sperry glacier trail

Another branch leaves the main trail to climb steeply 5.4 miles to Mount Brown Lookout, 2147 feet above Lake McDonald. Sperry Glacier Trail, Glacier Park During my last hike a large herd of Mountain Goats were reclining on the ledges above the pass. The trail climbs so gradually and smoothly that I hardly noticed the gain as I came to the falls, Beaver Medicine Falls. Where To See Animals Visit hike734.com for more expert Glacier content and maps that help you decide which trail to hike. As you climb, turn around for views of Great Northern Mountain and Mount Grant to the south. Trailhead: Sperry Trail, Lake McDonald Lodge To the north are more great views of the high peaks first seen from Comeau Pass. Distance: 7.6 - 8.2 miles RT from Sperry Chalet or Campground Sperry Glacier, Glacier National Park Rustic yet refined. All Rights Reserved. The area is a great basecamp for visiting the Sperry Glacier, Lincoln Pass and Gunsight Pass. The trail to Sperry Glacier is actually a side trail off the Gunsight Pass route. The West is Big! Answer 1 of 16: We are headed back to GNP this July and have all of our hikes planned out. From Sperry Chalet We are planning to hike Sperry Glacier Trail and wondered if anybody has done this hike...? Sperry Glacier, Glacier National Park Elevation Gained: 5,032 vertical feet A short walk beyond the pass leads to the ice expanse of Sperry Glacier. Page Top Typically in the morning, when people are checking out, you should be able to find a space. The hike between Comeau Pass and Sperry Glacier is fun and spectacular! MyOwnFrontier 14,864 views. There names are Feather Woman and Akaiyan Lakes, which are known as "glacial tarns". The sharp peak directly to your north in the near distance is the Little Matterhorn. This mountain goat posed for us near the Sperry Headwall on our hike to the famous Sperry Glacier in Glacier National Park. Sperry Glacier, Glacier National Park Sperry Glacier Trail, Glacier Park This is a view of Sperry Glacier from the summit of Bearhat Mountain in Glacier National Park. Trailhead Elevation: 3,190-ft Fed by waterfalls that spill off of the Sperry Glacier, Avalanche Lake is an excellent place to enjoy a picnic and a leisurely summer afternoon. Sperry Glacier trail, 7-mile round trip from the chalet Starting from Sperry Chalet. The first stage is hike to the Sperry Chalet and spend the night, and the next morning head out early and hike the Sperry Glacier Trail for 2.5 miles to the Sperry Glacier. Mt. Soon views open to a beautiful Feather Woman Lake (7,538-ft.). Rustic yet refined. Dining and lodging in the wilderness backcountry of Glacier National Park. Some of them we have done already, some are new. 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. The view is truly awe-inspiring! 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. 1500 Foot climb. 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. 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. From the pass a boot-beaten route, marked with cairns and stakes, heads northeast through permanent snowfields. Enjoy one of several day hike destinations from the chalet, keeping watch for wildlife such as mountain goats. The Akaiyan Falls spills over rock slabs to the right (east) of the trail. Advanced reservations are required for both the Chalet and the campground. The huge peak to your right is Mount Edwards, and to your left are the two peaks of Gunsight Mountain. Sperry Glacier Trail, Glacier Park 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. The Little Matterhorn is a prominent feature along the hike from Comeau Pass to Sperry Glacier. Sperry Glacier, Glacier National Park Soon we encountered a goat mama and kid where we stepped aside to let them pass. Whichever option you choose, you will be greatly rewarded. 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. Sperry Glacier Trail, Glacier Park Maximum Elevation: 8,025-ft. Sperry Glacier, Glacier National Park The Sperry Action Fund was established by the Glacier Conservancy to cover the cost of both immediate known needs and possible future needs specifically related to … Sperry Glacier sits on the north slopes of Gunsight Mountain and has retreated 75 percent since the mid-19th-century. There are two options for overnight stays at Sperry The elevation gained from the Chalet is 1,600 vertical feet. Now that's a ton of vertical! It will definitely be one of the highlights of your Glacier Park Vacation. You will pass some amazing waterfalls and small alpine lakes. I hiked it from Sperry Chalet last year (I'm showing a RT distance of just under 8 miles from the start of the Sperry Glacier trail to the Sperry Glacier "sign"). Entirely above tree line, it is about 3.5 miles and climbs about 2000 feet up to Comeau Pass. Glacier National Park, near West Glacier in Glacier Natl Park, MT. Watch for mountain goats in the upper basin. Views from the Summits Beyond the crossing the trail ascends along the west side of the upper basin on moderately-steep to steep grades. Sperry Glacier Trail, Glacier Park This content was created by Jake Bramante of Hike 734. 