More information on that below! While attacks are very uncommon, there is a good chance you will see a bear at the park (we saw two black bears from the car), so please review what to do if you see a bear. Where do we start?! The railroad, now a part of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company, did it to increase tourist traffic on its railroad. Local Tip: We recommend putting infor an advanced permit to attempt to obtain backpacking sites along this section. What can make it more exciting is when a goat is sharing the ledge with you. The Granite Park Chalet sells water in case youre running low and need more for the hike back. But even more importantly, make sure you have bags to put your trash in so you can pack out what you brought.SunscreenThe Highline Trail is very exposed, so if you go on a warm and sunny day, youll get lots of sun! We knew the hike was difficult but we knew we were going to do it. The Highline Trail is one of the main arteries that gives backpackers access to the remote northern backcountry of Glacier National Park. The trail follows along the western side of the Continental Divide, or the Garden Wall, and is well-known for its brief exposed section that overlooks the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Today, we hike from Logan Pass Visitor Center up along the Garden Wall along the . You can often find us driving all around the US and Canada, scoping out the best coffee shops, eating tacos and ice cream (were a 5+ taco and 2+ scoop household), and enjoying nature. We highly recommend doing both, but suggest starting with the Grinnell Glacier Overlook just in case you later decide you only have the time or energy for one. If you decide to give it a shot, let us know (and send us photos)! Drowning also is the leading cause of death in national parks nationwide, says Newman. Highline Trail - Glacier Park. We also weigh in on what to pack, where to eat, what to drink, and where to stay. You can also tackle the Grinnell Glacier Overlook on your way back to Logan Pass, if youd prefer to save your energy and see how you feel later in the hike. Heres a list of our guided Glacier National Park experiences that incorporate the Highline Trail: Questions? The divide is called the Garden Wall. Judging by the number of people we'd seen above us when driving the Going to the Sun Road, it is a popular trail. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. When it comes to hiking the Highline Trail, you have quite a few options. You can either start and end in the same spot, or start and end in different spots. and usually they were off in the distance, which was amazing! There are some spots to sit on rocks and enjoy the view at the official Grinnell Glacier Overlook, but we suggest hiking up a bit further to some other rocks to see an even better view of the lakes off in the distance.No words we could write can do this view justice, so we hope these photos below can do the trick! English (US) As you continue on, youll see mountain wildflowers and in the spring, lots of small streams cross the trail. For this trip, Kona stayed at Columbia Mountain Kennels. This area is home to mountain goats, bighorn sheep, pika, marmots, grizzly, black bear, and the rare wolverine. My family and I were hiking along the Highline Trail heading up to the Granite Park Chalet about 12 miles up in July 2009. MORE+ Nov 13, 2022 170 used Click to Save Recommend $42 OFF Enjoy up to $42 off for Admision +Buffet +Optional Activity Bridger Bowl is offering fantastic bargains all year roun. We had intended to hike to the Granite Park Chalet as well, but ran out of time. May 10, 2021 #1 Caution, if you are afraid of heights, you may find some of the pictures to be disturbing. In the unlikely case we dont reach that number, you will be notified prior to the event. Weekdays are a lot less busy at the park and can be more enjoyable.Be bear (and wildlife) aware. The Highline Trail starts at Logan Pass parking lot and its length is about 21.5 km. It is very strenuous and not for the faint of heart, but worth it: You climb to the top of the Continental Divide and peer over the Grinnell and Salamander Glaciers and Upper Grinnell Lake. After years of hiking western Montana, the Glacier Highline team is here with their favorite hikes! Type of hike: Out-and-back. The views of the Livingston Range are incredible, with Heaven's Peak dominating the skyline. When connected, they create a one way hike that starts at the Logan Pass Visitor Center and ends at "The Loop" parking lot and shuttle stop on the Going to . This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. This first section of the trail (3-4 miles) follows closely along the Continental Divide and gives you the absolute best vantage points for your hiking "dollar". But since it was busier, it took us about the same time to descend. Highline