Hike the Highline Trail, Glacier National Park
West Glacier, Montana
Details
Distance
15.01 miles
Elevation Gain
700 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Kayla Bobzien
Enjoy this Glacier National Park hike featuring beautiful views that is a great physical challenge due to the distance alone.
Starting at the top of Logan Pass at the visitor's center, walk across the street to the well marked Highline Loop Trailhead. This is written as an out-and-back hike, where you will simply hike back to where you started from. However, if you'd like to catch a ride back to the trailhead, check out this adventure: Granite Park Chalet via the Highline Trail. Keep in mind, if hiking one-way, you will need to have two cars or make use of the shuttles in order to do the hike. If you have two cars, park the second on your way up Logan Pass at the well marked parking lot called "The Loop" then pile in your other vehicle and continue up to the trailhead. If you plan on using the shuttle, be sure to check out the Glacier National Park website for information about stops and schedule.
The trail takes you along a ridge for a good majority of the hike starting at about 6,500 ft, peaking around 7,200 ft, and ending at 4,000 ft. Many switchbacks that lead into meadows filled with wildflowers and magnificent views. Around 8 miles into the trail I suggest walking the short detour to the Granite Peak Chalet which is a great place to eat your lunch. Keep an eye out for mountain goats and bighorn sheep, they are all over! This hike is mostly exposed so I can't stress the need for bringing enough water and sun protection.
To get to the trailhead from Whitefish, MT, leave town heading east on Hwy 2 and drive for about ten miles. Make a left at Going to the Sun Rd. (closed during the winter) and follow for about 45 miles until you reach the trailhead at Logan Pass.
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Reviews
We started on the low end and worked up, I’d recommend starting at Logan Pass and working down.
5.0
this hike is stunning! With wildflowers, waterfalls, wild life (mountain goats!), and the option to add on the garden wall and view Grinell Glacier this hike had it all. Very popular so get to Logan pass parking lot early especially during peak season on a weekend. We got there right at 7:30 and snagged one of the last spots. This is a must do hike at GNP as others have mentioned
5.0
We picked up the trail at Logan Pass. We added the Grinnell Overlook spur to our hike. We then head to the chalet and exited down at the loop. All told, it was just over 14 miles. But it was worth it all day long. Last four miles from the chalet down to the loop were grueling. High sun, lots of bugs, very little water… But views were stunning. There’s a little oasis at the end - just under the bridge out to the loop that rescued us. Cannot recommend this enough. Plan with lots of sunscreen, bug spray, water and solid footwear, preferably with good ankle support. You won’t regret this hike.
5.0
This is a total bucket list hike that any hiker should do at least once! There aren't many hikes where you are constantly being greeted with stunning views. Glaciers, meadows, mountains, and waterfalls, this hike has it all. The final descent from the chalet is brutal. And P.S. even though starting at Logan Pass is considering the "downhill" direction there's still some significant uphill
5.0
Really loved this trail, though I only did a mile or so of it because we had already done another one earlier that day.
5.0
The Highline Trail is a must do for anyone in Glacier National Park. No matter the age, there is an option for everyone. I've heard of both 80 year-olds and 8 year-olds completing this hike. Even a mile or two in, the views are spectacular.
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Granite Park Chalet via Highline Trail
Grinnell Glacier Overlook via Highline Trail
The Garden Wall
Hidden Lake Overlook
Hike Dragon's Tail Ridge
Hike to Piegan Mountain
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