Gunsight Mountain
Twin-peaked Gunsight Mountain, 9,263 ft; Lewis Overthrust uplift, strenuous Gunsight Pass hike.
Arrive before dawn to secure parking; shuttle reduces parking pressure.
Observe bedding planes and cross-bedding in exposed strata.
Sunset paints the peak in alpenglow; sunrise over Gunsight Lake yields dramatic light that highlights the slopes of the Lewis Range.
Gravity hazards on steep slopes; rapidly shifting temperatures; loose rocks and slick logs near streams; snowfields can conceal cavities; water is very cold an…
Natural Attraction
Gunsight Mountain stands two peaks above Gunsight Lake, with Sperry Glacier gripping the northeast face. Exposed sedimentary strata run in visible layers along the cliff, catching light as you sweep the valley. The peak owes its ascent to the Lewis Overthrust around 170 million years ago, with glaciers finishing the rugged profile.
Getting there & parking
- How To Get There
- Trailhead at Gunsight Lake/Gunsight Pass; park at Jackson Glacier Overlook or Lake McDonald Lodge; prepare for a long, backcountry trek (approx. 19 miles to Gunsight Pass).
- Distance From Entrance
- 19 miles (one-way) via Gunsight Pass Trail
- Road Type
- Paved with pullouts; shuttle recommended for peak season access
- Parking Availability
- Parking limited at Jackson Glacier Overlook and fills early; Glacier shuttle strongly recommended; Lake McDonald Lodge parking can be congested.
- Peak Fill Times
- Parking fills early in peak season; plan for early arrival or use Glacier shuttle; Lake McDonald Lodge area also congested
- GPS Coordinates
- 48°36′53″N 113°46′06″W
When to go
- Best Time To Visit
- July–September offer reliable weather; golden hour lighting is best in the early morning or late afternoon; Going-to-the-Sun Road is typically open from late June to mid-October.
- Best Visit Times
- Shoulder seasons (late June or September) to avoid peak crowds; midweek visits advisable
- Sunrise Sunset Quality
- Sunset paints the peak in alpenglow; sunrise over Gunsight Lake yields dramatic light that highlights the slopes of the Lewis Range.
- Best Season
- July–September
- Busiest Season
- July and August
- Seasonal Access
- Going-to-the-Sun Road typically open late June to mid-October
- Road Opening Dates
- Going-to-the-Sun Road open late June to mid-October
- Snow Lingering
- Snowfields can persist into late summer
- Winter Access
- Limited; backcountry winter access possible with expertise; not recommended for casual hikers
- Weather Patterns
- Rapid weather shifts; afternoon thunderstorms; snowfields lingering into shoulder seasons
What you will experience
- Attraction Type
- Geological Formation
- Main Features
- Twin-peak summit; Sperry Glacier on the NE flank; exposed sedimentary strata; uplift from the Lewis Overthrust
- What Youll See
- Visible sedimentary bedding in cliff faces; Gunsight Lake and Gunsight Pass vistas; distant peaks of the Lewis Range; Sperry Glacier on the northeast face
- Unique Characteristics
- Visible record of the Lewis Overthrust; two-distinctive peaks; part of the Crown of the Continent ecosystem
- Photo Opportunities
- Golden-hour reflections on Gunsight Lake; glacier-blue Sperry Glacier; dramatic stratification on exposed rock faces
- Photography Spots
- Gunsight Lake view, Sperry Glacier face, sunrise over the peaks
- Best Viewpoints
- Gunsight Pass Trail viewpoints; Gunsight Lake vantage; Sperry Glacier edge outlook
- Common Wildlife
- Bears (grizzly and black), mountain goats
- Best Wildlife Times
- Meadows in spring and summer; bears and goats frequent through the warmer months; listen for activity at dawn and dusk
- Geological Formation Type
- Sedimentary strata exposed; thrust-over younger rocks (Lewis Overthrust)
- Scientific Interest
- Visible sedimentary layering documenting tectonic thrust and subsequent glacial shaping; part of Crown of the Continent
- Stargazing Quality
- Excellent under clear skies; minimal light pollution in backcountry areas
Facilities, fees & access
- Entry Fees
- Included with park entrance fee
- Permits Required
- 0
- Restrooms Available
- 1
- Restroom Type
- Compost toilets
- Picnic Areas
- 0
- Water Available
- 1
- Cell Service
- Cell service is unreliable in the Gunsight Pass area; expect no signal through most of the backcountry, with limited reception near the Going-to-the-Sun Road trailhead.
