Is this hike suitable for children?

Yes, children with good stamina and hiking experience can enjoy this guided trek.

What is the best time to see wildlife?

Early evening is ideal for spotting animals such as mountain goats and marmots.

Is prior hiking experience required?

No, but participants should be comfortable on uneven terrain and have good endurance.

What should I bring for this hike?

Bring layers, sturdy shoes, water, and a light for after sunset.

No, participants should bring snacks and water for the trip.

Hiking & Nature at Glacier Institute in Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park, located in Montana, is a rugged landscape famed for its sharp peaks, expansive alpine meadows, and pristine lakes. The Glacier Institute's Evening Hike at Hidden Lake Overlook offers a rare chance to experience this wild terrain after hours, with an eight-hour guided trek led by an Outdoor Education Specialist. As you ascend through the park’s diverse terrain, you'll be immersed in the park’s geology, fire ecology, and native wildlife. The trail winds through lush alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers, leading to breathtaking mountain vistas that make every step worth the effort.

What sets this hike apart is its evening timing—blending the tranquility of dusk with the thrill of exploration. Along the way, guides share insights into the park’s natural history, Native American significance, and ongoing conservation efforts. The destination, Hidden Lake Overlook, provides panoramic views of jagged peaks reflecting in shimmering waters below. Keep an eye out for mountain goats grazing nearby or marmots scurrying through the rocks.

The Glacier Institute’s commitment to environmental stewardship and education makes this adventure especially meaningful. It’s a perfect outing for those who want more than just a walk; it’s an immersive experience that deepens your understanding of the park’s ecological complexity.

Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts with moderate fitness levels, this trek requires good walking shoes and an appreciation for vistas that stretch for miles. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a curious adventurer, this trip offers memorable sights, educational value, and a fresh perspective on one of America’s most iconic wilderness areas.

About Glacier Institute

Glacier Institute is an outdoor education organization based in Columbia Falls, Montana, offering guided hikes, workshops, and multi-stop series in Glacier National Park. The Institute leads day trips and experiential classes that combine field-based education with interpretive natural history, emphasizing geology, wildlife, fire ecology, and land stewardship. Trips range from short nature-journaling sessions to full-day hikes such as the Highline Trail, Many Glacier, Avalanche Lake, and Hidden Lake Overlook.

Guided hikes commonly run between two and ten hours and are led by Outdoor Education Specialists who provide on-trail instruction about alpine ecosystems, glacial landscapes, and local flora and fauna. Evening and specialty outings—like the Evening Hike to Hidden Lake Overlook and the Fire Lookout Series—pair scenic viewpoints with focused lessons on park ecology.

Educational workshops include the Forest Bathing Workshop led by Ellen Horowitz, and a Nature Journaling Series taught by Zowie Caouette; these classes emphasize sensory awareness, creative observation, and conservation-minded engagement. The Into the Wild: A Nature Immersion Experience blends forest bathing and journaling into a guided five-hour session designed to deepen connection with place.

All programming centers on immersive, interpretive experiences inside Glacier National Park. The Institute’s offerings are factual, time-defined, and described in trip summaries to help participants select appropriate routes and durations. Prospective visitors can expect guided, curriculum-driven outings that prioritize safety, interpretation, and environmental stewardship in one of Montana’s most iconic landscapes. Booking information, trip distances, and detailed itineraries are provided in official trip descriptions to support informed decision-making, and gear recommendations where available.