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Highline to The Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.9 (111)
  1. Areas
  2. MT
  3. …Northwestern Montana
  4. …Glacier National Park
  5. St. Mary
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“One of the most iconic hikes in Glacier National Park, with easy access off of Logan Pass. ”

Jake Bramante
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Map Key

11.7

Miles

18.8

KM

Point to Point

7,275' 2,217 m

High

4,265' 1,300 m

Low

1,183' 361 m

Up

3,554' 1,083 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (4°)

29%

Max Grade (16°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly The first few miles of this route include gentle grades and iconic views, and a shorter version of this hike would be great for the whole family.

Bring bear spray. Trail opens early to mid-July.

Overview

This breathtaking hike is easily accessible from Logan Pass and, paired with the park's free shuttle, can be quite busy, especially in the peak summer months. The majority of this route hugs the lower contours of the towering peaks of the Garden Wall, running above and parallel to the Going-to-the-Sun-Road.

With spectacular views of the valleys below and panoramic vistas of endless summits coupled with the park's free shuttle, this point to point outing is popular for a reason.

Need to Know

Always bring a warm hat and gloves as well as a rain jacket as travel through this area, even on a hot summer day, can change quickly. Make sure that you either purchase or rent bear spray. It can be rented in Apgar Village.

Description

Logan Pass is the scenic apex of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, where the Highline Trail starts from. Heading north, visitors will follow this trail as it traverses a small shelf along the cliff that was cut out for the road. There is a fixed cable to grab a hold of if needed, but this stretch can cause some anxiety for visitors who are sensitive to heights and exposure.

From there, the trail heads out into alpine meadows with occasional moments ducking into the trees. Continue north, past seasonal streams, avalanche chutes, wildflowers, and more, with ample opportunity to see wildlife along the way – the best that Glacier has to offer. The vistas to the west, across the Logan and McDonald Creek valleys and the beautiful summits of the Livingston Range are truly spectacular.

The most difficult section of the hike is climbing up and over the saddle between Haystack Butte and Mt. Gould. From this upper vantage point, though, the views are truly great, making for an ideal spot to take a break for lunch or snacks. This point is also a good time to turn back for those looking for a shorter, out-and-back route.

To continue on the hike, keep heading north below Mt Gould to the east, until you arrive at a junction with the Grinnell Glacier Overlook on your right. If you have extra time and energy, this side trail is just shy of two miles, out-and-back, and provides stunning views of Grinnell Glacier, over toward Many Glacier.

From the junction with the Grinnell Glacier Overlook Trail, you are 0.7 miles from the historic Granite Park Chalet, which is another great place to catch your breath and refill your water bottle. Keep your eyes on alert in this area, as the pass and the meadows attract both deer and bears. From Granite Park Chalet, it is four miles of downhill travel through the burned forest to the Loop. The park’s free shuttle is a popular way to experience this route, as you can easily catch a ride back to your starting point.

If you prefer hiking more uphill than down, you may want start at the Loop in the cool of the morning and work your way up to Logan Pass.

This content was created by Jake Bramante of Hike 734. Visit hike734.com for more expert Glacier content and maps that help you decide which trail to hike.

Flora & Fauna

Features many fantastic alpine flowers from the iconic beargrass to the small favorite of the grizzlies, the glacier lily. Alpine birds such as grosbeaks and white-crowned sparrows keep you company through most of the trip. Small mammals such as columbian ground squirrels, marmots, and pikas contrast with the mountain goats, bighorn sheep, deer, and occasional bear found along the trail.

History & Background

The Granite Park Chalet was built by the Great Northern Railroad and served as a stop for visitors traveling through the park on horseback.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Glacier National Park

Shared By:

Jake Bramante
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.9 from 111 votes

#1

in St. Mary

#27

Overall
  4.9 from 111 votes
5 Star
87%
4 Star
11%
3 Star
2%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in St. Mary

#2

in Montana

#27

Overall
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10,772 Since Jun 9, 2016
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Photos

Looking at the Continental Divide from the trail from Granite Park Chalet on the way to the Loop.
Jan 31, 2016 near Red Roc…, MT
Hey there lil' buddy!
Dec 31, 2015 near Red Roc…, MT
Cotton Candy factory seen from the Highline Trail
Sep 18, 2019 near Red Roc…, MT
Heavens Peak from the Highline Trail.
Feb 1, 2016 near Red Roc…, MT
Bighorn sheep in the tree line.
Jan 25, 2016 near Red Roc…, MT
Last sight of Lake McDonald on the way down the Highline Trail
Sep 18, 2019 near Red Roc…, MT

2 Comments

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Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 38 days ago
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Check-Ins

Mar 11, 2024
Peter Rojek
loved going over small water falls 11.5mi
Sep 5, 2023
Jill Manthei
Only hiked in through the shelf wall to get the scenic views. Migraine prevented me from going further.
Sep 3, 2023
Cevat Akin
Aug 29, 2023
richard drager
Aug 19, 2023
Jacob Oblazny
Aug 19, 2023
Sabrina Park
8/2/23
Aug 7, 2023
Paul K
Hiked first 1/4 out and back. Must do if we return
Aug 7, 2023
Levi Roberts

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