Glacier National Park (Montana) Backpacking - July 2022
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- Опубликовано: 3 авг 2022
- #glaciernationalpark #glacier #davidgray
View and purchase my photos at: davidcgray.smugmug.com/
For my 5th trip of the 2022 season, I returned to majestic Glacier National Park to do a hike in the Belly River area with Carl, Justin, and Travis.
This was my fourth backpacking trip in Glacier and the earliest time of the year that I had ever hiked there. It turns out that 2022 was a heavy snow year for Glacier, and the Park had a 'barely open' feel to it. The Going to the Sun Road was still closed, as was the Ptarmigan Tunnel. Many campsites and passes were effectively closed (in 'winter conditions') due to lingering deep snow. Fortunately, the Belly River area in the northeast corner of Glacier was one of the areas of Glacier that was 'open for business'. Aside from snow in the Poia Lake campground which closed one of the four campsites, the only snow 'sketchiness' we encountered was on the climb to Red Gap Pass.
Thanks to Travis's efforts we were able to secure reservations at both the Lake McDonald Lodge and the Many Glacier Hotel. This was my first experience staying in iconic National Park lodges but I'm certainly hopeful it won't be the last. Those two special nights will be etched in my memory every bit as much as the hiking.
We started the hike at the Poia Lake Trailhead, about a mile east of the Many Glacier Hotel. The original plan was to do a 4-day 30-mile hike with stays at Poia Lake, Elizabeth Lake, and Glenn Lake, but it ended up being a 3-day hike - bypassing the night at Glenn Lake (as well as the 10-mile out-and-back additional hiking away from our main route). You won't see it in the video but we ended up spending that extra night at the Many Glacier Hotel, a special evening that capped off the trip perfectly.
I don't know that I would recommend planning a hike in Glacier any time before mid to late July, but we had no choice in timing since early July is the latest Travis can plan trips due to his job in the NFL. It may have had an 'early season' feel to it, but Glacier is a magical place whenever you get the opportunity to experience it. I've tried to get a permit to do a hike in Glacier every year since my last trip there in 2018, but my luck with permit lotteries is abysmal. I'll keep trying and my hope is that there are many more Glacier hikes in my future.
For those who have watched my other videos this one is done in the same style - an hour in length, intended to bring the audience along for the 'ride', and with a still picture slide show with music at the end. If you just have a few minutes skip to the end and enjoy the pictures.
Equipment / Gear List:
Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 amzn.to/3Q3Gsco
Lens: Nikkor 20mm f1.8 Z-mount lens amzn.to/3znpOP7
Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens amzn.to/2QZqNOo
Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod amzn.to/3bH3Rvg
Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system amzn.to/2wRdusp
Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 amzn.to/2X5dKyu
Pack: Zpacks Arc Blast 55L
Tent: Zpacks Triplex
Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm amzn.to/2yjrUlj
Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite amzn.to/39zju6v
Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL amzn.to/2WYE5hZ
Stove: JetBoil Flash amzn.to/3azKRi7
Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 amzn.to/3dPtOL5
Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle amzn.to/3bF1RDB
Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot amzn.to/2R0JvoW
Buff: Merino wool Buff amzn.to/3dCYHSC
Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger amzn.to/2URI7G3
Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero amzn.to/2xzbwgh
Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek amzn.to/3bA3X7I
Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes amzn.to/2JwbQ2e
You never fail to amaze me Dad!! This is such an incredibly well done video. (As always). But seriously, I am so proud of you and the amazing talent you have to capture these places so perfectly. I love you so much Dad❤️
Thank you, Annie. You've always been my biggest fan! Sometimes I think you might be a bit biased but I still love to soak up your nice words.
Your dad has inspired a lot of us backpackers and given us some great footage and photos. He's honest and gives us the whole experience...the bad and the good. I can't wait to go to Glacier and share the experience.
I live in Northern Ireland and just adore these videos
I'd like to join your dad. I live in Colorado, am 46, and still get out to the high country backpacking with my dog. I even go off trail because places are so populated anymore. He's the kind of guy you want as a friend on these excursions. My brothers won't go up in the hills very much anymore, but I get out there. I could share some cool haunts with fewer people. Cheers.
Your adventures in Glacier National Park are always must watch videos for me. I often go back to your older videos from that park and watch them again just to see the scenery. Thanks for taking us all along on this trip!
Thank you for making these videos, David! My wife and I aren't able to go backpacking as much as we used to, but enjoying your adventures vicariously is the next best option!
