I read somewhere a quote from the turn of the 20th century (i.e. early 1900s) that one should have a month to enjoy the park. Not sure who the target market was in the early 1900s but who has the time and money for that? Fortunately, we have faster means of transportation available to us, and we can pretty much get there, move around, and enjoy the park in a fashion that is far different versus the early 1900s.
Most folks will initially experience the park via the Going to the Sun Road. The GTS Road is a long (40-50-60 mile, one loses track) road with a speed limit 25 to 45 miles per hour. It starts at one end of the park, goes way up into the mountainside of a glacier carved valley, over Logan Pass, through more glacier carved valley and then down into the other side of the park.
Often, at the Logan Pass visitor center, there are mountain goats, big horn sheep, bear and tourists. Lots and lots of tourists. Usually, they are surrounding and doing a papparazzi on some hapless creature that wandered too close to the humans. I didn't do the hike this time, but at the visitor center begins a hike to Hidden Lake. Don't miss it. It has to be one of the most beautiful spots in North America.
The GTS Road is a requirement if you want to have a nice overview of what the park has to offer. In my next blog, I will discuss the hike to Cracker Lake. But here are a few photos showing what can be seen on or around the Going to the Sun Road.
The first photo is of Haystack Falls. This was take with a Nikon D3x, 24-70mm lens.
Taken near the Logan Pass visitor's center, Big Horn Sheep, Nikon D3x, 24-70mm lens:
Taken from the GTS Road, this water falls is across the valley, and is about 500 feet high. Taken with a Nikon D3x, with a 200-400mm lens:
Gorgeous photos, as always! Question: just how old IS too old to enjoy the park?
ReplyDeleteYou are never too old! But you do have to be aware of limitations. Some hikes can take 7 or more hours. There is wide temperature variation as well as drastic changes in weather, elevation, wildlife. You must bring plenty of water. Consider strength of ankles, for example. A sprained ankle can be a major problem in the middle of nowhere. Otherwise, you can drive the going to the sun road with little fear. Even from a car, there are a lot of areas that are beautiful and accessible.
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