With over 20 years of experience leading landscape photography workshops, I can confidently say that Glacier National Park in the fall is one of the most rewarding places to photograph in North America.

Autumn in Glacier is a time of transformation. Golden aspen groves glow against the backdrop of rugged peaks, waterfalls tumble through canyons framed in color, and calm alpine lakes mirror the brilliant hues of fall foliage. Wildlife is active this time of year too—moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats are often spotted in accessible locations, offering fantastic opportunities for telephoto work.

This workshop is timed to coincide with the changing colors and quieter trails of late September, just before the park winds down for the season. We’ll be based on the more scenic and dramatic east side of the park, giving us access to iconic areas like St. Mary, Two Medicine, and Many Glacier—each offering its own blend of stunning vistas, vibrant color, and reflective waters.

Whether you're looking to hone your creative vision or simply immerse yourself in the beauty of autumn in the Rockies, this is a perfect chance to grow your photography in a truly unforgettable setting.

This workshop involves short hikes on uneven terrain to reach some of Glacier National Park’s most photogenic locations, including alpine lakes, waterfalls, and scenic mountain overlooks. While many areas are easily accessible, some outings will require walking on rocky trails, forested paths, or along damp and potentially slippery stream banks. Participants should be prepared to carry their camera gear on moderate hikes of up to 1–2 miles round trip. A reasonable level of fitness and sure-footedness is recommended to fully enjoy the experience.

Autumn in Glacier National Park

5-Day Photography Workshop – Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival, Orientation & Sunset Shoot

• 3:00 PM: Workshop begins with a welcome orientation at our lodge in St. Mary. We’ll cover the itinerary, safety in the field, and creative goals for the week.
• 4:30 PM – Sunset: First outing to a scenic location for late-day light and sunset photography—perfect for easing into the landscape and connecting with the group.

Day 2: Sunrise to Sunset

• Pre-Dawn Departure: Early morning shoot at a nearby lake or valley with vibrant autumn foliage and potential for moose or wildlife sightings.
• Midday Break: Rest, review images, and enjoy lunch.
• Afternoon Session: Classroom-style instruction on composition, working with light, and creative techniques.
• Late-Day Outing: Sunset shoot in the Many Glacier area with towering peaks and reflective waters.

Day 3: Waterfalls, Wildlife & Mountain Views

• Morning Shoot: Explore one of Glacier’s waterfalls or mountain lakes with golden aspen and cottonwood trees in full color.
• Midday Break: Time for meals and rest.
• Afternoon Session: Image review and personalized feedback session.
• Evening Outing: Return to Logan Pass or Two Medicine area for evening light and potential wildlife photography.

Day 4: Creative Exploration & Personal Vision

• Sunrise Shoot: Capture alpenglow on the peaks or calm lake reflections at daybreak.
• Late Morning: Optional group hike to a new scenic overlook or lake.
• Midday Break & Optional Editing Session: Time to rest or join a casual editing Q&A.
• Sunset Shoot: A final golden-hour outing to one of the group’s favorite spots from the week.

Day 5: Final Shoot & Farewell

• Early Morning: Final sunrise shoot in the St. Mary Valley or a nearby scenic location.
• 8:00–9:00 AM: Return to the lodge for goodbyes and final thoughts. Workshop concludes by 9:30 AM, allowing time to pack and check out.

Glacier Park International Airport (FCA, Kalispell, MT)

• Closest major airport (~40 minutes / 45 mi) to West Glacier; around 2 hours to East Side via Going-to-the-Sun Road or US‑2 Avis+9Glacier Park Collection+9Reddit+9Condé Nast Traveler+1Facebook+1.
• Served year-round by major airlines: Delta, United (Denver), Alaska (Seattle), Allegiant (Las Vegas, Phoenix), plus seasonal flights Glacier Park Collection+1Reddit+1.
• On-site car rentals available from Enterprise, Avis, Budget, Hertz, Thrifty, Alamo Travelocity+2Avis+2Expedia+2.

Great Falls International Airport (GTF)

• Smaller regional airport ~2.5 hours (130–165 mi) east of park entrances like St. Mary/Many Glacier Budget+15Dirt in My Shoes+15Tripadvisor+15.
• A solid alternative if FCA fares are high or unavailable.

Missoula (MSO) & Spokane (GEG)

• Missoula → ~5 hours to East Side via US‑2 Wikipedia+15Reddit+15Facebook+15.
• Spokane → ~4.5–5 hours to West; East Side ~6 hours .
• Occasionally cheaper flights, but significantly longer drives.

🚗 Car Rentals

At FCA (Kalispell)

• Major chains onsite: Enterprise, Avis, Budget, Hertz, Thrifty, Alamo Dirt in My Shoes+6Just Go Travel Studios+6Facebook+6Avis+4KAYAK+4Expedia+4.
• Expect drive times to East Glacier/St. Mary area up to 2 hours (approx. 100 miles).

In East Glacier Park Village

• Local providers: Dollar, Avis, Budget, Enterprise (Yelp listing) Budget+5Yelp+5KAYAK+5.
• Convenient if flying to Great Falls or arriving by train/bus.

Pricing & Tips

• Economy/compact cars in East Glacier start around US $130–180/day; full-size/SUVs $180+Travelocity+1KAYAK+1.
• Dollar, Budget, and Enterprise often lead in local ratings KAYAK.
• Book early and compare FCA vs. Great Falls vs. East Glacier Village rates to find the best deal.

🛣️ Drive Times from Airports

AirportTo East Glacier / St. Mary Valley

FCA (Kalispell)~2 hours, ~100 miles via US‑2 & MT‑49/Going-to-the-Sun Rd - Beautiful scenic drive, especially through West Glacier

Great Falls 

(GTF)~2.5 hours, ≈130–165 milesEast side may be more direct and quicker

Missoula

 (MSO)~5 hoursLongest but sometimes cheaper flights availableSpokane (GEG)~5 hours+ to East sideScenic, but lengthy journey

🚗 Recommended Route

• Fly into FCA (Kalispell)
  ➝ Rental car at terminal ➝ drive east via US‑2 & Hwy 49 ➝ arrive at East Glacier/St. Mary in ~2 hours.
• Alternate: Fly to Great Falls
  ➝ Rent a car locally ➝ drive south/west to St. Mary (~2.5 hours).
• Local rentals at East Glacier Village
  ➝ Ideal for short regional drives or if flying into Great Falls.

The workshop fee covers instruction only. All other costs—such as transportati

on, lodging, meals, and National Park entry fees—are the responsibility of each participant.

A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to reserve your spot. The remaining balance is due 90 days prior to the workshop start date.

If you need to cancel within 90 days of the workshop, a partial or full refund may be possible only if we are able to fill your spot, minus the $500 administrative fee. We understand that 

emergencies happen—please contact us, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your situation.