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photohiker
I parked my car at Sunrift Gorge and took the first shuttle to Siyeh Bend, where I started hiking. This way made it a loop hike and my car would be waiting for me when I finished. This made it a a roughly 10-mile hike with about 2,200 feet of elevation gain. The first couple of miles are in a forest. After that you pass through Preston Park where you can see wildflowers. As you continue upwards towards Siyeh Pass, the views get better & better. The view from Siyeh Pass is one of the best in the park. As you start going downhill, you get a nice view of Sexton Glacier and the valley on this side of the pass. The trail ends at Sunrift Gorge where I parked my car. Take bear spray as bears sometimes can be seen along this trail.
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Rehoboth5
We've hiked all over North America, Europe and New Zealand. The trail to Siyeh Pass does indeed rank high, and offers world class hiking. The wildflower displays in August are astonishing (we counted nearly two dozen species of flowers), and the views from the pass (in clear weather) are something to remember. But be aware of some downsides. First, crowds can be irritating in the August high season. To avoid crowds, hit the trail early (around 7 am). Even so, you will encounter dozens of hikers as you come back down to the trailhead. Second, most hikers are appallingly unprepared. Most do not carry bear spray, and many do not understand basic trail etiquette (like, pack out your toilet paper). Third, parking at the trailhead can fill up by mid-morning. So either go early or ride the free hiker's shuttle. The only drawback of the shuttle is that it does not leave early enough to get you to the trailhead by 7. Finally, keep in mind that this is bear country, and precautions need to be taken. Carry bear spray, make noise as you pass through wooded or bushy areas of the trail. We encountered a bear in just such an area. Fortunately, we were making noise, so the bear heard us coming and moved out of our way. But inexperienced hikers could surprise a bear, with dangerous consequences.
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mzambo
We have been to Glacier 2ce and we are heading back next year for trip 3. Siyeh was by far our favorite hike. Challenging yes, incredible and worth it I can't even begin to describe it. The hike has it all, Preston Park and wildflowers galore, we did this hike in August it was a beautiful day and huckleberries were ripe for the pickin. This is a very exposed hike take plenty of water or a purification system, sunscreen, hat! At the saddle you can see for miles and miles, and when you get around the bend and look at your descent you can see the trail for what seems to be miles. You get a great view of the glaciers and the waterfalls coming from them down to the gorge which follows you on your way out. By far the best so far!
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RaleighBigR
Siyeh Bend (pass) hike is a wonderful 5 hours hike with fairly easy climbs and declines. Long range views appear after about an hour and last most of the rest of the hike. The pass can be windy so pack accordingly. Park at Peigan pass and then shuttle up from the trail eist on the GTTSR. The pass area make a wonderful lunch spot. Plenty of water on the trail for foot soaking. Highly recommended
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rond332
This hike circles Going to the Sun Mountain. Going up to the saddle of Going to the Sun Mountain (backside of the mountain from the road) from Siyeh Bend bus stop, it's a really nice hike. Through forests, past some small lakes, a rushing cascading river crossing, beautiful views. You reach the saddle and that's where we stopped for lunch where you could see eastward down a beautiful canyon -- for at least 100 miles. Spectacular. BUT THAT'S NUTHIN'. As you continue around the bend, you'll see 5 miles down to St. Mary's Lake and it's like a movie set on both sides -- it couldn't be more perfect. Sexton (upper) and Going to the Sun Glaciers on the right, melting into (count 'em) five waterfalls of at least 1000 feet each, draining into a river in the valley below with its own waterfalls. Wildflowers like you wouldn't believe, and switchbacks that change your view from fantastic to spectacular and back again. We went mid-August and the huckleberries were ready for the plucking and eating. You just don't want it to end, ever. Red rocks, green rocks, purple rocks. Who painted these things? It was a once in a lifetime experience and I just cannot recommend it too highly.
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998JamesH998
As you descend from Logan Pass you will take a sharp turn at Siyeh Bend 6600+ feet above sea level. You will then be able to enjoy some wonderful views of the valley below as well as up and down the mountain terrain. So, if you cannot hike to the very top, don't pass this turnout up as it is nearly a rewarding view with much less effort.
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Enyedy00
This is a fantastic hike. Park your car at Sunrift Gorge, then take the free shuttle that runs along the Going To The Sun road. Get off the shuttle at Siyeh Bend, and begin hiking. If you do the trail in this direction, it will be 10.5 miles long with 2200 feet of elevation gain but 3300 feet of descent back down to Sunrift Gorge. Obviously, it is tougher to hike this in the reverse direction. We finished before 2 in the afternoon.This trail begins in heavy forest and ascends through different environments - from forest to alpine meadow to windswept landscape until finally, at the top of the pass, you are stand on rock and snow with no vegetation to be seen (except far below). We were fortunate to hike on a sunny day without a lot of wind. An early start meant that we were able to climb before it got too hot. The Sexton glacier is a wonderful sight. Once you finally descend far enough that the glacier is no longer in sight, there is still an unexpectedly long distance to go before reaching Red Rock Canyon. If you like hiking, try spending a day on this trail.
