format
← Older revision
Revision as of 20:19, 8 July 2015
Line 24:
Line 24:
[[Image:Granite Creek Avalance Chute.jpg|thumb|300px|Winter conditions at Granite Creek Avalanche Chute]]
[[Image:Granite Creek Avalance Chute.jpg|thumb|300px|Winter conditions at Granite Creek Avalanche Chute]]
−
Weather at Glacier National Park is often different depending on your elevation and whether you are east or west of the '''Continental Divide'''. The western side of the park tends to receive the most rainfall, whereas the eastern side tends to have higher winds and more sun. The Rockies effectively disrupt the movement of air currents over the North American continent, leading to this disparity in climate. The National Weather Service issues separate weather forecasts for the two halves of the park, which may be accessed
online
[http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mso/textproduct.php?pil=REC] or checked a park information station before setting out. During the park's summer season, temperatures during the day can reach as high the 90s Fahrenheit (over 30 degrees Celsius), but nighttime lows in the highest elevations can occasionally be around 20 degrees Fahrenheit (less than -5 degrees Celsius). Snow can fall during any part of the year, as demonstrated in August 1992, when a foot of snow fell on the northeastern corner of the park
[http://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/weather.htm]
. If you are planning to visit the park during the winter season, expect most of the park to be snow-covered, and make sure you have the right gear. Some trails and roads are closed off-season (and bridges removed). Always prepare for a variety of conditions and always bring rain gear. See also [[#Weather|weather]].
+
[http://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/weather.htm
Weather at Glacier National Park
]
is often different depending on your elevation and whether you are east or west of the '''Continental Divide'''. The western side of the park tends to receive the most rainfall, whereas the eastern side tends to have higher winds and more sun. The Rockies effectively disrupt the movement of air currents over the North American continent, leading to this disparity in climate. The National Weather Service issues separate weather forecasts for the two halves of the park, which may be accessed [http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mso/textproduct.php?pil=REC
online
] or checked a park information station before setting out. During the park's summer season,
temperatures during the day can reach as high the 90s Fahrenheit (over 30 degrees Celsius), but nighttime lows in the highest elevations can occasionally be around 20 degrees Fahrenheit (less than -5 degrees Celsius). Snow can fall during any part of the year, as demonstrated in August 1992, when a foot of snow fell on the northeastern corner of the park . If you are planning to visit the park during the winter season, expect most of the park to be snow-covered, and make sure you have the right gear. Some trails and roads are closed off-season (and bridges removed). Always prepare for a variety of conditions and always bring rain gear. See also [[#Weather|weather]].
−
Wildfires are also a more or less common occurrence in the park. According to the National Park Service, 2003 was one of Glacier's hottest years on record, and large areas of the park were shut down as 144,000 acres burned.
[http://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/weather.htm]
+
Wildfires are also a more or less common occurrence in the park. According to the National Park Service, 2003 was one of Glacier's hottest years on record, and large areas of the park were shut down as 144,000 acres burned.
−
In recent years, the park has become an important case study for climate scientists studying '''climate change'''. Research performed by the Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center constructed parallel models of glacial melting and ecosystem change in the park based on a linear temperature extrapolation scenario and a carbon dioxide-induced global warming scenario, and estimated that in the latter case, the park's glaciers would be entirely gone by the year 2030.
[http://www.nrmsc.usgs.gov/research/glacier_model.htm]
+
In recent years, the park has become an important case study for climate scientists studying '''climate change'''. Research performed by the
[http://www.nrmsc.usgs.gov/research/glacier_model.htm
Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center
]
constructed parallel models of glacial melting and ecosystem change in the park based on a linear temperature extrapolation scenario and a carbon dioxide-induced global warming scenario, and estimated that in the latter case, the park's glaciers would be entirely gone by the year 2030.
===Read===
===Read===
Line 115:
Line 115:
===By foot===
===By foot===
−
With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier Park is best enjoyed through hiking. A good waterproof topographic trail map of Glacier National Park and Waterton National Park is available from
National Geographic, complete with GPS checkpoints
[http://www.nationalgeographic.com/maps]. Major
trailheads
are located at the Swiftcurrent Motor Lodge, Logan's Pass, and at the Lake McDonald Lodge. Trails range from short, handicap-accessible paths to 8-12 mile day hikes to long extended backpacking trails. If you plan to camp at backcountry sites, reservations will be necessary (see Backcountry section). Popular trails include:
+
With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier Park is best enjoyed through hiking. A good waterproof topographic trail map of Glacier National Park and Waterton National Park is available from [http://www.nationalgeographic.com/maps
National Geographic
]
, complete with GPS checkpoints
. Major
trail-heads
are located at the Swiftcurrent Motor Lodge, Logan's Pass, and at the Lake McDonald Lodge. Trails range from short, handicap-accessible paths to 8-12 mile day hikes to long extended backpacking trails. If you plan to camp at backcountry sites, reservations will be necessary (see Backcountry section). Popular trails include:
*'''Trail of the Cedars''' (0.7 miles) - handicapped-accessible, partially paved and partially a boardwalk. Beautiful views of old-growth forest and Avalanche Gorge. Trailhead at Avalanche Creek Campground on Going-to-the-Sun Road.
