Two years prior to our stay we went to the Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the Grand Canyon and loved it, so when we heard about the Chalet we signed up (make sure you do it early).
We hiked in from Logan Pass (7+ mile hike). There was still a lot of snow but good boots, hiking poles and common sense made it manageable. Along the way we saw mountain goats marmots and Big horn sheep (from 5 feet away).
The views from the trail are awesome!
We got to the lodge and checked in. The room was pretty simple (3 sets of bunk beds a couple of chairs, a small table and pegs to hang up your backpacks) but right outside the window was a view of Heaven's Peak.
You have to hike about 1/4 mile to get the water and then you have to boil it for your freeze dried meals (here's a tip - the cost of buying the food there is equl to or less than bringing it in yourself so consider doing that instead of packing in your own)
In the lobby area there was a wood burning stove to sit around and dry out boots. There are cards and games and articles about the chalet.
I mentioned to the staff that we heard we might be able to see bears in the valley below us and they immediatedly brought out a big spotting scope. We eventually saw three grizzlies from a good distance away. (We also saw a lot of deer walking around near the chalet.)
The sunset was spectacular and we tried to take as many pictures as we could.
It got a little cold at night so we all slept with our warm clothes on and the blankets that they provided (everyone got two blankets)
The staff was very helpful and friendly.
The Granite Chalet was awesome and worth every penny!
- Granite Park Chalet Hotel
