Contribute  Loading...
Geography Parents Loading... Routes
| West Face Route   | 
| Page Type: Route Location: Montana, United States, North America Lat/Lon: 48.69100°N / 113.636°W Route Type: Mountaineering Season: Summer, Fall Time Required: Most of a day Rock Difficulty: Class 3
| Route Quality: | | | | Loading...
| Page By: FlatheadNative Created/Edited: Mar 25, 2008 / May 9, 2008 Object ID: 391240 Hits: 526 Loading... Page Score: 89.54% - 16 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
 Going-to-the-Sun Mountain
Photo of Going-to-the-Sun to the left was taken from the Piegan Pass Trail. The West Face Route begins where the scree field meets the cliffs slightly to the right of the lowest point on the GTTS ridge.
The West Face Diagonal Chute Variation's gully reaches the summit ridge on the far left of this photo directly above the top of the pine tree.The West Face Route Overview
To visit Glacier National Park is to enter a place where Heaven touches Earth affording brief glimpses into the Wonders of Creation.
The West Face Route of Going-to-the-Sun is rated Glacier Park Class 3 with two class 4 cliffs just above the scree on the west slope.
This route is outlined on pages 248 – 251 in A CLIMBER'S GUIDE TO GLACIER NATIONAL PARK by J. Gordon Edwards. Total distance to the summit of Going-to-the-Sun is 4 miles and total elevation gained is 3,700 feet.
Edwards noted that the summit of Going-to-the-Sun is NOT a place to be in threatening weather. Check the local weather forecast prior to climbing Going-to-the-Sun or any peaks in Glacier National Park. Check out Glacier Park's What's New Page with weather, road conditions and the usual happenings at Glacier National Park.
 St. Mary's Valley from GTTS |
|
 Reynolds and Heavy Runner from GTTS |
Click on the Linked Text to View More Photos of the Route
Views from the top of Going-to-the-Sun place a unique perspective on Logan Pass as well as the St. Mary’s Valley. The nearest neighbor Matahpi at 9,365 feet in elevation is overshadowed by 10,014 foot Mount Siyeh to the north. The views to the Garden Wall and the southeast face of Mount Gould could possibly be described as Glacier Park at it best. Piegan Glacier can clearly be seen on the face of Piegan Mountain and the views to the west into Logan Pass are truly spectacular. The West Face Route Approach  GTTS from Siyeh Creek near Siyeh Bend the trail on the streambank leads to the junction with the Piegan Pass Trail  GTTS viewed from Reynolds Goat Trail.
After walking 1 mile from the Siyeh Bend to the junction with the Piegan Pass Trail turn left (north). Continue approximately another ½ to ¾ mile through the evergreen forest past two permanent streams into an open meadow from which views of the saddle between Going-to-the-Sun and Matahpi can be seen. An easy path is to follow a dry stream bed as it steps up the valley as it approaches the band of cliffs. It is possible to pick and choose a route through the diorite sill below the talus slopes to gain access to the saddle between Going-to-the-Sun and Matahpi. Mark the top of the diorite sill for identification on the descent. Edwards notes that easier routes through the cliffs are found to the left (north). After climbing through the diorite sill follow goat trails up the slope to the saddle between the two peaks. Upon reaching the take time to enjoy the views to the east. To see a different perspective of the saddle between Going-to-the-Sun and Matahpi click here .
The West Face Route Description
| |
 Navigating First Set Of Cliffs |
|
Follow a goat trail slightly below the crest of the saddle through the scree fields below the cliffs of Going-to-the-Sun. This trail leads to the prominent gully on the West Face as described by Edwards. Continue south on the trail as it dips below the place where the cliffs reach the lowest in elevation. It is necessary to loose a little elevation at this point. Just past this lowest portion is where the “deep gully” is found. Watch your footing and be cautious not to loosen any rock on those climbing below. Carefully climb through two sets of class 4 cliffs to another scree field. Mark your area of descent well as the rim above the cliffs can easily look the same in a number of places. Once above the cliffs choose any route to the ridge or angle to the right (south) and head directly to the summit.
The summit block requires a small degree of route finding but is an uncomplicated scramble through class 3 rock. Once on the ridge is is a mere ridge walk to the summit cairn.
Returning Down The West Face Route As with down-climbing on any off trail route be cautious of vegetation and loose or wet rocks that could cause a loss of balance or fall. This is especially true on this route.
 Matahpi Peak from GTTS approach
Retrace the route to the saddle between Going-to-the-Sun and Matahpi. An optional side trip is to summit Matahpi which is comprised of a class 2/3 scramble for 1,000 feet from the saddle between Going-to-the-Sun and Matahpi. If an ascent of Matahpi is not planned proceed down the scree fields to the diorite sill and return to the Piegan Pass Trail.Essential Gear  Bob enjoying the view from GTTS, bring your lunch the view is awesome!
Gaitors are also helpful while descending to keep rocks out of shoes.
A GPS would help in locating the correct routes for descent.
Bring water as this is potentially a dry route after leaving the two permanent streams on the Piegan Pass Trail.
If an early season climb is made an ice axe and crampons may be needed to cross snowfields.
As with all hiking and climbing in Glacier National Park use caution and practice good manners with the wildlife. You are in bear country. Carry your bear deterrent, don’t hike alone and make some noise. For more information please go to the Park's website for Bear Information. The U.S. Forest Service also has helpful information on Grizzly Bear Management.Guidebook and LinksGUIDEBOOK: A CLIMBER'S GUIDE TO GLACIER NATIONAL PARK ; J. Gordon Edwards
Glacier National Park in Pictures
Glacier Mountaineering Society
Two Medicine Trails
Visit Montana
You do not have to register for day climbs in Glacier National Park but it is recommended. Backcountry travel regulations can be found at Backcountry Travel. There is also information from the Park Service on Mountain Climbing in Glacier.
Thanks to my friends who make everyday in Glacier some of the best days of my life and a HUGE thanks to our wives for trying to understand the addiction to Glacier National Park!  The father and son team, my friends Ben and John. Images
|
|
