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