“Hidden away by the Gods, like a necklace of pearls, among the crags and vastness of the Swan Mountains, lies the Jewel Basin; the enchanted land of this, our Montana. Friends, I have seen the sun set on the minarets of Spain, and make splendid the dome of St. Sophia in Constantinople. I have watched the play of color upon the desert of Egypt with the Sphinx and pyramids. I have made a trail through the hinterland of the Canadian Rockies to where the Aurora Borealis from the polar skies make the northern night glorious … but for kaleidoscopic lights and shadows, for octaves of tone and color, for unending variety of the moods and forms of nature, Jewel Basin is the most charmed and charming spot in all the world.”—From “The Secret of Wilderness,” by the Rev. Eugene Cosgrove, 1919.
The crown of the continent sits regally upon the rocky outcrop and snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains shared between Canada and the United States. Glittering lakes reflect the beauty of the golden halo that encompasses more than 10 million acres surrounding Waterton, Canada, Glacier National Park, and the Bob Marshall Wilderness in Montana.This is a wild, expansive ecosystem that comprises national parks, Forest Service land, private land, and tribal territories. Jewel Basin is but one gemstone that sits within the crown.
Getting There
Getting to Jewel is the initial adventure. I am thrilled by wild roads. Four of us pack 2017 Jeep Wrangler. We begin the ascent up the narrow, winding gravel road, unsure of whether or not we will be blocked by the impact of seasonal storms. The road is barely wide enough to hold one vehicle, so being in the Jeep feels comforting, considering the cliffside drops and ruggedness of the track. On our left side, the Flathead Valley plays peek-a-boo with the tree-covered slopes of Jewel. It takes about half hour to make the bumpy, seven-mile journey before we arrive at the trailhead aptly called “Camp Misery.”
Up to Mount Aeneas
It is said that the only way to know a place is by putting boots on the ground. One foot in front of the other, we climb toJewel’s highest peak, Mount Aeneas (7,528 feet).
Mount Aeneas affords a 360-degree rooftop view of the Bob Marshall Wilderness, Glacier National Park, Hungry Horse Reservoir, and the lower expanse of the Flathead Valley. In other words, the stunning views and photographic capture of nature in its glory are well worth the effort.
The sweeping views are lightly touched, expansive and serene. As we approach the summit, we are inspired by the regal creature looking back at us. Like the earliest inhabitants of this valley, he stands on the summit, surveying his surroundings and seems not bothered by our presence.
As I stand and gaze out over this snow-kissed valley, I can’t help but feel such gratitude for my legs, lungs, companions and a curiosity to explore the wonder of our world. There is always some suffering during the work to get to lofty heights, but we are always rewarded with magnificent beauty and a renewed appreciation for what it means to be alive.
They say that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but I know I’d rather have the Jewel. And the dog.
If You Go
For Information: Call the Kalispell Visitor Center at 406-758-2809.
Driving Directions: From Bigfork, Montana, take Highway 35 north to Highway 83. Head east to the junction of Echo Lake Road. Stop for breakfast at the amazing Echo Lake Cafe and then head north on Echo Lake Road. Drive 3 miles to the junction of Jewel Basin Road (No. 5392). Follow this steep, mountain road 7 miles to the trailhead. Do not tow trailers. Four-wheel-drive vehicles strongly recommended.
Season: July to early October.
Note: No mountain bikes, horses, or motorized vehicles on the trails. Dogs on leash. Group size limited to 12. Camping permits are not required. Time: 3 to 4 hours to summit and return. Strenuous.
Tami Ellis is a writer that has been blessed with a life living in the hills of Montana with her husband and on her family ranch nestled between the cut banks of the South Saskatchewan River in Alberta, Canada. Inspired by the world, she has been to 47 countries. She can be reached at twofeetoneworld@gmail.com
This article is adapted from my earlier publication in The Epoch Times. https://www.theepochtimes.com/bright/montanas-jewel-3900306
Two Feet One World Travel 