Highline Trail: Logan Pass to the Loop in Glacier National Park (2023)

Alex Schnee

Apr 27

This guide contains affiliate links to trusted partners.

Planning on hiking the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park?

When you think of iconic hikes in the national parks, the Highline Trail is one of those trails. While I was too young when I was a kid to make it to the Grinnell Glacier Overlook, the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park in northern Montana is a hike I wouldn't miss on your Glacier National Park itinerary.

This guide covers what you need to know about hiking the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park.

Hiking stats for the Highline Trail

Distance: 11.8 miles

Difficulty: Strenuous

Elevation gain: 1,950 feet

Everything you need to know about hiking the Highline Trail: FAQs

Here's what you should know when you plan on taking on one of the best hikes in Glacier National Park.

Map of the Highline Trail

How do I get to the Highline Trail?

From the west side of the park, you will take the Going-to-the-Sun Road past Lake McDonald to the highest point of the park. This is where Logan Pass is located--right along the Continental Divide.

Likewise, you can also start at The Loop Trailhead along Going-to-the-Sun Road near the lookout for Heavens Peak.

From the east side of Glacier National Park, you will go past St. Mary along the Going-to-the-Sun Road until you reach Logan Pass.

Where do I park for the Highline Trail hike?

There are two many places where you can park for the Highline Trail. Keep in mind that both of these parking lots fill up fast, so if you can arrive early, you're much more likely to get a spot for the trailhead.

BOOK YOUR RENTAL CAR FOR GLACIER NATIONAL PARK HERE

Logan Pass

Logan Pass is the most common area where visitors start the Highline Trail. The Highline Trail starts just past the Logan Pass Visitor Center and the Logan Pass parking lot. Keep in mind that this spot gets super crowded and there is often not enough parking to go around. Since Logan Pass is also the starting point for several other hikes including Hidden Lake and Hidden Lake Overlook, it can be difficult to park your own car.

Getting a parking space at Logan Pass as early as you can can be one of the best ways to ensure that you will be able to do the Highline Trail.

Keep in mind that you also have the option of taking the Glacier National Park shuttle to get to Logan Pass. You can catch that from the Apgar Visitor Center after entering from the west side of the park, and from the St. Mary Visitor Center on the east side. This can allow you to save on parking.

You will still need your parks pass and a reservation to get in if you are planning on entering from West Glacier.

The Loop

You can also start the Highline Trail from The Loop trailhead. You will enter from the western side of the park along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. I recommend taking the Glacier National Park shuttle if you would like to start the hike from here since the parking lot is very limited.

Basically, this is the hike in reverse and you will have more elevation gain since you will be heading up to the Grinnell Glacier Overlook, Garden Wall, and the Continental Divide from a lower point in the park.

Do I need a parks pass to hike the Highline Trail?

Yes. In order to enter the park in general, you will need a parks pass or to pay daily at either the West Glacier or East Glacier entrance.

[vc_cta h2="Do you need help with your Glacier National Park trip?"]

I offer custom national park itinerary planning as a service to help you make the most of your adventures! These itineraries cover everything from where to stay, eat, what to do, and more!

CHECK OUT CUSTOM NATIONAL PARK ITINERARY PACKAGES HERE

[/vc_cta]

Do I need reservations to hike the Highline Trail?

Glacier National Park requires reservations for the 2023 season. To find out more, head to my guide on Glacier National Park reservations so you know how to get them and you're prepared before you go!

In 2023, you will need Glacier National Park reservations in order to hike during the prime season. These will affect your hike and when you might choose to do it.

What should I pack for the Highline Trail?

If you plan on doing the Highline Trail as a day hike, then you will need some basic hiking gear. Here are some recommendations I have for things to bring with you.

Is the Highline Trail hike good for kids?

Since you can do the Highline Trail as an out-and-back hike, this can be a great trail for kids. While you might not want to head all the way to Granite Park Chalet or the other side trails, you can hike the first few miles and return back to the Logan Pass Visitor Center as a round trip trail no problem.

If you plan on making it a one-way hike, you'll want to make sure your kids are a little older and have experience hiking.

Can I bring my dog on the Highline Trail?

Dogs are not allowed on any of the trails in Glacier National Park unless they are a service animal. Dogs in Glacier National Park are only allowed in designated campsites and parking lots.

What should I know about wildlife on the Highline Trail in Glacier?