*'''Trail of the Cedars''' (0.7 miles) - handicapped-accessible, partially paved and partially a boardwalk. Beautiful views of old-growth forest and Avalanche Gorge. Trailhead at Avalanche Creek Campground on Going-to-the-Sun Road.
−
*'''Garden Wall''' portion of the Highline Trail (11.6 miles) - day-hike accessible even to beginners. Trail follows the Garden Wall, a striking ridge along the continental divide. Views of
subalpine
meadows and alpine tundra as you skirt the dramatic face of the Garden Wall itself. Trailhead at Logan's Pass Visitor's Center. The Granite Park Chalet, a no-frills historic chalet which sells food and water to hikers (and provides potable water to guests with reservations), is located along the trail at mile 7.6. The trail ends at the Loop, from where you can take a shuttle back to Logan's Pass.
+
*'''Garden Wall''' portion of the Highline Trail (11.6 miles) - day-hike accessible even to beginners. Trail follows the Garden Wall, a striking ridge along the continental divide. Views of
sub-alpine
meadows and alpine tundra as you skirt the dramatic face of the Garden Wall itself. Trailhead at Logan's Pass Visitor's Center. The Granite Park Chalet, a no-frills historic chalet which sells food and water to hikers (and provides potable water to guests with reservations), is located along the trail at mile 7.6. The trail ends at the Loop, from where you can take a shuttle back to Logan's Pass.
*'''The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail''' (3,100 miles) - the least well-maintained of the triumvirate of National Scenic Trails (along with the [[Pacific Crest Trail]] and the [[Appalachian Trail]]), the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail runs from Waterton in Canada to Marias Pass on the southern edge of Glacier National Park before continuing south all the way to Mexico. The trail includes a variety of terrain within the park and can be accomplished in about ten days, depending on the backpacker's speed.
*'''The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail''' (3,100 miles) - the least well-maintained of the triumvirate of National Scenic Trails (along with the [[Pacific Crest Trail]] and the [[Appalachian Trail]]), the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail runs from Waterton in Canada to Marias Pass on the southern edge of Glacier National Park before continuing south all the way to Mexico. The trail includes a variety of terrain within the park and can be accomplished in about ten days, depending on the backpacker's speed.
For visitors intending to hike extensively in Glacier National Park, the Falcon Guide ''Hiking Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks'' (ISBN 1-56044-718-4) is a comprehensive and invaluable guide, offering trail distances and thorough descriptions.
For visitors intending to hike extensively in Glacier National Park, the Falcon Guide ''Hiking Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks'' (ISBN 1-56044-718-4) is a comprehensive and invaluable guide, offering trail distances and thorough descriptions.
Line 139:
Line 139:
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| hours= | price=
−
| content=The most spectacular viewpoints in the park are along this road. It is closed to traffic in Winter and open from June - Oct. Depending on weather, it will be open as early as Memorial Day weekend (May 27–30). You can check the road status
online at
[http://
data2.itc
.nps.gov/glac/roadstatus/roadstatus.cfm]. Highlights include Lake McDonald, Logan Pass at the Continental Divide, Rising Sun, and St. Mary Lake. Road construction is possible in the summer with just one lane open to traffic (and opposing traffic held back). At about 6,600 feet (2,000 meters), Logan Pass is the highest drivable point in or near the park.
+
| content=The most spectacular viewpoints in the park are along this road. It is closed to traffic in Winter and open from June - Oct. Depending on weather, it will be open as early as Memorial Day weekend (May 27–30). You can check the road status [http://
www
.nps.gov
/applications
/glac/roadstatus/roadstatus.cfm
online
]. Highlights include Lake McDonald, Logan Pass at the Continental Divide, Rising Sun, and St. Mary Lake. Road construction is possible in the summer with just one lane open to traffic (and opposing traffic held back). At about 6,600 feet (2,000 meters), Logan Pass is the highest drivable point in or near the park.
