Figure 1. Peaks and Lakes around Sperry Glacier.
Figure 2. Sperry Glacier is in the background.
Figure 3. Little Matterhorn from Sperry Glacier Trail.
Figure 4. A mountain goat is seen from Sperry Glacier trail.
Figure 5. Sperry Chalet is a backcountry chalet to access Sperry Glacier, though there is a backcountry campground nearby.
Sperry Glacier is not known to most visitors in Glacier National Park today. Grinnell Glacier in Many Glacier or Jackson Glacier from Going-to-the-Sun Road are two glaciers most visitors see. In the early years of the park, Sperry Glacier is one of the main attractions because there were no roads to the east part of the park.
The closest distance, which is 10.5 miles one way, to see Sperry Glacier is from Lake McDonald Lodge. People usually stay one night at Sperry Chalet or nearby backcountry campground, which is about 6.5 miles from Lake McDonald Lodge. Then they hike 4 miles to see this glacier the next day. Sperry Chalet is very popular and usually open from early July to early September, depending on the weather. Reservation in months (usually by early April) is necessary to get one night stay there.
Although the glacier is not really impressive when you hike there to see it, the surrounding peaks and lakes are worth the efforts. On the other hand, it is good to see this glacier as it may disappear after 20 years. For the wildlife, you have good chance to see mountain goats from the Chalet to the Glacier. Marmot and pika may also be seen around rock piles along the trail.
Overall, I am glad to hike to Sperry Glacier after one night in Sperry Chalet. This is one of the places you will enjoy being there.
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