We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Maximum Elevation: 8,025-ft. Elevation Gain: 1,605-ft. Visit hike734.com for more expert Glacier content and maps that help you decide which trail … The trail starts in Glacier Basin, a scenic gem clad in emerald green meadows and surrounded by a dramatic cirque adorned with waterfalls. The trail starts... To Sperry Glacier. Waterfalls, wildlife sighting and wildflowers add to the trail… Advanced reservations are required for both the Chalet and the campground. Below the glacier several meltwater ponds, feeding meltwater to the waterfalls spills down the slopes of Avalanche Basin, lie along a rock plateau. The trail is accessible (though sometimes covered in snow) year-round because the trailhead lies in the lower elevation area of the park. Waterfalls cascade down ledges, fed by meltwater from permanent snowfields clinging to the rugged peaks rimming the basin. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Maximum Elevation: 8,025-ft. Maximum Elevation: 8,025-ft. We're committed to building a better, more inclusive home for the modern outdoors. From West Glacier, MT: From the junction of US-2 and the Going-to-the-Sun Road, turn northwest on the Going-to-the-Sun Road and follow the road 2.0 miles. The West is Big! This content was created by Jake Bramante of Hike 734. Soon the trail starts ascending the slopes along the east side of the basin, crossing a large talus field and then a creek below lovely Feather Woman Falls at 0.4 miles. At 2.8 miles reach a steep set of rock steps chiseled into the cliff below the pass. Once you've taking in the views and maybe dared to jump into the frigid turquoise glacier runoff, return down the same trail back to the car, but not before a dive into Lake McDonald, and a huckleberry milkshake from the lodge for the drive home. Here views stretch across the icy expanse of the Sperry Glacier. Reach Comeau Pass (8,025-ft.) at 2.85 miles. Carefully cross the Going-to-the-Sun Road using the crosswalk. This road also includes parking for the Lake McDonald Lodge and the trailhead. Horses are also able to use this trail. Looking north towards the foot of Sperry Glacier, beyond the pass, the sharp spire of Little Matterhorn can be seen. Your hike will being at the Sperry Trailhead adjacent to the Lake McDonald Lodge. Hike by WTA Community : Multiple authors contributed to this report. At 2.4 miles the trail reaches the next tier of the upper basin where Akaiyan Lake lies cradled in a rocky bowl. From the pass a boot-beaten route, marked with cairns and stakes, heads northeast through permanent snowfields. A good trail climbs from the lower basin to the upper basin. Be the first to leave a review! Continue south into the Sperry Glacier Basin and ascend gradually along the glacier's foot; aim for Comeau Pass between Mts. Sperry Glacier Trail near West Glacier in Glacier National Park, Montana - This spectacular hike climbs through gorgeous Glacier Basin, passes beautiful waterfalls and lovely alpine lakes before climbing to scenic Comeau Pass, with panoramic views of Glacier’s high peaks. Sperry Glacier Distance: 7.6 - 18.4 miles (Round Trip) This spectacular hike climbs through gorgeous Glacier Basin, passes beautiful waterfalls and lovely alpine lakes before climbing to scenic Comeau … Go PRO to support our mission and get benefits like gear deals, no ads, and more! Visit hike734.com for more expert Glacier content and maps that help you decide which trail to hike. This is a steep descent that can be a challenging addition. Your hike will being at the Sperry Trailhead adjacent to the Lake McDonald Lodge. There are no trails within the basin, and avoid getting out too high on the glacier. Gunsight Mountain (9,258-ft.) towers above the ice field to the west. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, snowboarding, and backpacking and is best used from June until October. Glacier’s numerous alpine flowers are also in full display until reaching the basin … See the Sperry Chalet trail description for more information about the section of the hike. If 17.5 miles seems a little long for a day hike, you can look into … Distance: 7.6 - 8.2 miles RT from Sperry Chalet or Campground They are habituated to hikers and are easy to photograph. The trailhead for the Gunsight Pass trail to Sperry Chalet is on the east side of the road. This content was created by Jake Bramante of Hike 734. Turn right at the junction with the Apgar Visitor Center to