July 21-25, 2026
Glacier Hike
Glacier & Waterton
About the Hike
Glacier National Park, Montana & Waterton National Park, CanadA
JULY 21-25, 2026
Whitefish, Montana
NEW ITINERARY! A charitable hiking challenge that explores the wildest national parks, Glacier and Waterton. With spectacular mountains, golden grasslands, and stunning wildflowers, every mile of this hike is a jaw-dropping celebration of our national parks. Our journey explores the picturesque beauty of Logan Pass, Many Glacier Valley, and Waterton Valley, with a chance to hike to one of Glacier’s iconic and threatened glaciers. This hike will build your stamina and energize philanthropic action for national parks and conservation.
Can’t join us for this one?
Event Details
Full Event Story
From the first moment we enter Glacier National Park, you will see that Climate Hike is more than a hiking trip — it’s an inspiring journey with fellow hikers who are united by their passion for the environment and preserving our planet for generations to come.
On Climate Hike Glacier, you’ll hike iconic trails on the ‘Crown of the Continent’. You’ll cover 40+ miles across the parks — traversing aretes and high alpine mountain passes and seeing glacial lakes and waterfalls. You’ll see majestic 500-year-old cedar forests under threat of wildfires and glaciers in fast retreat. Our guides will share knowledge about Glacier’s unique ecosystem so that you can bring this knowledge home to your community.
Positive Planet Impact
Itinerary Overview
Your Hike Guide will include full details, Itinerary subject to change
Day 1
Two Medicine Area
10.3 miles, 350 ft elevation gain
Welcome to Glacier! Day one is all about diving into the beauty of Two Medicine. We’ll hike a scenic route around the lake, visiting the stunning Twin Falls and Aster Falls along the way. Feeling strong? An optional 2-mile challenge up to Aster Park offers even bigger views. We’ll end the day at our St. Mary camp, where hot showers are waiting to wash away the trail dust.
We’re staying at one camp for 4 nights, so get settled in and you don’t have to move!
Day 2
Iceberg Lake or Grinnell Glacier
12.7 -14.2 miles, 1200 to 1600 ft elevation gain
Today we journey into the heart of Glacier National Park’s high country, a world of dramatic peaks, vibrant alpine meadows, and pristine, glacier-fed lakes. You’ll have a difficult but wonderful choice between two of the park’s most iconic and rewarding day hikes, each offering a unique perspective on Montana’s rugged beauty.
Option 1: Iceberg Lake. This classic trail leads you through wildflower-filled meadows with a high chance of spotting grizzly bears or bighorn sheep from a safe distance. The destination is a breathtaking, turquoise lake tucked beneath a sheer 3,000-foot rock wall. Even in the height of summer, you’ll often see icebergs floating serenely in the water.
Option 2: Grinnell Glacier. For those seeking a more strenuous and awe-inspiring challenge, the hike to Grinnell Glacier is a true bucket-list adventure. The trail climbs steadily, offering jaw-dropping views of turquoise Grinnell Lake before delivering you to the edge of the glacier itself. Here, you can witness the ancient ice up close and feel the raw, powerful beauty that defines Glacier National Park.
Day 3
Explore Waterton, Canada (Rest Day!)
Today we recharge with a cross-border adventure into Waterton, Canada. We’ll explore the peaceful mountain town, with options for a scenic boat cruise on Waterton Lake, a short hike to stretch your legs, or simply relaxing by the shore, perhaps with a paddleboard. Alternatively, you can choose a leisurely day to explore the St. Mary area on your own. Our Waterton group will enjoy dinner in town before we all return to camp for the evening.
Day 4
Highline Trail to Many Glacier
11.8 to 16.5 miles, 690 to 1700 ft elevation gain
Get ready for an epic day in the heart of Glacier. We’ll drive the stunning Going-to-the-Sun Road before setting out on the iconic Highline Trail. This world-famous route traverses the Garden Wall, offering spectacular views and frequent sightings of bighorn sheep and mountain goats. After passing the Granite Park Chalet, you can choose the full thru-hike to Many Glacier or the shorter option to the Loop. Both promise an unforgettable adventure.
Day 5
Siyeh Pass or Gunsight Pass
9-21 miles, 2240 to 2700 ft elevation gain
We finish our adventure with one last, spectacular day on the trail. For your final hike, choose your challenge: the moderate 10-mile journey over Siyeh Pass for classic alpine views, or the epic 21-mile Gunsight Pass thru-hike for an unforgettable trek through one of Glacier’s most dramatic landscapes. After a day packed with incredible scenery, we’ll return to West Glacier in the late afternoon and offer shuttles to Whitefish.
Photo Gallery
FAQs and More Info
Getting to Whitefish or West Glacier
July in Northwest Montana is a popular time because of the likelihood of good weather. We advise booking your travel and pre/post-trip lodging asap. It can be very expensive if you do not book early. This area is rural – do not expect Uber/Lyft or regular taxi service.
PLANE: The closest airport is Glacier International Airport in Kalispell, Montana (airport code: FCA). The airport is a 20-minute drive to Whitefish or a 40-minute drive to West Glacier. Delta, United, Allegiant and Alaska/Horizon are the main carriers. There are several rental car companies at or near the airport. Reservations are highly advised. We recommend Dollar Rent A Car (800-800-3665), Avis (800-331-1212), or Budget (800-527-0700). Car rentals are also available in West Glacier. For a shuttle to and from the airport to West Glacier or Whitefish you may contact Arrow Shuttle (406-300-2301). Please call for exact rates and to reserve your taxi.
