Snow delays opening of two Park campgrounds
<p>Deep winter snow buries the bunkhouses at Granite Park Chalet in this file photo from 2009.</p>
Two campgrounds on the east side of Glacier National Park will have a delayed opening due to snow condition on Memorial Day weekend.
The Many Glacier and Two Medicine campgrounds are anticipated to open Friday, May 30, rather than in time for Memorial Day weekend. Snow levels on the east side of the Park are generally deeper than normal, and cooler temperatures have slowed the spring melting process. A lot of snow and ice remains on lakes, including Two Medicine Lake.
Hiking and access opportunities are limited across Glacier Park because of the snow conditions. Visitors should be prepared to encounter snow, fast-moving water and changing weather conditions.
With some increased snow load, some areas in the Park are prone to avalanches and slides, so caution should be used as traveling and recreating in these areas. It is important to know the terrain and carry the appropriate equipment.
The St. Mary and Bowman Lake campgrounds will transition to non-primitive status by Friday, May 23, as scheduled. The Apgar and Sprague Creek campgrounds are already open.
Reservation information and specific information about each campground, including a map of the sites, operating dates, available services, current and historic fill times, and more are available by visiting online at www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/camping.htm.
The Apgar Visitor Center is already open, and the St. Mary Visitor Center is scheduled to open on Saturday, May 24. The Apgar Visitor Center has been relocated to the facility formerly known as the Apgar Transit Center, about one mile north of the Park’s west entrance.
Backcountry permits are required for any backcountry overnight visit. Permits are available from the Apgar Backcountry Permit Office and the St. Mary Visitor Center, and from most of the ranger stations throughout the summer.
The Park’s shuttle system is scheduled to run July 1 through Sept. 7. The system provides two-way shuttle service along the Sun Road between the Apgar Visitor Center and St. Mary Visitor Center. For more information, visit online at www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/shuttles.htm.