called the “crown of the continent,” Now I know why. It is like nothing I have seen before. With untouched mountains that reach for the sky in a never-ending landscape. So majestic your brain doesn’t even want to fathom its existence.
You have likely seen the images of brightly colored rocks under crystal blue waters surrounded by snow-topped rocky mountains. Well, settle in, there are plenty of these to behold, along with more awe-inspiring breathtaking views.
Word To The Wise
We did not get this trip booked until 2 months out. I do not recommend this course of action, AT ALL. While doable in a pinch, there are many reasons why it would make your life much easier if you booked 6 months out. Especially if you are visiting during the summer months. I will not go into all the details but I will lay it all out in this post, Avoid Making THIS Mistake When Booking Your Trip to Glacier National Park.
Hiccups aside, we booked the trip and had an amazing 4-day adventure in the park.
Day 1: Epic Hike
“Go big or go home.” We did our biggest hike on the first day in the park.
Glacier has many well-known hikes, but if you want unique bragging rights then you must do the Highline Trail. There are a couple a of different ways to go about executing this trail due to other trails intersecting it. However, a popular choice is to follow the Highline Trail to the Granite Park Chalet and head downhill to The Loop parking lot. The 11.4 mile point to point trail hugs the continental divide and is quite literally carved into the mountainside. With breathtaking views that are almost too grand to seem real.
Aside from the epic views, we also had the opportunity to run into some wildlife. We thankfully did not run into any of the large furry hibernating kind. Though, we were well equipped with deterrent spray for them thanks to Glacier Outfitters. In a comical moment, we did catch a fright from a deer hiding behind a tree that made our hearts skip a beat, followed by fits of nervous laughter.
Deer, mountain goats, curious marmots, and an abundance of chipmunks and ground squirrels were available for our viewing pleasure. Though a bear from a distance would have been a sight, we were glad we never ran into one on our trails.
Grinnell Glacier Overlook
About 7 miles into the hike, there is a glacier overlook turnout option called The Garden Wall Glacier Overlook. Though we had not planned to add this 1.6 miles 900 ft ascent to our trip, we could not resist the friendly hikers “it’s worth it” commentary.
Was it worth it? Yes. The view at the top was amazing. We were standing on top of the continental divide looking down 1,000 ft at Grinnell Glacier, followed by three lakes to the east and the entirety of the west side of the park to our backs. The view cannot be explained in words or by pictures.
Did our thighs, knees, and toes think it was worth it? The climb was a beast, and the descent was quick and to the point. This trail is not for the faint of heart, with steep drop-offs that have you on repeat saying, “Don’t look down, don’t look down”.
However, if you are in good shape, I don’t mean decent shape, I mean GOOD to GREAT shape, and don’t mind a ledge, then you must check out the top. If for nothing more than the “atta-boy” of a challenging hike.
Granite Park Chalet
After the glacier overlook, we came up on Granite Park Chalet, built in 1914 and still houses backcountry guests. The Chalet also provides snacks and a pit stop for passing day hikers. This is the junction point mentioned earlier. We jumped off Highline Trail and descended to The Loop so we did not have to backtrack.
The descent is 4 miles downhill. Again, knees and toes were not too happy about this. Unfortunately, the views were nothing compared to the Highline Trail. If we were to go back to hike this trail again, we probably would trek Highline Trail out and back from the Chalet. This adds a few miles but saves your knees and helps prevent “hikers toe.”
Parking is a beast at The Loop and Logan’s Pass. I suggest using the free park shuttle for this hike. It makes life a lot easier, especially since you start at one and end at the other. I provide more information on the shuttle service in this article, Navigating Glacier National Park with Ease.
Day 2: Lake Time
Thankfully I had planned a recovery day for us on Day 2. We rented a kayak and SUP board from Glacier Outfitters in Apgar Village. I can not think of a more beautiful way to have spent our morning. We were on Lake McDonald, a 10-mile alpine lake with crystal clear water and the infamous colorful rocks that lie below. The rocky mountain backdrop was the icing on the cake.
We spent 2 hours putting around the lake. We pulled up on a beach and explored a bit before returning our equipment and walking around the adorable Apgar Village. The Village sports a hotel, small shops, restaurants, and ice cream. We had lunch on Lake McDonald Beach and then headed for a short hike to our next lake destination.
Avalanche Lake Trail is a family-friendly 5.9-mile trek out and back through the cedars to a beautiful lake surrounded by a mountain wall. This is a favorite for families with small children as it is not too long or strenuous. The payoff is excellent, and you could spend an afternoon playing on the pebble beach.
This rest day was just what the doctor had ordered.
Day 3: Chasin’ Waterfalls
Our original plans for this day, to ride horses on a guided tour in Many Glacier at a separate entrance, was canceled. Many Glacier is a beautiful part of the park that I highly recommend you work into your itinerary if you are visiting.
However, we had a few speed bumps in our way to visit. Without the horse ride activity, we didn’t have a way to access the road unless we were to arrive before 6 am. Our accommodations were 3 hours away from that entrance, so we voted not to have a 3 am wake-up call. Atlas, we realized it is impossible to take in all of Glacier in 4 days. Twist our arms; we will have to return and make Many Glacier top of our list.
So what to do with our now free day… we attempted to check out another beautiful hike called Hidden Lake Overlook at Logan’s Pass where Highline Trail begins, but after circling the parking lot multiple times we decided to move on to our second option.
Which ended up being a blessing since our second option was St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail. This hike is a 3.1 mile out and back trail that boasts many waterfalls and cascades. This quickly became another amazing day spent in the park.
St. Mary Falls is beautiful, with a footbridge and multiple falls that empties into a river that continues onto St. Mary Lake. Though we didn’t see a moose, it was the perfect location to spot one. We had been told that some frequent the area.
Virginia Falls was magnificent. A large waterfall flows from a red rock wall cascading down multiple levels. With many different vantage points, we took our time enjoying each one. The sheer force felt from the top fall was electrifying. Our day was made.
After we were done chasin’ waterfalls, we decided to roll the windows down, turn on the radio, and drive the whole Going to The Sun Road from east to west. Wow, just wow! Not to mention East to West was a bit less scary of a drive since you are hugging the rock wall instead of looking down a steep cliff. She’s a doozy.
Day 4: River Wild
On our last day, we decided to take advantage of the beautiful Flathead River that flows just outside the park’s west entrance. We enjoyed a relaxing morning on the riverbed watching fly fishers attempt to catch the elusive trout.
Then after lunch, we hopped on a raft and decided to have an adventure of our own. We went white water rafting with Glacier Rafting Company.
Though the intensity of the rapids is not at its highest this time of year, we still had a blast and finally took a full dip in the glacial waters. The rafting trip ended with me “riding the bull” on the front of the raft down the last rapids. If you know me, this is not surprising at all.
Takeaway
After 4 adventure-packed days, our time was complete, at least for this trip. We both hope to return to share this beautiful park with our families and continue exploring the unseen sections.
My most significant learning from this trip is readiness and preparation for change. Things happen, and plans change. You can either roll with the punches and devise a new game plan or let it ruin your day. Always come to the table with an option B and C. That way, when you find yourself in those situations, you eliminate stress by quickly transitioning.
Sometimes God puts roadblocks in “our” plans for a reason. Always find the silver lining and no matter what you will have a good trip.
To stay in touch and hear more about this trip, join my community, where I share practical tips to reduce stress while traveling. To sweeten the deal, I will throw in my worksheet, 6 Key Decisions To Quickly Get Your Next Trip Booked to help you get on your next journey ASAP!
Happy travels, ya’ll!
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