GMS Week 2008 summer hiking schedule
July 21 - 27, 2008
Sign-up for climbs will begin at 12:00 noon MDT (Mountain Daylight Time) on Sunday May 4, 2008. Coordinators are instructed to take reservations only after noon MDT on Sunday, May 4. Members will receive phone numbers or email addresses for coordinators on an insert included with this Journal. Be sure to carefully discuss the climb with the coordinator to ascertain your ability to complete the climb. Also be sure to get the start time and meeting location from the coordinator. If you must cancel from a climb, please notify the coordinator as soon as possible. If a climb is marked "F" in the status column, it is full.
| Date | Peak and
elevation |
Rating | Appropriate
for |
Description | Limit | Area | Route | Status |
| Monday, July 21 | SIYEH PASS & SEXTON GLACIER - 8,150 feet | II(2)
MS |
For beginning hikers who enjoy a short off-trail trek. | We will hike from Siyeh Bend to Siyeh Pass via trail and continue into Baring Basin. We'll take a short side trip off trail to have a look at Sexton Glacier. Total trip is about 9 miles with a gain of 2,300 feet and then loss of 3,500 feet to exit at Sunrift Gorge. This trip is mostly on trail, is suitable for beginners and will have a leisurely pace. Allow 7-8 hours for the trip. | 12 | St. Mary Valley | ||
| Monday, July 21 | MOUNT GOULD - 9,553 feet | III(3)
MM |
For strong hikers who have the patience to seek good routes up dozens of low cliffs. | We will hike in from Logan Pass and climb the West Face Route. The elevation gain is about 3,000 feet with round-trip distance 12 miles (8 of those miles on trail). The climb is suitable for intermediate climbers and a moderate pace will be maintained, with 8-9 hours for the whole trip. | 10 | Logan Pass | ||
| Monday, July 21 | NORTH SWIFTCURRENT GLACIER & SOUTH ICEBERG PEAK - 8,400 feet | III(3)
LM |
For strong hikers with an urge to explore. | Our route will leave the Swiftcurrent Pass Trail at the sharp switchback east of the pass and drop into the North Swiftcurrent Glacier basin. We will explore our way north along the moraines below the glacier and eventually work our way to the top of the Continental Divide. Our goal is the high point to the north, unofficially known as South Iceberg Peak, which Gordon Edwards calls "a very worthwhile objective". Expect a moderately-paced, 10-hour day. Round-trip distance is 14 miles with 3,500 feet elevation gain. | 8 | Many Glacier | F | |
| Monday, July 21 | MOUNT ADAMS - 7,690 feet & MOUNT CAMEAHWAIT - 7,897 feet | III(3)
LM |
For strong hikers who don't mind a little bushwhacking. | These peaks are located in the Great Bear Wilderness about 6 miles west of the Izaak Walton Inn. Access to the area follows Essex Creek on a maintained Forest Service trail which winds its way between Essex Mountain and Snowshed Mountain to a ridge leading to both summits. A limited amount of bushwhacking with about a 12-mile round trip and 4,109-foot elevation gain will provide a grand view of the southern portion of Glacier National Park. The trip will be moderately paced, taking 7-8 hours and is suitable for beginning mountaineers in good physical condition. | 12 | Great Bear Wilderness south of U.S. Highway 2 | ||
| Monday, July 21 | ANGEL WING LOOP - 7,430 feet | III(3)
LM |
For strong hikers who like scrambling in varied terrain. | The route involves hiking from the Grinnell Glacier trailhead toward Piegan Pass to about one-quarter mile below Morning Eagle Falls. From there we will scramble up to the northwest to the top of South Angel Wing. This scramble of about 1,800 vertical feet is Class 3 all the way with an interesting combination of scree slopes, glacier moraine, ledges and easy cliffs. From there we will hike over to North Angel Wing and then back down the Grinnell Glacier Trail to our cars. This is an interesting climb near the vertical east face of Mount Gould. Goats and bighorns are common along the route. It is also very scenic with great photo opportunities. The climb is suitable for intermediate mountaineers and has a vertical gain of about 3,000 feet. The round-trip distance is about 14 miles and should take about 10 hours at a moderate pace. | 10 | Many Glacier | ||
| Tuesday, July 22 | Spaghetti Potluck | GREAT! | For social gathering of our membership, Rangers and Naturalists | Bring some kind of food or drink to share. Bring blankets because there are never enough tables. Spaghetti and sauce (two 25-quart kettles) is first-come, first-served. Plates, cups, plastic utensils and napkins (paper towels) are furnished. | ? | Many Glacier | ||
| Wednesday, July 23 | PTARMIGAN TUNNEL-AHERN PASS VIA GOAT TRAIL WITH DESCENT OVER ICEBERG NOTCH | III(3+)
LM |
