07gl explorer gp - trek travel · crisp mountain air and the promise of new adventure. as you...
TRANSCRIPT
glacier
explorer
MONTANA
IDAHO
CANADA
Whitefish-Kalispell
Lake McDonald
Many Glacier
Waterton Lakes National Park
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Welcome to your Trek Travel® glacier adventure!
The Rocky Mountains of both Glacier and Waterton National Park truly are the crown of the continent and will offer an extraordinary backdrop to your cycling vacation. The snow-capped peaks of Mt. Sinopah and Mt. Crandell reach high into the azure sky and the valleys overflow with moose, big horn sheep and mountain goats all for your viewing pleasure. Each morning you are greeted with crisp mountain air and the promise of new adventure. As you ascend the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, your natural soundtrack will include the echo of Bird Woman Falls, the wind through the aspen trees and ospreys soaring through the air. At night the sky is a sea of stars, crystal clear and glittering with cozy inspiration.
If you’re lucky enough to spend time in Montana either before or after your Trek Travel trip, I suggest taking advantage of the many other adventures offered in the mountains here. From over 700 miles of hiking trails to whitewater rafting, float trips on a local river to horseback riding, the options are as endless as the views in the Rockies. There is an abundance of guide services located in the Kalispell area, many of which can be found through Montana’s tourist website, www.visitmt.com.
Now, to get the most out of your trip, I really recommend doing some training. I know, I know, train for a vacation?! I promise, you’ll enjoy your time more if your body is prepared for it! So start riding, walking, running—whatever gets your legs moving and your heart rate up. My next advice is to pack for any kind of weather, with lots of layers. The weather here ranges from cool and raining to hot and sunny—all in the same day.
Happy cycling and I’ll see you in the Park!Andrea Meholic
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the trek travel difference
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At Trek Travel, we’re committed to providing ultimate cycling vacation experiences to our guests by including the following unique benefits on each of our trips:
Connections to Cycling
As a Trek partner, Trek Travel has over 30 years of experience and connections in the world of professional cycling. Whether it be exclusive access to the Discovery Team, having cycling legends on our trips or simply having a surprise visit from Bob Roll during one of the Grand Tour stages—our connections get you up close and personal to the action.
Top-of-the-line Trek Bicycles and Accessories
Trek 5.2 Madone® Carbon Fiber Road Bike, Trek 7700 Hybrid Bike, helmets, racks, packs and saddle options.
Exceptional Guides
Our guides pass the highest training standards in the industry which translates into an exceptional experience and superior customer service for each and every guest on each and every trip. Every trip comes with two or three experienced guides.
Fun & Flexible Philosophy
Whether you are a leisurely rider or an avid cyclist; whether you want to ride a little or a lot; all Trek Travel trips have built-in flexibility that allows us to make each day fit you like a glove. If you want to take a morning or afternoon off, your knowledgeable Trek Travel guides can help you decide what non-biking options best suit your mood. It’s your vacation – – you decide.
Social Hour
Trek Travel hosts social hours on most evenings of our trips, giving you the opportunity to mingle and become better acquainted with your traveling companions.
In-house Travel Agent
In order to make things easy and hassle-free for our guests, we have an in-house Travel Agent to assist guests with all of their travel arrangements.
Trek Travel Guest Packet and Clothing
Each guest receives a Guest Packet filled with detailed trip-specific, regional, training and cultural information to help them prepare for their trip. Additionally, guests receive complimentary clothing.
Comfortable Trip Size
20 guests per trip capacity ensures each guest has individual support, attention and the company of their world-class guides.
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Day 1
Today’s Ride | Red Rock Canyon- 20 miles (30km) Elevation Gain | 1400 ft
Your guides will meet you at the Kalispell Grand Hotel in Kalispell at 8:00 am and the Good Medicine Lodge in Whitefish at 8:30
am on Sunday morning. After a private shuttle (4 hours) we’ll cross the border into Alberta, Canada and the town of Waterton
nestled below the towering mountain peaks in Waterton National Park. After a picnic lunch at Cameron Falls Park, we’ll spend
some time familiarizing you with the Trek bicycle you’ll be riding, making sure that you and your bike are the perfect fit. Once
we’ve filled you in on the details of the day, we’ll head out on our warm-up ride to Red Rock Canyon. This quiet route abounds
with colorful roadside wildflowers and views of hanging valleys, alpine meadows and jagged mountain peaks. Once at the
canyon, enjoy the striking colors of the old bedrock layers. We will then return to Waterton and our hotel, Waterton Lakes Lodge,
conveniently located in the center of town. Relax with a hot shower before getting together for a social hour, overview of the
week and dinner at our hotel’s restaurant.