Wow, just spectacular! It's always a great day when David Gray posts a video!
I went to Glacier NP after a week of backpacking in the Bob Marshall wilderness area. Did a day hike there.
Thanks for these beautiful videos
So great. Keep posting these...those of us who aren't able to for whatever reason...can do it through you.
So so good to come home after a busy week of work and having a david gray video to look forward too..can't get better than that so glad I found ye channel🙂
great entertainment David !!! thank you. . . .
Thank you so much for the picaridin! Our 25% Deet was no match for those monster mosquitos haha. It was so nice meeting you, maybe we'll run into you guys again on our next adventure!
Rewatching...3rd time here.
I needed something calming and soothing.
And also because I truly love Montana and Wyoming.
It's so beautiful...no wonder it's your 4th hike.
Looking forward to your next beautiful hike.
Thanks for sharing your videos, love when I see a new one in the RUclips feed. Awesome!
👍 ALRIGHT, another GNP hike, absolutely love all your hikes there.
Thanks again David for sharing this awesome trip.🥰😍🤩
Great trip. Thanks for bringing us along!
Absolutely beautiful... Awesome trip... Great video, thank you for sharing. Take care David G. 🇺🇲
Great videos and pictures. Well done!
Love it !! Thanks for sharing this with us!!! Looking forward to going some day. Beautiful country !!! ❤👍👍😎
Very good video David: beautiful less the mosquitoes. 👍😎
It's so beautiful I may have to stop watching...I'm getting too jealous! 😫
Thanks for sharing this video! I think this is the best yet, beautiful beyond words
I always enjoy your videos but look forward to the end when you post your pictures. Always enjoy those also
another great video thank you for sharing your adventures it looked like and amazing trip
David gray your trips and videos look amazing. I love watching your videos
Wonderful content. I’ve been fortunate enough to been to Glacier 3x and have family living in the area. Your video and photos make me long to return. My heart aches. It is such a beautiful place. Thank you. Thank you.
Beautiful trails and helpful narration for those of us you teach ; )).
always good to see a video pop up from your channel, im going back to breck next week on monday. your videos always help me get mentally ready for my hiking adventures!
Stunning photos and really entertaining video. Thank you for making this and sharing your adventure with us!! Just got back from Glacier a few days ago and now I want to go back. Lol
Was there a week later. Still pretty chilly. Great footage and I enjoyed your trip almost as much as mine. Thanks for sharing
Great to see David and all his hiking buddies again. Beautiful video. I always look forward to these adventures.
Hello David! I have watched your videos since your beginning but have never felt compelled to comment, until now. I just wanted to say that your videos do work towards your "mission" statements' objective and I have grown to feel like I know you and I really enjoy watching your creations. You seem like a great, down to earth guy. What I appreciate most from your videos is your "still shots" menagerie you install at the end of your videos. That menagerie and your assembly of the shots, tends to narrate your experience, almost, better than you do. Thanks for the content and I look forward to watching your videos for many, many years to come!
Thank you, JD - for watching all these years as well as for the first-time comment. It's comments like yours that keep me motivated to get out into the woods and keep pulling the camera out even when the going gets a little rough. And the older I get (61 now) the going seems to get 'rough' more often than it used to! :-) Thank you!
David, this is another outstanding hike that I am privileged to have witnessed through your narrative and scenes. Thank you so much for taking us along on your adventure.
So happy to see a new video! Just what I needed! Well done!
Great video David, thanks for sharing!
I'm hiking from Chief Mountain entry to Elizabeth Lake Head with friends for 2 nights in mid-September
and then we hike out on the 3rd day thru the tunnel to Many Glacier.
Hopefully the weather cooperates for us, Belly River and Many Glacier area is my favorite part of the park.
👍👍 Glad you’re back!
First time hiken with you guys via the internet Beautiful scenery and you are fun to listen to and to watch hikes so take good care of yourselves well. I'm sure you already have since it's over but I'll be watching more. Is grandma in portland oregon
So cool. I returned home from an 8 day family trip to Glacier and your video was one of the first things to pop up on RUclips.
another great hike. i have been in rocky mt park, tenton,s and Yellowstone over the years but never up there. looks very cool.
Spectacular views and photos. Those old National Park Lodges are truly amazing. I loved the small portion of video showing your room at Many Glacier before heading out. It looked truly vintage. You and your three amigos make a great team. It's nice to have backpacking friends to share epic views and a few laughs with.
David, your videos never cease to capture such beauty. Wonderful job capturing this epic backpacking adventure 👏. Love your videos, please keep them coming. I live near the Roan Highlands. If ever this way would love to meet up with you.
