Chris H
Two friends and I are putting together a backpacking trip for late May. Since our other plans fell through, we're looking for some good alternatives.
We've all got a TON of camping experience (including plenty of cold weather trips and 15-32F nights). We've also got a decent amount of backpacking experience. We don't have a whole lot of back country mountain experience.
What back country trips are possible at Glacier NP in late May? Is it a good idea, or are the trails too dangerous this time of year? If we do go, do we need any special equipment. Snow shoes?
Answer
Late May is definitely not an ideal time for backpacking in Glacier. It's still pretty snowy. Trails can be hard to find, steep snow slopes would almost definitely have to be traversed. Unless you're comfortable snowshoeing and using an ice ax in case you fall, I wouldn't say it would be the most fun trip ever. It's a weird time when things are melting, and if snow is slushy than an ice ax really wouldn't help you much anyway. Alot of the backcountry campgrounds will still be snow covered as well.
Alot of the lower elevation areas (far east and far west sides of the park, like Apgar and St Mary) will be melted out by then, but the higher elevation parts (like Logan Pass) will definitely still be snowed in. The road that crosses the park, necessary to get from one side to another, is usually not open until early to mid June. Also, most of the better hikes go up high or cross mountain passes and will still be snow covered. Be advised as well that the weather is still very unpredictable this time of year, and it will definitely still get cold at night.
You'll get the benefit of snow capped mountains, gushing waterfalls, and no crowds- but you will also be severely limited in what you can see and do, both by car and on foot.
If you're planning a trip, I'd suggest waiting until at least mid to late June. Visitation starts really picking up for the summer around 4th of July weekend, but thats usually around the time that all the trails are completely melted out as well. If you're trying to plan a trip for this time of year, I'd suggest seeing some of the national parks in the more southern states, where you don't have snow to worry about and the oppressive heat hasn't quite set in yet.
Feel free to email me if you have any more questions.
Late May is definitely not an ideal time for backpacking in Glacier. It's still pretty snowy. Trails can be hard to find, steep snow slopes would almost definitely have to be traversed. Unless you're comfortable snowshoeing and using an ice ax in case you fall, I wouldn't say it would be the most fun trip ever. It's a weird time when things are melting, and if snow is slushy than an ice ax really wouldn't help you much anyway. Alot of the backcountry campgrounds will still be snow covered as well.
Alot of the lower elevation areas (far east and far west sides of the park, like Apgar and St Mary) will be melted out by then, but the higher elevation parts (like Logan Pass) will definitely still be snowed in. The road that crosses the park, necessary to get from one side to another, is usually not open until early to mid June. Also, most of the better hikes go up high or cross mountain passes and will still be snow covered. Be advised as well that the weather is still very unpredictable this time of year, and it will definitely still get cold at night.
You'll get the benefit of snow capped mountains, gushing waterfalls, and no crowds- but you will also be severely limited in what you can see and do, both by car and on foot.
If you're planning a trip, I'd suggest waiting until at least mid to late June. Visitation starts really picking up for the summer around 4th of July weekend, but thats usually around the time that all the trails are completely melted out as well. If you're trying to plan a trip for this time of year, I'd suggest seeing some of the national parks in the more southern states, where you don't have snow to worry about and the oppressive heat hasn't quite set in yet.
Feel free to email me if you have any more questions.
Who has been to Glacier National Park?
madhawk78
I am thinking of doing a hiking/camping/backpacking trip to Glacier NP this summer. Anyone out there have any advice, tips on such a trip? Is it worth the trip or are their better places to go. I was in Yosemite and Rocky Mountain NP last year, so any comparisons would be nice as well.
Answer
I have not actually been there yet myself, but am doing a week-long backpacking trip there this summer and did a lot of research in preparation.
By many accounts, Glacier NP is one of the best hiking and backpacking spots in the country. In fact, it routinely ranks at or near the top of Backpacker Magazine's annual survey. That is one of the reasons that my friends and I decided to make it this year's big backpacking trip.
