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!
May 9, 2017 - Tuesday
Do you know what you are having for dinner when you stay at Granite Park Chalet? If you are still figuring that out, take a look at our retail menu. The 2017 menu is now ready.
You are always welcome to bring any food of your own choice, and all of our overnight guests will have access to our kitchen. But our menu is here to help. Simple to prepare, simple to clean up, we have picked out the tastiest backpacking meals we can find. Order in advance to lighten your backpack, we will have your food waiting in the kitchen when you arrive. Most of these items will be available over the counter too should you need something at the last minute, but ordering in advance will guarantee a selection.
Happy Hiking!