Hotel | Waterton Lakes Lodge Phone | 403.859.2150 Web | www.watertonlakeslodge.com
Day 2
Today’s Ride | Cameron Lake- 22 miles (35km) Elevation Gain | 1500 ft
With the mighty Canadian Rockies at our fingertips, we’ll spend the day exploring the Park’s endless maze of mountains and emerald green lakes. This morning you’ll climb the quiet and beautiful Akamina Parkway on your way to Cameron Lake, which has been dubbed the “Jewel of Waterton.” Always a favorite among park visitors, Cameron Lake is a sub-alpine lake nestled at the foot of the dramatic peaks belonging to the Akamina Ridge. Feel free to rent a canoe and paddle around the lake or sit back and take in the sun on the dock. You might also try to spot grizzlies across the lake—one of their favorite places to get a cool drink of mountain water. When you return to Waterton this afternoon, your guides will present you with a bountiful pack-lunch to take with you on a serene boat ride down Waterton Lake. You’ll cross the international border into Goat Haunt and have the opportunity to hike to Kootenai Lakes where moose are often spotted. This evening you’ll be rewarded with the perfect ending to the perfect day—a short walk to the town of Waterton where you’ll be free to dine at one of Waterton’s great restaurants.
Hotel | Waterton Lakes Lodge Phone | 403.859.2150 Web | www.watertonlakeslodge.com
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If you need to contact your guides the day the trip starts, please leave them a message at
Waterton Lakes Lodge, 403.859.2150
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Day 3
Today’s Ride | Canadian border to Many Glacier- 29 miles; Elevation Gain | 3714 ft
| Canadian border to St. Mary via Many Glacier- 48 miles
Today we’ll start our ride just north of the Canadian border on the outskirts of the village of Waterton. Bring your passports
along as we’ll cross the border back into the United States at Chief Mountain Junction, under the watchful eye of its namesake
mountain. A sacred site among the Blackfeet Indian tribe, Chief Mountain stands tall and proud, just as its name denotes. Passing
some of the Rocky Mountain’s most impressive scenery, we’ll ride along the border of Glacier National Park on our way to
St. Mary, located in the heart of Blackfeet Indian country. Tonight we settle into the luxurious Great Bear at the St. Mary Lodge
and Resort. This amazing mountain retreat has all the luxuries you would expect from a fine hotel, coupled with the charm of a
national park lodge. This evening we’ll dine in the Snowgoose Grille, widely known for their sumptuous buffalo, before turning
in for a comfortable sleep in preparation for another day of cycling, wildlife and glaciated peaks.
Hotel | The Resort at Glacier- Great Bear Lodge Phone | 406.732.4431 Web | www.glcpark.com
Day 4
Today’s Ride | St. Mary to Two Medicine Lake- 37 miles Elevation Gain | 3557 ft
Experience the beauty of riding through the mountains as we wind our way out to Two Medicine Lake. Among the famous
peaks surrounding this lake is Rising Wolf Mountain, named after Hugh Monroe, the first white man to live with the Blackfeet
Indians. Once we arrive at our lakefront destination, you’re free to rent a canoe or kayak and further explore the shoreline and
enjoy your pack lunch in this stunning setting. Opt to take the short hike to view Running Eagle Falls, one of the many features
of the area that holds great religious significance for local Blackfeet tribal members. After this full day of adventure and scenic
enlightenment you can choose to ride or take the shuttle back to enjoy the amenities at Great Bear Lodge. Tonight we’ll enjoy a
true western dinner at the locals’ favorite, Cattle Baron Supper Club, in the nearby town of Babb.
Hotel | The Resort at Glacier- Great Bear Lodge Phone | 406.732.4431 Web | www.glcpark.com
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Day 5
Today’s Ride | St. Mary to Avalanche Creek via Going-to-the-Sun Road- 34 miles Elevation Gain | 5100 ft
Today we’ll ride one of the country’s most spectacular cycling routes—the majestic Going-to-the-Sun Road. This impressive
mountain highway has been called one of America’s premier cycling routes for good reason! Our ride begins with a sweeping
view of St. Mary Lake and a gradual ascent along its crystal clear waters. With 10 miles to go before the summit at Logan Pass, the
climbing truly begins. Cyclists of all abilities will enjoy the challenging yet feasible road in front of them. With pullouts all the way,
stop and soak in the spectacular scenery that surrounds the heart of this beautiful park. Once at Logan Pass, enjoy a short hike on
the Highline Trail or learn about the area’s wildlife at the Logan Pass Interpretive Center. From here, we’ll enjoy an exhilarating
descent to Avalanche Creek where your guides will have another great lunch prepared. After lunch, opt to hike to the shores of
Avalanche Lake. Before nightfall we’ll shuttle one hour to the luxurious Kandahar Lodge located on Big Mountain, just outside
of the town of Whitefish. Tonight we’ll meet in the Snug Bar at the Kandahar for a toast to great cycling, great adventure and
great company, followed by a hearty dinner at the Lodge’s intimate Café Kandahar.