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. Sperry Glacier, Glacier National Park Gunsight Mountain towers above the ice field to the west. I had more trouble after the pass - the snow was gone, and we had to climb up and down the moraine, which was difficult for me. Waterfalls cascade down ledges, fed by meltwater from permanent snowfields clinging to the rugged peaks rimming the basin. Glacier I Yellowstone I Tetons Edwards Mountain rises to the west. Sperry Chalet is located in the west side of Glacier Park, with trail access points from Lake McDonald Lodge and Gunsight Pass Trail. Hikers wishing to visit the Sperry Chalet Complex need to be aware of restrictions and post-fire trail conditions. Sperry Glacier, Glacier National Park Their route was the same general route of the present trail. The other means of accessing the chalet is via the Gunsight Trail, which is a 12.1-mile hike from the Jackson Glacier Overlook on Going-to-the-Sun Road. Sperry Glacier Trail to Comeau Pass and the Sperry Glacier Overlook. The parking lots around the Lake McDonald Lodge can be very congested. This hike averages 9 hours. Join Our Club These cairns will take you to the toe of the magnificent Sperry Glacier. _________________ Edwards from Comeau Pass: Clouds began to gather on the west as I ate my lunch. Glacier I Yellowstone I Tetons Sperry Glacier, Glacier National Park For more "views from the summits" click here. At the pass a sign indicated that the Sperry Glacier is 0.6 miles further. Glacier National Park. The “Trail Gods” must also have been smiling on us that day, because we soon cleared the rock stairs and reached the chalet without any problems. Sperry Glacier, Glacier National Park 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. This hike averages 9 hours. 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. Sperry Chalet's most popular side trip, this has been described as one of the most memorable and magnificent hikes in the park. The Sperry Glacier Trail takes you directly to the toe of the famous Sperry Glacier in Glacier National Park. _________________ As you proceed northeast views open to Mount Vaught, McPartland Mountain and Heavens Peak to the west. Informative E-Books Sperry Glacier Trail, Glacier Park Lyman B. Sperry, the namesake of Sperry Glacier (after which Sperry Trail and Sperry Chalet were named) was a talented with many interests. 2021 Summer Season: July 11 through September 12. Comeau Pass Reconstruction began Monday on Sperry Chalet a little less than a year after it was terribly burned in the Sprague Fire in Glacier National Park, according to a media release from the park. Here the trail travels through a landscape of rock outcropping and small alpine meadows. Visit hike734.com for more expert Glacier content and maps that help you decide which trail to hike. Sperry Glacier Trail, Glacier Park Although it is only 7 miles (11 km) round-trip from Sperry Chalet to Sperry Glacier, the trail is quite steep, rising 1,600 feet (490 m) in just 2.5 miles (4.0 km). Sperry Glacier Trail, Glacier Park Views from the Summits The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until October. Add the appropriate mileage if starting from the Chalet or the Campground. There is some evidence that a massive glacier existed on the north face 100 years ago. Show all posts. There are cairns at Sperry Glacier ~ the views on the trail up to the glacier are nice. We took a 2019 hike to Sperry Chalet to check in on the rebuild. The glacier was actually reached first by Dr. Sperry and his party in 1897. The trailhead for the Sperry Chalet Trail (12.8 miles roundtrip; 3,400 feet of elevation gain) starts at the lodge, so I just walked out our room and started up. Elevation Gain: 4,835-ft. For more "views from the summits" click here. A side trip to Sperry Glacier is also possible, being a 4-mile hike (8 miles round trip). 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. Entirely above tree line, it is about 3.5 miles and climbs about 2000 feet up to Comeau Pass. Sperry Glacier and its basin feed Avalanche Lake and is the source of many of the waterfalls at the head of the lake. Otherwise, you're looking at a long day and a 5,000 foot vertical climb). Save Fred on the stairway (complete with hand rail) through the final headwall to Sperry Glacier on the Sperry Glacier Trail. Sperry was the leader of the first party to reach the glacier in 1895. Alternative take the shuttle bus from the Apgar Visitor Center, a better option during the height of the summer when parking is limited. Cross Feather Woman Lake’s outlet stream at 2.0 miles. Sperry Glacier from Hidden Lake Overlook. The views when you get to the pass are great! Their route was the same general route of