Feb
6
2013

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Hiking Glacier National Park's "Skyline Experience"

by Tyler

Last summer, my good friend Alex asked if I'd like to join him on his annual adventure in Montana's Glacier National Park. I immediately agreed, and happily consented to hike any trail in the park. He picked something called The Skyline Experience, an unmarked route which I later learned was one of the biggest Glacier has to offer.

I'm sure I was warned of the difficulty beforehand, but as I am wont to do, I couldn't be bothered to worry. The hike was easily the hardest thing I've done since cycling in Laos with Tara, and it was worth every agonizing minute. I've been meaning to journal about it this for ages, but now I don't have to. A few weeks ago, Alex finished editing the video he took of our excursion. Here it is!

Thank you Alex, I can't wait for next year's adventure!

Tyler and Alex at Summit of Mt. Siyeh

Click here to see the photos I took during the trip.

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13 comments

When I first clicked on the video, I thought I didn't have time to watch the full 25 minutes, but I couldn't stop. Wow! What a thrill it must have been! After my experience of climbing a 14er in Colorado, I swore I'd never do it again--and I haven't :). I admire your strength, courage, and spirit of adventure. I wish you the best in your next climb.
Posted by Debbie B on February 12th, 2013 at 8:15 AM
I'm glad you enjoyed the video, it was a thrill indeed! Which 14er did you summit? Do you have any pictures of the climb floating around? I'd love to see them if you do!

You know, I was swearing off this sort of thing for the entire descent, but I guess I have a particularly strong facility for forgetting pain and remembering happiness because I was ready for more the next day :)

I think we're going to do Merritt next year, but it'll be a multi-day excursion. Should be fun!
Posted by Tyler on February 12th, 2013 at 9:04 AM
We climbed Mount Bierstadt, near Denver. I could hardly breathe, let alone take pictures. I might have a couple that I will have to dig for. Your pictures are stunning, by the way.
Posted by Debbie B on February 13th, 2013 at 7:51 AM
Tyler,
It was an honor to have you with, my brother!

"When I first clicked on the video, I thought I didn't have time to watch the full 25 minutes, but I couldn't stop. Wow!"

What a compliment! There's very few things on Youtube that I'd spend 25 minutes with. :) Thanks Debbie!
Posted by Alex Blondeau on February 14th, 2013 at 11:49 AM
What a stunning video and adventure. Way to go!
Posted by Karina on February 24th, 2013 at 6:49 PM
I have been searching for an "ultimate adventure" in GNP to do with two friends this summer, and the video may have sealed the deal. I've watched it 3 times already, and I keep saying to myself, "get away from the edge! What are you guys doing! You're going to die!"...but you didn't die. Now, I want that. - Derek

Great job!
Posted by Derek on February 6th, 2014 at 9:52 PM
"'You're going to die!' ...but you didn't die. Now, I want that."

If my life succeeds in nothing more than inspiring thoughts like this in others, it will be enough. :) Thanks Derek!
Posted by Alex on February 9th, 2014 at 8:19 AM
Thanks for bringing back some great memories. I did Wynn/Siyeh back in 2004 and have fond memories, but few pictures so this was absolutely a perfect gem to find, especially with all the footage! Though I do have a shot of that perfectly round lake that is just on the eastern side of Mt. Wynn and I had to smile when I saw you guys looking at it too! I tried Mt. Merritt later that year, but didn't have any success, we got too late of a start on the second day and turned back at the saddle between Merritt and Natoas so I hope you have/had better luck!
Posted by Sean on January 12th, 2016 at 1:09 PM
Hey! I live there. (I mean here! :) Just outside GNP! We've done that trail lots of times. Isn't it glorious???
Posted by Elizabeth on February 17th, 2017 at 5:00 PM
I was wondering if helmets are essential to this trail or if it is safe enough without it
Posted by Olivia on May 12th, 2017 at 6:38 PM
Hey Olivia,
Helmets are hardly ever essential. That said, I'd recommend one. :)
Posted by Alex on May 12th, 2017 at 6:46 PM
Thanks! I have been to Glacier many times but have kept to the maintained trails and was looking for a more challenging hike so I m excited to go on the Skyline :)
Posted by Olivia on May 12th, 2017 at 7:15 PM
It's a tremendous hike! I'm not sure I would do the west couloir decent from Siyeh again. There's a much easier route that ends up at Siyeh bend. That's the more standard version of the route. At any rate, enjoy!
Posted by Alex on May 12th, 2017 at 9:47 PM
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