Hotel | Kandahar Lodge at Big Mountain Phone | 406.862.6098 Web | www.kandaharlodge.com
Day 6
Today’s Ride | Big Mountain Road- 12 miles Elevation Gain | 1415 ft
| Whitefish Lake- 26 miles
This morning’s opportunities are many. Challenge yourself to one more climb by riding down the Big Mountain access road,
then turning around and retracing the 6-mile climb, or add more miles by riding along Whitefish Lake. Hike Big Mountain’s
“Danny On” trail or sleep-in and savor your delicious breakfast. Our shuttle will depart from Kandahar Lodge at 11:00am
and arrive in Whitefish (Good Medicine Lodge) and
Kalispell (Kalispell Grand Hotel) at 11:15 and 11:45
respectively. If you’re planning to fly out of Glacier Park
International Airport in Kalispell, we recommend that
you schedule your flight for no earlier than 2:30pm the
last day of the trip.
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Glacier National Park
Length | 6 days / 5 nights
Activity Level | All levels can be accommodated
Trip Start / End | Whitefish or Kalispell, Montana
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Trip accommodationsHotel | Waterton Lakes Lodge | Waterton National Park, Canada
Located on 4 acres in the center of the township of Waterton, this environmentally friendly lodge offers well appointed guest rooms, pool and fitness facilities and a world class restaurant right on site.
Phone | 403.859.2150 Web | www.watertonlakeslodge.com
Hotel | The Resort at Glacier- Great Bear Lodge | St. Mary, Montana
A new addition to the Resort at Glacier, the Great Bear Lodge is situated in the heart of St. Mary’s overlooking the peaks of
Glacier National Park. It offers modern amenities including TV’s and phones in each room, air conditioning and private decks
with mountain views.
Phone | 406.732.4431 Web | www.glcpark.com
Hotel | Kandahar Lodge at Big Mountain | Whitefish, Montana |
Located at the base of Montana’s Big Mountain, Kandahar Lodge is the perfect blend of elegance and casual mountain lifestyle.
This charming mountain inn offers modern amenities including TV’s and phones in each room, hot tub and access to spa
facilities.
Phone | 406.862.6098 Web | www.kandaharlodge.com
cuisine
On your Trek Travel adventure, most meals are included in the price of the trip. One dinner will be of the guest’s choice. This
gives you the opportunity to explore the cuisine and the culture the way you would like. On this occasion, your Trek Travel guides
will provide you with detailed lists of recommended dining locations. If you have any special dietary preferences, be sure that you
have informed your Trek Travel Trip Consultant before you leave for your trip. We will do our best to accommodate your dietary
requests. On the Glacier National Park trip all of the dinners are casual in setting. Cuisine includes many options including wild
game and fresh fish. Lunches will be either picnic or pack lunch. Breakfast is served buffet style and ordered from the menu at
Waterton Lakes Lodge and Kandahar Lodge.
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what’s included
INCLUDED IN THE TRIP PRICE
5 nights of accommodation
All breakfasts, 4 dinners, 4 lunches and all snacks and drinks for each day’s ride
A social hour on some days
The knowledge, support, and camaraderie of experienced guides
Daily route support
The use of a Trek Madone® 5.2 Carbon Fiber Road Bike or Trek 7700 FX
Entrance fees to all group and individual events/activities
All luggage transfers
All transportation during the trip, including private coaches
Comprehensive trip literature and complimentary Trek merchandise
All gratuities for special events, local guides, transfers, hotels, and restaurants
NOT INCLUDED
Airfare to and from the trip, transportation to the trip pick-up location, lodging before and after the trip, gratuities for Trek Travel
guides, and personal items purchased during the trip. Some meals are not included in each destination, which allows you the
opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. Your guides are happy to make recommendations should you so desire.
TIPS AND GRATUITIES
Gratuities for your Trek Travel Guides may be given at your discretion in response to their professionalism and leadership
throughout the week. Trek Travel suggests 5-10% of the trip price per individual guest to be divided among your guiding team
as a tipping standard. Gratuities for all restaurants, hotels, local guides and transportation are paid by Trek Travel.
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Should you have any questions before you depart for your trip, please feel free to
contact us at 1.866.464.8735
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MEETING AND DEPARTING: TIMES AND PLACES
Meet location | Kalispell Grand Hotel, 100 Main St., Kalispell, MT, 59901, 1.800.858.7422
| Good Medicine Lodge, 537 Wisconsin Ave., Whitefish, MT, 59937, 1.800.860.5488
Your guides will meet you at the Kalispell Grand Hotel at 8:00am and the Good Medicine Lodge, in Whitefish, at 8:30am on
the first day of the trip. After a private shuttle (4 hours) we’ll cross the border into Alberta, Canada and the town of Waterton in
Waterton National Park for a picnic lunch and a bike fitting before our ride.
