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Firebrand Pass Hike

Guided ·
4.8
(136)
Kid Friendly
Locally Owned
Wildlife
Small Group Sizes
Beginner Friendly
Free Cancellation
Instant Book
Duration: 9.5 hours

Pricing

Person

All Ages!

$175

Description

Guided Firebrand Pass Educational Day Hike in Glacier National Park

Step into the wild and undisturbed aspen parklands just below the Continental Divide on the Firebrand Pass Educational Day Hike. This full-day excursion takes hikers off the beaten path to explore a portion of Glacier National Park that sees very few visitors each year. Beginning at the Lubec trailhead, the hike meanders through golden aspen groves and diverse habitats supporting wildlife such as beavers, moose, bears, and mountain lions.
Your environmental educator brings the landscape to life, highlighting forest ecology, wildlife behavior, and the interplay between geology and hydrology. As the trail rises, hikers are rewarded with spectacular views of valleys and surrounding mountains, while keeping an eye out for sheep, goats, eagles, and other highland wildlife. This program is ideal for those seeking a quiet, immersive experience in Glacier’s pristine landscapes.
This hike is designed for general visitors, seasoned hikers, and anyone interested in exploring a less-trafficked area of the park with an expert guide.

Duration

  1. Full Day: 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Approx. 9.5 hours)
  2. Time on Trail: Approximately 5-6 hours
  3. Total Distance: Up to 8 miles round trip
  4. Elevation Gain: Up to 1500 feet

Location / Where to Meet

Glacier Institute
Please arrive 15 minutes early for check-in. From the meeting location, the group will travel together to the trailhead within Glacier National Park. The drive time is approximately 1 hr each way(2 hours total) 

Ages & Requirements

  1. All ages welcome
  2. Moderate difficulty due to elevation gain, uneven terrain, and trail length
  3. Participants should be comfortable hiking several miles at a steady pace
  4. Group maximum: 13 hikers
  5. Group minimum: 3 hikers

What’s Included

  1. Professional hiking guide
  2. Educational interpretation on alpine ecosystems, geology, and glacial history
  3. Small group experience
  4. On-site parking at the meeting location
  5. Shuttle from the meeting location in Columbia Falls to the trailhead

Not Included

  1. Trail lunch, snacks, or water (lunch is available as an add-on)
  2. Glacier National Park vehicle entrance pass (required and must be purchased in advance)
  3. Transportation to and from the meeting location
  4. Gratuities (optional)

What to Bring / Wear

  1. Lightweight hiking boots or sturdy hiking shoes
  2. Day pack with liner or rain cover
  3. At least 1–2 liters of water
  4. Trail lunch and snacks
  5. Waterproof rain jacket and rain pants
  6. Warm layers (weather can change quickly)
  7. Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm
  8. Insect repellent
  9. Camera (optional)
  10. Trekking poles (optional)
  11. Binoculars and field guides (optional)
  12. Field notebook for notes or sketches (optional)

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Glacier Institute

FAQs

Can I order lunch in advance?

Yes. Guests have the option to add a trail lunch at checkout for themselves and/or their group. Lunch options include turkey pesto, deli beef, caprese, and vegan falafel selections, with gluten-free options available. Trail lunches are designed to be easy to carry and enjoy on the trail during your hike.

What does the difficulty rating mean?

We rate Hiking Difficulty from Easy to Strenuous, with the below types of hikes.

Easy. A leisurely walk totaling no more than 3 miles throughout the day. Minimal elevation change, less than 1000 feet.

Moderate. A hike on consistent trail conditions with no more than 8 miles throughout the day. Total elevation change, less than 2,000 feet.

Strenuous. A hike on variable trail conditions totaling more than 8 miles throughout the day. Total elevation change, greater than 2,000 feet.

What if there is an unexpected trail closure?

We will do our best to take you on the trail that you booked. However, Glacier National Park does occasionally close trails for a variety of reasons from weather, trail conditions, wildlife, or fires. In the case of trail closure, we will find another suitable location for your program to occur.

Is a park entrance pass required?

Yes. Each participant must have a Glacier National Park vehicle pass, which should be purchased in advance at recreation.gov.

Is this an interpretive educational hike?

Absolutely. Your guide provides interpretation on the geology and ecology of the landscape.

Primary Educational Focus: Guides highlight forest ecology, wildlife behavior, and how landscapes are shaped by elevation, water, and geology. This program provides an immersive learning experience about Glacier’s less-visited ecosystems.

What happens if the minimum number of participants isn’t met?

A minimum of 3 participants is required for the program. If the number isn’t met, guests are notified in advance and offered an alternative date or a full refund.

What makes the Firebrand Pass hike special?

Firebrand Pass takes you off the beaten path into remote aspen parklands just below the Continental Divide, a part of Glacier National Park that sees very few visitors each year. Hikers enjoy both solitude and the chance to observe wildlife like moose, bears, mountain lions, and beavers in their natural habitat.

What will I see along the trail?

The hike moves through golden aspen groves, forested valleys, and open ridgelines. Expect breathtaking views of surrounding mountains and valleys, plus opportunities to spot birds of prey, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and other highland wildlife.

Who is this hike for?

The Firebrand Pass hike is ideal for seasoned hikers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone interested in exploring Glacier’s quiet, wild spaces. The moderate elevation gain and trail distance require participants to be comfortable hiking several miles at a steady pace.

How crowded is the trial?

Because this area is less trafficked, hikers can enjoy a more intimate and serene experience, away from the busier trailheads of Glacier National Park.

Cancellation Policy

The Glacier Institute will give a full refund if the cancelation is 7 days prior to the program. Customers can cancel bookings online.

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Availability

June 2026

SuMoTuWeThFrSa

Reviews

4.8
(136)
4.8 (136)

Location

Address

7450 Highway 2 East

Columbia Falls, MT, 59912

US

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