Mount Siyeh: 10,019-foot Peak in Glacier National Park

+2 more

Type

Geological Formation

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible; scrambling terrain

Best Season

July–October

Busiest Season

July–August

Features

360-degree summit views; 4,000+ ft north face drop to Cracker Lake; Purcell Sill intrusion (diorite) within Siyeh Limestone; Belt Supergroup sedimentary rocks; seven stromatolites preserved in the formation

Elevation

10,019 ft

Overview

About This Attraction

Snow-dusted summit looms above Cracker Lake, with a knife-edge skyline and a 360-degree panorama. The north face drops more than 4,000 feet into steep talus and scree, while the ridge line shows classic glacially carved geometry. This profile results from tectonic uplift along the Lewis Overthrust, sharpened by Pleistocene glaciers, with the Purcell Sill intrusion cutting through the Siyeh Limestone.

Quick Facts

Type

Geological Formation

Elevation

10,019 ft

Access

Not wheelchair accessible; scrambling terrain

Main Features

What You'll See

Siyeh Formation rock exposures of limestone and argillite; rugged ridges and a prominent north face; Cracker Lake valley below; Purcell Sill cross-section within the rock layers

What Makes It Special

Best-exposed Belt Supergroup sedimentary rocks in Glacier NP; visible Purcell Sill cross-section; seven stromatolites in the Siyeh Formation; Middle Proterozoic rocks ~1.1–1.5 Ga

Best Time to Visit

July–October is the snow-free window for Glacier National Park roads. Early summer can still bring snow to Siyeh Pass, delaying access. Alpenglow at sunset highlights the rock formations, while morning light reveals alpine meadows and wildflowers. Avoid midday due to harsh light, and wind near the summit can be strong. In peak season, parking at Siyeh Bend Trailhead fills quickly and trails can be crowded.

Safety Considerations

Gravity hazard on steep slopes; weather changes can bring hypothermia risk; bears frequent Preston Park and surrounding zones; snowfields can conceal crevasses; no safety barriers on trails; bear spray and layers of clothing required; helmets recommended on scree slopes

Visitor Tips

Arrive before 7am to beat parking at Siyeh Bend
Prepare for scrambling: helmet recommended on scree slopes
Bear spray required; make noise on trail to avoid surprising wildlife
Download offline maps; cell service is limited at high elevations

Details

Location & Features

Type: Geological Formation

Elevation: 10,019 ft

Distance from Entrance: Skyline Experience ≈ 5.5 miles one-way; Siyeh Pass Trail ≈ 9.4 miles round-trip; other routes up to ≈ 8.9 miles round-trip

GPS: 48°43′45″N 113°38′59″W

What Makes It Unique:

Best-exposed Belt Supergroup sedimentary rocks in Glacier NP; visible Purcell Sill cross-section; seven stromatolites in the Siyeh Formation; Middle Proterozoic rocks ~1.1–1.5 Ga

Water Feature Details

Height: Not available

Size: Cracker Lake nearby; surface area not specified

Flow/Best Viewing: Not available

Fish Species: Not available

Geology

Formation Type: Cirque

Scientific Interest:

Visible Belt Supergroup sedimentary rocks; seven stromatolites; Purcell Sill cross-section; Middle Proterozoic rocks (~1.1–1.5 Ga)

Getting There

Directions:

From the Many Glacier area, start at Preston Park to Siyeh Bend, or take Piegan Pass from Cataract Mountain; Skyline Experience begins at the Many Glacier Hotel.

Access Type: Not wheelchair accessible; scrambling terrain

Road: Paved to park areas; interior park roads vary

Seasonal Access: Open in snow-free months; July–October; snow can linger near Siyeh Pass into late July/August

Parking: Siyeh Bend trailhead lot fills during peak season; arrive early

Entry Fees: Included with park entrance fee

Trails

Trailheads Here:

Siyeh Bend trailhead; Preston Park; Siyeh Pass Trail; Skyline Experience start at Many Glacier Hotel

Connecting Trails:

Siyeh Pass Trail; Piegan Pass via Cataract Mountain; Skyline Experience from Many Glacier Hotel

Photography & Viewing

Best Viewpoints:

Summit vantage along Skyline ridge; viewpoints near Preston Park meadows; Cracker Lake overlook on compatible routes

Photo Opportunities:

Sunrise alpenglow on Skyline Ridge; dramatic rock faces with Cracker Lake reflections; close-ups of Purcell Sill within layered rocks

