Sperry via Lake McDonald—Strenuous, at Leisure

1100 4th Street So,Great Falls MT 59405

12 August, 2021

Description

For members of the Girls in Glacier hiking group only, as an overnight trip, it is for those who have regularly hiked with the group. The plan: Stay the night before in West Glacier, preferably Motel Lake McDonald--it's not fancy, but we can walk to the trailhead, and there is parking to leave our cars. Day one: hike to Sperry Chalet, 6.5 miles, 3400 feet of gain or ride the horses. Day two: hike to Comeau Pass and Sperry Glacier: 8-9 miles with 2000 feet of gain. The glacier has receded and is farther back each year. This is a challenging hike with many ups and down and fun rock scrambling and walking over snow. But the views are so worth it even if you just do the 5 miles/1500 feet of gain to Comeau pass and back (through a fun rock stairway). Day three: Hike out to Lake McDonald, 6.5 miles with 3400 feet of loss. Have a late lunch/early dinner at the lodge. Drive home. Costs: Around $300 will be due before Jan. 1; $500 for horse riders (your leaders will contact you after you sign up). This covers the motel the night before plus half the cost of the chalet, Please note: This deposit is considered non-refundable. Although the chalet only charges $10 to drop as long as it is 30-days before the trip, the group has costs such as your share of the gas and the other half of your hotel room, which isn't refundable after 30 days. If another GiG gal can go in your place and reimburses you, then you wouldn't lose money. Just be aware, two years ago, several gals lost their money. Trip insurance is recommended if this is a hardship. Total estimated costs per person: $300-$350 for chalet; $150 for hotel; $30 gas, $50-75 meals coming and going, depending on alcohol and what you order. Motel Lodging We will expect to pay $250-300 for a room with two beds, each gal her own bed. Those who prefer to save money and share beds, each group can discuss preferences. Read more here To read about Sperry Chalet, look at their website. What are the rooms like at Sperry? The rooms have one to three beds, either single or double; maximum in a room is five with two people sharing a bed. We will request two rooms, with each gal having her own bed. There are no bunkbeds at Sperry, just at Granite Park. The office may give us three or four rooms. We do not know for sure what they will give us. Each room has a surcharge, so fewer rooms is cheaper.--and more fun to be together. COVID issues: We all know COVID will not be totally eradicated by the time our trip comes around. Our leaders decided we will be following CDC guidelines, whatever they may be at the time, and if the vaccine is available and has proven to be safe, we will recommend you get one as we are sharing rooms, etc. The Chalet will have rules too. This summer, the use of masks was required and will likely be again this summer. Having a mask for passing people on trail too as the trail is narrow and steep in parts with nowhere to get off it. The leaders reserve the right to cancel if they feel sharing rooms/cars, etc. still isn't safe. In this case, as long as the cancellation is before 30 days, you would lose $10 and maybe some motel costs.