About This Route
The Gunsight Pass Trail offers one of Glacier National Park's premier backpacking experiences, a roughly 20-mile traverse from the Jackson Glacier Overlook on Going-to-the-Sun Road to Gunsight Lake Campground near Lake McDonald. Hikers navigate stunning alpine meadows, cross dramatic passes with panoramic views of Jackson and Blackfoot Glaciers, and descend through dense forests to Sperry Chalet and beyond. Expect 3-5 days for this strenuous route, with elevation gains up to 2,000 feet per section. Popular with experienced backpackers, it features NPS-permitted campsites like Gunsight Lake and Sperry Chalet, each equipped with bear-proof food storage hang bars per park regulations. Follow Leave No Trace principles by camping only in designated sites and packing out all waste.
Safety Considerations
Glacier's frigid glacial streams, such as Reynolds Creek near Gunsight Pass, pose severe hypothermia risks even in summer; water temperatures rarely exceed 50°F, triggering the mammalian diving reflex that can lead to drowning. NPS reports multiple incidents of slips on mossy rocks and logs; avoid fording swift streams alone and reconsider wading. Grizzly bears frequent the area around Reynolds Creek and Sperry Glacier basin; carry registered bear spray (Counter Assault brand recommended by REI) and make noise on blind curves. Sudden afternoon thunderstorms bring lightning hazards above treeline; monitor weather via NPS apps. Snowfields persist into August on north-facing slopes, increasing avalanche risk; check current conditions at park backcountry offices. Varied terrain includes steep scree and exposed ridges; stay on trails to prevent falls, as fencing is absent in remote sections.
Essential Gear
Pack layered synthetics like Patagonia Capilene base layers over cotton-free clothing to combat sweat-induced chilling. Include a waterproof shell (REI Co-op Rainier jacket), wool hat, extra socks, and a 30°F-rated sleeping bag for camps like Gunsight Lake. Navigation essentials: National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map #314 for Glacier West, GPS device (Garmin inReach Mini), and headlamp with extra batteries. Bear management: Ursack bear bag for hangs on site bars, no canister needed per NPS. Water treatment: Sawyer Squeeze filter for glacial silt. First aid kit with blister treatments, tweezers for ticks, and hypothermia wraps.
Emergency Tips
Cell service is spotty; activate Garmin inReach SOS for ranger coordination. Nearest help: Lake McDonald Ranger Station (406-888-7800). For hypothermia, seek Sperry Chalet shelter, strip wet layers, use sleeping bag skin-to-skin rewarming, and radio x-ray channel 2 for evacuation. Bear encounter: Deploy spray, fight back if attacked. Evac via trail to Sperry or helicopter from pass.