trail, glacier national park: The highline trail is one of glacier national park's best day hikes. Hiking distance covers 8 miles with 825 feet elevation change. We recommend being prepared for anything, always! Trailhead address: Going-To-The-Sun Road, Glacier National Park, Browning, MT 59417. We hope to try that route next time! Good job giving it as wide a berth as you reasonably could in that area. Note: it costs $35 per vehicle to enter Glacier National Park, which covers 7 days. WOW! is the best way to describe it! Glacier National Park, which straddles the Continental Divide, has 700 miles of hiking trails (we tackled 70 miles of them over the course of our week in the park), more than 100 named lakes (and another 500+ that remain unnamed), and a diverse range of flora and fauna thanks to its unique position perched between . Welcome to Go Wander Wild. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hello there! You can see the Chalet far in the distance, like a beacon of hope for your weary legs and sore back. Without a doubt the answer is July to September i.e. In this guide were sharing everything you need to know before hiking the Highline Trail, including the different route options you have, what you should bring with you, when to hike the trail, our experience, and more! Those who hike to Granite Park Chalet can take a shorter, downhill trail back to the trailhead at Logan Pass. Youll walk out of the heavy forest eventually, into a burn area. Got more questions about planning your hike? The side trail is on your right and heads up 900 feet in less than a half-mile. For the first 6 miles or so, we hardly saw any other humans (perks of starting early!) Note: You can hike further than these spots, but these are the most common turnaround points, especially for a day hike. WEST GLACIER, MT. Ways to access this section: Swiftcurrent Trail (Many Glacier), The Loop, Logan Pass. A young female camper near the chalet was killed by a grizzly bear and a man was badly mauled. The program will begin 8:30 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m. Thats where the Highline starts. Highline Trail, Glacier National Park . The Highline Trail is a scenic hiking trail in Glacier National Park, Montana, United States. At Glacier Guides and Montana Raft, were locals, and we love Glacier National Park with all of our hearts. A few miles away, at another campground, a different young woman was killed by a grizzly. You can rent this from Glacier Outfitters in West Glacier if youre flying in.Offline MapWed highly recommend downloading the AllTrails map for the route youre hiking before you go. We are both fairly fit but not speed demons and it took us about 9.5 hours, including the spur trail to Grinnell Overlook. We drove to the Apgar Transit Center in Glacier NP and took the shuttle bus up to Logan Pass arriving around 9:30 am. This is the steepest section of the hike (if you dont do the Grinnell Glacier overlook) and will definitely get your heart and legs pumping! Privacy Policy | Additional Policies, On this day in 1889, Montana became a state. Nonetheless, we were so distracted with the endless views that the crowds didnt bother us! However, in this article, we will cover the full out-and-back hike from Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet and back to Logan Pass. Learn more about the Going-to-the-Sun Road! The Highline Trail is among the most popular trails in Glacier National Park, and thats saying something, considering there are more than 730 miles of trails in Glacier. Youll see some of the best vistas in the park are on your left as you head downhill, looking west to Mt. Be flexible! Website built with love byDreamworthy Design. Required fields are marked *. Tip: There is public WiFi available at the Apgar Visitor Center and St. Mary Visitor Center. You are greeted with gorgeous views of the Grinnell Glacier, gatorade blue glacial lakes, and a couple lakes off in the distance. Ultimate 3 Day Glacier National Park Itinerary (+ 1-5 Days) They say a picture is worth a 1000 words, or in this case, a million acres. Yep! As we said before, the hike is like an endless postcard!One thing we didnt expect, but absolutely loved about this trail, especially the beginning portion, were all of the wildflowers! Physical Address: 320 Nucleus Ave Columbia Falls, MT 59912, Mailing Address: PO Box 1444 Columbia Falls, MT 59912. Highline Trail. Mountain lions, moose, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep also call the park home, so please keep your distance from them as well. The chalet reminds us of the refugios in Italy!Option #3: Both!During our trip, we hiked to the Grinnell Glacier Overlook. Its truly a hikers paradise! Somehow, Sarah was able to take a phone call along the Highline Trail but I would not bank on getting service once you are inside the park. Both women were 