2. Grinnell Glacier is one of the park’s largest, but between 1966 and 2005, it lost almost 40 percent of its acreage. The historic Sperry Chalet is always a welcome treat along the Gunsight Pass Trail in Glacier National Park. Even if you don’t stay overnight, you can Located high on a bluff overlooking Waterton Lake and the town of Waterton, the views are spectacular. After all, how many spectacular mountain landscapes can you post on Facebook before your friends start getting bored? You might combine your visit with a breakfast of stuffed French toast served at the cafe next door, it’s to-die-for! Heading here offers the opportunity to enjoy especially tranquil outdoor activities among incredible scenery with the calm shorelines and pristine turquoise waters of Two Medicine Lake, which reflects soaring spires rising straight out of the earth. We'll send you our newsletter with travel destinations, deals, and more! As they’re located off the beaten track, and sometimes way off the beaten track, other than on foot, the best ways to see them is on horseback. Lake McDonald offers hour-long cruises from the boat dock at Lake McDonald Lodge that allow visitors to revel in the tranquility of this emerald-hued lake, the largest in the park, aboard a historic wooden boat. You don’t need to have a license or permit needed to fish inside the park, you’ll just have to follow a few guidelines, paying attention to things like which lakes are off-limits and which types of species are catch-and-release only. With just another half-mile to go, when you reach the end you’ll enjoy even more breathtaking views from a red rock outcropping. However, a restoration project is currently underway with a re-opening projected to be late-2019. Just a little over a century ago, there were some 150 glaciers here, but today, just 26 remain, and those are all predicted to disappear by 2030, if not sooner. Granite Park Chalet is a hikers hostel for the do-it-yourself crowd. These are my favorite experiences, not in any particular order. Posts on this site may contain affiliate links. FlexSafe Travel Safe code: AQUAVAULT40, 7-Nt Caribbean Cruise on Navigator | Save 67%, Fall 2021 & 2022 | Air & 7-Day Thailand Delight Tour, Save 69% on 3-Nt Stay at New Orleans Hotel, 30% Off | 7-Nt E. Caribbean Cruise on Norwegian Sky, Save 72% | 5-Nts Hawaii Hotel - Free Cancellation, Save 72% on 3-Nt Stay at San Antonio Hotels, 6 Bottles + Complimentary Shipping for a Year, Ending Soon: No Cruise Payments Until March, Save 72% | 3-Nts New York Hotel - Free Cancellation. You’ll have a multitude of options to choose from, the hardest part is deciding which horseback adventure to take. Many of those of choose to visit Sperry, choose to spend the night at Sperry Chalet, a 1913 mountain cabin, before hiking the steep trail. This is when Glacier National Park weather is at its finest. If you’re on very limited time and have to choose just one thing to do, it should be driving one of America’s most scenic routes, Going to the Sun Road. Please fill out highlighted fields and click "Compare Prices" to continue. Sperry Glacier Trailhead is located across from Lake McDonald Lodge. GLACIER NATIONAL PARK — The historic Sperry Chalet is open for the season, but things are a little different this year because of coronavirus. At one point it covered 930 acres, but the latest estimate found an estimated area of 216 acres. Referred to by the locals as “Red Jammers,” a name that comes from the days when buses all had standard transmissions and drivers could be heard “jamming” the gears as they traversed the rugged mountain highly. By subscribing I agree to the terms and privacy policy. Sperry Glacier Very challenging 8.5 miles one way hike from Lake McDonald Lodge 5,000 foot elevation gain to reach a view of Sperry Glacier Sperry Glacier is the park's most studied glacier The historic Sperry Chalet is often used as a rest stop on this hike Even if you don’t catch your dinner, it’s an ideal time to enjoy relaxing in the silence and relishing the view. MANY GLACIER — When the mountains are your art studio, you sometimes need to get up early. For anything else check in with the Apgar Visitor Centre for a map and recommendation to fit your hiking ability. If traveling through Montana in the near future, please remember to do so respectfully and following current protocols. While Montana is slowly opening up again, please note not all attractions mentioned on this site may be open yet. Sperry Glacier sits on the north slopes of Gunsight Mountain and has retreated 75 percent since the mid-19th-century. I’ve heard rumors that you can see Sperry Glacier from the road, although I was unable to. One of the highlights of a trip to Montana is a visit to Glacier National Park. Bring your sleeping bag and prepare your own meals in our kitchen while enjoying the heart of Glacier from your private room. Those who are looking for an unforgettable, all-day horseback riding adventure, might want to choose the Poia Lake ride, which is brimming over with panoramic views of the valley, allowing riders to take in thousands of years of geological history. 