}}
}}
* {{see
* {{see
Line 205:
Line 205:
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| hours= | price=
−
| content=Sperry Glacier Overlook can be reached by a steep climb up a trail from the Sperry Chalet (2.5 miles to Comeau Pass). The hike takes you by secluded alpine lakes and boulder-strewn meadows and up a stairway hewn into the rock, from which you emerge at Comeau Pass to be greeted by breathtaking views of the Little Matterhorn, Bearhat Mountain, and Mt. Reynolds. Another mile, marked (sometimes confusingly) by cairns, takes you to the edge of the glacier, where there is now a sign with information about the glacier's history. This trail is also one of the best places in the park to see families of mountain goats up close. The glacier itself is worth seeing, since scientists predict that it have completely disappeared between 2030 and 2050
[http://www.nps.gov/glac]
. The Sperry Chalet is also worth seeing, and has a dining hall where non-guests can purchase a hot lunch from an a la carte menu.
+
| content=Sperry Glacier Overlook can be reached by a steep climb up a trail from the Sperry Chalet (2.5 miles to Comeau Pass). The hike takes you by secluded alpine lakes and boulder-strewn meadows and up a stairway hewn into the rock, from which you emerge at Comeau Pass to be greeted by breathtaking views of the Little Matterhorn, Bearhat Mountain, and Mt. Reynolds. Another mile, marked (sometimes confusingly) by cairns, takes you to the edge of the glacier, where there is now a sign with information about the glacier's history. This trail is also one of the best places in the park to see families of mountain goats up close. The
[http://www.nps.gov/glac/learn/nature/glaciers.htm
glacier
]
itself is worth seeing, since scientists predict that it have completely disappeared between 2030 and 2050. The Sperry Chalet is also worth seeing, and has a dining hall where non-guests can purchase a hot lunch from an a la carte menu.
}}
}}
* {{see
* {{see
Line 422:
Line 422:
===Backcountry===
===Backcountry===
−
Glacier National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the US for backcountry camping, and backcountry sites offer great opportunities for extended trips through some of the park's more remote areas. Backcountry camping permits ($4/night/person or $50 for the park for the year) are required and can be obtained from the any of the visitor centers before 4:30PM and within 24 hours of your departure on a first come first served basis. To be issued the permit, the member of your party designated as the "trip leader" will have to watch a 15-minute movie about safety precautions in Glacier National Park. All of the backcountry sites require reservations, and some sites fill up months in advance (especially '''Gunsight Lake''', '''Lake Ellen Wilson,''' and '''Sperry''' campgrounds, along the '''Gunsight Pass Trail''', among others). Advance reservations can be made by calling (406) 888-7800. These cost extra. Trail status, campsite availability, and general information on Glacier's backcountry is available at a
National Park Service website:
[http://www.nps.gov
/archive
/glac/
activities
/
bcguide1
.
htm]
Campgrounds generally have designated sites with tent pads and separate areas for cooking and eating, bearpoles (a convenient way to hang your food and scented items out of the reach of bears), and pit toilets (in which no toilet paper or other trash may be thrown). Campers are required to pack out all of their garbage; when you receive your permit a ranger will give you plastic bags for this purpose.
+
Glacier National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the US for backcountry camping, and backcountry sites offer great opportunities for extended trips through some of the park's more remote areas. Backcountry camping permits ($4/night/person or $50 for the park for the year) are required and can be obtained from the any of the visitor centers before 4:30PM and within 24 hours of your departure on a first come first served basis. To be issued the permit, the member of your party designated as the "trip leader" will have to watch a 15-minute movie about safety precautions in Glacier National Park. All of the backcountry sites require reservations, and some sites fill up months in advance (especially '''Gunsight Lake''', '''Lake Ellen Wilson,''' and '''Sperry''' campgrounds, along the '''Gunsight Pass Trail''', among others). Advance reservations can be made by calling (406) 888-7800. These cost extra. Trail status, campsite availability, and general information on Glacier's backcountry is available at a [http://www.nps.gov/glac/
planyourvisit
/
upload/Backcountry-Guide-2015
.
pdf
National Park Service website].
Campgrounds generally have designated sites with tent pads and separate areas for cooking and eating, bearpoles (a convenient way to hang your food and scented items out of the reach of bears), and pit toilets (in which no toilet paper or other trash may be thrown). Campers are required to pack out all of their garbage; when you receive your permit a ranger will give you plastic bags for this purpose.
To ensure a safe and comfortable stay in the back-country of Glacier National Park, visitors are urged to bring their own backpackers' stove (not all campgrounds allow fires, and firewood may be hard to find in the winter), rope (about 40 feet to hang bags from bear pole), and water purification system (pump filter of 1 micron or less, chlorine or iodine tablets). None of the backcountry campsites have potable water. See section on Safety for more detailed information.
To ensure a safe and comfortable stay in the back-country of Glacier National Park, visitors are urged to bring their own backpackers' stove (not all campgrounds allow fires, and firewood may be hard to find in the winter), rope (about 40 feet to hang bags from bear pole), and water purification system (pump filter of 1 micron or less, chlorine or iodine tablets). None of the backcountry campsites have potable water. See section on Safety for more detailed information.