Glacier National Park: Best Hikes

The scenery at Glacier National Park in Montana will take your breath away!  The Road to the Sun is one of the most famous park roads for its stunning views.  After visiting Glacier numerous times, there are a few hikes that have become my favorites.

 

1. Highline Trail

The highline trail has some of the most beautiful scenic views in Glacier National Park.  The trail starts at Logan Pass Visitor Center, and continues parallel with the Road to the Sun for the first part of the hike. 

As you start there is a short section that is cut into the side of the mountain with exposed ledges.  For those of you that are scared of heights they added a rope on the one side to hold onto.  This part does not last long.  You can see on this picture the Road to the Sun below the trail.

This trail offers many scenic views as well as opportunities for wildlife.  We saw mountain sheep, goats, and marmots along the way.

The trail continues for 7.6 miles to the Granite Park Chalet.  Don't let the distance of the hike intimidate you though.  Most of the hike is level with a little climb before reaching the chalet.  You may even hike in a little snow. 

A park employee hikes out to the chalet everyday to open up the store to sell snacks and drinks to hikers.  Its a great place to stop and eat, talk with other hikers, and enjoy the view.

 From the chalet you can continue on towards Grinnel Glacier, or take the shorter route down to the Road to the Sun on the Loop Trail.  It is 3.8 miles from the Chalet to the bottom of the Loop Trail.  From there a shuttle bus can take you back to Logan Pass where you began.

The Loop trail is a steep descent back down.  Although it will be easier on your lungs, your feet and legs may feel the effects by the time you reach the bottom.  This part of the hike was once completely burned by a fire in 2003, but is beginning to grow back.  The Highline Trail is definitely a favorite and popular choice in Glacier National Park!

 

 

Total Distance:  11.5 miles

Difficulty:  Moderate

Tips:  Hiking poles help while hiking in the snow and provide relief on your knees when going up or down hills.  Wear sturdy shoes, especially for the steep descent down the Loop Trail.



 

2. Ptarmigan Tunnel

 

The trailhead begins at the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn at the end of Many Glaciers Road.  The start of the trail requires little effort.  At 2.5 miles you will reach Ptarmigan Falls, shortly after will be a junction to Iceberg Lake which is worth the extra distance.  The Ptarmigan Trail however will turn right shortly after.  Once turning, the trail gains alot of elevation and the climb begins!

This is a common area for bear sitings in the park.  While we did not see any on this hike, we started the trail with two park rangers running past us with guns over their shoulders.  This definitely got me thinking about all the possibilities of what could have happened, and I made sure to make noise around every corner. 

The climb will continue to be steep, but the view that awaits is worth it!

The trail will open up with a view of Ptarmigan Lake and the switchbacks up to the tunnel.

While most of the trail is through the woods, the last half mile up to the tunnel will feel like your hiking in the dessert as you climb the steep switchbacks on gravel with no vegetation.

The 240 foot tunnel was originally built in the 1930's for horses to pass through. The park added steel doors to the tunnel which remain closed from October through July.

 Through the tunnel is a spectacular view of Elizabeth Lake.

Total Distance: 11 miles

Difficulty: Strenuous

Tips: Bear spray is something you should always carry in your pack when hiking in Glacier.  You can also check out my tips for bear encounters post.  The mosquito's were also pretty bad during alot of the trail, so don't forget mosquito repellent.



 

There are alot of great family friendly hikes in the park.  Here are some of my recommended shorter and easy hikes:

 

1. Sunrift Gorge

This trail is only feet off of Road to the Sun near St. Mary's Lake.  This narrow channel that was formed from glacier water is a popular stop for all visitors.

 

2. St. Mary's Lake

Stop at one of the overlooks or hike along St. Mary's Lake. 

 

3. St. Mary's and Virginia Falls

Take the 3 mile hike to St. Mary and Virginia Falls.

 

4. Barings Falls

Only 1.5 miles to this beautiful waterfall.

