Matahpi Peak, 9,370 ft — Lewis Range, Glacier National Park (MT)

+2 more

Type

Geological Formation

Accessibility

Rugged, steep hike; not wheelchair accessible

Best Season

Summer

Busiest Season

Summer

Features

Cirque-formed peak on coarse-grained granite; evidence of Lewis Overthrust tectonics; alpine cirque and dramatic cliff faces

Elevation

9,370 ft

Overview

About This Attraction

Matahpi Peak crowns Glacier NP with a jagged granite silhouette, its eastern walls dropping 2,000–3,000 ft into the valley. Sunrise light throws color across the summit as you approach from Siyeh Bend toward the saddle west of Piegan Pass. The forcing sequence is tectonic uplift followed by powerful glacial carving that sculpted this cirque-embossed sentinel.

Quick Facts

Type

Geological Formation

Elevation

9,370 ft

Access

Rugged, steep hike; not wheelchair accessible

Main Features

Cirque-formed peak on coarse-grained granite; evidence of Lewis Overthrust tectonics; alpine cirque and dramatic cliff faces

What You'll See

Expansive alpine vistas, jagged summit, scree fields, distant glaciers, and the interplay of Precambrian and Cretaceous rocks

What Makes It Special

Ancient Precambrian rock perched above younger strata due to Lewis Overthrust; ripple marks in the sedimentary record; diorite sill altering limestone toward marble

Best Time to Visit

Going-to-the-Sun Road is typically open from late June through mid-October; sunrise and sunset illuminate Matahpi’s alpine profile, with the best light in the early morning or late evening.

Safety Considerations

Gravity hazards on steep slopes, loose rock and scree; hypothermia risk at elevation; bears present; no safety barriers on cliff edges; avalanche risk on north-facing slopes; carry bear spray; traction devices recommended; good footing and group travel advised

Visitor Tips

Arrive before 7 am to mitigate parking bottlenecks at Logan Pass; use the park shuttle when possible.
The final ascent is rugged—wear solid boots and bring traction devices for snow/ice.
Carry bear spray, hike in groups, and make noise to deter wildlife.
Weather changes rapidly at altitude—pack layers and extra water.

Details

Location & Features

Type: Geological Formation

Elevation: 9,370 ft

Distance from Entrance: Varies; approach via Piegan Pass trail from Siyeh Bend; Logan Pass parking often fills by late morning in summer

GPS: 48°42′24″N 113°38′21″W

What Makes It Unique:

Ancient Precambrian rock perched above younger strata due to Lewis Overthrust; ripple marks in the sedimentary record; diorite sill altering limestone toward marble

Water Feature Details

Height: Not available

Size: Not available

Flow/Best Viewing: Not available

Fish Species: Not available

Geology

Formation Type: Cirque; Lewis Overthrust–associated granite; diorite sill interactions; marble formation

Scientific Interest:

Visible juxtaposition of Precambrian granitic bedrock with younger rocks via Lewis Overthrust; ripple marks indicating ancient shallow seas; diorite sill-induced marble formation

Getting There

Directions:

Access via Piegan Pass trail from Siyeh Bend; use Logan Pass as a staging area; park shuttle recommended; follow designated trail toward the saddle west of Siyeh Pass, then descend toward Matahpi Peak’s summit.

Access Type: Rugged, steep hike; not wheelchair accessible

Road: Paved main routes (Going-to-the-Sun Road) with rugged trail approaches

Seasonal Access: Snow can linger into shoulder seasons; Going-to-the-Sun Road typically opens in late June and closes seasonally in fall

Parking: Parking at the main trailheads is extremely limited. Logan Pass parking fills by late morning in summer. Plan to arrive before 7:00 am or use the park shuttle. If you arrive later, the Siyeh Bend pullout provides a nearby place to pause and take in the scenery before starting the hike.

Entry Fees: Varies; park entrance fees apply

Trails

Trailheads Here:

Logan Pass area, Siyeh Bend; final ascent from a saddle west of Siyeh Pass; Piegan Pass trail connection

Connecting Trails:

Piegan Pass from Siyeh Bend; Siyeh Pass; Logan Pass area trails

Photography & Viewing

Best Viewpoints:

From the summit or the Pi egan Pass approach; Siyeh Bend for Matahpi glimpses

Photo Opportunities:

Alpenglow on jagged silhouette at sunrise/sunset; scree-field perspectives; panoramic views toward Going-to-the-Sun Road

Best Photo Spots:

Summit vantage, approach scree fields, Siyeh Bend overlook, sunrise/sunset silhouettes