- Interpretive Signs
- 1
- Accessibility
- Strenuous, uneven terrain; not wheelchair accessible
- Accessibility Level
- Strenuous; not wheelchair-accessible
- Nearby Services
- Lake McDonald Lodge; Gunsight Lake Campground; Gunsight Lake Campsite; Sperry Campsite; Gunsight Pass shelter cabin
- Nearby Facilities
- Gunsight Lake Campground; Gunsight Lake Campsite; Sperry Campsite; Gunsight Pass shelter cabin; Lake McDonald Lodge
- Family Friendly Notes
- Exposed ridges and backcountry terrain; hold children close; bear safety elements important
Safety
- Safety Considerations
- Gravity hazards on steep slopes; rapidly shifting temperatures; loose rocks and slick logs near streams; snowfields can conceal cavities; water is very cold and currents can be swift; bear spray mandatory; stay on trails and behind barriers; crampons may be needed for lingering snow; carry extra layers and emergency gear
Nearby
- Nearby Attractions
- Gunsight Lake, Lake Ellen Wilson, Sperry Glacier, Gunsight Pass Trail
- Connecting Trails
- Hidden Lake Overlook via Logan Pass; Mount Henkel
- Trailheads Here
- Gunsight Pass Trailhead
Planning advice
- Insider Tips
- Arrive before dawn to secure parking; shuttle reduces parking pressure.
- Observe bedding planes and cross-bedding in exposed strata.
- Plan a multi-day trek if backpacking; weather can derail plans quickly.
- Bring bear spray and alert others to your presence in meadows.
- Tips Advice
- Begin early to beat parking squeeze; park at Jackson Glacier Overlook or Lake McDonald Lodge and use the Glacier shuttle.
- Stay on designated trails; open cliff edges and loose rock demand vigilance.
- Bear spray, extra layers, water, and emergency gear are essential; crampons may be required for lingering snowfields.
- Weather can swing rapidly; plan for backcountry conditions and carry for several days if backpacking.
More details
- Park Area
- Glacier National Park, Crown of the Continent Ecosystem
- Elevation Feet
- 9263
- Visitor Center Present
- 0
- Guided Tours Available
- 0
- Fishing Nearby
- 0
- Swimming Allowed
- 0
- Boating Allowed
- 0
- Climbing Areas
- 0
- Review Summary
- 4.6 stars from 9 reviews; visitors note dramatic summit and glacier proximity; backcountry approach requires preparation and parking diligence.
Location
Photos
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need to arrive before 7am to get parking?
Yes. Parking at Jackson Glacier Overlook is limited and fills early during peak season; use the Glacier shuttle or park at Lake McDonald Lodge and ride in to reduce risk of running out of space.
Is it worth the 19-mile hike just to see a lake?
Yes. The Gunsight Pass Trail delivers expansive views of Gunsight Lake, Gunsight Pass, and surrounding peaks, with Sperry Glacier visible on the northeast flank; the trek is long but the scenery is a strong return on effort.
Will my 65-year-old mother be able to walk to the viewpoint?
Not likely. The route is strenuous with steep sections and uneven terrain; consider an alternative viewpoint such as Hidden Lake Overlook or Mount Henkel from accessible approaches.
Is winter access possible to Gunsight Mountain?
Winter access is limited and conditions are hazardous; only experienced backcountry travelers should proceed, and plans should include avalanche awareness and proper gear.
Is the water actually blue, or is that just in photos?
Water color here reflects glacial sediment and mineral content; expect glacier-fed hues in certain reflections, but lighting and weather modulate the appearance.
More at Glacier National Park
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Pyramid Peak
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Grace Lake
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Rising Sun Picnic Area
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Two Medicine Picnic Area
Huckleberry Shake owns the menu; pancakes arrive in colossal portions.
Monument Falls
215 ft waterfall fed by glacial meltwater; view from Avalanche Lake shore.
Sources
- wikipedia.org
- aroundus.com
- kiddle.co
- peakvisor.com
- enjoyyourparks.com
- glacier-national-park-travel-guide.com
- reddit.com
- tripbucket.com
- youtube.com
- thebigoutside.com
- backpackers-review.com
- roamingbearmedia.com
- glacier.org
- nps.gov
- hikingwalking.com
- nationalparkschat.com
- nationalparkstraveler.org
- npshistory.com
- lonelyplanet.com
- opengeology.org
- hikinginglacier.com
- Google Reviews
- YourNPGuide Editorial
Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.
Last updated December 2025. Report an issue.