Highline Loop Trail

The Highline Loop Trail is generally considered a strenuous to hard hike, covering about 11.8 to 12 miles. Most hikers complete it in 6-8 hours, depending on pace and stops. It involves significant elevation changes, including a climb to Haystack Pass and a steep descent to The Loop.

The trail typically starts at Logan Pass, which is a very popular and often crowded area in Glacier National Park. Parking at Logan Pass fills up extremely early. It's highly recommended to use the park's shuttle system, which requires advance reservations, to access the trailhead and return from 'The Loop' at the end of your hike.

No, dogs are generally not allowed on the Highline Loop Trail or most other trails in Glacier National Park. This is to protect wildlife and ensure the safety of all visitors. Service animals are an exception.

The best time to hike the Highline Loop Trail is typically from mid-July through September. This period offers the best chance for clear trails, vibrant wildflowers in the alpine meadows, and generally stable weather. Earlier in the season, snow can still cover parts of the trail, and later in the fall, conditions can become unpredictable with early snowfalls.

While there isn't a specific permit required for hiking the Highline Loop Trail itself, you will need a valid entrance pass for Glacier National Park. Additionally, during peak season, a vehicle reservation may be required to access certain areas of the park, including the Going-to-the-Sun Road which leads to the Logan Pass trailhead. Check the official Glacier National Park website for the most current requirements.

This trail is renowned for its continuous, dramatic alpine scenery. You'll traverse high above the Going-to-the-Sun Road, skirting the Continental Divide. Key features include a narrow ledge section along the Garden Wall with a hand cable for support, lush alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers, and panoramic views of towering mountains like Mt. Cannon and Swiftcurrent Mountain. The final descent to The Loop can be less scenic due to past forest fires.

The Highline Loop Trail offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Common sightings include mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and deer. Bear sightings are also possible, so carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it is essential for your safety.

This trail is generally rated as strenuous to hard and is not recommended for beginners. The initial section from Logan Pass includes a narrow ledge carved into a cliffside with sheer drop-offs, which can be unnerving for those with a fear of heights, even with the installed hand cable. Hikers should be in good physical condition and comfortable with exposed sections.

Given the variable mountain conditions, pack layers of clothing, including rain gear, even on a sunny day. Bring plenty of water (there are no reliable water sources on the trail), high-energy snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and sturdy hiking boots. Bear spray is highly recommended, and trekking poles can be helpful, especially on the steep descent.

Despite its name, the Highline Loop Trail is typically hiked as a one-way, point-to-point route. Most hikers start at Logan Pass and finish at 'The Loop' (a hairpin turn on the Going-to-the-Sun Road). The park's shuttle system makes this long point-to-point configuration feasible for transportation back to Logan Pass or other park areas.

Yes, a popular and challenging side trip is the 1.6-mile (round trip) ascent to the Grinnell Glacier Overlook, which adds approximately 900-1000 feet of elevation gain. This detour offers unparalleled views of Grinnell Glacier. Approximately 7.6 miles from Logan Pass, you'll also reach the rustic Granite Park Chalet, a popular resting spot.