19 years old and worked for the park concession operator at the time. We opted to hike up to the overlook on the way back and it worked out perfectly. They are reporting very hazardous. Hiking to the Granite Park Chalet (AllTrails map): 14.9 miles, 2,578 ft of elevation gain, Hiking to the Grinnell Glacier Overlook (AllTrails map): 15.2 miles (according to the parks map, but 14.7 according to AllTrails), 3,507 ft of elevation gain, Hiking to both the Granite Park Chalet and Grinnell Glacier Overlook (AllTrails map): 16.5 miles, 3,491 ft of elevation gain. If your presence changes their behavior, you are too close. When we hiked the Highline Trail, we ran into a handful of mountain goats including the cutest little baby we have ever seen! We hope to inform, inspire, and empower you to get outside, see this incredible world, and find your WILD! However, we did see one after finishing the trail, which was really cool! And second, the Highline Trail itself needs to be open. Hiking Highline Trail Glacier National Park Grizzly Bear Encounter. Geographically, it follows along the western side of the Continental Divide. As we mentioned above, this is now hands down our favorite hike in the United States (so far!) Sean McKnight of Durham, North Carolina was hiking along the Highline Trail and did not hear warning yells from others in the area, the NY Daily News reports. The park is absolutely magnificent and there is no doubt as to why millions flock to it every year. Note: this guide contains affiliate links, which means that if you use the links provided and make a purchase, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Route Overview. Base map source: AllTrails After a long day, you will finally make it back to the trailhead at Logan Pass before departing on the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road. Beginning our hike of the Highline Trail Glacier National Park. No permit is needed to hike the Highline Trail specifically, but as of 2021, you will need a reservation to Drive the Going to the Sun Road to get to the trailhead. To the left, you can go to the Granite Park Chalet and to the right you can take the Garden Wall trail to the Grinnell Glacier Overlook. Enjoy a relaxing journey as you adventure with us in Glacier National Park. Their legacy: dramatic changes in the way the park service manages wildlife, especially bears. The Ledge is maybe 6-8 feet wide, with a steep and direct drop off to the left. There are a few different ways to complete the hike, and many people choose to only hike the first few miles. It was intense for a few minutes. Lightweight hiking boots or a sturdy pair of hiking shoes, Sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellant & lip balm, Trekking poles, if you like to use them for hiking (optional). You can read more about backcountry camping in Glacier here. Granite Park Chalet was built from 1914 to 1915 by the Great Northern Railway, as a shelter for folks to have a comfortable place to stay in the backcountry. While the hike is long, the views will absolutely take your mind off the strenuousness! For the next half mile or so, the trail follows along a ledge carved from the Garden Wall a few hundred feet above the Going-to-the-Sun Road. From beginning to end, the trail offers views . Tucked away in northern Montana, Glacier National Park is often considered the crown of the continent and for good reason! 1. Despite not being fully open the majority of the year, Glacier is the 10th most visited National Park in the United States, with 3 million visitors annually. However, if you plan to visit a few more national parks in the calendar year, it probably makes sense to purchase an America the Beautiful Pass for $80, which gives you access to all U.S. National Parks for an entire year. There is no electricity or running water and guests must cook all of their own meals. You can either hike down to the Loop area (4 miles) where you can catch the free Park Service shuttle back to Logan Pass, or down to Many Glacier (9 miles). Anne February 29, 2020 All Hikes & Attractions, Hikes & Trails. It is pretty common for trails to close due to grizzlies, which is for everyones safety, so we appreciated it, so be prepared to have plans change and make sure to have back up options!Dogs are not allowed! Consider. YouTube, Travel Guides, Gear, & FAQs. Thread starter Wayne; Start date May 10, 2021; Wayne Administrator. Hidden Lake at Logan Pass is good but very popular. from. They hope their experiences will inspire others to be outliers too! There are hand cables to guide you through this part of the trail. Compare elevation, range, calories and other trail metrics. Weve even listed our our favorite things to do in the neighboring communities. info@glacierguides.com, 11970 US-2 The chalet was built in 1914 by the Great Northern Railroad, which took on the job of building