Sunrise/Sunset: High alpenglow potential on clear mornings and evenings

Stargazing: Dark skies with low light pollution when conditions clear

Facilities

Visitor Center
Restrooms (Flush)
Potable Water
Interpretive Signs

Cell Service: Generally unreliable in remote high-elevation areas

Wildlife & Nature

Common Wildlife:

Mountain goats, bears (grizzly and black), pikas, white-tailed ptarmigans

Best Wildlife Viewing: Dawn and dusk for wildlife activity

Wildflower Peak: Not available

Fall Colors Peak: Not available

Seasonal Information

Best Season: Summer

Best Times: Early morning or late afternoon for light; avoid midday haze and fog

Road Opens: Going-to-the-Sun Road typically opens in late June; seasonal closures common in fall

Busiest: Summer

Parking Fills: Logan Pass parking bottlenecks in summer; peak use months are June–August

Snow Until: Snow may persist into shoulder seasons; plan for cold mornings

Winter Access: Not accessible in winter; snowpack heavy; seasonal closure

Weather:

Afternoon thunderstorms possible; rapidly changing mountain weather; snow lingering into shoulder seasons

Activities

Nearby

Nearby Attractions:

Piegan Pass trail, Siyeh Bend, Logan Pass viewpoints, Going-to-the-Sun Road vistas

Nearby Services:

Logan Pass Visitor Center restrooms; developed areas with potable water; interpretive signs nearby

Insider Tips

Hit the Siyeh Bend pullout for Matahpi glimpses before the steep climb.
The saddle west of Siyeh Pass is a classic approach; scree can be loose—test each step.
If parking is full, shuttle saves time and fatigue.

Visitor Information

Accessibility:

Rugged, steep terrain; not wheelchair accessible

Family Friendly:

The terrain is exposed and steep with loose scree. This route is not suitable for very young children. Maintain firm footing, supervise children closely, and hold hands on unstable sections.

Nearby Facilities:

Trailheads with restrooms and water access; Logan Pass Visitor Center facilities nearby

Reviews

★★★★☆

4.7 /5

Based on 3 Google reviews

Based on 3 guest reviews

" Visitors report dramatic alpine views and significant geological interest, balanced by the demanding ascent and parking constraints. The peak rewards experienced hikers with expansive vistas and a close look at ancient rock records."

Reviews from Google

Hiking was great on matahapi

Always the Matahpi, never the Going-to-the-Sun 😩

FAQs

Do I really need to arrive before 7am to get parking?

Yes. Logan Pass parking fills quickly in summer; arriving before 7 am improves your odds, and the park shuttle is a reliable alternative.

Is the hike to Matahpi Peak worth the effort?

Can I bring my dog to Matahpi Peak trail?

Is it accessible for someone with limited mobility?

Is the water actually blue, or is that just in photos?

📖 kiddle.co 📖 peakvisor.com 📖 wikipedia.org 📖 nps.gov 📖 countrywalkers.com 📖 enjoyyourparks.com 📖 hike734.com 📖 anugara.net 📖 reddit.com 📖 glacierguides.com 📖 adventureswithgoatboy.com 📖 glacier.org 📖 npshistory.com 📖 glacierhikesandbikes.com 📖 readingismysuperpower.org 📖 bchmt.org 📖 opengeology.org 📖 usgs.gov 📖 wanderlog.com ⭐ Google Reviews 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

Matahpi Peak

Type

Accessibility

Best Season

Busiest Season

Features

Elevation

Overview

About This Attraction

Quick Facts

Main Features

What You'll See

What Makes It Special

Best Time to Visit

Safety Considerations

Visitor Tips

Details

Location & Features

Water Feature Details

Geology

Getting There

Trails

Photography & Viewing

Facilities

Wildlife & Nature

Seasonal Information

Activities

Nearby

Insider Tips

Visitor Information

Location

Address & Directions

Proximity

Reviews

The YNPG Verdict

Reviews from Google

FAQs

Matahpi Peak

Type

Accessibility

Best Season

Busiest Season

Features

Elevation

Overview

About This Attraction

Quick Facts

Main Features

What You'll See

What Makes It Special

Best Time to Visit

Safety Considerations

Visitor Tips

Vulture Peak

Elk Mountain

Glacier Peak

Numa Peak

Pyramid Peak

Grace Lake

Counter Assault Bear Spray Review: 44-Foot Range

Comfort Deluxe Self Inflating Sleeping Pad: R-7.7 Warmth

ASOLO Hike Boots Review: Pre-Broken-In Vibram Outsoles

Camelbak Palisade 32 Review: Best Day Pack for Slot Canyons