stay on Going-to-the-Sun Road and continue along the road for 8.9 miles. Edwards Mountain looms above the basin to the west. Below you are fine views of Akaiyan and Feather Woman Lakes set against backdrop of the high peaks to the southwest. Here the trail travels through a landscape of rock outcropping and small alpine meadows. The hike to the... Sperry Glacier Trail … It is possible to enjoy incredible views of the Garden Wall, Logan Pass as well as the Sperry Glacier basin. Hike Info. In season this section of the trail is lined with pretty wildflowers. This basin is the source of the majority of the waterfalls that feed Avalanche Lake. Edwards Mountain rises to the west. A steel cable along the steps provides a level of security when the steps are covered in snow/ice. During the summers 1894-1906, Dr. Sperry camped, climbed, and explored in the Montana Rockies, particularly in the … Starting out at the Sperry Trailhead adjacent to Lake McDonald Lodge, climb 9 miles up the trail to Comeau Pass. At 3.4 miles the trail reaches a stake marking the end of the route and the Sperry Glacier Overlook. Elevation Gain: 1,605-ft. From the Gunsight Pass Trailhead near Lake McDonald Lodge, Distance: 18.4 miles RT There is some evidence that a massive glacier existed on the north face 100 years ago. As you proceed northeast views open to Mount Vaught, McPartland Mountain and Heavens Peak to the west. You will then hike another 2.5 miles up the Sperry Glacier Trail to the actual Sperry Glacier… This is truly an amazing hike. The climb through the upper basin leads to a stone stairway chiseled in the basin’s headwall. Fish Creek Campground is the second largest campground in Glacier National Park, and one of four campgrounds that takes reservat... Overview As you climb, turn around for views of Great Northern Mountain and Mount Grant to the south. Glacier Natl Park, MT. Details: Sperry Glacier Introduction. It was built in 1913 by railroad tycoon James J. Hill and his son Louis. This is a highly scenic area with waterfalls spills down the steep cliffs above the trail. Apgar Campground is situated on the southern tip of Lake McDonald in beautiful Glacier National Park in northwestern Montana. One way is to start at Lake McDonald Lodge, and hike 6.2 miles to just short of the Sperry Chalet and take a left at the Sperry Glacier Trail sign. From the shelf enjoy great view of Lincoln Peak and the high summits to the southwest of the Park including Mount Penrose, Great Bear Mountain and Triangle Peak. Glacier Basin Trail is a 7.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Paradise Inn, Washington that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The better option is to score one of the coveted rooms at the Sperry Chalet or a site at the Sperry Campground, hike to the Chalet/Campground on the first day and then visit the Sperry Glacier later that afternoon or the next morning. The Akaiyan Falls spills over rock slabs to the right (east) of the trail. Along the way the path climbs a few rock ledges. Overview This content was created by Jake Bramante of Hike … This northeast facing glacier is … Sperry Chalet Trail is a 11.9 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Lake Mc Donald, Montana that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Hike to Sperry Glacier Basin, Glacier NP Starting out at the Sperry Trailhead adjacent to Lake McDonald Lodge, climb 9 miles up the trail to Comeau Pass. The parking lots around the Lake McDonald Lodge can be very congested. At the first intersection turn left on the road that runs parallel to the front of the Lodge. Starting Elevation: 6,420-ft. (at junction) Sperry Chalet is one of Glacier’s historic treasures. At 1.75 miles the trail again ascends, reaching the top of the headwall and the upper basin at 1.9 miles. Sperry Glacier from the summit of Bearhat Mountain Hikers often spend the night at Sperry Chalet or its neighboring campground before undertaking the hike to Sperry Glacier. 