Incredible views of the park and steep drop-offs characterize the Highline Trail as one of the most exciting and worthwhile ways to spend your time in Glacier National Park. Talk to any serious hiker, and it’s probable that this hike has been or still is on their bucket list!
Phenomenal mountain views are your constant companion as you travel along this unlikely trail carved into the mountainside. It doesn’t get much more dramatic than this!
What You Need to Know About Hiking the Highline Trail
- This trail can only be accessed if the high alpine portion of the Going-to-the-Sun Road is open. This is usually the last section of the road to get plowed and is generally only open from late June/early July to early October. To check the road status, click here.
- The Highline Trail is an extremely popular spot, and that means crowds. Don’t expect to have much solitude as you hike, but enjoy every second of it!
- Because of its elevation, the Highline Trail will likely still be snow-covered into July. Don’t hike this one without a map! Click here to see the one I personally love and use all the time for route finding while visiting Glacier.
- Most people start hiking from the Logan Pass Visitor Center parking lot and exit the trail at the Loop Trailhead, making the total mileage 11.8 miles. If you hike it this way, be aware that you will need to make your way back up to where you started at Logan Pass. This can be done by catching the free Park Shuttle (expect long wait times depending on the time of day) or by arranging your own vehicle shuttle with members of your hiking group.
If you don’t want to hike all 11.8 miles of trail, never fear! The exceptionally beautiful views begin immediately; even hiking just a mile or two in will provide you with an exciting and memorable experience.
This trail is teeming with wildlife! It is highly likely that you will see Bighorn Sheep and/or Mountain Goats as you travel along the cliffs. Be aware that seeing a black bear or a grizzly bear is also a possibility, so I always recommend hiking with bear spray.
Click NEXT to start your adventurous hike on Glacier National Park’s Highline Trail!
I just purchased your itineraries and can’t wait to start planning. We will be going to Glacier the last week in September. Do we still need to look at the same start times? We are unable to take the long hikes due to ages and mobility issues of a few people in our group.
Yes, the park is still quite busy in September, so I would keep the start times the same if you want to get parking!
I know not every year is the same, but typically how soon after the opening of Logan Pass is the hightrail hikeable?
It usually takes a couple of weeks!
We are going to visit GNP the first week of October 2021. How long would it take us to hike the highline trail to the Grinnell Glacier Overlook and then back to the GTTS road to our car? Will we have enough daylight hours or do you recommend just hiking to the Granit Park Chalet and back?
The spur trail to the overlook isn’t that long, but it is steep — I would say plan on adding an extra 1.5 hours if you want to hike up there. Have a great trip!
Has anyone come up with ideas for shuttling between the trailheads with the shuttle out for 2020? We will only have one car and cannot find a rental close by. Is hitchhiking possible?
I suggest hiking out to the Chalet and then turning around and returning the way you came. The Loop Trail is definitely NOT the best part of this hike, so you won’t be sad that you missed it :)
Me and the family are headed to glacier in August! Thanks for the article. Definitely putting this trail on the list !
You’re welcome! Enjoy!
Hi, this is a great post! My husband and I are hoping to do this in July if it is reopen due to COVID. We are relatively experienced hikers but tend to do shorter hikes on our adventures (typically 6 miles or less) but our longest was 16 miles (by accident lol), how difficult is the hike itself?
Besides the mileage, the hike itself is not too difficult. It’s mostly flat or downhill, with just a few short climbs.
We’re going in September to Glacier-National-Park. Does the going to the sun road go all the way across from St Mary’s to whitefish?
You can get from St. Mary to Whitefish via the Going-to-the-Sun Road if it’s fully open. If not, you’ll need to drive along Highway 2 around the southern edge of the park. Have a great time!
Seven of us hiked this trail to Granite Park Chalet where we spent the night. The next day we hiked down Swiftcurrent. Never have I experienced so much beauty each step of the way. We met a few friendly rangers along the way. Thank you for what you do to keep this trail safe.
Wow that’s amazing!!! Glad you had a great time!
Hi Really like your photos Really love the mountains there and want to come and see then I really like to see the fir and spruce trees really like then Rob From Australia
Hope you’re able to make it to Glacier soon!
I’ve done this hike and it was absolutely stunning!
Amazing, isn’t it?!