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I am planning a trip to Glacier National Park mid-September. This will be my first trip to GNP. I did not send in an application for a backcountry permit, but instead plan on showing up and hoping for the best. First question, am I going to be out of luck? Assuming I am not, I would really like to hear from anyone that can give me a suggested route that keeps me in the backcountry for 5-7 days and the chance to climb some tall mountains. I am looking for a challenging route - I have the necessary experience to do most any climb, but will be going solo so roping off will not be an option. Thanks.

Mid September in Glacier can be very nice, with sunny, dry but cool conditions. Or it can be very winter like. Come prepared for cold, wet and possibly snowy conditions and you'll have the bases covered should the weather not completely cooperate.

You should be able to get a decent backcountry itinerary. Plan to show up at a backcountry permit desk the morning before you plan to start your BC trip to get the best choice of routes. Once your route firms up you can start planning on some peaks along the way. I definitely suggest getting a copy of A Climbers Guide to Glacier National Park by J. Gordon Edwards.

Thanks. I'll keep an eye on the weather. Great pics on your website.

Earmountain has it right, Grab a copy of climbing Glacier park Almost all the peaks in Gacier have non technical routes on them. Depending on what area you go to, you may need ice ax,/crampons for Glacier travel. Mid September, can be snowing, can be wonderful warm weather? in the past, I have had some of my best climbs in september,Indian summer comes early in Montana, usually mid september. The rule of thumb for Glacier was by October 15 winter has come. Soooo many mountains to climb in Glacier, where to start? If your looking for REMOTE? Drive up to Bowman lake, or Kintla lake, and take off from there.( more bears than people) From bowman you can climb Rainbow peak which is a great 4th class climb. From Kintla lake, there is Kintla peak, Kinnerly peak,and many more, the further east you hike.

Other options are the Two medicine lake area,start hiking west, notable peaks Rockwell, Rising wolf, painted teepee.Go over the pass,(don't remember the name) and drop into The Vigil, stimpson peak area.So many peaks to climb in that area! Very Remote!

Other great option, Hike 6 miles to como lake Chalet set up base camp. climb edwards, lincoln, gunsight, little matterhorn. The west ridge of edwards is one of my personal favorites! easy 5th class on good rock.

Thanks pyerger! Excellent, excellent suggestions. I ordered Climbers Guide . . . and will wait to read that , but the Bowman Lake area - Rainbow Peak (and maybe Mt. Carter) look like a great first time in GNP. Is it possible to rent/hire a kayak? I /think/, I like the idea of taking the land route (keeps me in the backcountry longer) - but . . . . . Any thoughts about land versus sea? Again, thanks.

P.S. Would be nice to snag Rising Wolf - Flinsch. Man it stinks living in Michigan (Elev. 680 feet)!

I would travel by sea if possible. the trails are more like game trails, and from what i've heard not easy to get through. you may be able to rent a canoe or kayak somewhere in the flathead valley. try calling Rocky Mountain Outfitters in Kallispel, if they don't rent, they may be able to tell you who does. yes Rainbow is fun! and there is also a smaller peak in front of it, I think it's called Square peak? Also a great little scramble, using the same drainage as Rainbow? Also Some great close to the road climbs, Rising Wolf, If on Logan pass, Mt Jackson is great! one of the 10,000 footers. If your in good shape, you can climb it car to car in 10/12 hours. Heavens peak is also a great tic, 10/12 hours car to car.

Ps Take these times and trail conditions with a grain of salt,I haven't done any real climbing in Glacier for about ten years, and things are starting to get a little foggy.

Have Fun!