With rock taken from a nearby talus slope and fir, cedar, and pine trees downed from the surrounding forests, craftsmen in 1913-14 raised the two-story Sperry Chalet near the lip of a cirque with a panoramic view into the heart of Glacier National Park.

Amid a field of wildflowers and a backdrop of peaks framing the Continental Divide, the goateed mountain goats were the center of attention. While a handful of bighorns dealt with the June day's heat by relaxing in a waning snowfield, and grizzlies were deep in the backcountry, the iconic ambassadors of Glacier National Park were true posers for those following the trail to Hidden Lake.

Dude ranches have been showcasing Western landscapes in national parks, and their associated experiences, for generations of families, many who come back year after year after year to relive the experience. And why not? These typically week-long vacations revolve around trail rides that literally carry you into these marvelous settings. And that day in the saddle is followed by a hearty meal that might feature Citrus Roasted Half Chicken, Porcini Mushroom Risotto, or a classic Buffalo Tenderloin. At day’s end, you’ll settle into a soft, warm bed in a cabin that’s rooted in the setting.

Rebuilding Sperry Chalet in Glacier National Park won't be easy. There are water issues to resolve, a relatively short construction season, unknowns about the usability of stones in the foundation, and avalanche slide paths.