A 7.5 minute quadrangle map and compass, and associated route finding skills are necessary. There are no obvious landmarks to assist the backcountry user with trail direction. Sections of trail vanish under deep snow for more than one mile. Footwear with good traction, and stream/river crossing skill and experience are strongly advised. Swift, cold water and treacherous footing exist at unbridged stream and/or river crossings. Sturdy hiking boots suitable for over-snow travel, a map and compass, and route finding skills are also necessary. An ice axe, and the skill to safely execute a self arrest are strongly advised. Sections of trail traverse steep, sometimes icy snowfields. If a trail has not been cleared, it may not mean that it is impassable but only that no maintenance has been done and the actual condition may be unknown. Other maintenance activities such as brushing, erosion control and special project work may take place at any time of year and should not greatly hinder travel. Initial maintenance work done by park crews to clear downed trees or any other obstacles that may hinder travel. Throughout the sub-district trail segment lists, the following terms are used: Minimal maintenance is performed through the winter months. Trail and campgrounds go into winter status. Ptarmigan Tunnel doors usually close by late September. Most seasonal suspension and plank bridges are all removed by late September. Bears are most active at this time of year, foraging for up to 20 hours a day. Snow storms may deposit lingering snow, requiring map and compass skills for route finding. Some Septembers are as nice as August, but there is a now a greater chance of significant snow fall. Backcountry Campgrounds are open but may close at any time due to bear activity or forest fire for days or weeks. Generally, snow and water hazards are gone although water hazards may suddenly re-appear after thunderstorms. The majority of the backcountry campgrounds are open by mid-July although the routes connecting the campgrounds may still be impassible.Īugust 1 – Aug 31 Accessible High Country Snow drift blasting and treading is usually completed by Trail Crew by the end of July. Generally, Ptarmigan Tunnel doors open in mid-July. Seasonal suspension and plank bridges are all installed by mid-July. Melting snow presents dynamic hazards at higher elevations, ice axe often recommended. Trails dry out and firm up at lower elevations. Backcountry Campgrounds earliest scheduled openings begin June 15th, but the Belly River region in the northeast and the North Fork region in the northwest are often accessible in May. Snow conditions can change daily: icy in the morning, soft in the afternoon. Expect snow cover at higher elevations and be prepared with map and compass skills for route finding, and ice axe and crampons for crossing steep slopes. Seasonal suspension and plank bridges start to be installed in late May. Water crossings are deep, swift, and cold. Trails are often muddy and covered in puddles or flowing water at lower elevations. Be aware that mountain weather is unpredictable always be prepared for a variety of conditions. The following generalizations are provided for your convenience to better understand what you may encounter when backpacking or day hiking in Glacier.
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