Great video, beautiful hike! Could you do a video breaking down the gear you took?
My friend I have to say that I love your videos. You are my favorite hiking/camping channel on RUclips. Thank you so much for the great videos, they really get me excited to go out myself.
I am watching your glacier national park backpacking videos , reminds me of my backing days traveling from the Canadian Border to home base , I think that was the AT OR CDT can't remember
Awesome seeing you back in Glacier. Great video David!!
Your videos are always great.
My dad really enjoyed watching this video. He noticed you captured IMS on your flight out (we're Indycar fans) which was really cool. Excellent job capturing the beauty of this park. My favorite part of the video is usually the slide shows. A few of those photos looked like paintings! Great job as usual.
Hi David. Another great video. I have been watch your hikes since 2015ish. Never disappoint. I am planning a trip to Glacier and Yellowstone in mid July 2025. Spending 5 nights 4 days hiking the breathtaking views and areas of both these beautiful parks. Keep trekking and look forward to more vids!🙏 You could be a spokesperson for Pakit Gourmet and Dunkin’ dounuts coffee. 😂 Never tried the Pakit Gourmet brand but have tried the Dunkin’ Donuts coffee. It is sooooo good!
This made my day!
Another fantastic video, David!! Glacier (hiking and/or backpacking) is on my bucket list. Greetings from Washington state!! :)
Oh man really missed your hiking videos! Glad you are back!
Love this! I have not been back to the Montana side of Glacier in 3 years and I miss it immensely. Your hiking videos are inspiring. ✌🏻
Watching this again...
Thank You Sir’s for sharing another outstanding video!
This one’s a top 10er!
Beautiful scenery!
Thanks Again and be safe!
I miss your solo hikes.
Been waiting on this one!
Thx for the work David! My son and I did the Cirque and New Fork Lakes area in the Winds this year and up until July 1st, and according to the trail report provided by the Great Outdoor Shop, we were still unsure if we were gonna be able to get over Jackass and Texas but all worked out well. Hit up the Log Cabin Motel again and again this year told her we found the place because of you. Probably gonna be 2024 till I get to Glacier as I have an Alaskan thing going on next August. Always good to see you drop a vid!! FDB
I love Glacier NP! Thanks for taking me back. The place has a magnetism unlike any other place. They call it a backpacker's paradise. There is so much diverse goodness with walking distance, with the best only viewable on foot. I remember one of your first Glacier videos, I think it was the North Circle? You are an OG RUclips backpacker. It is cool to see how far the video quality has come.
oh man, droppin fire. i was in glacier last year, and a day after I drove thru ovando, mt, a grizzly ate that bike camper! yikes!
Another awesome David Gray video....the AF settings on that vlog camera must drive you crazy... 😉
I love the all american burger wrap..
Oh yeah, from Dayton Ohio!
Another fantastic video David! Thank you so much from across the pond, for all of your amazing hiking videos. My wife and love to walk here in the UK (and have done a few trails in the USA - would love to come back!!!) but, as we've now got an 18 month old boy, we live vicariously through your films! Keep up the great work!
Thank you for the kind words, and I'm glad I can make these hikes available to you 'virtually'. Over the years, that is one of the most important goals I've had in creating the videos. Through some of the tough times on the various hikes it's kept me going knowing there were others who were tagging along with me (even if virtually).
In July of last year we couldnt even get back country permits to go backpacking in Glacier, so we went to Idaho and did some!! Forest fires were everywhere, Montana was burning up!!
I know that feeling about striking out in the permit lottery. I've been trying to get one every year since I was last in Glacier in 2018 and have struck out every year, including 2022. I was able to hike this year because Travis was able to get a permit, and he invited me along (thank you, Travis!).
Check out the Eaglecap wildernesses NE Oregon, it's spectacular. Probably fly into Walla Walla Washington then drive over the Blue Mountains to the Wallowa mountains and Lostine River. From there numerous trail heads.
The Enchantments of Oregon I hear!
Yes!!!!!!!!!
What a great trip!!! Glad the travel part worked out for you all!!! Great job navigating the snow fields as well. I still have yet to see a mountain goat. Lol hahaha As always you captured it well David.
glad you got back over to Gods country!