Depart location | Kalispell Grand Hotel, 100 Main St., Kalispell, MT, 59901, 1.800.858.7422
| Good Medicine Lodge, 537 Wisconsin Ave., Whitefish, MT, 59937, 1.800.860.5488
| Glacier Park International Airport, 4170 Highway 2 East, Kalispell, MT, 59901, 406.257.5960
Your guides will drop you off at the Good Medicine Lodge in Whitefish at 11:15am, the Kalispell Grand Hotel at 11:45pm and
the Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell at 12:30pm on the last day of the trip. There are daily connections to the
Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell on Delta Airlines, Northwest, Big Sky, and Horizon Airlines several major US cities.
For more information please feel free to visit their website at www.glacierairport.com. Flights should not be scheduled before
2:30pm on the last day of the trip.
Glacier Park International Airport / 4170 Highway 2 East, Kalispell, MT, 59901 / 406.257.5960
Did you know Trek Travel can help you with all of your pre- and post- trip arrangements? For assistance in booking your flights, pre- and
post-accommodations or simply to answer any questions about travel arrangements, please contact our Trek Travel Travel Agent
at 1-866-GO4-TREK. For more information on this service, please see details on page 11.
What To Do if you miss the pick-up
If you arrive late to the pick-up locations in Whitefish or Kalispell and do not see a guide, you should leave a message at the Waterton Lakes Lodge in Waterton,(403) 859.2150, or try to reach your guide on their cell phone. You will receive this number before departure. At this time you’ll be expected to take a taxi to the first night’s hotel, Waterton Lakes Lodge in Waterton, Canada, for approximately $210, plus $1 for each additional person. To arrange this, call Kalispell Taxi at 406.752.4022. Public transportation in the park is limited, so guests should make every effort to arrive the day before the trip so as not to miss pick-up.
Approximately one week before departure, you’ll receive an email from Trek Travel with some final details,
including the cell phone numbers of your guides in the region. You may use these numbers in the event of an
emergency, or if you arrive at the meeting point late and need to get in touch with your guides.
when & how to arrive
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your health
Trek Travel vacations are designed to introduce you to some of the world’s most spectacular places in what we believe is the
best way possible — from the seat of a Trek bicycle. Although you don’t have to be a professional athlete to enjoy a Trek Travel
vacation, we do think it is important that you are in good overall health. If you have any concerns or questions about your health,
contact your physician for a complete physical before your trip.
terrain
The terrain on the Glacier National Park trip is mountainous. Riders can expect longer climbs and also longer descents on the
routes. However, the roads are wide, in good condition and traffic is minimal in most areas.
activity level
The activity level for this can be tailored to suit all abilities. On the average, you can expect to ride 35 miles each day. However, our
guides are always willing to devise personalized options for riding more or fewer miles. Please speak with your guides if you desire
different, or additional, daily riding options or activities.
How to Prepare
The best way to prepare for a Trek Travel adventure is to get out there and ride! However, if for some reason you cannot ride
regularly or are limited in the amount of riding you can do, it is still important that you engage in another cardiovascular activity
that suits your lifestyle like jogging, walking, swimming, or aerobics. The most important thing to remember is to maintain your
level of physical fitness and to get used to being active for consecutive days.
As you prepare for the trip, try to ride a variety of terrain—in particular some hills—the kind of terrain that you can expect to
find on your Glacier National Park biking vacation. Since we will be riding every day, you should feel comfortable getting back
on a bike after having ridden an average of 30 to 60 miles (depending upon your ambition) for several days in a row.
To get the most out of your trip, build up your stamina for longer distances and hilly terrain. Ride 2-3 times a week and try to
include a longer ride at least once per week (38+miles). It’s a good idea to ride on consecutive days, as this is representative of
the trip. If you ride in a flatter area it’s worthwhile to do some hill repeats. If there are no hills at all, a spinning class or trainer
can provide some more resistance to build strength.
As a Trek partner, we’ve been involved in the cycling industry for
over 30 years and are connected to the best cycling coaches in the
industry. Whether you are a category 2 racer or a beginner, we can
connect you to a trainer that will get you in tip top shape! Simply
give us a call.
Cycling and Training
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Whether you are a first-time rider or a category 2 racer, Trek Travel can connect you with the best in the industry. Simply contact
us at 1.866.464.8735.
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your travel arrangements
Trek Travel Travel Agent | They say the devil is in the details! Well we are a bunch of little devils here at Trek Travel—so let us
take care of your details! While you are focusing on the fun preparatory aspects of your trip—shopping, reading about the history,
training—our Trek Travel in-house travel agent can take care of your additional travel needs. For a nominal fee, our dedicated
Travel Agent can reserve your airfare, pre- and post-trip hotel accommodations, rental cars, train tickets and additional sight-seeing
activities with all the attentiveness and world-class customer service that you expect from Trek Travel. Please contact Trek Travel at
1-866-GO4-TREK for more information or to take advantage of this convenient new service that continues to define the Trek
Travel Difference in the active travel industry.
