This idea was born from creating a list of the most challenging day hikes in Glacier National Park and realizing that they are not for everyone. It takes another level of fitness, durability, strength, and mental toughness to go out and conquer 10 or more miles per day for four days - plus battling to over 8,000 feet of elevation.
As a retired college athlete, I have always loved to compete and challenge myself so after digging in with a trainer in recent months and finding that buried athlete, I wanted to find other people who like test themselves and remind themselves what their made of.
This trip is also open to men. A first for me, but I’ve always kind of felt like one of the boys, so I figured why not. This also means couples, but keep in mind you both better be tough as nails 🤣💪🏼.
What can you expect?
The Airbnb has 2 private bedrooms that could accommodate couples and one bedroom with two double beds, so we’ll need to cognizant of who doesn’t mind sleeping with who and if we have couples, obviously they get a private room. There are also pullout couches, so we have some wiggle room. This means a max of 6 travelers. I purposely keep the group small so it’s intimate and we can build strong connections. There are three full baths and a full kitchen. We rent a vehicle that can fit everyone comfortably and has a sun roof so you can gape out the top at all the beauty of Going to the Sun Road. If I wasn’t driving, I’d totally have my head out getting video of its gorgeousness.
You will meet everyone before arrival. As soon as the trip is full I create a group text for updates, most follow each other on IG, and then thirty days before departure I host a Zoom for everyone to meet before we’re all in person.
Once you’ve made your commitment to attend I’ll connect everyone, share a packing list, and start watching flights out of your city so I can advise you when to buy. Kalispell is a small regional airport and can be quite pricey if you don’t play the tracking game! I also highly suggest racking up some credit card points for this purchase. I provide specific timing parameters so that airport pick up and drop off are easy to time.
The only other things you’ll need to budget for out of pocket are lunches, dinners, and souvenirs. I included breakfast and hiking snacks in the price to make your life easier.
What happens once you’ve made it to Montana? We start hiking! I’m not kidding. Each day will be physically challenging with insane views and awesome trail talk plus lots of laughs. Here’s a sample itinerary, but recognize that specific hikes are subject to change based on the group’s fatigue, foot status, weather, trail closures due to wildlife, preferences etc.
Day 1
Arrive in Kalispell around noon
Airport pick up, grab lunch on the 45 min drive to the West Entrance to the park
Hike Avalanche Lake or Hidden Lake (both are 5-6 miles)
Enjoy the overlooks on GTSR
Dinner in St. Mary
Check-in to the house
Sunset from the balcony, settle in, hangout, relax before bed
Day 2
5/5:30am wake up to beat the rush for parking at Logan Pass
Breakfast, load hiking gear
Head into the park and hike the Iconic Highline Trail while the sun comes up (8-14 miles depending on how everyone feels)
Late lunch in St. Mary or pack sandwiches to eat in the park
Relax and learn on a Glacier Park Boat ride
Enjoy sunset at Sun Point or another location depending on location of boat ride
Dinner at the amazing Two Sisters Cafe (woman owned restaurant that is killer!)
Return to the house around 10pm
Day 3
Another early wake up because sunrise in Many Glacier WILL change your life
Breakfast, load the car and in the park before 6am
Relax and watch sunrise from over the falls and stroll around Many Glacier Hotel, grab a coffee before we start a hike (if you dare)
Hike to Iceberg Lake, Cracker Lake, Grinnell Lake, Ptarmigan Tunnel, or Swiftcurrent Pass - too many great choices in this area of the park!
Late lunch at the hotel
Enjoy the view from the balcony, relax, stroll around the lake and stay for sunset
Dinner in St. Mary or cook at the house
Enjoy each other’s company and pass out!
Day 4
Sleep in today. We’ve earned it.
Breakfast
Head to Two Medicine (the least visited section of the park)
Hike Scenic Point (7.7 miles) or a less strenuous option
Packed lunches
Rent kayaks and enjoy Two Medicine Lake or head back along GTSR after 3/4pm and hike to Virginia Falls
Select our sunset spot for the evening
Dinner at Two Sisters again. It’s that good.
Enjoy the cabin together and get some sleep
Day 5
Groups choice on sleeping in or watching sunrise
Breakfast
Prepare the house for check out
Depart to cross GTSR
Stop at Lake McDonald for photos if we have time
Airport drop off no earlier than 12pm
Say your goodbyes and book your trip for next year! (It’s a trend that everyone loves it so much they want to repeat with a new park).
As you can see we will be busy moving our bodies, but I strategically place recovery activities. This is from 6+ years of beating on my body during my trips and learning how to make it more enjoyable! My goal is to allow you to be successful and want to do it again.
The itinerary can be customized to the desires of the group. Want to see a certain place? Tell me. If you just want me to lead the way I’m happy to do that too.
I’m here to support you from the minute you decide this is for you. Want to know what gear I recommend? I got you. Want to have great photos to remember the experience? I take those too and share them for free after editing if you prefer. The goal? Keep fucking going and enjoy the hard!
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