Glacier National Park: Siyeh Bend to Sunrift Gorge
Windswept ridges, jigsaw peaks, and a bulldozing glacier are just few of the highlights on this 9.8-mile half-circle route near Going-to-the-Sun and Matahpi Peaks.
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
PERMIT: Overnight camping in Glacier National Park requires a backcountry permit. Check out the latest fees and more details at nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm.
MORE PARK INFO: Glacier National Park, (406) 888-7800; nps.gov/glac/.
Trail Facts
- Distance: 15.8
Waypoints
SBF001
Location: 48.7016220092773, -113.667297363281
Siyeh Bend: Climb along the babbling Siyeh Creek into dense, tall forest
SBF002
Location: 48.6916656494141, -113.660713195801
Swing L onto Siyeh Pass Trail; elk migrate here after snowmelt
SBF003
Location: 48.7121353149414, -113.655281066895
Turn R for Siyeh Pass; wildflowers dot giant alpine bowl ahead
SBF004
Location: 48.7181205749512, -113.629188537598
Siyeh Pass; views N of an unnamed lake and Siyeh Peak (10,014 ft.); trail climbs to another windy col with stellar views of the rugged Continental Divide
SBF005
Location: 48.7116622924805, -113.624122619629
Sexton Glacier hangs from Matahpi Peak; turn L to stay on main route down
Side Trip: Turn R and go to the moraine lip to overlook the glacier
SBF006
Location: 48.7107048034668, -113.618270874023
Use caution on loose switchbacks
SBF007
Location: 48.7043991088867, -113.614868164062
Descend through a stand of short, twisted Douglas firs
SBF008
Location: 48.6939315795898, -113.608192443848
Path drops a quick 800 feet
SBF009
Location: 48.6883659362793, -113.609008789062
Cascades roar in Baring Creek
SBF010
Location: 48.682804107666, -113.601303100586
Stay E as creek carves itself into Sunrift Gorge
SBF011
Location: 48.6783599853516, -113.595542907715
Trail ends @ Going-to-the-Sun Rd.; shuttle or hike 4.8 miles back to trailhead
