Highline to The Loop
Trail
11.7 mile
18.8 kilometer
point to point
Intermediate
Elevation
Ascent:
1,183'
361 m
Descent: -3,554' -1,083 m
High: 7,275' 2,217 m
Low: 4,265' 1,300 m
Grade
Avg Grade: 8% (4°)
Max Grade: 29% (16°)
Dogs
No Dogs
Weather
Getting forecast...
Current trail conditions
Unknown
See History
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“One of the most iconic hikes in Glacier National Park, with easy access off of Logan Pass.”
— Jake Bramante
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.
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.
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.
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Contacts
Land Manager: NPS - Glacier National Park
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Check-Ins
Jul 13, 2019
Patrick Csongei
beautiful trail! incredible views for nearly the entire hike. got caught in a storm about 3 miles in but finished the whole trail. last 4 miles we…
13mi
—
6h 25m
Jul 10, 2019
Rajeev Gangwar
Also completed the side hike to Grinnel Glacier Overlook.
11.7mi
—
7h 00m
Jul 7, 2019
Scott Gillilan
Breathtaking views. Started at Logan Pass and finished at The Loop.
11.7mi
—
6h 00m
Aug 8, 2018
Mike Boutelle
consider adding the Grinel Glacier overlook. be warned it is very strenuous but a terrific view!
11.7mi
Aug 7, 2018
Lucy Smokey
went to overlook of grinnell. would love to go again. beautiful and flat but relatively hazy
11.7mi
Aug 4, 2018
Jessica Shallbetter
only did the first few miles, really awesome views. narrow trail with steep drop offs and lots of wildflowers. saw a herd of about 9 bighorns
3mi
Jul 24, 2018
Alex Hostetler
Absolutely amazing. Mountain goats every where. Make sure to take the grinnell glacier side trail. Best part of the park that I saw.
11.7mi
Jul 21, 2018
Brant Grifka
Did it backwards from the loop to Logan Pass with the side trip to the Grinnel Glacier overlook. Absolutely spectacular.
13mi
Jul 13, 2018
Kim Chrislip
Did an out and back (5.5 mi out) to avoid the fire burn descent on the loop
11mi
Jul 8, 2018
Ben Abbott
Killed my knees on the way down. Too much descent - was holding everyone up and we almost didn't make the shuttle. Chalet views are overrated imo
Jul 7, 2018
Barrett Wilson
Amazing! Lots of people, but a must-do! Do NOT miss the Grinnell overlook.
11.5mi
Jul 6, 2018
Paul H
Beautiful hike with lots of variety. Loved the mountain meadows and flowers. Stopped by the chalet. Last few miles down were a grind tho
12.3mi
Sep 17, 2017
Steve Schildwachter
Logan Pass to Many Glacier hiking the Highline Trail and the Swiftcurrent Pass Trail. The Highline was a bit icy but the weather was clear, cool a...
7.5mi
Aug 22, 2017
Zach Toland
Beautiful morning starting at Logan Pass and hiking along the Garden Wall as the sun rose and heated things up. Added the Grinnell Glacier Overlook...
14mi
Aug 2, 2017
Bobby DAVIS
Near Haystack Butte. Lunch break! Cloudy start but cleared up around 10:30
3.1mi
Jul 20, 2017
Sven Setterdahl
Included Garden Wall to Grinnell Glacier Overlook roundtrip.
13.2mi
—
7h 00m
Sep 11, 2016
Cristi P
Bring plenty of bear spray. We encountered 3 grizzlies (mother and two fully grown cubs) about halfway along the trail.
Sep 6, 2016
Erwin Chang
Rainy, cloudy, then sunny. Went up to the continental divide to look down on the grinnel glacier. Saw a bear and deer.
13.3mi
—
9h 00m
Aug 31, 2016
Paja Stanul
Awesome trail all the way. You can drink water from springs and views are just gorgeous. Very nice and safe.
12mi
—
4h 30m
Aug 11, 2016
Jeff Hall
Maybe park at the Loop shuttle to trail head. Logan pass parking fills by 9:00am
Never start at the Loop. 3.6miles ascent. No thank you.
—
8h 30m
Jul 26, 2016
Joe Juarez
Perfect day with a small bit of rain on the tail end. Awesome trail and amazing park!!!
—
8h 00m
Jul 15, 2016
Kari Slominski
Wear good shoes, and be prepared for snow!! Incredible alpine (or subalpine?) scenes with wizened trees and mountain goats.
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