Gunsight Trail Status

[Jen]

Gunsight Lake to Gunsight Pass/ 3.0 mi.
SNOW HAZARD: 4 steep snowfields within 1 mile of the pass, the largest is 150 ft wide, ice axe recommended. At least 2 gangs of aggressive goats and rock-throwing marmots to dodge. 7/26/14 per 824 Katz
Gunsight Suspension Bridge Installed: 7/1/14 per 650

Bruce is ready to abort the hike due to the rock-throwing marmots and gangs of aggressive goats!

[Selkie]

It seems we are now 2 weeks beyond the date of that advisory, and Glacier has been enjoying hot weather.

Can anyone update with real-time experience?

(I think I'd be worried about the goats too.)

[pitamakan]

I've been waiting for YEARS for the marmots to finally make their move!

[ohioguy]

Gunsight Lake to Gunsight Pass/ 3.0 mi.
SNOW HAZARD: 4 steep snowfields within 1 mile of the pass, the largest is 150 ft wide, ice axe recommended. At least 2 gangs of aggressive goats and rock-throwing marmots to dodge. 7/26/14 per 824 Katz
Gunsight Suspension Bridge Installed: 7/1/14 per 650

Bruce is ready to abort the hike due to the rock-throwing marmots and gangs of aggressive goats!

In permit office on 8/8 overheard ranger prepping hikers on that hike Said should be OK with trekking poles.

[Stmarypete]

We have the cousins of the marmots here in Idaho and they began their organization and attack on our local golf courses several years ago. Fortunately a few brave locals with good aim have deterred their plans. If the Gunsight pass crew begins their attack I can round up some experienced Marmot/Rockchuck wranglers and head up to the park, of course only with the blessing of the NPS.

[Seth]

We hiked Gunsight on August 3rd and crossed the four snowfields. The first one (coming up from Gunsight Lake) was definitely the steepest and scariest. We used yak trax and hiking polls and had no difficulty, although a fall on that one would not have ended well. One of our hiking partners was too nervous, so she climbed up and around the snow field. The other three were much easier. In fact, we went right across two of them and went down and around the third. The views along the way were incredible, lunch with the mountain goats at the top of the pass was very entertaining, and hiking along Lake Ellen Wilson on the other side of the pass was beautiful. Definitely one of our favorite hikes in the park.

[Jen]

Thank you for the firsthand update, Seth. Did any marmots hit you with any Nolan Ryan rocks? Were the Goat Gangs wearing leather jackets and smoking cigarettes?

[Seth]

No, the marmots were too tired to throw rocks, and the goats must have sent their leather jackets out for cleaning

[teapot57]

Someone should encourage the marmots to throw snowballs instead of rocks. That would take care of the snowfield issues!

[July Guy]

Someone should encourage the marmots to throw snowballs instead of rocks. That would take care of the snowfield issues!

LOL, employ the wildlife. I love it.

[Bruce]

I've been waiting for YEARS for the marmots to finally make their move!

Sure, it's all fun and games till someone gets an eye poked out...