The Gunsight Pass Trail and Sperry Glacier basin had long been on my to-do list of hikes so when a surprise opportunity to stay at Sperry arose, my wife and I found a dog-sitter for a few days and headed to Jackson Glacier Overlook one recent morning to start the trek.

The Gunsight Pass Trail winds past Deadwood and Florence falls for a few brushy miles until you find yourself crossing a suspension bridge over the outlet of turquoise-colored Gunsight Lake, staring up at the outline of the trail as it zigzags its way up the massive flank of Mount Jackson toward Gunsight Pass.

On the other side of the pass, you abruptly switchback down to Lake Ellen Wilson and skirt to its side before another long but beautiful slog upwards to Lincoln Pass followed by a short descent down to Sperry Chalet.

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