David, glad you got to go back finally and again really inspiring. I commented before about the Z6 wobble if you remember and I've got to say, I think it's getting worse. Parts of this actually give me a headache. After doing some research it *appears* to be due to being at the widest of angles for wide angle lenses coupled with electronic and potentially in-lens vibration reduction. Turning those off helps a lot. I haven't done full experiements on it (upgraded to Z6 2 last year which has similar issues) but I think it might be worth taking a look at in those woods near your housse.
Alan, thanks for the feedback on the Z6 wobble. Yes, there were spots in this one that it did seem to be worse than prior videos. The poor built-in image stabilization on the Z6 (at least for video) is one of the very few gripes I have with it. I use off-board image stabilization software on certain 'bouncy' clips, and I recently upgraded to a new version of the Mercalli stabilization software - it seems like that upgrade may have made it worse, especially with the 20mm lens I use. Based on your suggestion I will play around with the vibration reduction settings. I don't use the electronic stabilization, and use 'sport' mode in-lens reduction ('milder' than the full, standard stabilization). Thanks for the feedback!
Thanks for another great video, you are an inspiration.
Greetings from Jerusalem, Israel
Awesome video! I really enjoy watching them! When are you planning to come back to The Adirondack High Peak Wilderness? I just did a 4 night trip in The ADK High Peak Wilderness and it was epic!
The sea bag drag
Hi, I follow your video. your video are done very well.
Great video, David. My son goes to school at Montana State-Northern in Havre, MT. The area that he lives in is like that area that you drove through with just rolling hills and wheat fields. You are so right about the Lewis and Clark history in Montana. When are you coming back to Alabama to hike the Pinhoti Trail trail? If you decide to come down, we will get a group of RUclipsrs together for a night or two backpacking trip. Cheers!
I've day hiked in Glacier NP. Once after backpacking in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area. I love Montana but not the Winters 🥶.
Enjoyed vicariously following along with you and Carl on this Glacier trek. And glad to see Carl behaved himself 😉! But how many shots of Makers Mark courage did Carl have to down before he could sit on the ledge above that roaring stream!?
I wish I could blame it on the Maker’s Mark, John. I have to credit my own stupidity for that ledge event. 😁😁
@@CarlMonin 🤣Sure made me dizzy just seeing you ease out on that ledge.
🇺🇸
What were the guys reactions to glacier national Park? Amazed??
New sub ! Liked ✌️😆🙏😊
These are wonderful videos. I live in Helena. Many Glacier is my happy place. How is Christian? He’s a grown man now with his own life I’m sure.
This is awesome! I love how you show all of the steps and the travel and everything! Other youtubers just record on trail but your inclusion of everything is what first time backpackers really need to watch. How much do you think this trip cost you altogether David?
Thanks, Nate. Ooh... good question on the cost. Quick estimate is $930 for the flight (ouch - pricey big time in 2022), $250 for the rental car. $500 for the various lodging before and after hiking. Probably another $500 for other miscellaneous stuff (fuel for vehicles, Makers Mark in Browning, meals, etc.). So... guessing $2250-$2500 or so. Pricey for sure, but worth every penny in my opinion.
@@davidgrayin oh 100% worth it! Thanks for the info. I was just wondering what I should look forward to spending. I can't wait to make some of these big trips to Glacier and Yosemite and Wind River!
Great video, David! Can you tell me what tent you use? How much does it weigh? Good in wind?
Good Day! Mr. Gray; Your videos are great. Thank You. Just asking about Your Dogs. How are they doing?
Especially
“JAYDEN” ?
How come you don’t buy a bug net David. I would go nuts up there without a Bug net
I actually carry two bug nets in my clothes bag at all times, including this trip, but I don't like to wear them unless it gets really 'bad'. And after the 2018 Wind River Range trip, where we encountered literally clouds of mosquitoes, my perspective on 'bad' mosquitoes changed dramatically. What I once considered 'bad' mosquitoes I barely notice anymore. But at Elizabeth Lake I was probably one of the few people without a bug net so they were pretty bad, especially in the campsite area (deeper in the woods). They weren't bad at all down by the water because there was a steady breeze, so we spent most of our time hanging out there.
In our hotel in Kalispell right now, just back from 4 nights from Kintla to Hole in the Wall and back. We never got to the east side of the park. From what you’re showing there will need to be a “next time.”
I was disappointed that I couldn’t get a quarter pounder at the McDonald Lodge🤔
Great video! Do you happen to have a GPS track of your backpacking trip?
I'm curious. What do you do for a living? Are you a suit and tie guy? Construction worker? Something in-between?