I would highly recommend that you get the National Geographic Trails Illustrated map of the park which shows all the trails, camp spots and roads. I also got a couple of trail guides entitled "Hiking Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks" by Erik Molvar and "Glacier-Waterton International Peace Park" by Vicky Spring. Both are quite good, but if I were to get just one I would lean a little more toward Molvar's as a little more practical and easier to use. For general sightingseeing guides to the park and area, I got the travel guides by both Moon Publications (Becky Lomax) and the Insider's Guide (by Susan Olin). The Moon guide was quite helpful and detailed, while the Insider's guide was little more than a local business directory.
A couple of things about hiking and backpacking there...
It can be challenging to find good loop backpacking trips. Most will end up being out and backs or point to point requiring some sort of shuttle. The one exception is the famous 'Northern Circle' loop in the center of the park (starting near Swiftwater).
You must have permits to camp overnight in the backcountry. Although they always reserve some walk-up permits, most spaces can be reserved in advance by faxing a request. Note that the reservation period started on April 15 and so it may now be difficult to get popular spots between June and August. We sent in ours before the deadline and are waiting to hear if we got our intinerary.
Glacier is famous for bear country - both black and the grizzly. While attacks are comparatively rare, the park website has a video on what to do about bears and there are very tight restrictions in the backcountry around storing food and eating in a special designated 'eating spot' away from the tent spots.
Aside from hiking and camping, a few of the other things that Glacier is famous for...
Historic Lodges - In or around the park are some of the most historic and famous lodges in the US park system. The lodges at McDonald Lake, East Glacier and Waterton Park (Canada) are particulary grand and well known.
Going to the Sun Road - The famous road that bi-sects the park and is considered one of the most scenic drives in the country.
Lake Tours - Many of the larger lakes have historic tour boats that take you out on scenic cruises.
Whatever your choice, have fun!
I have not actually been there yet myself, but am doing a week-long backpacking trip there this summer and did a lot of research in preparation.
By many accounts, Glacier NP is one of the best hiking and backpacking spots in the country. In fact, it routinely ranks at or near the top of Backpacker Magazine's annual survey. That is one of the reasons that my friends and I decided to make it this year's big backpacking trip.
I would highly recommend that you get the National Geographic Trails Illustrated map of the park which shows all the trails, camp spots and roads. I also got a couple of trail guides entitled "Hiking Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks" by Erik Molvar and "Glacier-Waterton International Peace Park" by Vicky Spring. Both are quite good, but if I were to get just one I would lean a little more toward Molvar's as a little more practical and easier to use. For general sightingseeing guides to the park and area, I got the travel guides by both Moon Publications (Becky Lomax) and the Insider's Guide (by Susan Olin). The Moon guide was quite helpful and detailed, while the Insider's guide was little more than a local business directory.
A couple of things about hiking and backpacking there...
It can be challenging to find good loop backpacking trips. Most will end up being out and backs or point to point requiring some sort of shuttle. The one exception is the famous 'Northern Circle' loop in the center of the park (starting near Swiftwater).
You must have permits to camp overnight in the backcountry. Although they always reserve some walk-up permits, most spaces can be reserved in advance by faxing a request. Note that the reservation period started on April 15 and so it may now be difficult to get popular spots between June and August. We sent in ours before the deadline and are waiting to hear if we got our intinerary.
Glacier is famous for bear country - both black and the grizzly. While attacks are comparatively rare, the park website has a video on what to do about bears and there are very tight restrictions in the backcountry around storing food and eating in a special designated 'eating spot' away from the tent spots.
Aside from hiking and camping, a few of the other things that Glacier is famous for...
Historic Lodges - In or around the park are some of the most historic and famous lodges in the US park system. The lodges at McDonald Lake, East Glacier and Waterton Park (Canada) are particulary grand and well known.
Going to the Sun Road - The famous road that bi-sects the park and is considered one of the most scenic drives in the country.
Lake Tours - Many of the larger lakes have historic tour boats that take you out on scenic cruises.
Whatever your choice, have fun!
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Title Post: Is it a good idea to go to go backpacking in Glacier National Park in late May?
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Rating: 95% based on 981 ratings. 4,6 user reviews.
Author: Unknown
Thanks For Coming To My Blog
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