Sperry Chalet was built in 1913 by James J. and son Louis Hill of the Great Northern Railway, the prime developer of Glacier National Park. Listed as an Historic Landmark, these rustic buildings, built of native rock, have survived their rugged environment relatively unchanged for over 90 years.
Opened in 1914 the main buildings consist of a two story hotel building and a kitchen/dining room building. A maintenance building and a new restroom building are located between hotel and dining room buildings. Other than a modernized kitchen and the new composting restroom facility, the interiors and exteriors are much as they were built.
The private guest rooms are without lights, heat or water. Flashlights are used at night as no candles or fueled lights are allowed. The dining room has a wood stove and propane lights for your comfort.
What To Bring
While a toothbrush and a smile are all you’ll probably need for an overnight stay, you should come prepared.
Suggested items for your backpack:
- Full water bottle (Bring two on hot days.)
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- First aid supplies (Especially for blisters.)
- Food and snacks
- Flashlight
- Warm clothing for wind & cold, rainy weather
- Comfortable hiking shoes with extra socks
What to Expect
The weather in Glacier is temperate and unpredictable. Temperatures in July and August vary from 29 to 80 degrees F at chalet elevations (6500 feet). The evenings are usually cool and the buildings are not heated, so you’ll need something warm for evenings and mornings. Always bring your rain gear in the event of sudden thunderstorms and rain squalls.
Meals are informal, table d'hote; dinner is served from 6 to 7 p.m., breakfast served from 7 to 8:30 a.m. A trail lunch is provided or a chalet ala-carte lunch.
Ala carte lunch service is available to all in the dining room from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Breakfast and dinner are available separately with advance notice.
No alcoholic beverages are allowed in the dining room.
Overnight accommodations are on the full American plan only (includes 3 meals), and reservations are required.
The guest rooms are private, but not modern, no electricity, heat or running water. Linens, blankets, towels, etc. are provided. The restroom facility is outside, with sinks for washing up (no baths or hot water). Flashlights are recommended for night use. No candles or fueled lights are allowed in the rooms. The dining room has propane lights installed for evening use. (It's 400 feet between diningroom and hotel.)
Check-in time is when you get there (hopefully by 6 p.m. for dinner), check-out time is 10 a.m.
Pack-it-in, Pack-it-out garbage policy.
Whatever you pack in, you're expected to pack out with you, as we do.
Sleeping bag accommodations are not available at Sperry Chalet. A National Park Service campground is available in the Sperry area for those who wish to backpack and camp out. For information on backcountry camping permits in Glacier, see Glacier National Park's Backcountry Camping Guide.
