Gunsight Pass Traverse
~4 days · 18.4 mi · moderate · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Gunsight Pass Traverse is known for
A 22-mile point-to-point traverse across Glacier National Park's Continental Divide, linking the Jackson Glacier Overlook on the east side to Lake McDonald Lodge on the west. The route climbs past Gunsight Lake to Gunsight Pass (6,946 ft) before descending through the Sperry basin, rewarding hikers with high alpine scenery and the crossing of the Crown of the Continent.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 10,892 ft to 23,186 ft over 18.4 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 8.5 mi · 47%
- Downhill 9.7 mi · 53%
- Flat 0.0 mi · 0%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Gunsight Pass Traverse take?
Most backpackers hike the Gunsight Pass Traverse in about 4 days (3 nights out) over its 18.4 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Gunsight Pass Traverse?
The Gunsight Pass Traverse climbs roughly 4,055 ft total — about 220 ft per mile, topping out near 7,067 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.