Distance
>1 Miles
Elevation Gain
100 Feet
Difficulty
Easy
Cost Per Person
$175
Hike Overview
Multiple, July – September: This is your complete Going-to-the-Sun Road educational experience! Going-to-the-Sun Road is more than a scenic drive, it is a step through time. This full-day educator program invites participants to teach, observe, and reflect while traveling from the west side of the park to the east and back again. Participants will explore how glaciers carved valleys, how ancient life shaped our atmosphere, how fire and water continually remake the land, and how human history and engineering intersect with natural systems.
Going-to-the-Sun Road Educational Day Tour
Hike Overview Continued
Educational Interpretation Tour
Multiple, July – September: This is your complete Going-to-the-Sun Road educational experience! Going-to-the-Sun Road is more than a scenic drive, it is a step through time. This full-day educator program invites participants to teach, observe, and reflect while traveling from the west side of the park to the east and back again. Participants will explore how glaciers carved valleys, how ancient life shaped our atmosphere, how fire and water continually remake the land, and how human history and engineering intersect with natural systems.
Program Overview:
Primary Educational Theme: Everything Is Connected — Change Is the Only Constant
This program uses Going-to-the-Sun Road as a living timeline to explore how geology, water, life, climate, and people are deeply interconnected. From ancient microscopic life to massive glaciers, from fire to wind to human engineering, educators will experience how landscapes are always changing and how every place along the road holds layered stories of time, resilience, and connection
Turnaround Point: St Mary Visitor Center
Drive Time: 8hrs
Difficulty: Easy (hop on hop off mini excursions)
Popularity: High Traffic
Target Audience: families, nervous drivers, non hikers
Meeting Place: Glacier Institute, 7450 HWY 2 East, Columbia Falls, MT 59912
Food: Please bring a trail lunch, plenty of water and snacks for the day.
Park Entrance Fees: Participants are responsible for purchasing their park entry passes prior to the course. These can be purchased online at: https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74280
Equipment: Most importantly, bring comfortable shoes, at least 1-2-liter water bottle, backpack, rain gear, hat, and sunscreen. Weather can be varied, especially at the varying elevations of Logan Pass, so please be prepared with appropriate clothing, especially warm layers for potential snow and high winds. Binoculars are very useful, but optional, as well as field guides that interest you.
What to Expect On Your Going to Sun Road Educational Day Tour
Everything Is Connected — Change Is the Only Constant
This program uses Going-to-the-Sun Road as a living timeline to explore how geology, water, life, climate, and people are deeply interconnected. From ancient microscopic life to massive glaciers, from fire to wind to human engineering, educators will experience how landscapes are always changing and how every place along the road holds layered stories of time, resilience, and connection
* Trails listed are subject to change due to trail closure, weather, trail conditions, or wildlife.
Hike Details
- This Glacier Institute program meets at 7450 HWY 2 East, Columbia Falls.
- The program will begin 8:00 a.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
- Turnaround Point: St Mary Visitor Center
- Drive Time: 8 hrs
- Difficulty: Easy
- Popularity: High Traffic
- Hiking distance covers less than 1 miles and minimal elevation change.
- On-site parking available.
- There is a maximum number of 14 hikers per trip.
- This program has a minimum guest count of 3 people. In the unlikely case we don’t reach that number, you will be notified prior to the event.
What to Bring
Please remember that weather in NW Montana during all seasons can change quickly from warm and sunny to freezing at any time of the year. We recommend checking the weather prior to your trip. Please also check your course information sheet for specific gear requirements in addition to those listed below.
- Lightweight hiking boots or a sturdy pair of hiking shoes
- 2 liter sized water bottle or Camelback
- Day Pack with plastic bag liner or cover
- Waterproof rain jacket and pants
- Sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellant & lip balm
- Camera (optional)
- Trekking poles, if you like to use them for hiking (optional)
- Binoculars (optional)
- Field Notebook notes and sketches