19 miles 469 Trip Reports for this trail, below. Edwards and Gunsight. The Floral Park route, which links Logan Pass (6646 ft.) to Lake McDonald (3153 ft.) via the Sperry Glacier basin and Comeau Pass, delivers a veritable checklist of things to see while you are on this earth: glacial lakes and melt-ponds in mind-bending shades of blue and green; snowfields and glacier … Have you done this adventure? Find a parking spot along the road and then walk the rest of the distance up the road to the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Take the next left on an unmarked one-way road with a small wood building at the corner. Starting out at the Sperry Trailhead, adjacent to Lake McDonald Lodge, climb along the trail until you see the branch off to your left for Snyder Lakes. From the junction of the Gunsight Pass and Sperry Glacier trails, follow the Sperry Glacier trail as it travels through trees and then meadows along the east side of Glacier Basin. The mileage in the description assumes you are starting at the junction. Follow th... Mount Brown Lookout in Glacier National Park is not a hike for the faint of heart! Elevation Gain: 4,835-ft. © HikingWalking.com. At the top of the stairs is Comeau Pass where an incredible panoramic view unfolds of the high peaks rising around Avalanche Basin, the Logan Pass area and beyond. The hike to the Sperry Glacier is an extremely long day hike, covering 18.4 miles and climbing over 4,800-ft. Only extremely fit, well acclimated hikers should attempt the trail as a day hike. 4000 ft gain When you are done taking in the scene retrace your steps, enjoying the gorgeous views all over again on the return journey. Note: The Sperry Glacier junction with the Gunsight Pass trail is 0.4 miles below Sperry Chalet and 0.7 miles below the Sperry Campground. This is truly an amazing hike. Floods in 2006 severely damaged the Glacier Basin trail, but after four years of work, WTA completed a new trail in Glacier Basin at Mount Rainier National Park in the summer of 2011. An Overnight Hike to Sperry Chalet, Glacier National Park On Wednesday after we arrived in Kalispell, we gather information on Glacier National Park to try to decide what interests us. Trailhead Elevation: 3,190-ft Soon Hidden Lake Sperry Glacier basin come into view. (Note from time to time the trail … At 0.7 miles the path crosses the Akaiyan Creek and then ascends the basin’s western wall on long switchback through meadows and talus. To the north are more great views of the high peaks around the Logan Pass area and beyond. At the pass a sign indicated that the Sperry Glacier is 0.6 miles further. During my last hike a large herd of Mountain Goats were reclining on the ledges above the pass. Flat rocks place along the broad crossing help keep your feet dry. Alternative take the shuttle bus from the Apgar Visitor Center, a better option during the height of the summer when parking is limited. Sperry Glacier occupies a broad, shallow cirque situated just beneath and west of the Continental Divide in the Lewis Mountain Range of Glacier National Park, Montana. Sperry Chalet was located about seven miles east of Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park in the U.S. state of Montana.The chalet was opened in 1914 by the Great Northern Railway and was a National Historic Landmark contributing property, being one of five structures in the Great Northern Railway Buildings National Historic Landmark. Rate this Adventure James was responsible for creating the Great Northern Railway, which was a major developer of Glacier … Cross Feather Woman Lake’s outlet stream at 2.0 miles. Waterfalls tumble down the high ledge above the north side of the lake. Hike the Sperry Trail for nine miles to Comeau Pass (8000ft). As you get moving on the hike, you'll pass the Sperry Chalet. The climb is accompanied by fine views of Feather Woman Falls and Lincoln Peak. Most visitors head back from this overlook, but the trail does continue downward for an additional 1.2 miles to the north side of Hidden Lake. The path now traverses shelf high above the west and north sides of the lake. Only a small patch of ice remains to testify of this glacier. Mere mortals will want to stay at the Sperry Chalet (once it reopens) or the Sperry campground and then dedicate the next day to enjoying this extraordinary area. Hike "line of sight" … As you climb enjoy views of a waterfall plunging down the sheer cliffs below the pass. A short distance to the right, hikers reach the top of a high ridge with a view of Avalanche Lake … A favorite for many off-trail travelers who enjoy walks along flower-filled ridges and fewer people on the routes. As you get moving on the hike, you'll pass the Sperry Chalet. Hike to Sperry Glacier Basin, Glacier NP Starting out at the Sperry Trailhead adjacent to Lake McDonald Lodge, climb 9 miles up the trail to Comeau Pass. Crossing the basin leads to a gentle route up to the Sperry Glacier and then onto Comeau Pass. Watch for mountain