Trailside Vitals

1. What is the Highline Trail?

The Highline Trail is one of the crown jewels of Glacier National Park in Montana, USA. Running along the Continental Divide, this breathtaking trail traverses the Garden Wall, offering panoramic views of rugged peaks, glacial valleys, and alpine meadows filled with wildflowers and wildlife. It starts at Logan Pass and ends at The Loop, making it a point-to-point trail that’s famous for its exposed ledges, thrilling drop-offs, and expansive scenery.

Located in the Lewis Range of the Northern Rockies, the Highline Trail is in the heart of Glacier National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dramatic landscapes and remote wilderness.

2. Weather: When to Go and What to Expect

• Best time to hike: Mid-July through early September
• Trail conditions: Snow often lingers into July, especially on shaded sections
• Temperatures:
  • Daytime: 60–75°F (15–24°C)
  • Nighttime: Can drop to 30–40°F (0–5°C), especially at elevation
• Rain: Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer—start early!
• Can you hike it in winter? No. The Going-to-the-Sun Road and Logan Pass are closed, and avalanche danger is high.

Weather changes quickly at elevation—always pack layers, rain gear, and check the forecast before setting out.

3. Major Highlights & Landmarks

• The Ledge: A narrow section of trail carved into the cliffside just past Logan Pass—iconic and thrilling!

• Haystack Butte: A popular turnaround point for shorter hikes.

• Granite Park Chalet: A historic backcountry lodge built in 1914.

• The Loop: Your endpoint for the standard Highline Trail day hike.

Wildlife

You might see mountain goats, bighorn sheep, grizzly bears, and marmots along the trail. Bring binoculars and stay alert.

4. Day Hike: The Classic Highline Trail (Logan Pass → The Loop)

• Distance: ~13.8 miles (one-way)
• Elevation gain: ~800 ft gain, ~2,300 ft descent
• Time: 6–8 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate (due to length and exposure)
• Trailhead: Logan Pass Visitor Center
• Endpoint: The Loop (shuttle stop)
• ALL TRAILS LINK

What to Bring

• 2–3L of water (no reliable sources along trail)
• Snacks/lunch
• Bear spray
• Layered clothing
• Sun protection
• First aid kit
• Hiking poles (optional but helpful on descent)

Other Day Hikes Nearby

• Hidden Lake Overlook (2.7 mi round-trip) (ALL TRAILS LINK)

• Grinnell Glacier Trail (ALL TRAILS LINK)

• Avalanche Lake Trail (ALL TRAILS LINK)

5. Overnight/Multi-Day Options

Option 1: Overnight at Granite Park Chalet

• Distance: ~7.6 miles to Chalet from Logan Pass
• Chalet info: Must reserve in advance (~$125–$150 per person/night)
• No electricity, meals, or bedding provided—pack in and pack out
• Permit: No permit required for chalet stay (unlike backcountry camping)

Option 2: Backcountry Camp at Granite Park

• Permit required: Reserve on recreation.gov or try walk-up
• Cost: $10 reservation fee + $7/person/night
• Need bear-resistant food storage
• Continue to Fifty Mountain, Flattop, or Many Glacier for longer treks

Option 3: Multi-Day Loop

• Itinerary: Logan Pass → Granite Park → Fifty Mountain → Flattop → Kootenai Lakes → Goat Haunt → Waterton
• Length: 3–5 days
• Permit: Backcountry required, book 6 months ahead if possible

6. Logistics, Lodging & Permits

Getting There

• Airport: Fly into Kalispell (FCA) or Missoula (MSO)
• Park entry: Vehicle reservation required for Going-to-the-Sun Road from July 1–Labor Day ($2 reservation + $35 entry fee)
• Shuttle: Free Glacier NP shuttles run from The Loop to Logan Pass (seasonal)

Where to Stay

Inside the Park:

• Rising Sun Motor Inn: ~$200–$300/night
• Village Inn at Apgar: ~$150–$250/night
• Book 6–12 months in advance

Outside the Park:

• West Glacier: Small town with lodges, cabins, and RV parks (~$100–$250/night)
• Columbia Falls / Whitefish: 30–60 minutes away, more amenities

Camping:

• Apgar Campground: First-come, first-served (free or $20/night)
• Many Glacier: Reservation required
• Backcountry sites: Require permits and food storage

Permits

• Park Pass: $35/vehicle for 7 days or $80/year (America the Beautiful)
• Vehicle Reservation: Required for Logan Pass access during peak season
• Backcountry Camping: $10 reservation fee + $7/person/night

Bear Safety

• Carry bear spray and know how to use it
• Hike in groups
• Make noise, especially around blind corners
• Use bear boxes or hang food properly if camping

7. Final Thoughts

The Highline Trail is the must-do hike of Glacier National Park—epic views, dramatic exposure, and unforgettable wildlife encounters make it an adventure for the books. Whether you opt for a full-day trek or spend a night under the stars, this trail captures everything iconic about hiking in the Northern Rockies.

Tip: Start early to beat the crowds and weather, and always check trail conditions before heading out.