Flights | We recommend flying directly into Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell. We suggest arriving at least one day
prior to trip start so you may relax before your week of cycling and to minimize risk of missing the pick-up for your trip start
due to flight delays.
Driving Directions | Driving to the first hotel is strongly discouraged as we cannot provide transportation back to the hotel.
Guests may drive to the pick-up locations and leave their car there for the week. These pick-up locations include Kalispell Grand
Hotel in Kalispell or the Good Medicine Lodge in Whitefish.
travel arrangements
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before & afteryour trip
accommodations
Whitefish, MontanaGrouse Mountain Lodge | 2 Fairway Drive, Whitefish, Montana 59937 | 406.862.3000 | www.grousemountainlodge.com
Nestled in the heart of a lush mountain valley, this classic mountain lodge is infused with a traditional alpine feel with upscale
décor. 145 rooms. $199-$229.
The Good Medicine Lodge | 537 Wisconsin Ave., Whitefish, Montana 59937 | 800.860.5488 | www.goodmedicinelodge.com
Recently named one of Travel America Magazine’s 10 Most Romantic Inns, The Good Medicine Lodge is built of cedar timbers
with a rustic, informal atmosphere, punctuated by crackling fireplaces and solid wood furnishings. 9 rooms. $95-$150, rooms.
$185-$220, suites.
Rocky Mountain Lodge | 6510 Hwy. 93 South, Whitefish, MT 59937 | 800.862.2569 | www.rockymtnlodge.com
This hotel has an ideal location and relaxing mountain lodge atmosphere. The hotel also offers an outdoor heated pool and hot
tub and complimentary breakfast. Guests can enjoy a mountain view in each room. $90 - 160.
Downtowner Inn | 224 Spokane Avenue, Whitefish, MT 59937 | 406.862.2535 | www.downtownermotel.cc
The Downtowner Inn is the only accommodation in the heart of Whitefish. Shopping, dining and exciting night-life are just a
stroll away.
Kalispell, MontanaKalispell Grand Hotel | 100 Main Street, Kalispell, Montana 59901 | 800.858.7422 | www.kalispellgrand.com
This small, western-style hotel is newly refurbished, with a lobby of cherry wood walls and historical memorabilia. 40 rooms.
$82-$125.
La Quinta Inn | 255 Montclair Drive, Kalispell, Montana 59901 | 406.257.5255 | www.lq.com
Located near Flathead Lake and Conrad Mansion Historical Site, this comfortable hotel includes a pool, spa, sauna and fitness
center, and is close to area sights. 71 rooms. $125.
Hampton Inn Kalispell | 1140 Hwy 2 West, Kalispell, Montana 59901 | 406.755.7900 | www.hamptoninn.com.
Though not fancy, rooms are comfortable in this cozy inn. A gym, hot tub, and indoor pool are some of the amenities.
120 rooms. $158.
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activities
We recommend spending some extra time in Glacier National Park, especially if you’re a fan of photography, hiking or any other
outdoor adventure sport. We’ve included a few suggestions to get you started planning the rest of your trip!
Rafting: Enjoy a scenic float trip down one of Montana’s beautiful rivers. If staying in the Kalispell area, call Great Bear Outfitters
for options on half and full day trips, 406.755.3210.
Mountain Biking: Try another kind of biking adventure on the miles of single track Big Mountain Resort offers. Mountain bike
rental is available in Whitefish at several locations. Too tired to ride to the top? Take a chairlift ride up and enjoy the exhilarating
challenge of the downhill.
Horseback Riding: A true vacation to the West would not be complete without some time spent in the saddle, a horse saddle that
is! High Country Trails, located in the Kalispell area, offers guided trail rides ranging from one hour to all day. 406.755.1283.
Fly Fishing: Rivers definitely run through this state and guides are available in both the Whitefish and Kalispell areas. Already a
pro? Stop in one of the nearby shops and learn the secrets of the locals.
For more information on these or other activities available in the Whitefish and Kalispell areas please visit www.visitmt.com.
before & afteryour trip
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Trek Travel --Travel AgentDon’t you just want to focus on the fun?Trek Travel’s in-house Travel Agent will be happy to take care of all of your pre- and
post- travel arrangements!
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useful books
Exploring Glacier National Park | David Rockwell | A good introductory guide to the park and all contained within.
Night of the Grizzlies | Jack Olsen | A narrative of the grizzly attacks of 1969. A very informative look at the role of humans in
the park and their effect on wildlife. Not for the faint of heart!
Rocky Mountain Wildlife | Donald Arthur | A guide to the different fauna located in the Rocky Mountains.