Get some micro spikes for next time
Hey Kevin! Yes, micro spikes would have made those snow sections much more 'comfortable'. Going into the trip I knew from the Glacier trail condition reports that we were going to run into some snow, and some 'high angle' stretches (a.k.a. steep), but I remembered reading the same thing when Christian and I hiked the Northern Circle route in 2013. When we got to those stretches in 2013 there was basically a flat path worn through the snow that was pretty tame. I was visualizing the same thing in 2022 - flat, worn trail through the snow stretches - but for whatever reason there wasn't a trail at all, or even foot steps worn into the snow. I'm guessing it was because it was still pretty early and the snow was melting fast, erasing any foot steps quickly. But yes, in micro spikes would have been nice to have for a couple of those spots.
You are getting some great looking video. What are you using lately ?
Thank you. I'm currently using a Nikon Z6 with 20mm Nikkor Z-lens for both the video and the still pictures.
Do plan another trip 2022?
HI DAVID & GENTLEMEN 👋
BREATHTAKING BEAUTY COLORS VIEWS SCENERY WEATHER LANDSCAPE WILDLIFE FOOTAGE VIDEO 📹 GLAD EVERYONE MADE IT SAFELY BACK TO YOUR VEHICLE & HOMES 🏡 🏡 GORGEOUS CAMPSITES & BEAUTIFUL LAKES ! BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! ENJOYED 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 THANK YOU 🙏 GOD BLESS YOU ALL ALWAYS ON YOUR ADVENTURES 🙏 😀
Awesome video! Captured the beauty so well. Thank you for sharing.A few questions: How far in advance did you secure your Glacier National Park permit? Also, did you secure it on Recreation.Gov? I saw you flew from Indiana to Montana, did you stop by a recreation store to purchase propane since you aren't allowed to fly with it? Was this a loop trail so you could park your car at the start and end up at the same spot? Thank you!
Thank you for watching, Janelle. Sooo many questions! :-) I do like questions, though. Seems like all the popular backpacking places out west (Wonderland Trail, Enchantment Wilderness, John Muir Trail, Glacier, etc.) all have different permit processes - not sure why they can't come up with one, but they're all different currently. Glacier is a bit unique in that they reserve half of the available campsites for 'advance reservation permits' and half for 'walk up' permits. That's actually kind of cool in my opinion because it gives you the opportunity to 'take your chances' just showing up and trying to get some sort of permit. For the advance reservation permits you have to apply online (on recreation.gov) on March 15th (not the 14th... not the 16th...). Then they start processing permit applications in random order (a.k.a. a 'lottery') on April 1st. If you're application is processed early you have a better chance of getting a permit close to what you want, or a any permit at all. For our 2022 permit, I crapped out on the lottery (received the email saying 'we're sorry but we were unable to fulfill your permit request') but fortunately Travis had more luck and got the 'congratulations, we have successfully completed your permit request' email. I can't remember when he received the successful permit email notification but I think it was about April 15th or so (for an early July trip). That is very typical based on my prior experience. I don't try to fly with canister fuel though on a couple occasions over the last 10+ years I accidentally traveled with it without any issues from airline security. For this trip I bought the canister fuel at the outfitter shop in Lake Mary Village (where the gas was $6.39 per gallon). Our trip this year was not a loop - it was a 'point-to-point' hike starting from near Many Glacier and ending at the Chief Mountain / Belly River trailhead (Canadian border).
@@davidgrayin Very helpful, thank you! It looks like you guys rented two rental cars, is that right? You dropped one off at Chief's and then parked one at Many Glacier trailhead where you started? Also, there was a shuttle that drove you back down to the Many Glacier Hotel?
What backpack is Carl using?
when will the 2023 videos be available
Probably sage of some sort.
David. One simple question for you. Answer or not, how old are you? You and I seem to be about the same age. How do you do it???
@55
Thank you so much David Gray from what you share. I live in Montana and I love this state from Colorado but this is where I’m gonna die and I love what you share you are so awesome and you share some fantastic footage of your trips thank you so much for sharing God bless you
Heads up - your steadicam or whatever it is seems to be doing some weird things in this video, and jittering/shaking only around the edges.
Sitting hear, trying to figure out how I can get my pack weight below David Gray’s in preparation for my Four Pass Loop trip starting in just two days! How do you manage to get your pack weight down even with all your photography gear!? Any secrets?
I’m still dreaming of the day you upload a video backpacking in Washington state. It’s the one state that could honestly top Glacier.
Bear spray isn't ideal for local sasquatch fyi. Slingshot and tater-tots is the weapon of choice.
I am so much wasting my life!!!