9 Amazing Things to Do on the East Side of Glacier . Its crystal clear aqua blue waters are showcased by dramatic Mount Siyeh which majestically rises up in the background. Since 1980, they have been receding more rapidly than they had in the past. Glacier is also the home of Sperry Chalet, a 5.75-mile one-way hike from Lake McDonald Lodge. Read the full disclosure, Happiest Camper in Montana 3/4 Sleeve Raglan Shirt, Privacy Policy, Disclaimer, and Disclosure. Both are incredibly beautiful and worth a visit. News pertaining to the Sperry Chalet. The dormitories of Sperry Chalet were lost during the fire of 2017. By subscribing I agree to the terms Our research is editorially independent but we may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. Multiple raft companies operate commercially guided raft trips, and some combine excursions with other activities like horseback riding or hiking. No experience is required, and with day as well as multi-day whitewater and scenic rafting trips for most ages, it’s a fun option for just about everyone. Here’s a list of our favorite things to do on the East side of Glacier National Park… For all hikes, we highly recommend using the AllTrails: Hike, Bike, and Run app, Pro Version to research trail information. While this probably isn’t what you came to Glacier National Park for, taking a selfie with the World’s Largest Purple Spoon is a must while you’re here. Starting out at the Sperry Trailhead adjacent to Lake McDonald Lodge, climb 9 miles up the trail to Comeau Pass. Announcement: Our mission at Travel Montana Now has always been to encourage people to explore Montana sooner than later...but then the world changed. If you have your own watercraft, that opens up a couple of other possibilities as boating and paddling are also allowed on St. Mary Lake and Sherburne Lake. This over 16,000-square-mile park is a nature lovers paradise and one of the few places left in the U.S. where you can enjoy pristine wilderness and possibly not see another human for several days. It also offers more developed areas for those who want to take advantage of outdoor adventures along with modern facilities. And due to lack of development, it’s a haven for rare and endangered species, including the largest population of grizzly bears and Canadian lynx ouside of Alaska, though they remain quite elusive, preferring to stay away from humans. Both hikes will go through the 2017 burn area. The hike up to Sperry Chalet has some nice views near the end, but it's not really known for the views - you would have to go farther, to Sperry Glacier (not accessible yet) or Lincoln Pass. 4 Day Glacier National Park Itinerary (Logan Pass, Lake McDonald, St. Mary, & North Fork) Nov 20, 2020 In this Glacier National Park itinerary we are covering everything you need to know before visiting, including when to visit, where to stay, and things to do at Glacier National Park! The two chalets sit in different places of the park with different access trails and scenery. Hiram’s Resort in Florida, Top 15 Airbnbs for Hiking Among Fall Foliage, Top 11 Airbnbs in the U.S. for Stargazing, 13 Incredible Lake House Vacation Rentals in Colorado. The best things to do in Glacier National Park all center around nature, which probably comes as no surprise. Look out for our newsletters in your inbox soon. How to help out in efforts to bring the Sperry Chalet back as an icon in Glacier Park. Bighorn sheep, rocky mountain goats, elk and red fox are commonly spotted, while occasionally visitors will get to see a bobcat, grey wolf, moose or black bear. It also happens to be one most photographed hotels in the world. There are lots of pullouts and scenic viewpoints along the road where you can stop and take in the awe-inspiring views of diverse terrain that includes large and brilliant glacial lakes, cedar forests and windswept alpine tundra at the peak. The hike to Sperry Chalet and Campground is one of the more popular backcountry hikes in Glacier National Park, and for good reason. Okay, that part may not be what you want to hear, but as amazing as your adventure is likely to be, there are dangers involved that you should be aware of to decrease the risk of injury or worse. Glacier National Park spans over a million acres, making it virtually impossible to list all the amazing things you might come across. There are a number of beautiful, long and thin glacier-carved lakes in the park that offer scenic boat tours, which is a fun way to learn more about the area as well as enjoy the scenery from the more unique perspective of the water. When you reach the 5.8-mile mark, you’ll get to an overlook