Highline Trail: A Breathtaking Traverse from Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet
The pristine wilderness of Montana's Glacier National Park offers an unparalleled haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Among its many trails, the Highline Trail stands as a testament to the park's majestic beauty and untouched landscapes. Winding its way from Logan Pass to the historic Granite Park Chalet, this trail invites hikers on a journey through some of America's most iconic alpine scenery.
Trail Overview
The Highline Trail is approximately 7.6 miles long, tracing a path along the Continental Divide. This moderate-to-strenuous trail offers hikers sweeping vistas, varied terrains, and intimate encounters with the park's diverse flora and fauna.
Starting Point: Logan Pass
The adventure begins at Logan Pass, the highest point on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Even at the trailhead, hikers are immediately greeted with panoramic views of verdant valleys, rugged peaks, and glimmering glacial lakes. The initial section of the trail is famous for the Garden Wall, a narrow ledge where the path is carved into a sheer cliff. Guardrails provide security, but the adrenaline-pumping walk is not for the faint-hearted!
The Heart of the Trail
As hikers traverse the Highline, they'll experience the heart of Glacier National Park. Open alpine meadows offer an ever-changing display of wildflowers throughout the summer months, from Indian paintbrush to bear grass. The trail also weaves through patches of subalpine forests, where Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir trees stand tall.
With vast open landscapes, there's a high likelihood of spotting some of the park's iconic wildlife. Mountain goats, bighorn sheep, marmots, and pikas are common sights. If you're lucky, you might even spot a grizzly bear in the distance, though it's essential to take precautions and maintain a safe distance.
End Point: Granite Park Chalet
The trail culminates at the Granite Park Chalet, a historic backcountry chalet that has been welcoming guests since 1915. For those wishing to extend their adventure, the chalet offers simple accommodations, allowing hikers to rest and absorb the serenity of the surrounding wilderness. From here, you can choose to head back or continue onto other connecting trails, such as the Loop Trail which descends to the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Overview of Me Hiking Highline Trail
On Thursday, September 2nd, 2021, I hiked Highline Trail from Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet and back. This hike is 14.9 miles and heavily trafficked. It's located on the east side of Glacier National Park.
My Trip Hiking The Highline Trail
I woke up at Johnson's Campground and RV Park and drove to the Logan Pass parking lot. It is very difficult to find a place to park here around the morning or afternoon during peak season. I spent about an hour between driving around the lot and going down to a lower smaller lot. I finally did find a spot in the main lot, saving me a much longer distance and walking on the road to get to the trailhead. There are shuttle that can be taken from other places in the park but I was not familiar with their reservation system or policies.
The hike is mostly flat and on a ledge. Along the way I saw multiple Big Horn Sheep. Some people park a car at the end of the trail and get a ride back, some other people take a side route to see a glacier along the way. Once at the chalet house, there are actually food items which can be bought.
At night, I camped at the same campground because it was relatively close and they had ample availability. Overall, the hike offers landscape and wildlife views but it parking at the trailhead can be very difficult.
Preparation and Safety
When embarking on the Highline Trail:
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Weather: Mountain weather is unpredictable. Carrying layers and being prepared for sudden changes, even snow in the summer, is crucial.
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Safety: Wildlife encounters are common. Carry bear spray, make noise, and hike in groups.
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Navigation: While the trail is well-trodden, always carry a map or GPS to ensure you stay on track.
Conclusion
The Highline Trail from Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet epitomizes the raw, breathtaking beauty of Glacier National Park. As hikers traverse its paths, they are not just walking through a landscape but immersing themselves in a story – one of ancient glaciers, diverse ecosystems, and the timeless call of the wild. Whether a seasoned trekker or a curious traveler, the Highline Trail promises an experience that awakens the soul and ignites the spirit.
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