Will You Sperry Me?

Sperry Chalet in Glacier National Park

The ultimate foodie experience: Dinner at The French Laundry. The ultimate backcountry lodge experience: Sperry Chalet! Reached via an 8-mile (one-way) hiking trail in Glacier National Park, this historic chalet makes a night in the rugged, rocky wilderness very hospitable. Built in 1913 by the Great Northern Railway, Sperry is nestled on a mountainside in some of the world’s most dramatic alpine scenery. You won’t even have to cue the wildlife: It’s all around you—grizzly bears, marmots, ptarmigan, and the famous mountain goats, lounging on the salt-tinged boulders and noshing on grass. Sperry’s two main buildings—a lodge and a casual dining room—are both built out of native rock, and look much the same as they did 100 years ago. After an 8-mile hike in, with a fair bit of uphill and sweating, you’ll be welcome at the lodge with some refreshing lemonade, and options for sandwiches and fresh-baked goodies. A stay at Sperry Chalet includes homemade breads, soups, and full-course dinners and breakfasts.

But the best part of being here is that you’re waking up in the heart of Glacier National Park. After a tasty and filling breakfast, venture out on one of several hiking side trips of varying lengths, all with gorgeous scenery. Our top recommendation for a side trip: a journey up to Comeau Pass, without a doubt one of Glacier's most magnificent hikes. Rising above the tree line, you’ll pass alpine lakes, climb a narrow stone staircase built into the mountain, and come out to pure wow. The Rocky Mountains stretch in hulking pyramid shapes for as far as the eye can see—including to the Canadian Rockies. Keep hiking for another mile, following cairns to the official sign marking famous Sperry Glacier. Have lunch here. Later, swap stories with other lodge guests over a delicious warm dinner, then take a seat outside with lounging mountain goats on the natural rock amphitheater for a sensational sunset show over Lake MacDonald, the park’s largest lake, wayyyy down below. Sperry’s simply spectacular.

TIP: Marriage proposals highly recommended.

Sperry Chalet is open from mid-July to mid-September. Reservations for the summer season open in January and it fills up very fast, but there are cancellations, so persistence in following up can pay off. Or plan ahead and save the date for booking in 2017. There is an option to get to Sperry by horseback. All guests get a private room, dinner, breakfast, and a trail lunch. There’s no electricity in the lodge, but you’ll be equipped with what’s necessary, including a flashlight (though bringing a headlamp is recommended). Bathrooms are outside of the lodge, with sinks. Gotta use the loo in the middle of the night? Lanterns light the way, and be sure to look up at the stars in the deep, dark sky. Just don’t trip over a goat! No dogs.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View