There are plenty of Glacier National Park animals that you might run into while hiking. You're likely to see bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and marmots while on the Highline Trail.

Bear sightings are also a possibility while you are on the trail. I recommend you carry bear spray and know how to use it when you plan on hiking any trail in Glacier National Park. I also do not recommend bear bells. They've been shown not to be that effective, and it's often better to use your own voice while hiking so you don't run into black bears or grizzly bears.

The National Park Service website has a guide on how to tell the difference between a black bear and a grizzly bear, which is good information to know in case you run into one.

When should I hike the Highline Trail?

You won't be able to hike the Highline Trail from Logan Pass until early July at the earliest. Going-to-the-Sun Road is not usually completely open until then, and there is often still snow in the Glacier area until summer.

While the most popular time to visit Glacier National Park is often from mid-July until the end of August, I think the best time to visit Glacier National Park is early September. The crowds have thinned out a lot but facilities are still open. You will still need reservations at this time.

[vc_cta h2="Join the community!"]Love the outdoors? Join my free Facebook community where we chat and share information about national parks, hiking, outdoor activities, and more!

JOIN HERE! [/vc_cta]

Is the Highline Trail scary?

If you are afraid of heights, the Highline Trail can be a little intimidating. For about the first half mile from Logan Pass, you will be close to a steep edge that looks down to Going-to-the-Sun Road. The trail here is relatively narrow and there are cables to assist you.

Take it slow and watch out for other hikers while you make your way through this section.

Can I backpack the Highline Trail?

Yes! Many hikers choose to hike to the Granite Park Chalet or the Granite Park backcountry campground and stay overnight. Keep in mind that you will need reservations for the Granite Park Chalet and the campground in advance.

How to hike the Highline Trail

You can hike the Highline Trail in a few different ways. Whether you choose to visit the Granite Park Chalet or start at the Logan Pass Visitor Center, you have a few options to enjoy the hike.

[vc_cta h2="Hiking essentials"]Recommended hiking boots: Salomon Quest 4 Gore-tex

Recommended jacket: The North Face Antora Jacket

Recommended hiking poles: Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles

Recommended day pack: Osprey Daylite Pack

Hike like a pro: Get an AllTrails Pro membership!

[/vc_cta]

Highline Trail to Haystack Pass

The Highline Trail starts just across from the Logan Pass Visitor Center. As you begin, the trail steadily ascends alongside Going-to-the-Sun Road.

The initial segment of the path can be quite daunting. During this section, you'll traverse a rocky cliff with sheer drop-offs to your left and a stabilizing cable on your right. Although this may be unnerving for those afraid of heights, the rest of the hike is less challenging, so keep going!

During this section, be considerate of other hikers who might be coming from the other way. It can get a little tight during this point, so take your time and allow others to pass you if necessary.

As you progress on the Highline Trail, you'll be met with sweeping vistas of the Lake McDonald Valley and Haystack Butte. After roughly 2.5 miles when you reach Haystack Pass, the trail diverges from Going-to-the-Sun Road.

This valley, featuring its alpine meadows, is an ideal location for observing marmots and mountain goats. Be sure to bring binoculars for a more detailed view!

Following your journey through the valley, approximately 4 miles into the hike, you will ascend a series of switchbacks leading to the opposite side of the valley at Haystack Pass.

Garden Wall Trail to Grinnell Glacier Overlook

Approximately 6.5 miles into the Highline Trail, you will come across the optional side trail to Grinnell Glacier Overlook Spur Trail. This brief excursion is often called The Garden Wall Trail, as it leads you to the summit of The Garden Wall ridgeline.

The trail, though short, is quite steep, gaining about 1,000 feet in elevation gain in just under a mile. To give you an idea, that equates to roughly a 20% incline on a treadmill. It can be pretty intimidating if you don't have a ton of experience hiking, so just keep that in mind if you are choosing to hike this trail.

While the ascent is incredibly steep and offers no shade, the effort is undoubtedly worthwhile. The extensive viewpoint offers stunning views of Lake McDonald Valley to the west and Many Glacier to the east. Additionally, you'll have a clear view of two glaciers below: Salamander Glacier and Grinnell Glacier.

At this point, you are also right on the Continental Divide, which is where water flows west to the Pacific Ocean and east to the Atlantic Ocean. You can also get a glimpse of several pristine lakes such as Lake McDonald, Upper Grinnell Lake, Lower Grinnell Lake, Swiftcurrent Lake, Lake Josephine, and Sherburne Lake.

