Gunsight Mountain Summit, Glacier NP

Gunsight Mountain rises above a green valley and reflective lake in Glacier National Park, with snow on the higher ridges and a dense pine forest.

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.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: 48°36′53″N 113°46′06″W
Accessibility: Strenuous, uneven terrain; not wheelchair accessible

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Gunsight Lake, Lake Ellen Wilson, Sperry Glacier, Gunsight Pass Trail
Nearby Facilities: Gunsight Lake Campground; Gunsight Lake Campsite; Sperry Campsite; Gunsight Pass shelter cabin; Lake McDonald Lodge
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.
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.
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.

More details

Park Area: Glacier National Park, Crown of the Continent Ecosystem
Family Friendly Notes: Exposed ridges and backcountry terrain; hold children close; bear safety elements important
Attraction Type: Geological Formation
Elevation Feet: 9263
Distance From Entrance: 19 miles (one-way) via Gunsight Pass Trail
Accessibility Level: Strenuous; not wheelchair-accessible
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).
Parking Availability: Parking limited at Jackson Glacier Overlook and fills early; Glacier shuttle strongly recommended; Lake McDonald Lodge parking can be congested.
Road Type: Paved with pullouts; shuttle recommended for peak season access
Seasonal Access: Going-to-the-Sun Road typically open late June to mid-October
Entry Fees: Included with park entrance fee
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
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
Best Viewpoints: Gunsight Pass Trail viewpoints; Gunsight Lake vantage; Sperry Glacier edge outlook
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
Stargazing Quality: Excellent under clear skies; minimal light pollution in backcountry areas
Sunrise Sunset Quality: Sunset paints the peak in alpenglow; sunrise over Gunsight Lake yields dramatic light that highlights the slopes of the Lewis Range.
Visitor Center Present: 0
Restrooms Available: 1
Restroom Type: Compost toilets
Picnic Areas: 0
Interpretive Signs: 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.
Water Available: 1
Guided Tours Available: 0
Trailheads Here: Gunsight Pass Trailhead
Connecting Trails: Hidden Lake Overlook via Logan Pass; Mount Henkel
Nearby Services: Lake McDonald Lodge; Gunsight Lake Campground; Gunsight Lake Campsite; Sperry Campsite; Gunsight Pass shelter cabin
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
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
Best Visit Times: Shoulder seasons (late June or September) to avoid peak crowds; midweek visits advisable
Best Season: July–September
Weather Patterns: Rapid weather shifts; afternoon thunderstorms; snowfields lingering into shoulder seasons
Peak Fill Times: Parking fills early in peak season; plan for early arrival or use Glacier shuttle; Lake McDonald Lodge area also congested
Busiest Season: July and August
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

Gunsight Mountain rises above a lush valley in Glacier National Park, Montana, United States.

Gunsight Mountain waterfall cascades down rugged cliffs toward a turquoise lake in Glacier National Park.

Gunsight Mountain overlooks a vivid turquoise lake framed by evergreen forests in Glacier National Park.

Gunsight Mountain rises above a rugged Glacier National Park valley with waterfalls and patches of lingering snow under a clear blue sky.

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.