Sperry Glacier, Alpine glacier in Glacier National Park, Montana
Sperry Glacier sits on the northern slopes of Gunsight Mountain, displaying steep ice formations with multiple streams of meltwater flowing downward. These flows feed into surrounding valleys and shape the high-altitude landscape of this region.
The glacier received its name in 1895 after Professor Lyman B. Sperry led an expedition to map this mountain region. His work marked the beginning of systematic documentation of the area.
The glacier serves as a natural laboratory where visitors witness climate shifts written into ice and stone. Those who make the journey observe firsthand how environmental changes reshape the landscape over time.
You reach the glacier via a 7-mile round trip hike starting from Sperry Chalet, climbing through rocky terrain and snow patches. The trail is strenuous, so proper footwear and acclimatization to elevation change are essential.
The meltwater carries finely ground rock particles that give it a milky blue hue. This color comes from the constant grinding of ice against stone, and it remains visible in lakes downstream.
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