For strong hikers who are intermediate mountaineers and not bothered by exposure. | A classic Gordon Edwards traverse. Views of Mount Merritt and Ipasha Peak are incredible. The goat trail skirts a spectacular vertical wall which truly defines the term "exposure". The total distance is about 14 miles with 4,000-foot elevation gain. Expect a steady pace and a 10-hour trip. Ice axe required. This trip was scheduled last year but cancelled because of bear closure. The alternate climb, if that happens again, will be either Going-to-the-Sun or Bishop's Cap. |
10 | Many Glacier | I | |
| Wednesday, July 23 | MOUNT CARTHEW - 8,629 feet & MOUNT ALDERSON - 8,832 feet | II(3)
ML |
For beginning mountaineers who are strong hikers. | From Waterton townsite we'll drive Akamina Parkway about 11 miles to Cameron Lake where the historic Carthew-Alderson to Waterton Trail begins. Past Summit Lake we will angle up the ridge to the summit of Mount Carthew (8,629) — 3,281-foot elevation gain. Then we drop down to the Carthew-Alderson Pass. From there we hike up to the top of Mount Alderson (8,832) — 1,575-foot elevation gain. Total time from car to car should be 7-8 hours at a moderate pace or approximately 12 miles. The total elevation gain is 4,856 feet. Fine views from trail and summits. | 10 - 12 | Waterton | ||
| Wednesday, July 23 | MATAHPI PEAK - 9,365 feet | III(3)
MM |
For beginning mountaineers who enjoy off-trail travel. | We'll hike from Siyeh Bend up the trail and leave the trail to ascend the big bowl between Matahpi Peak and Going-to-the-Sun Mountain. From the saddle we'll follow up near the ridge to the summit of Matahpi Peak. There are great views looking down on Sexton Glacier. Round-trip distance is about 6 miles with an elevation gain of 3,515 feet. Plan on 6-8 hours at a moderate pace. | 12 | St. Mary Valley | ||
| Wednesday, July 23 | HIDDEN LAKE ROUTE TO FLORAL PARK OVERLOOK - 7,700 feet | II(3)
MS |
For beginning mountaineers and hikers who enjoy off-trail travel. | We'll hike by trail from Logan Pass to Hidden Lake Outlet. After wading the creek, we'll follow Edwards' route to the ridge above Floral Park. Return will be via the same route. A very moderate pace, allowing about 10 hours round trip, will allow time for photographs and camaraderie. Total elevation gain is 2,584 feet with a round-trip distance of 11 miles. | 12 | Logan Pass | ||
| Wednesday, July 23 | MOUNT SIYEH - 10,014 feet | III(4)
MM |
For beginning mountaineers who are strong hikers. | We'll follow a variation of the South Slope Route which includes a short Class 4 pitch (belay provided). We will maintain a moderate but steady pace. The elevation gain is 4,164 feet and round-trip distance is about 10 miles. Allow 10-12 hours for the climb. Plan on "Lunch with a View." Bring a camera! | 10 | St. Mary Valley | F | |
| Friday,
July 25 |
LEE RIDGE TO BELLY RIVER HIKE - 7,400 feet high point | I(1)
LS |
For conditioned hikers who enjoy spectacular views. | This is an all-day hike that begins by going up the Lee Ridge Trail toward Gable Mountain. There are great views westward to Mount Cleveland and Mount Merritt and eastward to Chief Mountain as we ascend the meadows northwest of Gable Pass. We'll then descend to the west via the Gable Pass Trail to the Belly River Ranger Station. From there we'll follow the Belly River Trail northeastward back to the road near Chief Mountain Customs. Round-trip distance is about 15 miles with 2,790 feet elevation gain. Allow 8-plus hours for the trip. Plan on a leisurely but steady pace. | 12 | Belly River | ||
| Friday,
July 25 |
PIEGAN MOUNTAIN - 9,220 feet | III(3)
SS |
For beginning mountaineers who enjoy off-trail travel. | We'll ascend the valley of Lunch Creek to the saddle between Piegan and Pollock. From there it is a scenic stroll to the top of Piegan Mountain. The climb gains 2,800 vertical feet and round-trip distance is about 3 miles. Anticipate a moderate pace allowing 8 hours to enjoy the scenery and camaraderie. | 10 | Logan Pass | ||
| Friday,
July 25 |
SKY LAKE OVERLOOK - 7,360 feet | III(3)
SS |
For beginning mountaineers. | This climb features a VERY short approach. We begin climbing just beyond Pray Lake. The route to the ridge overlooking Sky Lake is steep but short with Class 2 and 3 scrambling all the way. We'll take a leisurely pace to enjoy the scenery and camaraderie. The climb gains 2,200 feet with round-trip distance of 2 miles. Allow 7-8 hours. Our goal is in the very corner of the four 7.5 minute quadrangle maps of this area! | 10 | Two Medicine | ||
| Friday,
July 25 |
APIKUNI MOUNTAIN - 9,068 feet | III(3)
MM |
For mountaineers with limited experience. | If you like Many Glacier, this is a great introduction to climbing in that area. We will approach Apikuni by hiking and climbing a Class 2 and 3 route mostly off trail, and if conditions allow we will also try neighboring Mount Henkel. Shuttle will be provided from the Swiftcurrent parking lot. Anticipate a moderate pace for this 7-mile round-trip climb. Elevation gain is about 4,200 feet. Allow about 8 hours for the trip, 10 hours if Mount Henkel is included, too. The alternate climb in case of Apikuni area closure is Mount Allen. | 10 | Many Glacier | ||
