Flexibility for weather conditions, bus problems, etc…is essential to having an enjoyable visit to the park. No two school programs are exactly alike, but the following schedule represents a typical trip.

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Travel to the Park
Simple assignments can be completed by seatmates or individuals during this time. Point out sights along the way that relate to the park story such as mountain uplifting, glacially carved valleys or mountain passes, plant communities, river crossings, and canyon formations. You may also want to review vocabulary words or ecological concepts.

9:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. Meet Park Rangers at Avalanche Picnic Area (or Apgar Parking Area across from boat launch for day at Lake McDonald).
After a brief welcome by the park rangers to Glacier National Park, the ranger(s) will talk with the chaperones and teacher(s) about the schedule for the day, and then the students will take a bathroom break.

9:45 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. Hike to Avalanche Lake (or Ranger-Led activities along Lake McDonald).
Rangers will use the resources along the trails to involve students in learning about mountain building, glaciation, erosion, weathering and other earth science concepts.

Noon - 12:30 p.m. – Lunch and Clean-Up

12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Return Hike

1:30 – 1:45 p.m. Bathroom Break and Concluding Activities
Ranger(s) review the educational objectives for the day and engage all of the students in a fun activity to assess their learning.

2:00 p.m. – Bus Leaves the Park