accommodations in Glacier. Fishercap Lake trail. Next time we visit, this will be the first trail we hit! living on the road in our. Sign in Sign up for FREE Prices and download plans Daily, July September: This is the ultimate hiking experience! We saw a lot more people, but to be honest, it still wasnt that busy, until the last mile or two. We will only ever recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too! There is plenty of high alpine exposure on this hike, so be sure to bring sun, wind, and rain protection. The end of the trail is to the left, about 5 miles away, but you get to stop and refresh at the Granite Park Chalet first. This program has a minimum guest count of 3 . The highline trail is one of the main arteries that gives backpackers access Want more Glacier inspiration? It was still dark out and due to our fear of unexpectedly running into a grizzly in the dark, we took a quick power nap in the car, filled up our water at the visitor center, went to the restroom, and then hit the trail around 6 AM when it was starting to get light out.We had visited Logan Pass the day before and knew that wed be totally fine for parking this early, but we hear the parking lot starts to fill up by 8 AM. And you start to curve a bit more around the mountains, giving you different views around the corner. Even with the ticketed reservation system, you are not guaranteed a crowd-free experience. You will then reach an intersection with the Garden Wall Trail, which climbs to the top of, you guessed it, the Garden Wall, and brings you to a spectacular overlook of Grinnell Glacier. This trail is a visitor and local favorite, and for good reason. Keep your bear spray accessible. Often referred to as the Highline "Loop", this end-to-end route runs somewhat parallel to the Going-to-the-Sun Road but at a higher elevation. Learn about lodging, rafting, hiking, fishing, and biking adventures, too. The trail is along the Continental Divide and provides near constant incredible, panoramic views of the surrounding area. Minus the Grinnell Glacier Overlook and the switchback area we mentioned earlier, the trail felt relatively steady in terms of elevation gain and loss. Details. I had the opportunity to visit Glacier National Park last July. Option #2: Take the Highline Trail from Logan Pass to either the Grinnell Glacier Overlook and/or Granite Park Chalet and take the Granite Park Trail back to the Loop. There is a ton of wildlife on this trail. As we inched closer and closer to our trip, we kept seeing the trails status as closed, which had us a bit worried, but finally, just a week before we arrived, the trail was opened for the season and we were so pumped for the opportunity to finally hike it. Route #1 Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet to The Loop. The mountain peaks weave in between one another, framed by rolling hills dotted with wildflowers. Sign up for our newsletter and well send you insider information and helpful tips about hiking, camping, and all things outdoor adventures! We had to rush a bit on the hike back due to needing to return our rental car, so we didnt make any stops or take any breaks, except to pull over to let others safely pass us. It's a slightly longer hike with more elevation gain, but it's a decent option if you only have one car, don't want to (or can't) take the shuttle, and aren't comfortable with hitchhiking. The overlook is absolutely breathtaking and is a must do in our opinion! They used to give students a couple hundred back on a gift card usable at bridger but I think they got rid of that a few years ago. And for the next 15 miles and 8 hours we were treated to some of the most magical views we have ever seen. Highlights include: Logan Pass parking lot, wildflower images, towering mountains, Granite Park Chalet, Heaven's . Hi yall! Rentals. We are proud to be the official education partner of Glacier National Park and Flathead National Forest. This one-way route combines the 7.6 mile Highline Trail with the 4.2 mile Loop Trail for a total hike of 11.8 miles. The benefits of this plan: You dont have to search for hard-to-find parking at the pass and most of the walk is downhill. On-site parking available. The Highline Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the national park, so dont expect much solitude. Ways to access this section: Flattop Mountain (Packers Roost), Stoney Mountain Pass Trail (Belly River), Browns or Boulder Pass, Waterton. Learn what we do with Kona if she cannot join us during our travels. Staff member. best things to do in Glacier National Park, Best Hiking Snacks: Healthy & Delicious Trekking Food, How to Find Outdoor & Camping Gear for Cheap, Amazing Things to Do in Glacier National Park, 15 Best Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park, California, 20 Cozy Cabins in Washington State You Can Rent, Belknap