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Sperry Glacier Trail
Includes Comeau Pass, Sperry Glacier
Sperry Glacier in Glacier National Park, 2018.
Sperry Glacier Trail
Includes Comeau Pass, Sperry Glacier
The Sperry Glacier Trail takes you directly to the toe of the famous Sperry Glacier in Glacier National Park.
Sperry Glacier
The Sperry Glacier Trail takes you to directly to the base of the world-renowned Sperry Glacier in Glacier National Park. 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 hike to Sperry Glacier is a strenuous one and is not for everybody, but if you're in reasonable physical condition, this is one of the most rewarding hikes in Glacier National Park and it is one of our favorites.
There are two ways to attack this hike. 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. You will then hike another 3.9 miles up the Sperry Glacier Trail to the actual Sperry Glacier. The total distance is approximately 10.1 miles one way, and the elevation climbed is over 5,000 vertical feet!!! Now that's a ton of vertical!
The other way to tackle the Sperry Glacier is to do it in stages. 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. The elevation gained from the Chalet is 1,600 vertical feet.
Whichever option you choose, you will be greatly rewarded. (For most visitors, we recommend staying at the Sperry Chalet. Otherwise, you're looking at a long day and a 5,000 foot vertical climb).
From Sperry Chalet
Trailhead: Sperry Glacier Trail, north of the Sperry Chalet
Distance: 3.9 miles (one way)
Elevation Gain: 1,600 vertical feet
From Lake McDonald Lodge
Trailhead: Sperry Trail, Lake McDonald Lodge
Distance: 10.1 miles (one way)
Elevation Gain: 5,032 vertical feet
THE HIKE TO SPERRY GLACIER
You will truly enjoy your day at the Sperry Glacier in Glacier National Park.
The hike to Sperry Glacier in Glacier National Park is a remarkable hike that you will never forget. It will definitely be one of the highlights of your Glacier Park Vacation.
The scenery is breathtaking, and the Sperry Glacier Trail is very interesting- crossing several cirques and walking by two beautiful glacial lakes named Feather Woman Lake and Akaiyan Lake.
You will then work your way to the Sperry Headwall, and then climb some steep stone steps that were blasted out of the wall with dynamite in the 1920s. There is a cable to help you up these steep stone steps. Once you've reached the top of the stairs, you're now standing on Comeau Pass....
Comeau Pass
We are standing on Comeau Pass on our way to the Sperry Glacier in Glacier National Park. The sharp peak located to the right of us is called "The Little Matterhorn".
Once you get to the top of the headwall, known as Comeau Pass, you will see the majestic and remote peaks of Glacier Park's Livingston Range to the north. The huge peak to your right is Mount Edwards, and to your left are the two peaks of Gunsight Mountain. The sharp peak directly to your north in the near distance is the Little Matterhorn. The view is truly awe-inspiring! However, you will not see the Sperry Glacier quite yet...
To get to the Sperry Glacier you must follow the man-made rock cairns (piles of stacked rocks) for about a mile eastward through a glacial "wasteland" of rocks that is easy and fun to hike on. These cairns will take you to the toe of the magnificent Sperry Glacier. Sperry Glacier is one of the largest glaciers in Glacier National Park, and you will literally be directly underneath it!
Once you've enjoyed the Sperry Glacier, head back the same way you came, and head down the mountain to the Lake McDonald Lodge where your car is waiting for you. We can assure you that you will never forget your incredible day at the Sperry Glacier in Glacier National Park!
These mountain goats walked right by us near Sperry Glacier without a care in the world.
This is Shannon standing on Comeau Pass, staring into the foggy abyss where the Sperry Glacier looms.
This is a northward view of Glacier Park's remote Livingston Range, as seen from the summit of Gunsight Mountain. For more "views from the summits" click here.
This is a view of Sperry Glacier from the summit of Bearhat Mountain in Glacier National Park.
Here's a view of Comeau Pass from the summit of Gunsight Mountain. We are thousands of feet above Comeau Pass. Notice the two lakes that you hike by on your way to the pass. There names are Feather Woman and Akaiyan Lakes, which are known as "glacial tarns". For more "views from the summits" click here.
This mountain goat posed for us near the Sperry Headwall on our hike to the famous Sperry Glacier in Glacier National Park.
The Little Matterhorn is a prominent feature along the hike from Comeau Pass to Sperry Glacier. Thousands of feet below, on the other side of the Little Matterhorn, rests Avalanche Lake.
The hike between Comeau Pass and Sperry Glacier is fun and spectacular!
Sperry Glacier, August 9, 2018
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