Best Photo Spots:

Summit approaches and ridgelines; Cracker Lake basin reflections; Purcell Sill cross-sections in exposed rock

Sunrise/Sunset: Alpenglow potential along Skyline Ridge at sunrise and sunset

Stargazing: Excellent under dark skies in the Many Glacier area

Facilities

Interpretive Signs

Cell Service: Limited or nonexistent at high elevations

Wildlife & Nature

Common Wildlife:

Grizzly bears, black bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, marmots, pikas, deer, and numerous bird species

Best Wildlife Viewing: Open meadows near Preston Park for bear activity; goats on rocky cliffs at high elevations; keep distance and make noise to avoid surprises

Wildflower Peak: Not documented

Fall Colors Peak: Not documented

Seasonal Information

Best Season: July–October

Best Times: Early morning and late afternoon; July–October window avoids deep winter closures

Road Opens: Typically late spring to fall; snow-free by July; check park alerts for closures

Busiest: July–August

Parking Fills: July–August

Snow Until: Snow can linger near Siyeh Pass into late July or early August

Winter Access: Limited

Weather:

Afternoon thunderstorms possible; rapid wind shifts; cold and wind at elevation

Activities

Rock Climbing

Nearby

Nearby Attractions:

Cracker Lake, Siyeh Pass, Piegan Pass, Many Glacier Hotel, Skyline Ridge

Nearby Services:

Logan Pass visitor center; Many Glacier Hotel; Preston Park area; park ranger stations

Insider Tips

The Skyline Experience rewards with big views—start early for calmer conditions
Dress in layers and bring wind hat and rain shell
Bear spray is essential; store food properly
Offline maps are a must; cell service is unreliable on the ridge

Visitor Information

Accessibility:

Not wheelchair accessible; scrambling terrain

Family Friendly:

Exposed cliffs and scrambling terrain—hold hands; watch for bears and weather changes

Nearby Facilities:

Logan Pass, visitor centers, Preston Park area, Many Glacier Hotel

Reviews

★★★★☆

4.5 /5

Based on 8 Google reviews

Based on 8 guest reviews

" Hikers praise the geology and panoramic summit, acknowledging the hike is strenuous and weather can shift quickly. The combination of tectonic uplift, glacial sculpting, and exposed rock makes Mount Siyeh a prime classroom for deep-time geology."

Reviews from Google

AWESOME! Favorite views in the State!! This us not a "hike" with a "trail". You have to "climb", rock scramble lever 2-4 depending on your route. You should have some type of experience. You also gain 3000' in the last 1.5 miles to give you an idea of how steep it is. Check out all trails app for route info

This. This is a nice mountain. It is one of Glacier National Park's six mountains that stand above 10,000' in elevation. A nice walk with bears. 11/10!

Absolutely a MUST climb for anybody wishing to spend time in Glacier Park! This is a steep, tough hike for quite a while, but once at the top, one is rewarded by looking over the largest vertical drop in the lower 48 down into Cracker Lake 4,104 feet below. Being the fifth highest mountain in the park, and one of Glacier's six 10,000 footers, Mount Siyeh affords views of practically everything. To the west, the east face of Mount Gould can be seen from a close vantage point. Watch for bears, though, as grizzlies are notorious for turning over rocks on the summit, looking for a tasty species of moth that only lives at extreme altitudes.

Showing 3 of 8 reviews

FAQs

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

Yes—the Siyeh Bend lot fills quickly in peak season; plan to arrive well before 7am or use any available overflow spots.

Is it worth the 9.4-mile round trip to Siyeh Pass?

Can I bring my dog on the Mount Siyeh trails?

Will I have cell service on the ridge?

Is the summit route physically possible for an average hiker?

📖 wikipedia.org 📖 nps.gov 📖 hike734.com 📖 npshistory.com 📖 sylviasomewhere.com 📖 usgs.gov 📖 hikinginglacier.com 📖 glacier-national-park-travel-guide.com 📖 glacierguides.com 📖 youtube.com 📖 npca.org 📖 reddit.com 📖 bobspirko.ca 📖 hikingwithpar.com 📖 glacier.org 📖 glacierparkcollection.com 📖 glacierhikesandbikes.com 📖 gossamergear.com 📖 wanderlog.com ⭐ Google Reviews 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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

Mount Siyeh

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

Mount Siyeh

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

📚 Explore 2 Articles About Mount Siyeh