 

5. Grinnel Lake

 Many Glaciers visitor center has a lodge overlooking one of Glaciers beautiful lakes.  Relax and enjoy the view, or take one of the many hikes around Swiftcurrent, Sherburne, Grinnel or Josephine Lake which are all nearby.

 

6.  Running Eagles Falls

Near the Two Medicine Visitor Center is this easy 3 mile hike to Running Eagles Falls.  On a hot day it is not uncommon to see people swimming and enjoying the cool glacier water on this hike.

 

Hope you are all able to visit and enjoy the wildlife and scenery in Glacier National Park as much as I do!   Let me know if you ever have any traveling or hiking questions!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Midwest Monday: Wausau, WI

Hello followers!  It has been an exciting few weeks in our household.  It will be that way every year around this time considering we celebrate Christmas, New Years, our Anniversary, and my birthday all within a few weeks.  Ryan has to save up all year just to afford all the gifts for this month. :) 

For our anniversary dinner we went to this really great new place called Manila.  I love California and Philly Rolls!!!  YUM!

This past weekend we had an anniversary/birthday party with both our families.  We had the top of our wedding cake remade by Artistic Cakes for the big party.

The other big exciting news is that my sister with Danae Herrmann Photography is renting her first photography studio!  She is busy making plans and designs for the space, and also introduced a new website design for the new year.

For those of you in the Midwest area, my brother and I took a little trip to Wausau, WI this week and tried out a new restaurant that is amazing!  Definitely worth whatever drive it takes you to get there.  The Red Eye Brewery makes stone fired pizzas, wraps, and burgers.  They try to use all local herbs and produce, and their beef is from grass feed animals.  We both got one of their pizzas.  I think I'm gonna take my entire family on a road trip to try out this place again, it was that good!

 

 

While your there, Wausau has alot of great stores to stop at while downtown.  In the summer they have weekly concerts in the center of downtown here at the amphitheater.

No trip would be complete without a stop at Spoon-n-Yogurt!  So amazing!

 

Afterwards we took a short 15 minute drive out of town to Dells of Eau Claire Falls.  I got to try out my new winter boots on a hike along the Eau Claire River and the bluffs here at the falls.  It was nice to get outside and enjoy the fresh air! 

 

 

Thermarest Trail Lite Review

I was looking for a sleeping pad that was convenient, small, and offered comfort against the rocks and bumpy ground.  Its often times too much work to lug out a huge air mattress for a short stay somewhere, or is just plain impossible if you are backpacking and carrying all your supplies. 

That's why I invested in the Thermarest Trail Lite Women's sleeping pad.  Thermarest is a well-known and respected brand among air mattress and pads.  I have used it so many times over the years and it has held up very well against the elements. 

Some 'Pro's' for the pad:

• Lightweight.  If you are backpacking and looking to save on weight any way you can, this is a great mattress pad to bring along.
• Durable.  I have had no problems with punctures even with how many times I have used it.  No leaks with the valve. It is also easy to wipe clean.
• Comfort.  Offers comfort from the uneven ground, especially for back and stomach sleepers.  Lying on your side can still be uncomfortable, but definitely offers more support and cushion.  Women sleeping pads offer extra foam around the torso and feet for added insulation and warmth.
• Spacious stuff sack.  Comes with a stuff sack that it fits into easily to keep it from getting dirty and provides easy stowaway.
• Convenience.  I love the convenience and quickness of setting up camp.  Just open the valve and lay it out on the tent floor.  No batteries or pump needed!

'Cons'

• No Anti-Slip.  The backing is not anti-slip material.  With its narrow size to keep it compact and light, I will often find myself slipping off the pad during the night when I roll over. 
• Not waterproof if tent leaks. 
• For women who are taller it can often times be too short.  Make sure you choose the correct length.
• Not fully self inflating.  While it will inflate some, often times when I arrive at a site it is not fully inflated by the time I go to bed so I will have to blow it up myself.  Not a huge inconvenience though since it only takes a couple minutes.

