Tonelli's Travels

Today I didn’t have to drive! Yay! We got to the shuttle early, nabbed a spot at the front, and chatted with fellow hikers while waiting. We easily got on the first shuttle and were off on our adventure. A smooth start to the day!

The trailhead was a welcome familiar site. Five years ago we hiked from here up to Piegan Pass. Today our goal was Siyeh Pass, a different end but the same beginning. We happily started out along the roaring river, the air brisk, the snow patches glowing, and the mountain waterfalls cascading down. Soon the path turned away from the river and into the woods.  We were greeted by the fuzzy Dr. Seuss looking bear grass, the ones that make the hike just a little extra whimsical. The trail slowly climbed up, a gentle ascent. 

Eventually we reached the alpine meadows. While the wildflowers weren’t quite as spectacular as five years ago since it is earlier in the season, there was still plenty of color and reasons to stop to snap a picture. Sometimes I’m amazed I make any progress at all down a trail. There is just so much beauty to admire!

After a few miles, we arrived at the junction for Siyeh Pass and veered to the left. A new trail for us to discover. It wound through open fields and pine patches, across the river and by spring fed ponds. We even passed several patches of snow hiding out in the forest! Eventually we came to a clearly and the mountains just seemed to erupt before us. Gosh it’s amazing to be alive!

Ahead of us you could see the switchbacks, winding up the scree filled mountainside. I remarked, “Oh, this is where we start climbing” to which my mom replied, “What do you call what we’ve been doing!” 😅 

Away we went, one careful step at a time. The loose rock was challenging enough, but then the wind picked up. Every now and then a strong gust came along was threw our balance off. Thank goodness for hiking poles to steady us! My dad was a little miserable, the wind a tough mental battle for him. My mom was showing her bravery and perseverance, battling her vertigo and confidence. They both did amazing. I’m so proud of them. 

We made it about two-thirds of the way up and decided to pull off on a side trail to regroup and discuss next steps. We turned the corner, saw the glacier, and sat down next to the lingering snow and ice to rest. Down on the ground, the wind was much less and we were able to enjoy the majestic view before us. Snow on one side, towering mountains ahead, a green called far below. The rocks were a rainbow of yellow, gray, maroon, purple – so different than anything I’d seen before. And to be able to touch a glacier – how amazing!

As our lunch break wrapped up, my parents decided to head down instead of continue to the pass. That was totally understandable considering the conditions. I, on the other hand, was determined to finish and headed up, into the wind!

At the summit, as I rounded the corner to traverse to the other side, I was surprised by two hoary marmots looking for their own lunch! Warm with their thick winter coats still on, the cautiously checked me out and decided I was ok but they’d keep their distance. They let me admire them for a bit before disappearing into the rock crevasses. Thank you hoary marmots!

The other side of the pass opened up to more spectacular mountain views and a lake far, far below. I took in the view quickly and then turned around, both because my parents were waiting and I needed to find a spot to pee! I hustled down the switchbacks, as much as I could hustle. Between the loose rock and “take your breath away” strong winds, it was quite the adventure. I couldn’t help but laugh, scream for joy a bit, and marvel at the amazing privilege of being alive in those moments. The views were just unbelievable. 

The rest of the hike down was lovely, calmer. I was so proud of my mom for conquering that hike. We celebrated back down at the river with some cold water splashed on our faces. 

That night, back at the campground, we were tired but happy. And to round out an already lovely day, I snagged a shuttle ticket to Many Glacier! Luck was on my side! Today was a good day and tomorrow promised to be another one.