Glacier’s Grazers – Guided Educational Day Hike

Glacier’s Grazers – Guided Educational Day Hike

Hike Overview Continued

Instructor: Dave Shea

September 2, 2023: During this one-day course, we will discuss in detail the ungulates of Glacier National Park, with emphasis on life histories, distribution, habitat requirements, and predator-prey relationships. There are six ungulate species now in the park, and three more that were historically present. Management practices, including possible reintroductions, will also be discussed. Most of the day will be spent driving and hiking in ungulate habitat. We will also talk about flora, geology, birds, and cultural and fire histories along the way, and how these affect ungulate habitats.

Meeting Place: Glacier Institute Field Camp

Itinerary: (subject to change due to trail closures and weather)
The day will start at 7 a.m., with a general overview of Glacier National Park’s ungulates. We will include skulls, horns and antlers, animal track castings, and a slideshow presentation. Depending on restrictions, we may travel up the North Fork River by bus towards Polebridge and take a 2.5 mile hike (round-trip) into Hidden Meadow, and also explore deer and elk winter range in Big Prairie. Alternatively, we may drive to the Many Glacier Valley to view mountain sheep and goats on Altyn Peak. The course will wrap up by 4 p.m. and will not be cancelled due to weather.

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: You will receive a Glacier Institute Field Camp gear list once your register. Most importantly, bring comfortable hiking shoes, at least 1-2-liter water bottle, sack lunch, backpack, rain gear, hat, and sunscreen. Weather can be varied so please be prepared with appropriate clothing, with warm layers. Please bring binoculars, a field notebook, and a camera if you wish. Your favorite field guides are helpful and if you have a spotting scope, you are welcome to bring it along.

Physical Requirements: Moderate difficulty; on-trail or off-trail hikes in Glacier National Park will be up to 3 miles and/or 800 feet elevation gain.