July 7, 2017 - Friday
Hiking from Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet is now possible. For the next week or so you should still be mindful of snow crossings and some of the hazards that snow can create. Running water can undercut the snow and create the risk of falling through, and of course you should be super careful with the slippery surface.
And Mother Nature is showing her sense of humor by making us worry about both snow and heat on the same hike. The near future forecast has some hot days in it. Be really careful as you go out hiking in the heat of the day. You should:
Take breaks in the shade. Drink lots of fluids. And be safe out there.
June 27, 2017 - Tuesday
We are super excited to start another summer of hiking and adventure up at Granite Park Chalet. We can't wait for you to visit.
For the next week or so, come prepared for snow in the high country. We are running into snow on the loop trail about a quarter mile below the chalet. You should have good waterproof hiking boots, trekking poles help, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
The Highline Trail is closed and will probably stay closed for a couple weeks. The Loop Trail is your best access right now. We expect Going to the Sun Road to open to private vehicles soon. Until that happens we are shuttling all chalet guests past the closure up to the Loop trailhead. Call our office if you have questions about your upcoming chalet reservation.
Summertime in Glacier is here. I hope you are planning to take a hike!
June 1, 2017 - Thursday
We have been getting a lot of questions here in the office about when to expect high country trails to open up this year. The answer will always be: no one knows. Which we have to admit is not very helpful.
So in an effort to be helpful, let me show off some information that we do know.
The Flattop Mountain Snotel site has the best snow depth data for the Glacier Park high country.
https://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/snow/snowplot.cgi?FTMM8
From here we can learn how deep the snow got this year, how deep it is right now, and how fast it is melting. Granite Park Chalet is at the same elevation as this monitoring station, so this is our best estimate as to snow conditions around the chalet.
When Does the Highline Trail open?
I can't speak for this year, but here are Highline Trail opening dates from the past several years:
2016: July 6
2015: July 1
2014: July 17
2013: July 13
2012: July 27
2011: July 29
2010: July 9
2009: July 3
2008: July 18
If you have an early season reservation, don't let snow worry you. Granite Park Chalet will be accessible by the Loop Trail, so get out there and enjoy the mountains. Springtime with some snow around makes the chalet gorgeous.
Happy Hiking!