Hike the Highline Trail, Glacier National Park
Highline Loop Trailhead - Search Nearby - Added by Kayla Bobzien
Enjoy this Glacier National Park hike with 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. You will need to have two cars or make use of the shuttles in order to do this 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.
11.4 Miles RT
700 ft Gain
Point-to-Point
Hiking
Nearby Lodging
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Reviews
Overall rating:
Bucket List Worthy!
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
Beautiful
Really loved this trail, though I only did a mile or so of it because we had already done another one earlier that day.
Mandatory for GNP
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.