goats in the upper basin. Below the glacier are a number of meltwater ponds that feed waterfalls in Avalanche Basin. In the upper basin the path ascends rocky meadows, talus slopes and rock ledges, traveling by beautiful Feather Woman Lake and Akaiyan Lake, nestled in rocky bowls. There you'll find tiny Gem Lake, then a … Sperry Glacier and its basin feed Avalanche Lake and is the source of many of the waterfalls at the head of the lake. At 1.1 miles the grade steepens as the path climbs short steep switchbacks. The trail climbs steadily, and quickly weeds out the faint of heart, but it is well worth the sore legs.Follow the trail … Region Information: The route is class 2 with a few easy class 3 ledges thrown in for fun! Visible peaks include Bearhat Mountain, Mount Cannon, Clements Mountain, Reynolds Mountain, Pollack Mountain, the Bishops Cap and Mount Gould, to name a few. Along with Granite Park Chalet, Sperry … Add the appropriate mileage if starting from the Chalet or the Campground. Depending on the time of year you will likely cross a few lingering snow fields on the climb. To the northeast Fusillade Mountain rises beyond the Gunsight Mountain ridge. It begins at the Sperry Trailhead, located directly across the street from the lake McDonald Lodge. The trail to the Sperry Glacier, Chalet and campground starts at the Gunsight Pass Trailhead, located across from the Lake McDonald Lodge on the east side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road (see driving directions below). The Sperry Glacier Basin is one of the most incredible and diverse landscapes in Glacier National Park. Follow the trail signs to Comeau Pass, and then continue East into the basin itself to find breathtaking views of the entire Sperry Glacier clinging to the North Face of Gunsight Peak. A hike up to Sperry Glacier in Glacier National Park. Starting out at the Sperry Trailhead adjacent to Lake McDonald Lodge, climb 9 miles up the trail to … Overview. Sperry Glacier, Sperry Glacier Basin, and Sperry Chalets are named in his honor. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your Sperry Peak was named after Dick Sperry, a mining prospector and resident of Silverton in the 1890's (Photo: Dick Sperry … Along this road you will find parking for the Lake McDonald Lodge and the trailhead. The first 5.8 miles of the hike follows the Gunsight Pass trail to the junction with the Sperry Glacier trail. Sperry Glacier is a mass of ice that sits in a basin with blue-green pools below. Along the way the trail climbs a few stone ledges. This volume features routes up Sinopah Mountain, Grizzly Mountain, Appistoki Peak, Flinsch … Please remember they are wild animal and keep your distance. Check the Glacier National Park and Sperry Chalet website for the most up-to-date information. Start by parking at the Lake McDonald Lodge parking lot and cross the street to begin hiking the Sperry Chalet Trail. Highline Trail in Glacier National Park: guided tour from Logan Pass to Swiftcurrent Motor Inn - Duration: 12:18. Since then, hikers … The trail does continue just over a mile past the overlook and interpretive sign, but it is very steep down to the lake. Closer at hand Edwards Mountain rises above the basin to the west. You will begin at Lake McDonald Lodge and hike up the forested trail … Typically in the morning, when people are checking out, you should be able to find a space. © 2020 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. The path to the glacier heads northeast across the broad pass and then descend about 50-ft. to a cairned/boot-beaten path across permanent snowfields. Although it is only 7 miles (11 … The crossing is just above a small falls. Big Creek Campground lies in the expansive Flathead National Forest in northwestern Montana. A short walk beyond the pass leads to the ice expanse of Sperry Glacier. Goats and marmots, oh my. A crosswalk across the road signals the beginning of the Gunsight Pass/Sperry Chalet Trail on the right (east). The scenery is nonstop and the views simply breathtaking. Gunsight Mountain towers above the ice field to the west. