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Granite Park Chalet – reviews, photos

Box 535, West Glacier, MT 59936
Hotel amenities
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16 reviews from our community

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Shelby Township, MI
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
“Worth every penny”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 December 2010
5
people found this review helpful

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!

  • Stayed July 2010, travelled with family
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask jribbing about Granite Park Chalet
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Frisco, CO
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
“Amazing Experience - Go!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 September 2010
3
people found this review helpful

This backcountry hut was amazing. We stayed for two nights and definitely recommend that - you need some time to savor the experience and chill, and (if the weather is good!) you can do hikes on the day in between. The location is breath-taking and you could stare at the views all day long. We hiked in on the Highline Trail which was absolutely wonderful, and did the extra spur up to the Grinnell Glacier overlook on the way in as well. Unfortunately we had very cold and cloudy weather once we got to the hut, so we did not do any hikes on our middle day but if the weather had been better we would have done the Swiftcurrent Lookout. We ended up hiking back on the Highline Trail to our car which was parked at Logan Pass, since none of the shuttles were running anymore (be aware the the shuttles stop after Labor Day!) We could have hitched a ride and found our way back to Logan Pass after hiking out via Swiftcurrent Pass but opted to go back to Logan because everything was clouded in anyway.

The staff was very warm, friendly and helpful. Compared to the huts we have visited in Colorado, this one seemed luxurious with someone cleaning and providing boiled water, packing out the trash and snacks for sale! We had a room in the main building upstairs, with four bunks but we had it to ourselves. We brought our own dehydrated food which was super easy, especially since we didn't even need to boil the water!

Tips: We brought our sleeping bags which from talking to other guests seemed to be the way to go since the provided blankets were not as warm. Be bear-aware, they are everywhere and we felt that having bear spray made us feel better (in addition to making noise, etc), but luckily we only saw them from a safe distance. Book in advance - this hut books out almost a year ahead of time, and while we did talk to people who were there on last-minute cancellations, if you want to go at a certain time you'll probably be safest booking ahead of time. Be prepared for any type of weather, anytime!

  • Stayed September 2010, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask brcornerstone about Granite Park Chalet
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Cherry Hill NJ
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
“A " wow" experience”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2010
4
people found this review helpful

Not luxury, but definitely everything I expected and more.
The pictures do not lie-- and they frankly understate the 360 degrees of this gem of a park that greets you when look out of your room.
The staff is very helpful- especially when it comes to organizing the meals and water runs.

My fourteen year old son and I hiked in from Logan and it is a decent hike for those not used to the elevation of 6500 feet or carrying a pack 8 miles. It is such an outstanding hike you want to enjoy the experience- so prepare the weeks before your trip if your not used to that long a hike with a pack.

One other recommendation- we booked our stay to include an interpretive geology workshop that is organized by the Chalet with Jeff Kuhn. Jeff and his wife led our small group on two field trips/ day hikes. Jeff's deep understanding of the geology of the park was only surpassed by his incredible knowledge and love for all aspects of Glacier National Park. If you see any space available on any of his workshops- book it fast then plan the rest of your trip. You will not regret it.

One other surprise-- as you might expect ( and hope) cell service in the park is zero to spotty at best. Yet the best reception I got in Glacier was at the Granite Park Chalet- but only verizon comes in per the staff.

  • Stayed August 2009, travelled with family
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask JJCinNJ about Granite Park Chalet
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Rancho Cucamonga
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
27 helpful votes 27 helpful votes
“LOVED IT!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 November 2009
4
people found this review helpful

My husband, girlfriend & I stayed one night at Granite Chalet and I wished that I had reserved another night as well. Granite was such a fun place to stay. We had an upper room with a little balcony on the end of the building with a view to die for and three sets of bunk beds (don't ask me why). There are no real amenities so bring a little lantern, some wine and something to amuse you self with, i.e. a book, iPod, cards, etc. It was a real hoot trying to make dinner amongst everyone who had gathered in the kitchen at the same time. Even though there was an assigned dinner making schedule, the kitchen wound up being the gathering spot for everyone. It was really funny and we couldn't have enjoyed ourselves more then what we did. We also stayed at Sperry Chalet which we really loved; but the real difference between the two chalets was that the atmosphere is more relaxed at Granite Chalet. However, if you can stay at both places you will love them both! We hiked in on the Highline Trail and hiked down the Swift Current Trail to our cabin at the Swift Current Inn.

  • Stayed July 2009, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask 1laughlin about Granite Park Chalet
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Springfield, Missouri
Senior Contributor
37 reviews 37 reviews
Reviews in 32 cities Reviews in 32 cities
41 helpful votes 41 helpful votes
“They call it 'A View with a Room' for a reason!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 August 2009
2
people found this review helpful

We stayed at Granite Park Chalet for two nights, starting August 7, 2009.

I’ll start with the room. We were given a room for two in the "bunk house" annex out back of the Chalet. The room was literally 9' by 12', with bunked beds, a small night stand, and a director’s chair. The room was clean. As previous people have written, you can hear the conversations of the people in the rooms next to you. You can also hear each time you or someone near you turns over in the bed at night. In some places, you can even see light coming through from the adjoining room – although I could no see where one could see into the adjoining room. Also, nights can be cool (or down right cold). There is no electricity and no running water. There are pit toilets within walking distance. So - if you want modern conveniences and facilities - you will be seriously disappointed!

We knew this going in and expected such. This was one of the greatest experiences I have every had. The views were AMAZING!!! We hiked in the Highline Trail - about 7 miles. There was some climbing, but overall this trail is level. There were several other hikers - which is comforting in bear country. The staff (mostly college age people) were great. They would answer questions, and at 8pm each night we were there, there was hot beverages and history/stories/Q&A of the region. These young people knew their stuff! There was also a Park ranger stationed there who would address questions.

Meals can be packed in, or purchased at the Chalet. Looking back, I would have packed in more (such as salad, some bread, peanut butter) but we were pleased with the selection of items. The items there can be pricey - but they have to be packed back twice a week by mule.

Again, the scenery was breath-taking. Also, be ready for wildlife. I opened the door to leave our room and there was a buck deer standing there eating. He paused long enough to let me get one photo. They were around each evening. Various other wildlife are seen in the area.

I recommend staying a couple of nights, as we took our second day to hike in the area - up to Grinnell Glacier Overlook. The third day we hiked out the Swiftcurrent Pass Trail to Many Glacier. Again - AMAZING scenery! However, one night is sufficient and a needed break if you are taking a couple of long trails.

If you really want to see a side of the park not all see - and are up to work a bit (and I am in average shape at best), this is a trip worth making. It is a View with a Room!

  • Stayed August 2009, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Doug-62 about Granite Park Chalet
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

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Additional Information about Granite Park Chalet

  • Granite Park Chalet Hotel
Address: Box 535, West Glacier, MT 59936
Price range (per night):* INR4,194

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