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Best 50-60 mile loops near Glacier/Bob Marshall


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Home Forums Campfire Trip Planning Best 50-60 mile loops near Glacier/Bob Marshall

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  • #3834093
    Elijah J
    BPL Member

    @bifsifter419

    Hey everyone,

    I’m planning a 5-6 day, 50-60mile backpacking trip with a few friends out to the Glacier/Bob Marshall area this September. I missed the March lottery opening for Glacier reservations, so we are looking at loops that would be more reliable to get without permits. We have never been to the area and would probably be a while before we’re able to come back so we’d love to find the best loop we can find. Does anyone have any suggestions on multi day loops in the area that can give us a fantastic adventure? I only recently heard of the Bob Marshall Wilderness area because of its quietness. We had planned on the Glacier area because of the beauty we’ve seen from it all of our lives, but thought that the Bob might be a good option too for the isolation. We’d really love to get away from people and deep into nature. I am significantly more of a backpacker than they are and I’d love to show them the feel of getting way out. Could someone provide some intel on whether or not Glacier can be pretty isolated too or if it’s significantly busier than the Bob?

     

    I keep hearing mixed things about the Bob, some people seem to rave over it while other comments ive seen seem underwhelmed.

     

    We are looking at using a rental car to manage getting to/from the trailheads but if anyone has any advice on shuttles or anything that would make this easier, that would be fantastic.

     

    We are looking at flying into Kalispell. Does anyone We’d love to bag some peaks while we’re on the trail.

     

    Sorry I’m all over the place. Any guidance would be appreciated! Thanks!

    #3834100
    AK Granola
    BPL Member

    @granolagirlak

    Glacier NP is visually stunning, absolutely breathtaking. But it is more crowded; you will see people every day and in full campsites (which are reservation only). The Bob Marshall has easy logistics (no permits), and far fewer people depending on where you go, and you can pitch wherever you like. And it is lovely, but it is no Glacier NP, not even close.

    If this is a once in a lifetime choice, I’d go with Glacier. In fact, I’ll go back to Glacier, but I probably won’t return to the Bob. Sorry Bob!

    #3834200
    Luke Schmidt
    BPL Member

    @cameron

    Locale: Alaska

    I’ve done both. Both are nice. The Bob makes sense if you want to packraft or just be more remote. Glacier is more spectacular.

    It might be trickier to get 50-60 miles. One option would be to hike slower (not a bad idea in a spectacular and rugged place) or do a shorter trip then do a few real nice day hikes to pretty areas.

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