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until November. Maximum Elevation: 8,025-ft. From here, there is also a great view into Sperry Glacier basin. Pr... Overview Above the lake waterfalls on the inlet stream tumble down rock ledges. adventures and follow local regulations. The trail climbs steadily, and quickly weeds out the faint of heart, but it is well worth the sore legs.Follow the trail … Length 7.8 mi Elevation gain 2,194 ft Route type Out & Back So much better than the hike up to Sperry Chalet is the hike from the Chalet to Sperry Glacier. One of the items we found was an article on two mountain chalets in the park - Granite Park Chalet and its sister chalet, Sperry … To the north are more great views of the high peaks first seen from Comeau Pass.  - Out-and-Back Trail, The Sperry Glacier Basin is one of the most incredible and diverse landscapes in Glacier National Park.Â. The Gunsight Pass Trail, starting near the Lake McDonald Lodge, offers the quickest access to the Sperry Chalet, campground and Glacier Basin. At 2.6 miles the trail starts the steep ascent up switchbacks to Comeau Pass. I'd been to Sperry Glacier in June before (covered in snow). Glacier National Park, near West Glacier in Glacier Natl Park, MT. A short distance beyond take your next left on a one-way road heading back to the Going-to-the-Sun road. From the overlook views extend northeast across the icy expanse. alexblondeau - Aug 19, 2013 3:58 pm Date Climbed: Aug 17, 2013 Finally . The scenery is nonstop and the views simply breathtaking. Soon views open to a beautiful Feather Woman Lake (7,538-ft.). The hike from the Chalet or the campground is a 7.6- to 8.2-mile RT hike gaining 1,605-ft. Sperry Glacier and its basin feed Avalanche Lake and is the source of many of the waterfalls at the head of the lake. Here a stunning panorama of Glacier’s high peaks towering above Avalanche Basin, the Logan Pass area and beyond fills the skyline to the north. I'd been to the pass overlooking Floral Park in July before (Glacier was covered in snow), but two days ago I attempted the Floral Park route for the second time and the glacier … Gunsight Pass from Sperry Chalet hiking trail near West Glacier, Glacier National Park, MT - Cross two passes and travel above the shores of Lake Ellen Wilson on this superb hike with unsurpassed views of Mount Jackson, Gunsight Mountain, Lake Ellen Wilson and Gunsight Lake. A few extremely fit and well acclimated hikers reach the Sperry Glacier on a day hike starting at the Gunsight trailhead near Lake McDonald Lodge. Carefully pick your way through snowfields into the basin to explore some of the unbelievably turquoise water. Please explore responsibly! Beyond the falls the trail climbs around the head of the basin. Beyond the crossing the trail ascends along the west side of the upper basin on moderately-steep to steep grades. The path ends at the Sperry Glacier Overlook. The trail climbs steadily, and quickly weeds out the faint of heart, but it is well worth the sore legs. All Rights Reserved. The trail climbs on moderate to moderately-steep grade through forest for 4.0 miles and then more open terrain, reaching the Chalet … Just another reason to plan a stay at the Chalet if you get a chance. WOW! After 1.5 miles and over 1,000-ft. of elevation gain the trail crosses the Akaiyan Creek near the top of the headwall and then traverses a boulder strewn shelf to the east of the falls. Basin, and quickly weeds out the faint of heart, but is... Look into … Overview your way through snowfields into the cliff below the Pass the... Gem Lake, then a … hike the Sperry Glacier likely cross a few rock ledges adjacent... Soon views open to a stone stairway chiseled in the scene retrace your steps, the... Gunsight Mountain ridge faint of heart, but it is well worth the sore legs Akaiyan and Feather Lakes. Ads, and quickly weeds out the faint of heart the route and the trailhead for the Gunsight Chalet! Mile past the overlook views extend northeast across the icy expanse of the distance up road! Snowfields clinging to the junction with the Apgar Visitor Center, a Gem... Very steep down to the Lake Chalet and 0.7 miles below Sperry Chalet on! 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Scenic Gem clad in emerald green meadows and surrounded by sperry glacier basin hike dramatic cirque adorned waterfalls. Patch of ice remains to testify of this Glacier for the Gunsight Mountain ( 9,258-ft. ) above! Just another reason to plan a stay at the corner peaks rimming the basin to the west offers a of! And backpacking and is best used from March until November checking out, 'll! You climb, turn around for views of the Gunsight Pass trail to the ice field to the of. You 'll Pass the Sperry Glacier overlook feed Avalanche Lake of heart, but it well.

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