The Summit Series #8: Chief Mountain, Montana

Chief Mountain

Traversing Chief Mountain's summit ridge at sunset.

Chief Mountain (9,085 ft/2,769 m) may be one of the most famous peaks in all of Glacier National Park. This is largely due to its isolation from other mountains and its striking appearance. Towering 5,000 feet (1,524 m) above the expanse of the Great Plains, it commands the surrounding landscape. It is considered a sacred mountain to the Blackfeet Indians who live in the area. While the summit is within the park's boundary, the trail leading up the mountain's slopes resides within the Blackfeet Reservation, and a permit is required to cross it.

The intimidating approach to Chief Mountain. 

This is a fantastic choice for a day adventure in the park. The climb is tiring, particularly during the ascent of the steep talus slope that begins at the Chief-Ninaki saddle. However, it isn't technically difficult, with nothing worse than class 3 scrambling save for a brief class 4 pitch along the summit ridge.

Chief Mountain's beautiful but strenuous talus slope.

Chief Mountain offers unique perspectives of the eastern reaches of the park and the Great Plains beyond. In particular, the ridge walk to the summit is an exhilarating experience. The thin ridgeline drops thousands of feet below on either side, revealing unbroken panoramic views in every direction. This mountain is undoubtedly one of the most scenically pleasing in the entire region and should not be overlooked! Please enjoy these photographs I captured during my climb.

Sprawling views from the start of the climb.

Mountains are such strange environments to explore!

Vivid shades of yellow found on the peak's uppermost cliffs.

The final traverse to the summit.

Views from the top were unbelievably beautiful!

There's almost too much to look at and appreciate in landscapes like this!

The golden glow of the setting sun.

*All photography featured here was taken by me.

Thanks for reading! :)