TRAIN: Amtrak has service from Seattle and Chicago to the Whitefish station or to West Glacier/Belton station (near where the trip starts). NOTE: Amtrak can be delayed several hours to days. There is no checked baggage service at the West Glacier/Belton stop.
CAR: You may park your vehicle in West Glacier while you are on Climate Hike. There is ample shaded and safe parking. Approximate driving times to West Glacier:
- Whitefish, MT – 40 minutes
- Missoula, MT – 3 hours
- Calgary, Alberta – 5 hours
- Spokane, WA – 5 hours
The Trip Start and End
Climate Hike Glacier begins in West Glacier, MT. We will offer pick-up in Whitefish and in West Glacier. Please arrive at the designated pick-up location with your luggage and ready to hike. We recommend you arrive in northwest Montana at least one day before the departure of your trip. Please be sure to read your hike guide so you know how to get to the pick-up locations.
Climate Hike will end back in West Glacier in the late afternoon on the final day. There, we’ll celebrate the end of the hike with a picnic lunch and group photo, before collecting our luggage/gear and departing. We recommend not making flight arrangements from the Glacier International Airport (FCA) before 6 PM. Will will offer a shuttle to FCA airport and to Whitefish.
Accommodations, Meals, Showers
Climate Hike Glacier is a 4-night, 5-day charitable hiking trip in Glacier & Waterton National Park. We’ll stay in the same camp for four nights for stress-free camping. Imagine falling asleep under the stars, beneath the trees, in your own tent after an amazing day of hiking. It’s the best! In camp, we take care of all the details so you’re free to relax and connect with other participants. There are hot showers available at camp.
HOTELS:
If you are staying in West Glacier or Whitefish before or after the trip, please book your hotel rooms immediately. These areas do not have many hotels and they book up quickly.
If you want to book indoor accommodations during the trip, the Red Eagle Motel in St Mary is walking distance to our camp. You can book there for four nights and walk to our camp where we’ll be serving up hearty breakfasts and dinners (and where we’ll pack our lunches for the day hikes). Please email your participant manager so they know you are booking at the motel. Booking hotels is at your own expense – it is not included. We advise booking early.
FOOD:
Our camp chefs can prepare delicious, healthy, warm meals for the group. Think hot, filling breakfasts with coffee and tea, and tasty dinners with delicious desserts. Each morning you will pack snacks and a nourishing lunch to bring on the trail. Our morning snack table will have items to keep you energized all day while hiking. We reduce waste by using compostable items for our picnics and pack lunches, and for dinner, we use real plates & cutlery.
Special drinks or alcohol are not included, but we’ll have a cooler where you keep any drinks you buy along the way.
I don’t camp… is there a hotel option?
Yes! If you want to book indoor accommodations during the trip, the Red Eagle Motel in St Mary is walking distance to our camp. You can book there for four nights and walk to our camp where we’ll be serving up hearty breakfasts and dinners (and where we’ll pack our lunches for the day hikes). Please email your participant manager so they know you are booking at the motel. Booking hotels is at your own expense – it is not included. We advise booking early.
How much do we shuttle each day?
Glacier National Park is huge, encompassing more than 1 million acres. In order to reach our trailheads, there will typically be up to an hour of shuttling each direction, each day. Shuttles are a great opportunity to see the full expanse of the park while learning from our Glacier Guides and connecting with your group.
Is this a backpacking trip or a day hiking trip?
It is a “front-country” day hiking trip. You will not be carrying a heavy pack, just a daypack with your water, food, rain gear etc.
Do I need to be a serious hiker to do Climate Hike?
This is a beautiful and educational tour, not a race. Climate Hike is great for new and seasoned hikers. We have a shorter option and a longer option on most days. To have the best possible experience and to accomplish some of the more challenging options, it is important that you train for hiking. We’ll provide you with training tips and a packing list to make sure you have the right gear for the trail.
What is the hiking group size each day?
Due to trail restrictions that limit the number of hikers, our Glacier Guides may divide the group into smaller hiking groups based on your hiking ability. Every hike is beautiful and our job is to make sure you have a safe and memorable experience.
What do I need to bring?
You’ll need your PASSPORT in order to get into Canada. We’ll provide you with a full packing list that will detail what clothes and items you should bring to have a comfortable trip.
Please bring your own tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad. You can also rent camping gear from our local guides and it will be there for you at the trip start.
Fundraising Beneficiaries
Hikers can choose from the more than 100 incredible beneficiary organizations in our network! One of the things that make Climate Ride such an effective charitable event is that you can select the organization(s) you wish to fundraise for from our extensive list of beneficiary organizations. Our beneficiaries were selected for their work on the environment, conservation, sustainability, climate education, and active transportation advocacy. At the end of the year, Climate Ride grants the proceeds from our events to these hard-working organizations.
Fundraising and Transfer Deadlines | Important Dates
Fundraising Deadlines:
| $500 fundraising deadline: | April 21, 2026 |
| $1,450 fundraising deadline: | May 21, 2026 |
| $2,900 fundraising deadline: | June 19, 2026 |
| Transfer deadline: | May 21, 2026 |
Learn more about deadlines and transfers on our Policies page.
Note: If you’d like to register after or near a fundraising deadline, don’t worry, we’re here to help you get up to speed!
More Questions?
Be sure to review our general FAQ and policies or contact us!
