I turned my gaze toward the mountaintops. I was drawing nearer to their rocky peaks. My excitement skyrocketed when I spied a white mass hugging one of the peaks. A glacier. The park’s namesake! I had never seen one before. I couldn’t help but stare in awe at the icy sheet. The melt water from the glacier rushed down the mountainside like a waterfall. It carved winding streams through the lowlands and emptied into a crystal blue lake in the distance. Simply breathtaking.
While I was stood motionless on the trail, taking in the movement of the water and the stillness of the glacier, a park employee passed by. I stopped him on his journey and eagerly asked him if he knew anything about the park’s mighty glaciers. He sensed my glacial admiration and kindly took the time to tell me about Glacier National Park’s history. Now, what I’m about to share with you may cause extreme sadness; feel free to stop here and grab a tissue.
The man told me that, a century ago, there were over 100 glaciers in Glacier National Park, for which the park earned its title. However, today, there are only about 25 glaciers in Glacier National Park, all of which are much smaller than they were in the past. Think about that for a second. Over the span of 100 years, 75% of the park’s glaciers have disappeared and the remaining are shrinking. Climate change is leaving its mark here. Warmer temperatures are changing mountain ecosystems, causing glaciers to recede quickly. A simple Google search for “Glacier National Park glaciers” yields numerous photos depicting the rapid recession of glaciers in the park over the last few decades.
The craziest thing the man told me, though, was that, in as little as fifteen years, the number of glaciers in the park is projected to be zero. Wow. A Glacier National Park without glaciers? What will the park be named then? Glacierless National Park? I was fortunate enough to see a few small glaciers on my hike, but people who visit the park in a few years won’t see any? That’s crazy. The sight of the glaciers gave me a sense of admiration and joy, and to know some people may never get to experience that is heart-breaking. The glaciers of Glacier National Park are really a sight to see.
With that being said, Glacier National Park needs to be near the top of your travel bucket list. Believe me when I say you won’t regret it. Summer is the most popular time to visit the park because the snow is melted and most of the roads and trails are open for biking and hiking. However, winter is also a nice time to explore the snow-coated mountains atop skis or snowshoes. Visitors can stay in hotels or cabins in the park or pitch tents at one of the thirteen camping sites. Be sure to book your trip to Glacier National Park before it becomes Glacierless National Park!
Photo Captions:
All photos were taken by Nicole Wank on the Siyeh Pass Loop trail in Glacier National Park, Montana, USA.
Author Bio:
Nicole is a graduate student at the University of Miami studying marine conservation. If she’s not at a beach, you can find her in the mountains. If you can’t find her there, check the nearest yoga studio. Nature is neat, go play outside!
Nicole is a graduate student at the University of Miami studying marine conservation. If she’s not at a beach, you can find her in the mountains. If you can’t find her there, check the nearest yoga studio. Nature is neat, go play outside!
Photos were taken by Nicole Wank on the Siyeh Pass Loop trail in Glacier National Park, Montana, USA.
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