Glacier Institute – Full Moon Snowshoe

Full Moon Snowshoe

Event Information and Booking Link

Hike Overview 

*Members Only Course: Becoming a member grants you access to all Glacier Institute educational day programs for free!

In every walk with nature one receives far more than they seek.” – John Muir. Join the Glacier Institute staff as we bundle up, get our snowshoes ready and practice the simple and fulfilling skill of observation. With our Full Moon Snowshoe, we will meet you at Apgar Village to begin our hike through the canopy-covered, flat Oxbow trail. While strolling along the trail with the guidance of the light, you will learn the skills it takes to identify wildlife tracks while listening to stories of the indigenous people who live here. To prepare us for our evening stroll, we will kick off with hot cocoa and coffee while talking about our hopeful observations. We will take our time to discover the opportunities the nighttime can provide to our crepuscular and nocturnal animals in and around the park. By the end of this hike, you will feel confident in your nocturnal naturalist ability and will be able to share this connection with others.

Meeting place: Apgar Village parking lot next to Eddie’s Ice Cream.

Meeting Time/Duration: 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Itinerary: (subject to change due to trail closures and weather) Introductions will happen in the parking lot in Apgar Village next to Eddie’s Ice Cream. We will then gather our layers, bags, and snowshoes and talk about our evening over coffee and hot cocoa in the upstairs of the Montana House. We will follow along the Oxbow Trail discussing the crepuscular and nocturnal wildlife that saunter through and how to identify their tracks. The group will then slowly walk along the nature trail that winds through the tall trees of West Glacier. We will learn about the history of the area and how the indigenous tribes use the area to survive and thrive off the land. We will end our night at 11:00pm back at the trailhead of the Oxbow Trail.

Equipment: You will receive a gear list once you register. Most importantly are comfortable hiking shoes, water (at least 1-2 liters), backpack, rain gear, hat, and gloves. Snowshoes will be available if needed. Bring along any field guide books of your interest and extra layers.

Physical Requirements: Moderate difficulty, due to snowshoeing. These hikes are geared towards those who like to take leisurely strolls, at a very easy-going pace. Distances covered will be a maximum of three miles.