Distance
3 Miles
Elevation Gain
800 Feet
Difficulty
Moderate
Cost Per Person
$175
Program Overview
August 29, 2026: 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.
Glacier’s Grazers – Guided Educational Day Hike
Hike Overview Continued
August 29 at 7 a.m.
Instructor: Jeremiah Gordon
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’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 2.5mi 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 canceled 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 Field Camp gear list once your register. Most importantly are 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 up to 3 miles and/or 800 feet elevation gain.
Recommended Reading:
● A Field Guide to the Mammals, by Burt and Grossenheider
● A Field Guide to Animal Tracks, by O.J. Murie
What to Expect On Your Glacier's Grazers | One Day Guided Hike
We will spend the day learning about Glacier’s ungulates while hiking in the North Fork Valley. The hike will be up to 3 miles, on-trail or off-trail, with up to 800 feet elevation change.
* Any trails listed on this program or others are subject to change due to trail closure, weather, trail conditions, or wildlife.
Program Details
- This program meets at Glacier Institute Field Camp, West Glacier
- The program will begin 7 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
- Hiking distance covers lup to 3 miles with up to 800 feet elevation change.
- Glacier National Park Vehicle Pass required, purchase at recreation.gov.
- On-site parking available.
- There is a maximum number of 13 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