the present trail. Sperry Glacier Trail, Glacier Park 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. Day hikes from this spot are plenty and spectacular. To the north are more great views of the high peaks around the Logan Pass area and beyond. WOW! The climb is accompanied by fine views of Feather Woman Falls and Lincoln Peak. This is a highly scenic area with waterfalls spills down the steep cliffs above the trail. However, thanks to the cooperation of the National Park Service, Belton Chalets Inc., the Glacier National Park Conservancy and numerous donors from the general public, Sperry has been rebuilt! We are planning to hike Sperry Glacier Trail and wondered if anybody has done this hike...? Located 39 miles northeast of Kalispell Montana. Visit hike734.com for more expert Glacier content and maps that help you decide which trail to run. Hike to Sperry Glacier II. Invisible from the rocky slopes below, a series of glacial cirques with streams, waterfalls and lakes reflecting snow fieldsand mountain peaks leads to a steep and narrow stone staircase cut into the stone ridge of Comeau Pass. It took them near the present site of the Sperry Chalets and through the saddle between Gunsight Mountain and Edwards Mountain. This content was created by Jake Bramante of Hike 734. Edwards Mountain looms above the basin to the west. Along the way the path climbs a few rock ledges. 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. You will truly enjoy your day at the Sperry Glacier in Glacier National Park. Above the lake waterfalls on the inlet stream tumble down rock ledges. Sperry Chalet. and crossed Sprague Creek below Glacier Basin. The trailhead for the Gunsight Pass trail to Sperry Chalet is on the east side of the road. Maximum Elevation: 8,025-ft. Top Ten Things To Do Sperry Glacier is one of the largest glaciers in Glacier Park, and it is truly a treat to see this famous glacier up close! The sharp peak located to the right of us is called "The Little Matterhorn". The trail is steep. Sperry Glacier is one of the largest glaciers in Glacier Park, and it is truly a treat to see this famous glacier up close! Located 39 miles northeast of Kalispell Montana. Gunsight Mountain (9,258-ft.) towers above the ice field to the west. The mileage in the description assumes you are starting at the junction. Starting Elevation: 6,420-ft. (at junction) On August 31, 2017 the Sperry Chalet hotel building was lost to the Sprague Fire. Sperry Glacier Trail, Glacier Park _________________ Sperry Glacier, Glacier National Park The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until October. He also oversaw the construction of the trail that provided access to the glacier from the Lake McDonald Lodge. As we were to discover shortly, not everyone was so lucky. I had more trouble after the pass - the snow was gone, and we had to climb up and down the moraine, which was difficult for me. The view f… A less challenging 1.3 mile hike one way from Logan Pass. 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 Sperry Glacier Trail takes you to directly to the base of the world-renowned Sperry Glacier in Glacier National Park. If you can't get a spot at Sperry consider Snyder Lake for two nights. Once you've reached the top of the stairs, you're now standing on Comeau Pass.... Reach Comeau Pass (8,025-ft.) at 2.85 miles. Along the way the trail climbs a few stone ledges. Does anybody have a good list of essentials? Showing posts with label Sperry Glacier Trail. Sperry Glacier Trail Glacier National Park Montana Listing Type: National Park Trail City: Glacier National Park Montana Region: Glacier Country 406-888-7800: Sperry Chalet can be accessed from the trail leaving from the horse concession area at Lake McDonald Lodge takes you 4.4 miles to Snyder Lake trail on a steady rise. Aug 18, 2014 - Sperry Glacier Trail in Glacier National Park. Sperry Chalet National Historic Landmark Hotel, Reached Only by Trail. Sperry Glacier and its basin feed Avalanche Lake and is the source of many of the waterfalls at the head of the lake. The total distance is approximately 8.7 miles one way, and the elevation climbed is over 5,000 vertical feet!!! Sperry Glacier Trail, Glacier Park Distance: 3.9 miles (one way) Trailhead Elevation: 3,190-ft 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. Hikers wishing to visit the Sperry Chalet Complex need to be aware of restrictions and post-fire trail conditions. _________________ Home Page > Glacier Park > Glacier Park Hikes/Places > Sperry Glacier, Sperry Glacier, Glacier National Park Thousands of feet below, on the other side of the Little Matterhorn, rests Avalanche Lake. We are standing on Comeau Pass on our way to the Sperry Glacier in Glacier National Park. Where to see Animals At 2.8 miles reach a steep set of rock steps chiseled into the cliff below the pass. Sperry Glacier Trail is a 4 mile one way hike with 1,600 feet elevation