Hot Springs: How to Get There & What to Expect, A reservation is required for all vehicles accessing Going-to-the-Sun Road from late May through early September from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day, Reservations are valid for three days and have a $2 processing fee, There is a limited number of reservations available each day and the demand will exceed the supply. Here is a basic list of things we recommend bringing a more detailed list is here. The Highline was taken off the closed trail list yesterday! Spur trails from this section: Ahern Pass, Sue Lake Overlook, Porcupine Lookout, and Kootenai Lakes. You will need an AllTrails Pro membership to download maps, which is $30 a year and so worth it!LayersOur hike started off cool in the morning, warmer midway through, and then really cold and windy at the top of the Grinnell Glacier Overlook. And with 11ish miles full of epic mountain vistas, it's not hard to see why. AFAIK everyone has to buy the same passes. In fact, the Highline Trail in particular is not even accessible in winter as the Logan Pass and Sun Road close down in . MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 128. Unfortunately, peak season in Glacier is relatively short, lasting from mid-July through early September. Posted on September 7, 2014 by Bob & Patty Jackson. Read on for a hidden gem, family friendly activities and the best hike of them all. There are 12 rooms, ranging from 2-person to 6-person occupancy. What if you visit and the Highline Trail isnt open yet? As always, be sure to maintain a safe and respectful distance from all animals you encounter in the wild. Unfortunately, with only three days there, I did not get to Highline Trail! This place can book up to a year in advance! You can enjoy lunch at one of the picnic tables, or buy some packaged goods from the Chalet kitchen. The Going-to-the-Sun Road, which you take up to Logan Pass, does not have set dates for opening for the season, but its typically open between late June or early July to late September or early October. Going right takes you up and over the Continental Divide, into the Many Glacier Valley. You can find some reception in West Glacier up to Apgar Village and you might be able to get a few bars in St. Mary. In this article, we will provide all the information you need to hike the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park. Thanks for the useful info!! This website contains affiliate links from websites such as Amazon.com, Booking.com, and Rentalcars.com. Sometimes, its the weather. 2 cause of death in Glacier is heart attacks (41). The trail takes you along a ridge for a good majority of the hike starting at about 6,500 ft, peaking around 7,200 ft, and ending at 4,000 ft. Although the trail down into Many Glacier is a great scenic option, you will need to figure out your own shuttle from there. A free park shuttle between the trailheads . Pin this guide to hiking the Highline Trail to prep for your trip! To ensure you will be able to enjoy the trail, we would recommend planning your Highline Trail hike for late July, August, or early September. As we stated above, you can turn around at any point if it gets to be too long and you will have seen lots of beauty.Note: These roundtrip miles are for taking the Highline Trail both directions. In it, youll find our recommendations on the top 10 adventures in Glacier. It could even be one of the best hikes in all of the national parks, depending on what you're looking for. Around 8 miles into the trail I suggest walking the short detour to the Granite Peak Chalet which is a great place . Highline Trail & Grinnell Glacier Grizzly Bear Encounters. Give yourself a big high five because you just crushed 15+ miles in one day and saw some of the most epic scenery in the lower 48! Option #1: Take the Highline Trail from Logan Pass to either the Grinnell Glacier Overlook and/or Granite Park Chalet and take the Highline Trail back to Logan Pass.Option #2: Take the Highline Trail from Logan Pass to either the Grinnell Glacier Overlook and/or Granite Park Chalet and take the Granite Park Trail back to the Loop.If you do option #2 youll need to take the free park shuttle to Logan Pass after finishing the hike to get back to your car OR youll need to park a car at both trailheads. Once you make it back to Logan Pass youll feel immense gratitude for what you just experienced and likely be on a bit of a hikers high the rest of the day. Glacier National Park became the United States 8th National Park in 1910 and is located in northwestern Montana, right on the border of Canada. We h, After leaving Spokane we headed to Boise, Idaho to, NEW BLOG POST: 13+ FUN Things to do in Spokane, Yall know we are ALL about the food (and coffee. Summer. Its a great capper to the Highline. Even in the areas right outside the park, there is no reception. We saw so many different colors and types and it made the trail extra beautiful. As we mentioned at the beginning of this guide, you can hike back via the Granite Park Trail to the Loop. Even the cute critters are faster, stronger, and, quite honestly, can be more aggressive than they appear. If you use the links provided and make a purchase, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. 