Rocky Mountain Tree Finder | Tom Watts | A guide to the different trees located in the Rocky Mountains.
Rocky Mountain Flower Finder | Janet L. Wingate | A guide to the different wild flowers located in the Rocky Mountains.
useful websites
www.nps.gov/glac | The official National Park Service website for Glacier National Park.
www.glacier.national-park.com | Packed with information about the park.
www.visitmt.com | This site offers information about all of Montana including Glacier National Park.
tourist information offices and embassies
For more information on traveling in Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks, contact:
www.nps.gov/glac | Operated by the National Park System, this thorough site provides detailed information on the history,
geology, and current events in Glacier National Park.
http://glacier.areaparks.com | This site provides information on both Glacier and Waterton National Parks. With links to general
information on the parks, their respective histories and local activities, as well as important facts for visitors, this site is a valuable
resource for travelers.
www.glacier.visitmt.com | A complete recreation guide to Glacier, this site provides maps for specific parts of the park, as well
as a listing of park events each month.
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trip details
changing or canceling your trip
If you must cancel your trip more than 90 days before the trip start, there is a cancellation fee of $100; 61-90 days before the trip
start there is a cancellation fee of 25% of the original trip price; 31-60 days before the trip start there is a cancellation fee of 50%
of the original trip price and there is no refund for canceling a trip 0-30 days before the trip start.
If you choose to change your trip more than 90 days before the trip start, you may do so with no fee. From 61-90 days, there
will be a $100 administration fee. If you choose to change trips within 60 days of the original trip start, the cancellation policy
outlined above will apply. Please be aware that it is only possible to move to another trip within one year of the original trip
departure date.
Trek Travel reserves the right to cancel a trip due to low enrollment or if we feel that the safety and quality of a trip could be
compromised. If Trek Travel cancels a trip, a full refund will be issued. If a trip must be canceled due to low enrollment, we will
make every effort to do so at least 60 days before the trip start. We recommend that you purchase airfare no sooner than 60 days
before your departure date. Under no circumstances will Trek Travel reimburse guests or be responsible for the cost of their airfare
or any cancellation or change fees that may apply. In the event of a conflict between these terms and the terms stated on Trek
Travel’s website, catalog or other publication, these terms shall prevail.
insurance
Trek Travel highly recommends Travel Insurance to assist you in the event of medical emergency, lost baggage, canceled trip, or an
other trip-related event. For your convenience, Trek Travel has created a custom travel insurance package available through Travel
Guard. Please contact a Trip Consultant for more details. You may purchase additional insurance on your own if you wish.
trip changes
Trek Travel reserves the right to make route and hotel modifications or to withdraw any tour announced without notice and
to make alterations and substitutions to the itinerary as necessary to improve the trip quality or to accommodate the comfort,
convenience, and well-being of our travelers. In this event, Trek Travel will always substitute and equal or better option.
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notes from the field
local flavor
It’s no wonder Glacier National Park received the nickname Crown of the Continent in the early 1900’s. The towering peaks
adorned with sparkling glaciers have ruled the area for centuries attracting adventurous souls from cowboys to ice climbers. The
local culture, still rich in the native Blackfeet and Kootenai myth and tradition, holds love of the land as top priority. Textile and
agricultural industries have given way to tourism as number one for the states economy. The population remains below one mil-
lion and at times it seems as though the wildlife outnumber the people! Local residents enjoy the relaxed ways of a mountain
lifestyle and are proud of the sense of place the environment offers them.
background info
Glacier National Park
Dubbed the Great American Alps by Theodore Roosevelt, Glacier National Park is unquestionably stunning and majestic. Just
shy of 50 glaciers are said to have carved out this glorious wilderness area, leaving in their path craggy peaks, verdant meadows
and 653 lakes, of which shimmering 10-mile long Lake McDonald is the largest. Glacier is known for its incredibly diverse plant
and animal life, with over 1000 types of wildflowers and 50 species of animals gracing the meadows and peaks. The brilliant show
of colorful blooms runs from late spring through summer, erupting with the melting snow. Two of the park’s most illustrious
inhabitants are the agile mountain goat and the lumbering grizzly bear.
Besides the land itself, Glacier’s history is best evidenced in the handful of historic timbered lodges that hug lakeshores and boast
Douglas fir beams. Originally built by the Great Northern Railway in the early 1900s, these great chalets were meant to lure
well-heeled tourists to the new park, each one separated by a day’s horseback ride.
With panoramas at every turn, Glacier National Park is stupendous by bike. Going-to-the-Sun Road, one of the most spectacular
routes in America, is a 50-mile stretch connecting the park’s east and west sides. Passing by lakes, streams and waterfalls, and
winding along cliffs and over mountains, this technical wonder is one of the prettiest bike rides anywhere.