| Friday,
July 25 |
AMPHITHEATER MOUNTAIN - 8,690 feet & Medicine Owl Peak - 8,228 feet | III(4)
LL |
For advanced mountaineers. | Medicine Owl will be an exploratory extension if conditions and time allow. Top of Amphitheater provides an enjoyable scramble with great views. Most of the elevation is gained off trail. Round-trip distance is about 17 miles with vertical gain of 4,700 feet. This climb is suitable for experts. A moderate, steady pace is anticipated with total time of 10-12 hours. | 12 | Cut Bank | ||
| Friday,
July 25 |
ICEBERG PEAK - 9,146 feet via Iceberg Notch | III(4)
LM |
For conditioned mountaineers not bothered by exposure. | We'll hike to Iceberg Lake, ascend the Iceberg Wall and follow Edwards' route to the summit of Iceberg Peak. Descent will be via the same route. Ice axe and crampons needed depending on conditions low on the Iceberg Wall. Round-trip distance is about 12 miles with 4,200-foot elevation gain. Climb is suitable for intermediate mountaineers anticipating a quick, steady pace. Allow about 10 hours for the trip. Alternate climb in case the Iceberg area is closed will be Grinnell Mountain. | 12 | Many Glacier | I | |
| Friday,
July 25 |
SKYLINE RIDGE FROM MOUNT WYNN - 8,404 feet TO MOUNT SIYEH - 10,014 feet | III(4)
LL |
For intermediate to experienced conditioned mountaineers who enjoy off-trail travel and long ridgewalks. | This is a classic Gordon Edwards ridgewalk described as "The Skyline Experience..." in the Climber's Guide. Read it before signing up. It's a long day, but the views are continuously excellent. Expect a steady pace with a total distance of 14 miles and vertical gain of about 6,000 feet. We'll come out at Siyeh Bend and shuttle cars from there. Anticipate 10-12 hours for the trip. Break in your boots before this one. | 8 | Many Glacier | ||
| Saturday, July 26 | GMS annual Luncheon and Meeting | GREAT! | For social gathering of members, distribution of awards followed by a meeting of the board and other interested members. | Lunch at St. Mary Resort in the Great Bear Lodge. | ? | St. Mary | ||
| Saturday, July 26 | Evening Campfire and Marshmallow Roast | GREAT! | For social gathering of our members. | Weather permitting, we will meet at 6 p.m. for this informal gathering. Count on SMORES, Sloppy Joes, baked beans and other yummy items generously prepared by GMS member Jo Ellen. You may certainly bring your own items to cook out as well. | ? | Many Glacier | ||
| Sunday, July 27 | BULLHEAD POINT - 7,445 feet | III(3)
MS |
For hikers and recuperating mountaineers. | We will leave the trail near Redrock Falls and ascend the south side of Bullhead Point. Summit views down the Many Glacier Valley are outstanding. We will descend to Shangri-La bench and descend back to the trail using the usual Shangri-La ascent route. The total distance is about 7 miles with 2,750 feet elevation gain. Expect a "laid back" 6-8 hour trip with lots of time to enjoy the views and camaraderie. | 10 | Many Glacier | ||
| Sunday, July 27 | SHANGRI-LA LAKE - 6,565 feet | III(3)
MS |
For new members, beginners and families who enjoy off-trail travel. | We'll follow the Climber's Guide route up to Shangri-La Lake for this leisurely "family day" fun climb. We'll take lots of time to enjoy the views, flowers and company. After lunch at the lake we'll descend scree trails and lowangle snow to Iceberg Lake and return to Swiftcurrent via the Iceberg Lake Trail. The total distance is 8 miles with elevation gain of about 2,000 feet. Allow 6-8 hours if we return via the Iceberg Lake Trail. If the Iceberg Lake Trail is closed, we will retrace our ascent route and get back early. If Shangri-La is closed, the alternate family climb will be Scenic Point. | 10 | Many Glacier | ||
| Sunday, July 27 | OLD BALDY - 9,156 feet | III(3)
LM |
For strong hikers and beginning climbers. | This mountain is the second highest peak in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Much of the hike is above tree level and affords spectacular views deep into the "Bob" and of several summits such as Rocky Mountain Peak, Teton Peak and Ear Mountain. We will be on trail to Route Creek Pass. From there we will ascend the mountain's long north ridge directly to the summit. We descend by dropping down to the col just east of the peak and coming down firm scree. There is nothing more difficult than easy Class 3. Elevation gain: 3,400 feet; Distance: 13.5 miles, about 10 of which is on trail; Pace: steady and moderate; Time: approximately 10 hours. | 12 | Rocky Mountain Front |