Two plates collided, then glaciers carved the gnarled rock into knife-edge ridges and U-shaped valleys filled with rivers, lakes and streams. Abundant wildlife and flowers line over 700 miles of trails. Glacier National Park is a day hiking paradise.

before you go

If you’re planning to visit Glacier National Park, the best time to go is between July and October when the roads are open and free of snow. However, keep in mind that this park gets extremely busy during peak season, so it’s crucial to plan your trip in advance. Without a vehicle reservation, you won’t be able to access any of the park’s entrances. To avoid any hassle during your trip, book your vehicle, accommodation, and activities ahead of time. If you’re on a budget, there are several campgrounds located within the park that offer more affordable options. Alternatively, you can find accommodation in one of the nearby towns, such as Babb or Kalispell. Whatever your choice, I am sure you’ll have an amazing time exploring Glacier National Park!

Before setting off to hike any given trail in Glacier NP, be sure to check trail status as it could be closed due to bear activity or something else.

glacier national park notable facts

• Glacier National Park and Waterton Lakes National Park form the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. If you’re looking for some stunning trails to explore in Waterton Lakes National Park, the Carthew-Alderson Trail and the Crypt Lake Trail are definitely worth checking out.
• Founded: May 11, 1910
• Location: Montana
• Annual Visitors: In 2023, Glacier was the 11th most visited national park in the USA and received 2.9 million visitors
• Fee: $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days

mount siyeh south slope route

Mount Siyeh is the fifth tallest peak in the park with a height of 10,014 feet (3,052 m). It is also noteworthy because of its north face being one of the highest cliff faces in the lower 48. The standard route climbs the southern slopes of the peak. The Blackfeet word “siyeh” refers to a crazy dog or a mad wolf. In geology, the Siyeh formation, a greenish diorite, is a combination of dolomite and limestone which frequently contains fossilized algae. It is steep no matter which side you view it from and quite frankly, I was a bit intimidated. If you gaze up at its 4,000-ft. vertical north face during a hike to Cracker Lake, you will know what I am talking about. Nonetheless, the mountain offers a challenging yet rewarding ascent, primarily recommended for experienced climbers due to its rugged terrain and route-finding challenges.

Ascending Mount Siyeh

1. start at siyeh bend

Your journey starts at the Siyeh Bend trailhead along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. From the moment you step onto the trail, the adventure begins. You’ll hike along the Piegan Pass Trail for a while, and even though the trail is relatively gentle at first, you can’t help but feel the excitement building as you get closer to the towering walls of rock ahead.

2. trail to siyeh pass

After about 5.6 km, you’ll reach Siyeh Pass, where the world opens up around you. The views here are breathtaking—mountain peaks stretch into the horizon, and you’re already feeling like you’re on top of the world. But you’re not quite there yet—the real challenge lies ahead. From here, you leave the established trail and head into the rugged, off-trail terrain.

3. off-trail scramble

Now it’s just you, your gear, and the mountain. The scramble to the summit isn’t for the faint-hearted. Loose rock, scree, and steep terrain make every step deliberate. You’ll need your route-finding skills to navigate the best path up. The air is thinner as you climb, and your legs will burn, but the excitement of pushing toward the summit keeps you going.

As Jill and I continued along the base of the wall, we found a nice chute leading up to a long, broad scree slope. It can be deceiving at first, making you feel like you’re almost there, but the climb up the scree is actually quite long. It’s important to prepare yourself mentally for this part of the ascent, as it can feel like it goes on forever if you’re not in the right mindset. We continued climbing the miserable loose rubble for what felt like infinity. For comparison, scrambling on the boulders, while still exhausting would have been much easier.

4. the summit

Finally, after hours of climbing, you reach the top. The feeling is indescribable—at 10,014 feet, the entire park seems to be at your feet. Peaks rise in every direction, glaciers glint in the sunlight, and the wild expanse of Glacier National Park spreads out as far as the eye can see. It’s a moment of triumph, awe, and peace all rolled into one.

The summit also provides an opportunity to marvel at the majestic 4,000-foot cliff face overlooking the pristine Cracker Lake. We ate, relaxed, took photos, made friends, then headed back down.

Descending Mount Siyeh

1. what goes up must come down

The descent was no less miserable than the ascent. The terrain was pretty rough, with lots of rubble instead of smooth scree you can ride down. It made it very tricky to find places to slide down, and you had to be careful not to cause a rock avalanche. There were short sections where you could slide, but you had to search for them all the way down. Once you start sliding, the whole slope can come with you. If sliding down rubble isn’t your thing, be ready for a good workout for your legs on this route. But that’s not all.

2. careful route finding

It’s important to retrace your steps carefully and avoid potential hazards like cliffs or unstable rock. Luckily there were other fools on this mountain, ahem friendly hikers, who waited for us to descent through the cliff bands safely.

3. down to siyeh pass

Once you make it back to Siyeh Pass, the hardest part is behind you. You’ll feel lighter, even a little giddy, as you descend back to the main trail. Your legs might be shaky, but that familiar trail feels like home, guiding you safely back to the Siyeh Bend.

4. back to the trailhead

The final portion of the descent is straightforward along the Piegan Pass Trail, returning to Siyeh Bend along the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

things to keep in mind

• Be prepared: This isn’t a casual hike, make sure you have the right gear, including a helmet for the scree slopes, and know how to navigate off-trail.
• Weather changes fast: You might start under blue skies and end in a storm. Layers are your best friend so bring plenty.
• Watch for wildlife: Glacier is bear country, so don’t forget your bear spray and stay alert.

mount siyeh south slope route stats

• Distance: 15.9km
• Elevation gain: 1254m
• Moving time: 6:54:38
• Difficulty: Hard

Climbing Mount Siyeh is more than just a hike—it’s an adventure that stays with you long after you’ve left the trail. It’s about challenging yourself, finding your limits, and being rewarded with views and memories that few people get to experience.

happy trails!