Tips for storing your sleeping pad:

• If your mattress is new, or has been stored rolled or compressed for a significant amount of time, it could take up to 24 hours for the foam inside your mattress to fully regain its maximum self-inflating efficiency. To help with this, they recommend inflating your mattress fully by mouth to help stretch the foam core back to its original loft.
• Store all self-inflating mattresses dry, unrolled and with valves open.
• Beware of extreme heat in places like attics and parked cars that can damage your mattress permanently. Under a bed or behind a couch that’s against a wall are good, space-saving options.

While the Theramest Trail Lite does compromise in areas and doesn't offer complete large air mattress comfort, it does however offer a blend of comfort, convenience, small size and durability to fit the basic needs of a weekend camper or backpacker. 

Zion National Park: Best hikes

Zion National Park in Utah is one of the prettiest place in the world.  I have been to Zion during the summer and winter months, both providing a different perspective of its beauty.

While any of the hikes in the park are beautiful and worth your time, there are two that are well known throughout the United States that are a must see if you only have time for a short stay.

Angels Landing which is the most popular hike in the park is known for its difficult 1200 feet elevation gain in only 2.4 miles.  

The trailhead starts across the street from the Grotto Picnic area.  Follow signs for the West Rim trail/Angels Landing.   The trail begins with 21 grueling switchbacks along the sunbaked mountain side known as the "Walters Wiggles".

When I went in March the trail was slightly covered with snow at this point, and continued to get slippier as you climbed elevation.  If you are planning a spring break/winter trip I would recommend bringing Yak Trax to help you with the steep climb.

At the top of the switchbacks you can take a break at Scouts Landing.  Here is where the trail junctions to take the West Rim Trail, or to the summit of Angels Landing.

Here I am standing at Scouts Landing, with the thin narrow climb up to the summit behind me.

Every few years there are deaths on this trail.  In fact just a couple weeks prior someone had slipped off the ledge due to the slippery snow.  Be prepared and make sure you have the right equipment.  If at all possible, attempt this a little later in the year when the snow is melted.

Even knowing how dangerous this hike is, thousands of people still attempt it every year because of the amazing views!

Finally at the summit!

 If you have energy to tackle a little more hiking, once you get back down to Scouts Landing you have the option of turning onto the West Rim Trail at the junction before heading back down.

The sun did not hit this side of the mountain as long, so the snow was very high when I was there.  We only made it a couple miles before it got too deep and we had to turn around.  Snow shoes would have helped out a lot if we had known!

The other amazing hike in Zion is The Narrows.

Begin at the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop and start hiking on the Garden Walk trail path.  The trail will end at the Virgin River where there will be signs saying you are now entering The Narrows.  There is no guided path on this hike.  You are most often walking and wading through the water.

 This hike should be attempted during late summer when the water level is low.  The water levels are often too high during early summer.  It can however sometimes be done during November through May with wet suits for the cold water temperature. Also, only go if there is no rain in the forecast due to possible flash floods. 

This trek through the Virgin River is 16 miles long and continues to get narrower as you go deeper into the canyon.  The sites are amazing! 

Helpful Tips for hiking the Narrows:

*Wear sturdy footwear.  Walking through the rocky river with algae covered rocks can often be very slippery.  To avoid a twisted ankle wear supportive footwear.

*There are no bathrooms once starting the Garden Walk.

*Head back early.  Once the sun starts to set it won't take long for it to not reach into the canyon.  Be prepared and bring a headlamp.  Head back early.  Often times you don't realize how long you have been hiking into the canyon until you have to head back.

*It can get cold in the canyon.  We were lucky to have a sunny and warm day.  Once we made it deeper into the canyon where the walls got closer together and there was no sunlight the temperature dramatically changed.  Make sure you have layers.

*A hiking stick or poles can help provide stability when wading through the stronger rapid.

*Bring food and snacks.  It's a long day of hiking and you will get hungry!

*Your backpack and camera are at risk if you fall into the water.  I fell in tripping on a rock dunking my camelbak under water.   Luckily my camera inside was still dry.  Just beware and take extra precaution to keep your items safe. 

There campground is also open year round.

After these pictures do you need any more convincing?  Go check out Zion National Park!