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This trail is steep up and steep down, but passes an incredible alpine section with epic views.


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Map Key

5.8

Miles

9.3

KM

Point to Point

7,417' 2,261 m

High

4,678' 1,426 m

Low

2,816' 858 m

Up

1,388' 423 m

Down

14%

Avg Grade (8°)

37%

Max Grade (20°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Bring bear spray.

Description

This trail takes you from the Belly Ranger Station Trail to Slide Lake and the Otatso Creek Trail. The trail starts behind the ranger station by following the orange markers across the corrals or asking the rangers. It then begins its unbelievably steep ascent. You work your way through the trees wondering who made this sadistic trail until you begin breaking out of the trees into the alpine. From here on out, the work was worth it.

As you finally begin to get up on the shoulder of Gable Mountain, more lakes, rivers, and mountains become visible. The peak that truly takes your breath away is Chief Mountain to the northeast which is sacred to the Blackfeet. You continue to gain elevation as you traverse the base of Gable Mountain's cliffs. Pikas are frequently seen here, so be listening for their signature "eeps" from among the boulder fields.

Once at the junction with Lee Ridge, large limestone boulders among alpine flower meadows make for a perfect spot to relax before dropping down to Slide Lake.

Past the junction with Lee Ridge, the trail continues to traverse, getting closer to Gable Pass proper and the ridge that heads out to Chief Mountain. Once at the pass, the trail begins another incredibly steep descent. It passes more incredible pika habitat and levels off for a bit, then continues through trees steeply down to the campsite at Slide Lake.

This content was created by Jake Bramante of Hike 734. Visit hike734.com for more expert Glacier content and maps that help you decide which trail to hike.

Flora & Fauna

Alpine flowers are incredible. Gentian, valerian, white dryas, moss campion, and other dry alpine flowers bloom late into summer. Pikas are the more popular animal, but marmots, squirrels, and bighorn sheep can be seen.

Contacts

Shared By:

Jake Bramante

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 2 votes

#9

in Belly River

#9326

Overall
  4.5 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#9

in Belly River

#238

in Montana

#9,326

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3 Views Last Month
538 Since Sep 2, 2015
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Photos

Looking towards Chief Mountain on the way to Gable Pass
Apr 19, 2016 near Swiftcu…, MT
View from Belly River Ranger Station corrals south towards Cosley Ridge.
Apr 7, 2016 near Swiftcu…, MT
Trip that dropped into the Belly River from Chief Mountain, then up Lee Ridge from the Belly River Ranger Station, then down to Slide Lake, then up Gable Pass and out Lee Ridge.
Apr 19, 2016 near Swiftcu…, MT

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