Glacier National Park Tourist Trails facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Glacier National Park Tourist Trails--Inside Trail, South Circle, North Circle
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North Circle Trail at Granite Park Chalet
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 Location in Montana
Location in the United States
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| Location | Inside Trail, South Circle and North Circle Trails, St. Mary, Montana |
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| Built | 1911 |
| Architect | Glacier Park Hotel Co.; NPS Landscape Division |
| MPS | Glacier National Park MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 95001579 |
| Added to NRHP | January 19, 1996 |
The Glacier National Park Tourist Trails are a group of historic paths in Glacier National Park (U.S.). These trails include the Inside Trail, South Circle Trail, and North Circle Trail. They were built between 1910 and 1915 by the Great Northern Railway.
The main goal of these trails was to connect different tourist camps and hotels. Before the Going-to-the-Sun Road was built, these trails were the main way to travel around the park. The trail system also features several bridges.
These three trail systems link important places in the park. They connect ranger stations and visitor centers like Many Glacier, Two Medicine, Cut Bank, Saint Mary, and Goathaunt. Other famous spots along the trails include the Gunsight Pass Shelter, Packer's Roost, Pass Creek Snowshoe Cabin, Granite Park Chalet, and the Ptarmigan Tunnel.
Contents
Exploring the North Circle Trail
The North Circle Trail forms a big loop for hikers. It starts and ends at Many Glacier. Along the way, it passes by Cosley Lake, Goathaunt, and Fifty Mountain.
In the 1920s, there were tent camps at Cosley Lake, Goathaunt, Fifty Mountain, and Red Eagle. These camps gave travelers a place to rest. A special part of the trail goes along the Ptarmigan Wall. This section was carved and blasted right out of the cliffside. It even goes through the Ptarmigan Tunnel. This tunnel helps hikers avoid a very long detour around a mountain ridge.
Starting in 1925, the Park Saddle Horse Company offered multi-day trips on this trail. They would stop at each camp or chalet for the night.
Discovering the South Circle Trail
The South Circle Trail connects several popular locations. It begins at Lake McDonald Lodge and goes to Sperry Chalet. From there, it continues past Gunsight Pass and Sun Point.
The trail then leads to Piegan Pass and Many Glacier. After that, it goes through Swiftcurrent Pass to Granite Park. Finally, it reaches Packer's Roost. The Park Saddle Horse Company also ran five-day tours on this trail.
Journeying the Inside Trail
The Inside Trail connects Two Medicine, Cut Bank, and Red Eagle Lake. It also leads to Saint Mary's Lake.
A unique part of this trail is Triple Divide Pass. At this special spot, water can flow in three different directions. It can drain towards the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, or even the Arctic Ocean.
Important Structures Along the Trails
Several buildings support the trail system. These structures help park staff and visitors.
Packer's Roost West
Packer's Roost West is located where several trails meet. It is close to the Going-to-the-Sun Road. This spot serves as a base camp for pack animals. These animals carry supplies for trips along the trails. They also bring supplies to places like Sperry Chalet and Granite Park Chalet.
Granite Park Trail Cabin
The Granite Park Trail Cabin is a log building. It has a standard design, similar to many other cabins in the park. These cabins provide shelter and support for park operations.
