Sperry Glacier Basin, Glacier NP

West Glacier, Montana

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Details

Distance

17.29 miles

Elevation Gain

5016 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Noah Couser

The Sperry Glacier Basin is one of the most incredible and diverse landscapes in Glacier National Park.

Starting out at the Sperry Trailhead adjacent to Lake McDonald Lodge, climb 9 miles up the trail to Comeau Pass. The trail climbs steadily, and quickly weeds out the faint of heart, but it is well worth the sore legs.

Follow the trail signs to Comeau Pass, and then continue East into the basin itself to find breathtaking views of the entire Sperry Glacier clinging to the North Face of Gunsight Peak. Carefully pick your way through snowfields into the basin to explore some of the unbelievably turquoise water. There are no trails within the basin, and avoid getting out too high on the glacier.

Once you've taking in the views and maybe dared to jump into the frigid turquoise glacier runoff, return down the same trail back to the car, but not before a dive into Lake McDonald, and a huckleberry milkshake from the lodge for the drive home.

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