Chief Mountain International Highway

The twin Canadian and U.S. National Parks are linked by the Chief Mountain International Highway (Hwy. 6/SR 17), passable from mid-May to mid-September. Built in 1935 and running partly through the Park and partly through the Blackfoot Indian Reserve, the road initially provides exceptionally fine views of the Waterton Valley. Then follows a long stretch when Chief Mountain (2763 m (9068 ft)) is plainly visible, an isolated limestone relic of the Pre-Cambrian period which erosion has separated from the main mountain range. This furthermost manifestation of the Lewis over thrust towers above the rolling hills of the prairie, a sacred mountain to the Indians and a once important point of orientation. Crossing the U.S. frontier after a drive of 22 km (14 mi.) (the highest peak in the Glacier National Park, the 3190 m (10,469 ft) Mt Cleveland, can be seen to the south-west), the road continues for a further 24 km (15 mi.) before meeting U.S. 89. Following this south for another 21 km (13 mi.) leads to St Mary and the eastern entrance to the Glacier National Park. Outside the summer months access to the two National Parks is via U.S. 89 and Hwys. 2 and 5 via Cardston (Alberta). This route also provides superlative views.