Glacier National Park Map

Glacier National Park

Location

Sperry Chalet is on the West Side of Glacier National Park. The main trail beginning at Lake McDonald Lodge.

You will find the chalet on the west side of Gunsight mountain. Situated on an alpine ledge overlooking Lake McDonald and the Whitefish Range. Surrounded by craggy peaks, cascading waterfalls and up and down vistas it is an area full of alpine nooks and crannies waiting to be explored by those who like to relax and enjoy "away from it all".

View East View West

Trails into Sperry Chalet:

Map of trails to Sperry Chalet

The Sperry Trail starts at the Lake McDonald Lodge parking lot* (el. 3214'). With an average hiking time of 4.5 hours, this 6.7 mile trail , with its 3300 foot vertical rise, is a challenge to many hikers. However, the compensation of the beautiful vistas, the warm friendly feeling of the chalet, and the camaraderie of others who "made it", make this trip an outstanding one. Mountain goats are almost daily visitors, and a delight to the photographer as they seem to pose for their picture.**

For those who deem it more practical, saddle horse trips to Sperry are available from the Lake McDonald horse barn, it all depends on where you like your blisters! Contact Swan Mountain Outfitters for ride information.

The other trail into Sperry is the Gunsight Pass Trail over Gunsight Pass (el. 6946') from either Sun Point* on upper St Mary Lake (el. 4550') at 15.2 miles; or from Jackson Glacier Viewpoint* on the Going-to-the-Sun Road east of Logan Pass (el. 5252') at 12.1 miles, Average Hike Time: 9 hours.

Trails are for hikers and horses only, no pets or 'wheeled conveyances' are allowed on the trails.

*Note: Parking can be very limited in these parking areas. To help alleviate parking congestion, we encourage you to car pool or use public transportation for access to these trail heads. More information about the park shuttles is available here.

William E. Rupicaprid

**Note: Mountain goats are resident natives of the Sperry/Gunsight area. You are visiting them, they are not visiting you, and they're not always 'happy to see you'. Be careful.

What to bring:

While a 'toothbrush and a smile' are all you'll probably need for an overnight stay at the chalet, in the wilderness you should always be prepared.

Comfortable, appropriate footwear and good socks, for mountain hiking, are recommended. Sore, blistered feet and cold wet bodies are the biggest fun killers that can be encountered.

Suggested items for your backpack:

The weather in Glacier is very temperate, but tempermental. The average temperature in July and August varies from 29 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit at chalet elevations (6500+feet). The evenings are usually cool and the buildings are not heated, so you'll need warm clothing for evening use. Sudden rain squalls or thunderstorms can occur, so rain gear should always be carried.

Side trips from Sperry Chalet:

Comeau Pass Little Matterhorn Sperry Glacier

The key side trip from the chalet is the trek to Sperry Glacier. This 3.5 mile hike to the headwall at Comeau Pass (el. 7970'), up the stone stairway and over to the Glacier, is one of the most memorable and magnificent trips in the Park.

Lake Ellen Wilson Other side trips include: the 1 mile scramble up Lincoln Peak (el. 7440') with its sweeping view; the 3 mile walk along the Gunsight trail to Lake Ellen Wilson (el. 5929), (Brook trout), and Gunsight Pass (el. 6946'), 4.5 miles.