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First Time Visiting Glacier NP, Mountain Climb Suggestions

PostPosted: Tue Jun 18, 2013 8:23 pm
by Ventrella006
I will be visiting Glacier NP for the first time in Late August. I would like to climb a mountain (mostly for views). I'm in good shape, hike a lot, and can handle a strenuous climb but want to avoid a technical climb and snow(no gear, unfamiliar with the area, etc.).
Looking to pack light and do a 1/2 day - 3/4 day to soak up what looks to be an awesome place!! I searched through the forums but its difficult filter through. I would ideally like to avoid short skirmishes/heavy crowds (unless you feel it's a must see).
Any suggestions would be great!

Re: First Time Visiting Glacier NP, Mountain Climb Suggestio

PostPosted: Tue Jun 18, 2013 10:07 pm
by GlacierCountry
There are a LOT of peaks you can hit in a day in the park at that time of year without worrying about snow. Access is area-based so you could consider climbs based on where you are staying or camping. I suggest you get the book "Climb Glacier National Park" by Blake Passmore which details the climbs based on areas of the park. All of the peaks in the books (3 volumes) are non-technical. If you don't want to buy the book(s) I could make some suggestions, and it would help to know what area you prefer.

Re: First Time Visiting Glacier NP, Mountain Climb Suggestio

PostPosted: Wed Jun 19, 2013 2:54 am
by Stu Brandel
You can't go wrong in Glacier. Here are a couple that are 1/2 to 3/4 day I have done which provide lots of view for relatively little effort:

Two Medicine Area, in order of seclusion:
- Calf Robe Peak
- Mt Helen (use boat shuttle to cut some of hike if you wish)
- Scenic Point

Logan Pass Area: Always a lot of people nearby
- Highline Trail (No summits on trail, but there are some summits nearby and a small detour gets you to an overlook of Grinnell Glacier. Shuttle bus back to Logan Pass.

Many Glacier Area:
- Mt. Henkel (Most view for the effort in the park, I would say.)

I can't speak of the harder summits - yet. I want to get back there someday.

All are class 1-2 with a little 3 sometimes.



I want to get back there someday. Enjoy.

Re: First Time Visiting Glacier NP, Mountain Climb Suggestio

PostPosted: Wed Jun 19, 2013 1:39 pm
by Fred Spicker
If you want a half day or half day plus summit “in the midst of the mountains” I recommend one of these three in the Logan Pass area. If you arrive very early in the morning at the Pass, there will be few if any people on your way up.

These peaks / routes fit your specifications:

Reynolds via the SW Talus Slope Route
http://www.summitpost.org/reynolds-mountain-mt/150946

Pollock via the Great Cleft – or if that worries you via its N Ridge from the Highline Trail
http://www.summitpost.org/pollock-mountain-mt/152135

Clements via the W Ridge (maybe a little longer than you want)
http://www.summitpost.org/clements-mountain/151303

Re: First Time Visiting Glacier NP, Mountain Climb Suggestio

PostPosted: Wed Jun 19, 2013 5:07 pm
by pyerger
I have to agree with Fred. reynolds, and Clements, are great 1/2-3/4 day trips. The diagnol route on reynolds is awesome must do! Other ideas are, Going to the sun mountain which has a short 4th class section. One of my favorites is MT. jackson!(third class) But Jackson is a full 10/12 hours,but will get you in to some of the most incredible areas of the park. Gunsight lake, lots of waterfalls, swinging bridges, big glaciers.( you won't have to travel on)

Re: First Time Visiting Glacier NP, Mountain Climb Suggestio

PostPosted: Thu Jun 27, 2013 10:14 pm
by steelfrog
Hello All--we are going NEXT WEEK and I have some questions please!

We are staying in Cut Bank, so we're talking East Side.

1. For an easy hike, would you recommend which of these 3: Oberlin, Haystack Butte via Highline, or Ptarmigan Tunnel? Dayhike obviously

2. For a more intermediate mountain the kids and I will do, which TWO among Piegan (1/2 day) and Pollock (other 1/2 day); Cataract; Appistoki; Sinopah; or some other?

Many thanks!!

Re: First Time Visiting Glacier NP, Mountain Climb Suggestio

PostPosted: Fri Jun 28, 2013 12:41 am
by Stu Brandel
Ptarmigan Tunnel is an easy hike - but Iceberg Lake is about the same distance /ease and is a bit more awesome. Or do both on the same hike!