- Gunsight Lake and Pass Trail offers up to 21 miles of easy to challenging hiking with a 3,000 foot elevation gain.
- Jackson Glacier Trail is a one-way, 1.8 mile fairly easy hike to a meadow at the bottom of the glacier.
- Gunsight Pass is a challenging, 2.9 mile climb of 1680 feet.
Overview
Gunsight Pass and Lake Trail is nearly 21 miles long and offers day hike access and extended backpacking trail options from Jackson Glacier Overlook all the way to Sperry Chalet, Lake McDonald, and Lake Ellen Wilson, featuring an overall 3,000 foot climb in elevation.
Gunsight Lake and Pass
This trail is the starting point for a variety of day hike, extended hike and camping options near Jackson Glacier, Sperry Chalet, and lakes McDonald and Ellen Wilson. Trailhead: Take the shuttle or park at the Jackson Glacier overlook turnout and begin hiking at the southeast end of the parking lot toward Deadwood Falls, St Mary River, and views of St Mary Valley and Jackson Glacier.
- Varies, up to 21 miles long
- The first 1.3 miles of this hike is easy and mostly downhill
Jackson Glacier Trail and Gunsight Pass
To reach this trail from the Gunsight Pass and Lake Trail, hike about 6 miles until you cross St Mary River on a single hiker suspension bridge, where trail splits to either Jackson Glacier Trail or Gunsight Pass. Trailhead: Jackson Glacier Overlook turnout.
- 1.8 miles one-way, fairly easy, on Jackson Glacier Trail to a meadow or 2.9 mile climb to Gunsight Pass with a challenging 1680-foot elevation increase
Notes: Take advantage of shuttle service from Lake McDonald to reach Gunsight Pass Trailhead and be sure to get required backcountry camping permits in advance.