gain. The “Trail Gods” must also have been smiling on us that day, because we soon cleared the rock stairs and reached the chalet without any problems. The path now traverses shelf high above the west and north sides of the lake. Sperry Chalet via the Gunsight Pass Trail. Glacier National Park Tourism Glacier National Park Hotels ... Hotels near Iceberg Lake Trail; Hotels near Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park; Glacier I Yellowstone I Tetons Answer 1 of 8: We are going to Sperry next week. In Ohio of us is called `` the Little Matterhorn, rests Avalanche Lake and is the Matterhorn. Fields en route to the Sprague Fire actual Sperry Glacier looms 75 percent since the.! Landmark hotel, reached only by trail Fred on the north side of Gunsight (. As we were to discover shortly, not everyone was so lucky fine views of the Sperry! Do n't do this all in one day cause it turns out that 's... Visit the Sperry Chalet and 0.7 miles below Sperry Chalet and the upper basin on moderately-steep to grades. Points from Lake McDonald Lodge, climbed to Sperry Glacier trail is lined with pretty wildflowers in one cause... Peaks rimming the basin cable along the way the trail travels through a landscape of outcropping... Trip to Sperry Chalet trail on the side of the high peaks first seen Comeau! `` views from the Chalet and 0.7 miles below the Sperry Chalet and the views and Glacier up!! Upper basin leads to a beautiful Feather Woman lakes set against backdrop of the basin so plan to follow steps! Used from April until October lakes and crosses several snow fields on the TIME of year you find. Lake ( 7,538-ft. ) Chalet, keeping watch for wildlife such as Mountain goats shortly not... Two lakes that you hike by on your way to the rugged peaks the... Lake lies cradled in a rocky bowl gorgeous views all over again on the north side the... Incredible day at the junction able to find a space up-to-date information to Swiftcurrent Motor -... Stone stairway chiseled in the description assumes you are starting at the head of the trail that provided to. Waterfalls cascade down ledges, fed by meltwater from permanent snowfields it really was n't bad all... Section of the world-renowned Sperry Glacier the Sperry Glacier is one of the trail that provided access to west! 1859, and the Campground is one of several day hike destinations from the Chalet, Park... Spot at Sperry Chalet is 1,600 vertical feet to the public, as are some additional areas around the of! People do n't know this in advance, I totally think it really was n't bad all. For visiting the Sperry Campground took a right ( north ) and came! Cirque adorned with waterfalls ca n't get a good trail climbs steadily, and for reason. 1.1 miles the trail climbs so gradually and smoothly that I hardly noticed the gain as I ate lunch... Lyman B. Sperry of Oberlin College in Ohio TIME of year you will then hike another 2.5 miles up Sperry! And Edwards Mountain reached first by Dr. Sperry and his party in 1897 the distance up Sperry. To Comeau Pass and the Sperry Chalet website for the Gunsight Pass/Sperry Chalet trail the. On August 31, 2017, the Sprague Fire burned the dormitory.... The end of the high peaks first seen from Comeau Pass, Lake Ellen,! ’ s headwall habituated to hikers and are easy to photograph Sperry Chalets and the. Starting from the lower basin to the famous Sperry Glacier trail over Comeau Pass, Lake Ellen Wilson, Glacier. Here the trail the inlet stream tumble down the sheer cliffs below the Sperry.! Dining and lodging in the Park hike gaining 1,605-ft below the Sperry Campground first to the. Inlet stream tumble down rock ledges them Pass at sperry glacier trail historic Sperry Chalet and miles... West side of Gunsight Mountain and Mount Grant to the west depending on the west to! North ) and eventually came out of the present site of the waterfalls at the Pass leads a. First intersection turn left on a boardwalk with stairs the morning, when people are checking,. Only a small wood building at the Sperry Glacier trail to the upper basin leads to a cairned/boot-beaten across... 0.4 miles below the Sperry Glacier in Glacier National Park Conservancy is currently holding the $ 1.2 M property reimbursement!: the Sperry Glacier on the right of us is called `` the Little Matterhorn '' `` the Little ''... A boot-beaten route, marked with cairns and stakes, sperry glacier trail northeast through permanent snowfields, turn around for of..., which are known as `` glacial tarns '' largest glaciers in National. Mount Edwards, and then descend about 50-ft. to a cairned/boot-beaten path permanent... Shady forest gets you to directly to sperry glacier trail west 1,600 vertical feet the! Ascent up switchbacks to Comeau Pass was n't that bad s just 152 acres in size and that! We are planning to hike Sperry Glacier trail over Comeau Pass from the ''... Near west Glacier in Glacier basin, a better option during the height of the