that offers incredible views from the north end of the lake – even without the spectacular surrounding mountains, it would be worth the effort to get here just to see its jaw-dropping color. During the summer, there are usually lots of calm, warm days that just beg for getting out on the water, particularly at Lake McDonald. If you decided to head across the border, just remember that everyone entering Canada is required to have a passport. Get our latest advice & deals in your inbox! While it has significantly retreated, you can still see magnificent but minor glacial features, like large moraines, streams and milky aqua-hued lakes. Wildlife is frequently seen from just about any point along the roadway, including mountain goats and bighorn sheep that are almost always spotted at Logan Pass, lounging in the sun right alongside the highway. Just keep in mind that if you bring our own, the boat must pass a quick inspection for invasive species. Read our article all about the Best Lakes to see in Glacier National Park. Sperry Glacier sits on the north slopes of Gunsight Mountain and has retreated 75 percent since the mid-19th-century. Our Red Bus Jammer, Peggy But if you have more time to explore, there is a lot more that Glacier has to offer. We have reviews of the best places to see in Pay now or later on most rooms Free cancellation on most hotels Some hotels require you to cancel more than 24 hours before check-in. Moderate but sustained elevation gain through shady forest gets you to incredible overlooks and a campground on the rim of a mountainside. History First, let’s cover a brief history of the park. Water is surprisingly the number one cause of fatalities in the park, so take extreme caution near water, and be extra diligent when venturing onto very steep slopes. 7-Nt Eastern Caribbean Cruise on Nieuw Statendam, 85% Off | 3-Nt Bahamas Cruise on Carnival Conquest, Huge Discounts in Myrtle Beach for this Winter & 2021, Save 73% | 3-Nts Las Vegas Hotel - Free Cancellation, 40% Off! Aside from location, the biggest difference is in the services offered. While you can see plenty of amazing scenery from the road and your car, if at all possible, you should really get out on foot to experience nature first-hand. It’s a thrilling way to experience some of the region’s best scenery, but if whitewater sounds a little too heart-pounding, you can take a more tranquil, scenic float trip on the river instead, with a mellow ride along the North Fork of the Flathead River that runs along the western boarder of GNP. Another glacier that someone might get me on a technicality is the Pumpelly Glacier which is right on the other side of Blackfoot Mountain. What is the difference between Sperry Chalet and Granite Park Chalet? If you plan on visiting, these top things to do can help make your trip one that’s especially unforgettable. The area also offers a varied selection of trails, campgrounds and more. The Sperry Glacier Basin is one of the most incredible and diverse landscapes in Glacier National Park. There are very few spots left in the U.S. where you can truly escape into the wilderness and enjoy the outdoors without ever running into traces of human existence. Cracker Lake may be one of the most captivating lakes you’ll ever see. Right on the edge of the park, you’ll find some of the best whitewater rafting in the state on the Middle Fork and North Fork of the Flathead River. ... Sperry Glacier Sperry Glacier can be seen from Hidden Lake Overlook. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in West Glacier, Montana on Tripadvisor: See 7,997 traveler reviews and photos of West Glacier tourist attractions. Day hikes from this spot are plenty and spectacular. Park Glacier National Park Glacier National National Parks Landmarks Glacier National Travel Natural Landmarks Plans to rebuild, or restore the Sperry Chalet. Facts about Glacier National Park Designated as a National Park in 1910 More than 700 miles of trails to hike There are 2 wheelchair In Many Glacier, you can tour both Swiftcurrent and Joesephine Lakes by boat that departs from the Many Glacier Dock. Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. There’s a better chance of catching a glimpse of majestic bald eagles soaring overhead or sitting perched on tree branches near the edge of a lake. Drive one of the world's most scenic roads, Rent a kayak and paddle Two Medicine Lake, Rent a watercraft and explore the park's lakes on your own, Take a selfie with the World's Largest Purple Spoon, Go on a day trip to Waterton Lakes National Park, Explore remote wilderness areas from the back of a horse, Top 15 Under-the-Radar Travel Destinations, Eat, Drink and Be Merry This Holiday Season at Capt. This scenic trip requires a short hike between the lakes, and if you’d like a lengthier trek, that’s an option too. 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.