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Looking Back
The Blackfeet, Glacier’s most dominant settlers, arrived in the early 1700s. Later that same century came the earliest white settlers,
mostly European traders employed by the Hudson’s Bay Fur Company. When the company was granted a chunk of the northeast
corner of the park, numerous explorers scoured the river tributaries and forests for valuable beaver pelts and buffalo hides. The
formidable Blackfeet did their best to keep the fur trappers at bay, bothered by the intrusion and the practice of pillaging buffalo,
their dominant food source, solely for its hide. It continued to be extremely challenging for the white trappers to ingratiate
themselves to the Blackfeet. One exception was a French-Canadian trapper named Hugh Monroe, who married the Indian
Sinopah. He took on the name Rising Wolf and lived with the tribe along the banks of St. Mary Lake. Today, numerous Glacier
landmarks, particularly around Two Medicine, are named for Monroe and his extended family, including the peak that bears his
wife’s name.
In 1846, the U.S. boundary was finally settled on the 49th parallel, ensuring the Glacier region fell within the states.
Over the next 50 years, organized parties of travelers headed to Glacier to explore the wilderness, surveying it for railroad routes
and examining the newly declared boundary between the U.S. and Canada. Taking a closer interest in the region, the government
started limiting areas where Indian hunting would be permitted—which understandably led to much anger and outrage. This in
turn sparked Indian raids and cold-blooded killings on both sides, including the Baker Massacre in which almost 200 Indians were
shot. Eventually, the Blackfeet and other neighborhood tribes were made to move onto specified reservation lands.
The discovery of copper in the 1890s brought a flood of prospectors. With some of the mineral-rich land located on the Blackfeet
Indian Reservation, Congress paid the Indians for the right to investigate the deposits. St. Mary developed as a small mining town
during this period, but the whole rush was very short-lived as the hope for cache proved shallow.
The formation of Glacier National Park can be credited to one man—George Bird Grinnell. Cofounder of the Audubon Society and a magazine publisher, Grinnell first came to the area in 1885 visiting annually. For 25 years he fought to preserve the land as a national park, looking south to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons for inspiration, and his lobbying finally paid off in 1910, when it was designated a national park.
Before long, the Great Northern Railway moved in, building a handful of lovely wilderness cottages to draw wealthy tourists to the country’s newest park. Going-to-the-Sun-Road, an engineering marvel constructed along the cliff-sides, was started in 1921, with through-road access available in 1933.
Waterton Lakes National Park
Adjacent and just over the border is Glacier’s Canadian sibling Waterton Lakes National Park, designated in 1895 following in the footsteps of Banff and others to the east. Once a Blackfeet stronghold, the area was rediscovered by an expedition party scouting a traversable pass to connect eastern and western Canada. Waterton, named after a famed British naturalist, is a stunning place, with a cozy narrow valley framed by three glistening lakes and many dramatic peaks. Still serving British tea every afternoon, the magnificent Prince of Wales Hotel was built in 1927 as part of the railroad’s chain of in-park hotels. In the 1930s, Glacier and its Canadian neighbor were together rechristened Glacier-Waterton International Peace Park as a goodwill gesture between the
two countries.
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Blackfeet Indians
Glacier is infused with the traditions, culture, and history of its first and most significant settlers. Comprised of three sub-tribes (Siksika, Kainah, and Piegans,) the Blackfeet were known for their hunting and warring prowess. They loved the wide vistas of the buffalo-studded plains, which they dominated for years. During summer, they’d camp in the game-rich valley of Two Medicine and took year-round hunting excursions into Glacier’s mountains.
Nomads by nature, they tended to move from teepee to teepee waging almost constant attack against neighbors. Once they became mobile with horses, their lifestyle and strategy changed. Roaming farther and faster, they spread their already vast domain from the plains into Glacier, displacing the Kootenai Indians further west.
The Blackfeet lived in communities, with a chief heading up each household. Any aspiring chief first had to prove his mettle in battle, then acquire an impressive array of horses, wives, and other goods to further attest to his worth.
Stealing horses was thus a popular activity, and with bodies painted the Blackfeet would often broach attacks on the Flathead Indians, residing near Lake McDonald.
The tribe worshipped one principal deity, Napi, who they believed resided in the sun. Each Indian had a manito, an animal or object, used to ward off ill and cultivate magic powers. Very sacred people, the Blackfeet built medicine lodges for their numerous sacrificial sun ceremonies full of singing and dancing.
Buffalo were instrumental to the Blackfeet lifestyle, with hides used for teepees and clothing, meat for food, horns for cups, bones for tools, intestines for bowstrings, hooves for glue, and tails as fly-swatters. It was no surprise then when the Blackfeet first abhorred the traders for using only buffalo hides, and occasionally tongue, leaving the carcasses to rot. Prior to securing horses, the Blackfeet used to kill buffalo by luring them off cliff edges and thousands of buffalo bones have been found at the base of cliffs near Two Medicine. As the buffalo declined, so did the Blackfeet, who relied on the meat for sustenance. Today, around 8,000 of Glacier’s native tribe members live east of the park on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.