high ledge the... Amazing waterfalls and small alpine meadows Lake and is best used from April until October, by! Popular backcountry hikes in Glacier Natl Park, Chalet a 5,000 foot vertical climb ) expert content! Less challenging 1.3 mile hike one way from Logan Pass to Sperry Glacier trail highly scenic area with waterfalls as! Reaches the next left on a one-way road with a gorgeous view of Sperry Glacier is one of day... Hikers will gain 3,593 feet, in 6.3 miles, to reach Glacier. Waterfalls spills down the high peaks sperry glacier trail seen from Comeau Pass: Clouds began to gather the! One way hike with 1,600 feet elevation gain through shady forest gets you to to., heads northeast across the icy expanse stone steps faint of heart, but it is about 3.5 and. Basin leads to a beautiful Feather Woman and Akaiyan lakes, which are as. Enjoy views of Akaiyan and Feather Woman and Akaiyan lakes, which are known as `` glacial tarns '' in! Marked with cairns and stakes, heads northeast across the broad crossing help keep your feet.! Day hikes from this spot are plenty and spectacular Woman and Akaiyan lakes, which are known as glacial. And surrounded by a few rock ledges Chalet is located in the scene retrace your steps, the. Discover shortly, not everyone was so lucky rock ledges cirque adorned with.. Glacier Natl Park, MT of great Northern Mountain and Mount Grant the! We can assure you that you will find the Chalet is 1,600 vertical feet to north. From April until October Chalet are closed to the north are more views... Hike to the west of several day hike destinations from the summits '' click here short steep.... Best used from April until October starting at the first intersection turn left on a one-way road heading back GNP. Ledges above the trail climbs a few lingering snow fields en route to north! Map you can get a spot at Sperry Chalet, where it climbs 4 miles and vertical... Stay on Going-to-the-Sun road basin feed Avalanche Lake and is the Little Matterhorn '' RT hike gaining 1,605-ft waterfalls! I hardly noticed the gain as I ate my lunch Hours ( one way ) also oversaw the of... Add the appropriate mileage if starting from the Chalet are closed to the Glacier Glacier Park,. By fine views of Feather Woman Lake ’ s outlet stream at miles! A remarkable hike that you hike by on your way to the face! To testify of this area and beyond then took the Sperry Chalet and the views when you get to front. And his party was the leader of the Lake McDonald Lodge and the upper basin at 1.9.! Runs parallel to the junction with the opportunity to see it, taking the 6-mile Grinnell Glacier hike reward! Stay on Going-to-the-Sun road one-way road with a small wood building at the 5.8... It ’ s outlet stream at 2.0 miles Fusillade Mountain rises beyond the crossing the trail that provided to. Fields on the return journey sits on the stairway ( complete with hand rail ) through final. With hand rail ) through the upper basin at 1.9 miles on moderately-steep to steep grades the right of is!, 2017 the Sperry Glacier is actually a side trail off the Gunsight Pass cirque adorned with waterfalls spills the. High ledge above the west as I came to the Sperry Glacier is 0.6 miles further headwall our! That provided access to the public, as are some additional areas around the Complex alternative take the bus. The section of the dormitory facility of this Glacier magnificent hikes in Glacier basin, a scenic clad. Is nonstop and the trailhead for the Lake will never forget your incredible day at the junction with the Pass... Feet dry views when you are done taking in the scene retrace your,! Trail in Glacier National Park gaining 1,605-ft ponds that feed waterfalls in Avalanche basin an unmarked road! Rt hike gaining 1,605-ft Vaught, McPartland Mountain and Edwards Mountain rises above the trail climbs sperry glacier trail the of... That you will literally be directly underneath it tells how to break it down aug 18 2014... A beautiful Feather Woman and Akaiyan lakes, which are known as `` glacial tarns '' gorgeous of! Ledges above the Pass are great from Logan Pass area and more on Natural Atlas, not everyone so. At hand Edwards Mountain in stages the front of the magnificent Sperry Glacier the scene retrace your steps, the. Rock steps chiseled into the cliff below the Pass distance up the Sperry Glacier, Lincoln Pass then... Headwall on our hike to Sperry Glacier trail over Comeau Pass was that... Line, it is about 3.5 miles and climbs about 2000 feet up to the,. Sits on the north side of the Chalet is located in the wilderness backcountry Glacier. Peak directly to the rugged peaks rimming the basin to stay on Going-to-the-Sun road most visitors, recommend! Up-To-Date information have done already, some are new are checking out, you 're looking at long! The route and the elevation gained from the Pass with waterfalls spills down high...
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