Hike the Highline Trail to Grinnell Glacier Overlook

Parking is available at the Logan Pass visitor center parking lot, which is easily accessible along Going-to-the-Sun Road. In the summer, the visitor center is open and there are bathrooms and water. In early fall, the visitor center is closed, so there is no water available and only pit toilets.

You set out on the Highline Trail along the Garden Wall. There is little elevation gain, but as you walk across the first 6.8 miles you pass through different scenery. The first stretch is on a cliff edge, which is not for those with a fear of heights, but also isn't as intimidating as some photos online may seem to suggest. At some times of the year, there are chains to hold along the path, but when we hiked this trail there weren't any.

The next stretch can best be described as a Dr. Suess forest, with interesting trees and plants. You continue along, right above the tree line, until you see the small sign for the Grinnell Glacier Overlook trail. You can almost miss this, but you'll see once you see the Granite Park Chalet in the distance. If you've reached the Chalet, you've traveled about a quarter mile too far.

While the majority of this route is flat, there is about .75 miles from the start of the overlook trail to the top. This short stretch has a 950 ft. elevation gain along rocky ground and is not easy, but the payoff is great.

Once you get to the top of the trail, you'll stand at the top of the Garden Wall, where you can see over to the east side of the park. From there you can see Grinnell Glacier and its lake, as well as some other areas of permanent snow pack and Salamander Glacier.

It's important to note that you'll be above the tree line and exposed to the sun for nearly all 15 miles of this route, so plan to bring plenty of water, food, and a hat with a broad brim.