Glaciers and their Lasting Imprint
Everywhere in Glacier, the work of glaciers is visible. It’s odd to think that something seemingly as simple as ice could be responsible for the area’s stupendous beauty. The story of Glacier’s unique geological profile began more than half a billion years ago, with the final chapter occurring about a million years ago. Climatic shifts caused great ice sheets to form over the region during the Ice Age. The addition of heavy snow accumulation in higher areas created individual ice masses called mountain glaciers, while the steep-sloped peaks themselves remained ice-free. Originally produced by stream erosion, Glacier’s deep valleys also filled with glaciers. The two eventually joined as the mountain glaciers, some up to a half-mile thick and weighty with ice, inched downward toward the valleys.
The force of the glaciers moving forward sheered off slabs of rock and created crevasses. This plucking motion eventually created cirques, or depressions, giving formation to cirque lakes, like Iceberg Lake. Rocks, frozen in the base and sides of the glacier, gradually sanded down the land through which the glaciers passed, morphing classic V-shaped river valleys into U-shaped glacial ones. The majority of valleys in the park are clear indicators of this past action, particularly Two Medicine, St. Mary, McDonald, and Swiftcurrent. The process of a thick glacier scouring a lower valley also produced the park’s hanging valleys, or tributaries high above the valley floor. When multiple glaciers moved toward a common point, they left behind sharp-crested ridges, like those forming the Lewis Range.
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Today, almost 60 glaciers continue to live in the park. From a distance, they look like chunks of dormant ice, but glaciers are actually relentlessly dynamic. Most occupy north-facing slopes between 6,000 and 9,000 feet where they can pick up lots of wind-lifted snow. By accumulating enough incremental snow at its source, the glacier keeps itself alive and retains a solid snow pack. Come summer, its secure base never melts. As a glacier flows downhill, it becomes compacted into more solid ice, constantly replenishing itself at its source. Glaciers do not flow uniformly, with some parts moving faster or slower depending on thickness and wind exposure.
Wildlife
Glacier is rightfully known as a wildlife mecca, with its wide range of terrain providing lots of habitat options. Here the brush lands, deep forests, alpine meadows and rocky crags teem with beasts and birds. There are close to 60 species of mammals alone in Glacier and Waterton National Parks.
If Glacier had one poster animal, it would be the mountain goat, once chosen as the symbol for the Great Northern Railway.
Regal and cute, daring and approachable, these animals grace high alpine trails and ridges. Even as youngsters, they are talented mountaineers with phenomenal alpinist skills. Ever sure-footed, mountain goats love high spots and steep precipices, enjoying siestas in cliff crags during the heat of the day. Look above timberline for the park’s only large white mammal with its white shaggy coat and slender black horns.
Glacier is a choice home for moose, the largest member of the deer family. With gargantuan antlers and skinny legs, moose can often appear off-kilter and awkward. Big ears and a bell, a small flap of skin hanging from the chin, add an endearing look. These solitary beasts love to eat lake-fringing foliage like aspen trees, and underwater plant growth.
In summer, moose submerge themselves in water to ward off insects and stay cool. They prefer the west side of the Continental Divide, especially the North Fork of the Flathead River, but look for them near McDonald Creek, along Going-to-the-Sun Road and around Many Glacier.
Although both black bears and grizzlies live here, the former are the more visible, hanging out in forested areas and feasting on foliage, berries, and the occasional protein-rich mammal. In Glacier, grizzlies prefer to wander near timberline and amongst willow trees. Both can have coats in a range of colors, from cinnamon to chocolate brown or licorice black; black bears are even sometimes honey blond. The best away to tell the difference between the two is size and body shape. Grizzlies tend to be larger, with a distinctive flat face and mogul of muscle protruding from the neck, most often sporting silver-tipped dark-tan coats. Bear cubs are born in February, often as litters of two, and stay by their mother’s side at least through the second summer.
Of Glacier’s many renowned beasts, one native member has sadly gone by the wayside. Buffalo, also called North American Bison, once valley roamed en masse. Relentlessly hunted by the Plains Indians, then subsequently desired by Europeans, the shaggy beasts teetered near extinction. Their population, which had once been in the hundred thousands, dwindled to less than 1000. Sadly, reintroduction efforts haven’t seemed to take hold. Today, a paddock of buffalo housed in Waterton is all that’s left of the thousands of creatures who once roamed the plains.
As for smaller beasts, there are beavers, porcupines, weasels, and marmots—perhaps the laziest of all, spending up to nine months hibernating and much of the other three sunbathing on rocks. The most heralded birds of the park include bald and golden eagles and the white-tailed ptarmigan.
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