The Complete Guide to the Sperry Chalet in Glacier National Park
If you’re reading this post, you might just be lucky enough to be staying at the Sperry Chalet in Glacier National Park! This magical mountain stay is an amazing bucket list experience. My night at the Sperry Chalet was where I got to take my favorite hiking trip ever. In 2024, my mom, my sister, and I were able to get a room to stay at the Sperry Chalet, and it was an experience I’ll remember for the rest of my life.
Disclosure : Some of my blog posts do contain affiliate links which means I get a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you decide to make a purchase. Thanks for supporting me and helping me to continue to make free content on this platform!
This post will cover what to expect, side hikes to do, what the food is like, how to get reservations, and other important questions you may have. If you have other questions, you can leave a comment and I’ll get back to you asap.
History of the Sperry Chalet
The Sperry Chalet in Glacier National Park was built in 1913 by the Great Northern Railway. It was originally part of a system of 9 chalets through the backcountry of Glacier National Park. Currently the Sperry Chalet and the Granite Park Chalet are the only two still standing.
The Chalet was not profitable, so the Great Northern Railway sold the chalet to the National Park Service for $1. The Sprague Fire burned the dormitory down in 2017, but it has since been rebuilt and returned to full service in 2020.
For more information about the history of the Sperry Chalet in Glacier National Park – check out the following books!
Welcome to the Sperry Chalet and Glacier’s Historic Hotels and Chalets and more suggestions forGlacier National Park books!
What is the Sperry Chalet?
The Sperry Chalet is a rustic backcountry lodge that has overnight rooms and a meal service. It’s an incredible opportunity to experience the backcountry of Glacier National Park with a little bit of luxury if you get the chance to stay here.
What to Pack for the Sperry Chalet?
I’ve covered this in another post, so I’ll link it here. We’ve made a full list of what to pack so you have the best experience possible.
Everything you Need to Pack (and Don’t Need) for the Sperry Chalet!
Do I Need to Bring Money to the Chalet?
You will have paid for the room ahead of time, so you don’t 100% need to bring money. However, you will need to bring cash (not cards) if you want to buy lunch there on the day you arrive.
The meals provided with your stay doesn’t include lunch on the first day or cookies/treats available in the dining room. If you’re hiking to the Sperry Chalet as a day hike you can also buy lunch here. So I would recommended bringing a little cash.
Are There Bathrooms?
Yes, the Sperry Chalet does have bathrooms. They are pit toilets that the staff work hard to keep clean, but they can be a bit smelly at times.
Tips
It’s VERY important that you don’t pee outside around the chalet. Mountain Goats frequent the area, and they will lick your pee and dig in the area if you pee nearby which can be destructive. Please use the nice bathrooms provided!
There are sinks available outside of the bathrooms as well so you can wash your hands and brush your teeth. The bathrooms are a short walk from the rooms, so if you’re headed there in the dark, you’ll want to bring a headlamp. There are no sinks in the rooms.
How is the Food?
The food was amazing! There aren’t too many opportunities where you can get a hot meal after a long day of hiking. The Sperry Chalet has a chef and a baker and everything we ate was delicious. The lunch, dinner, and breakfast were all great. They also will send you with a packed lunch after your stay for your hike down. All meals are included in the price of the stay except for the lunch on the day you arrive (which you can bring cash for).
They do accommodate for dietary restrictions if you arrange ahead of time. I didn’t get many pictures of the food because I was too busy EATING everything in sight.
What are the Rooms Like?
The rooms are really nice, but rustic. The dormitory was just rebuilt after burning down in a fire in 2017 so they are fairly new. They have beds, hooks for your packs, and not much else. They don’t have electricity so once it gets dark, you’ll need to rely on your headlamps for light.
Is the Sperry Chalet Kid Friendly?
Yes and no. The Sperry Chalet welcomes kids of all ages. However, there are steep cliffs around the chalet. And the hike to get there isn’t easy. So the answer to this question is depending on your comfort level. I personally wouldn’t have been able to enjoy myself much if I was bringing my toddlers.
The Hike to the Sperry Chalet
The hike to the chalet is great! It’s hard, but definitely doable – especially if you start early in the day. It’s recommended to get an early start to avoid the heat of the day. The trailhead starts across the street from the Lake McDonald Lodge.
Hikes from the Chalet
There are so many beautiful hikes that you can access from the Sperry Chalet. I would highly recommend talking to the staff at the chalet about the hikes because they live there for the summer!
Wildlife at the Sperry Chalet
The main wildlife you can expect to see at the Sperry Chalet is mountain goats! They are frequent visitors of the chalet and were everywhere. Other animals you can see are marmots, bears, and more.
Other Things to Know:
1. The Staff at the Chalet is great!
When we arrived at the chalet we were greeted by friendly and helpful staff to give us the rundown. Throughout our stay, we felt such a family environment and it was so so special!
2. They have a Bookshelf
The bookshelf has some fun things to read on it if you’re looking for some reading material while there but don’t want to add the extra weight of a book in your pack.
3. Do Not Pee Outside
The bathroom is a short walk from the rooms and it might be tempting to just pee outside instead. However, if you pee outside, the goats will destroy the landscape of the chalet to try and get to the salt in your pee (gross, I know!) But make sure you are respecting this beautiful place.
4. Hang Your Packs
Make sure to hang up your packs in the rooms and not leave food out! I can’t actually remember why, but I’m assuming it’s so little friends don’t try to get it.
5. Will I Be Warm Enough at Night?
Yes! The rooms have wool blankets and we were super cozy. Also we were tired enough from all the hiking that we slept like rocks.
6. There is virtually No Light Pollution at Night
This is a GREAT opportunity to stargaze at night because there is basically zero light pollution. Be aware that there is no power in the rooms so you’ll need a headlamp!
7. For Dinner You’ll be Sitting with People You Don’t Know
Unless you’re with a big group, you’ll probably be at a table with people you don’t know. It’s a fun opportunity to meet someone new!
8. How Do They Get Supplies to the Chalet?
Pack mules bring in supplies a few times a week. You might have the chance to see them while you’re there. But let them work and don’t disturb them. Just enjoy from a distance!
9. There is a Creek Nearby
The creek nearby is a great place to soak your feet after a long day of hiking. We loved bringing sandals so we didn’t have to put our stinky hiking boots back on. Here are some other things you should and shouldn’t pack for the Sperry Chalet.
10. When is the Chalet Open?
The Sperry Chalet is generally open from mid July to mid September, specific dates change by the year.
11. Do They Have Water There?
Yes. The Sperry Chalet has water you can drink and use to brush your teeth. Just make sure to bring enough water to get you through the hike there and you’ll be set.
12. Pack it in and Pack it Out
You’ll need to pack out any garbage that you bring in. So keep that in mind with snacks you’re packing, etc. It might be worthwhile to bring a small garbage bag to keep in your pack depending on what type of snacks you’re bringing. Remember to leave no trace, and if you’re looking for other ways to support the National Parks – check out our guide to an Organization to Support for Each National Park.
13. How to Get Reservations
Reservations are released in January/February (exact dates vary). If you aren’t able to secure a reservation, you can watch for cancellations. You’ll want to check out this website for reservations.
I hope you have the best time ever at the Sperry Chalet in Glacier National Park- it is one of my favorite places on Earth, please please take care of it. Happy travels and remember to Leave No Trace!
Looking for other Glacier National Park adventures? Check out some of our other posts to help you plan the trip of a lifetime!
were would you park if your staying at sperry chalet a couple nights
We parked at the Lake McDonald Lodge. It’s right across the road from the trailhead so it’s very convenient.