4. The hike continues to feel pretty steady and not too challenging, with no huge inclines or declines in elevation. Weather can change quickly on the Continental Divide. Once at Logan Pass, we will begin our hike for an in-depth look at alpine environments, wildlife habitats, and a stunning geologic. The company built nine chalets and two big hotels. Make sure to check trail conditions beforehand to ensure its safe to hike. You have postcard views 100% of the time! Glacier National Park is one of the largest intact ecosystems in the lower 48 and is renowned for the pervasive wildlife that can be found in the area. You still have options! 1. You'll Get To Experience One Of The Backcountry Chalets. Discover incredible discounts at Bridger Bowl.Save Up to 25% on Bridger Bowl products + Free P&P New and amazing items for a limited time. You can find him today, during the summer, behind the wheel of bus #103. We had seen photos of this spot beforehand and it looked scary, but it was a lot wider in real life. Hiking distance covers up to 8 miles with 825 feet elevation change. Highline Loop National Recreation Trail, a Colorado trail in Montezuma and La Plata counties. Park Entrance Fees: Participants are responsible for purchasing their park entry passes prior to the course. This route starts at the Logan Pass Visitor Center and ends at the parking lot in the hairpin curve on Going to the Sun Road known as The Loop. Such a beautiful beautiful place! Based on the different options we outlined above, here is the mileage and elevation changes for the different destination combinations you can choose from for your Highline Trail adventure!Regardless of the option you choose, the mileage is pretty long for a day hike, but trust us, it is worth it! We hiked the Highline Trail on Thursday, August 6, 2020 and arrived at Logan Pass at around 5:30 AM to begin our adventure. Don't forget to check out the Grinnell Glacier Overlook when you visit! This must-do trek begins here and continues all the way to the Loop . The "Highline Loop" is a point-to-point trail that consists of segments of two different trails; the Highline Trail and the Granite Park Trail. Grinnell Glacier trail. It is most popular for its views along the Garden Wall. The Trapper Creek fire of 2003 was started by lightning and burned nearly 20 thousand acres. So get out on the Highline and see what all the fuss is about! We were absolutely mind blown by this trail and its omniprese. Highline Trail at a Glance. Answer 1 of 5: GNP posted this message on their social media pages today: "Highline Trail Update: Our trail crew supervisors patrolled the trail yesterday to assess the work that needs to happen before it can be opened. Those looking for a shorter hike can opt to turn around near Haystack Butte. The Park Service has implemented a ticketed entry system for Going-to-the-Sun Road to help manage the ever-increasing crowds. To get to the trailhead: Highline Trail starts at Logan Pass on Going-to-the-Sun Road at the Continental Divide. Alternatively, you can spend the night at the Granite Park backcountry campsite, which has four separate tent sites, three of which can be reserved in advance. Stop and enjoy your lunch here and enjoy the views. Of course, people hiking the full Highline Trail wont be back at their cars for a while, but most people stop at Logan Pass while driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road to use the restroom and take some pictures. On top of where to start and end, you also have options of what to hike to.When we were planning, we felt a bit overwhelmed and confused by the options. You can see previous open and close dates here to get a better idea of when it typically opens and closes. A few years ago, when planning a possible trip to Glacier National Park we came across a trail called the Highline Trail. The Highline Trail is an amazing place and can be explored in many different ways. Highline Trail, Glacier National Park Map BEst Time to Hike Highline Trail. First, the Going-to-the-Sun Road needs to be open. Highline Trail - Glacier National Park 21 km Hiking trail in Siyeh Bend, Montana (United States). 2. ohailmhic 4 yr. ago. The way to do this hike is to park your car at the Loop, a big bend in the Going to the Sun Road, just about 25 miles from the west entrance to the park, and ride the free park shuttle to Logan Pass. Prices and download plans . 2022 AllTrails, LLC All Rights Reserved Privacy PolicyTermsCookie Policy.