I recommend taking on the Grinnell Glacier Hike near Many Glacier another day if you want to see the same view from the Grinnell Glacier Overlook from an entirely different perspective.

You're likely to see wildlife like mountain goats and bighorn sheep during the Garden Wall section of the hike, so keep a lookout and give them plenty of room if you happen to run into them.

Granite Park Chalet

The trail continues on to the Granite Park Chalet, one of the best things to do in Glacier National Park. This chalet is a national historic landmark and many hikers and locals hope to get a reservation to stay there if they can.

Whether you are planning on staying at the Granite Park Chalet or not, it's often worth hiking the Granite Park Trail to the chalet in order to get a refill on water and to purchase some snacks. From there, you can also purchase a snack if you are feeling hungry.

[vc_cta h2="Do you have these items for your trip?"]Flights: I recommend CheapOAir

Car rental: I recommend Rentalcars.com

Travel insurance: I recommend SafetyWing

Accommodations: Places to stay near Glacier National Park

Activities: Things you have to do

Your gear: Check out my packing list!

Recommended RVs: I recommend Outdoorsy

Skip reservations and planning: Book a tour!

[/vc_cta]

Hike to The Loop

The path leading to The Loop is predominantly downhill and comparatively unremarkable when contrasted with the rest of the Highline Trail. This section between The Loop and Granite Park Chalet is also known as the Granite Park Trail, given that it serves as the most direct route to reach the chalet.

This region experienced significant damage during the 2003 Trapper Creek Fire, which was sparked by a lightning strike. Despite the presence of undergrowth and wildflowers, the absence of trees results in a hot, sun-drenched hike.

As you make your way downhill towards The Loop, you'll catch sight of the striking Heavens Peak in the distance, one of the tallest peaks in Glacier National Park! About 4 miles after departing from Granite Park Chalet, you'll arrive at The Loop and Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Owing to the dense vegetation, it's essential to generate enough noise to notify bears of your presence. Speak loudly or sing--human voices travel far so you can avoid running into a grizzly bear! Moreover, always carry a canister of bear spray with you.

Keep in mind that you can also start the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park from The Loop if you would like to do in the hike in reverse, as well.

Where to stay for the Highline Trail

Since it can be so difficult to get a space at the Logan Pass parking lot, I recommend staying right nearby Glacier National Park or in the park if possible. Glacier National park lodging is not always the easiest to get, but there are several other options located nearby that you might want to check out.

[vc_cta h2="My recommendations"]

BEST FOR BUDGET TRAVELERS: RISING SUN MOTOR INN

BEST FOR COUPLES: THE LODGE AT WHITEFISH LAKE

BEST FOR FAMILIES: GREAT NORTHERN RESORT

BEST FOR INSTAGRAM: UNDER CANVAS GLACIER

BEST FOR ADVENTURERS: GLACIER GUIDES LODGE

BEST AIRBNB: LAKEFRONT CEDAR CABIN

[/vc_cta]

Tips for hiking the Highline Trail

Here are some tips for hiking the Highline Trail.

Always verify trail status before hiking. For the most recent updates, consult the Glacier National Park website. This is especially true for the Granite Park Trail.
Plan your visit between July and September. The Highline Trail is situated off Going-to-the-Sun Road, which is only accessible during the summer months, typically from late June or early July until late September or October.
Acquire a national park pass in advance. If you intend to visit multiple national parks within the next 12 months, consider purchasing the America the Beautiful pass. For a mere $80, you gain unlimited access to over 400 National Park Service sites, including Glacier National Park!
Aim to arrive at the trailhead before 7 AM. Logan Pass Visitor Center is highly popular, as other trails like Hidden Lake Overlook also originate here. Consequently, the Logan Pass parking lot often reaches capacity by 7 AM during summer weekends.
Be prepared if you plan on hiking the Granite Park Trail. You should know in advance if you plan on hiking this trail since it can be physically demanding and you might need to be picked up at a different location than the trailhead if you choose to do so.
Leave No Trace. Remember to pack up any items you bring with you and respect wildlife while you are there. You can learn more about the Leave No Trace principles on their website.

Conclusion: the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park

You won't want to miss the Highline Trail on your Glacier National Park trip, and if you only have a chance to check out one or two hikes, this is absolutely one that you should add to your bucket list.

[vc_cta h2="National park essentials"]You'll need to enter: National parks pass