How to Hike the Highline Trail

The Highline Trail, nestled within Glacier National Park in Montana, is one of the most iconic and breathtaking hiking experiences in the United States. Carved along the eastern edge of the Continental Divide, this 11.8-mile (19 km) trail offers panoramic views of alpine meadows, jagged peaks, glacial valleys, and the chance to spot wildlife such as bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and even grizzly bears. For hikers seeking a blend of natural grandeur, physical challenge, and immersive wilderness, the Highline Trail is not just a hikeits a pilgrimage through some of the most pristine landscapes on Earth.

Despite its fame, many hikers underestimate the trails demands. Elevation changes, exposure to the elements, narrow ridgelines, and unpredictable weather require preparation far beyond casual day hiking. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to safely and successfully hike the Highline Trailfrom planning and logistics to on-trail techniques and post-hike recovery. Whether youre a seasoned backpacker or a determined first-timer, this tutorial ensures youll approach the trail with confidence, respect, and the right tools to make your journey unforgettable.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Research and Plan Your Timing

The Highline Trail is only fully accessible during a narrow seasonal window, typically from mid-June to mid-September. Outside this period, snowpack lingers on the trail, particularly in the higher elevations near Logan Pass, making passage dangerous or impossible. Even within this window, conditions vary year to year based on snowmelt and rainfall.

Check the Glacier National Park official website for current trail status, road closures, and shuttle schedules. The Going-to-the-Sun Road, which provides access to the trails northern terminus at Logan Pass, typically opens in late June. If you plan to hike the full length from Logan Pass to the Loop, you must coordinate your timing with the parks free shuttle system, which operates from late June through early September.

Avoid weekends in July and August if possible. The trail becomes extremely crowded during peak season, diminishing the sense of solitude and increasing the risk of congestion on narrow sections. Aim for a weekday hike in early July or late August for optimal conditions and fewer people.

2. Choose Your Route: Full Trail vs. Out-and-Back vs. Point-to-Point

The Highline Trail can be hiked in three primary configurations:

• Full Point-to-Point (11.8 miles): Start at Logan Pass and finish at the Loop (also called the Granite Park Chalet trailhead). This requires transportation logistics, as youll need to shuttle vehicles or use the park shuttle.
• Out-and-Back from Logan Pass (up to 5.9 miles): Hike to the Granite Park Chalet (5.9 miles one way) and return. This is the most popular option for day hikers and offers the majority of the trails iconic views without the complexity of a shuttle.
• Out-and-Back to the Hidden Lake Overlook (2.2 miles round trip): A shorter, family-friendly option that still delivers alpine vistas and is accessible even if the full trail is closed due to snow or bear activity.

For most first-time hikers, the out-and-back to Granite Park Chalet is recommended. It provides the best balance of scenery, challenge, and safety. If youre experienced and have arranged transportation, the full point-to-point route offers a more immersive wilderness experience.

3. Arrange Transportation

If you plan to hike the full point-to-point route, you must arrange a shuttle or two vehicles. The Glacier National Park shuttle runs between Logan Pass and the Loop (also known as the Apgar Visitor Center area). The shuttle stops at the Highline Trailhead at Logan Pass and the Granite Park Chalet trailhead near the Loop.

Do not rely on taxis or private ride servicesnone operate within the park. If using two vehicles, leave one at the Loop trailhead and take the shuttle to Logan Pass. Confirm shuttle schedules in advance; they vary daily and are subject to weather and traffic.

For out-and-back hikes, park at the Logan Pass Visitor Center parking lot. Arrive before 8:00 a.m. to secure a spotthis lot fills by mid-morning on summer days. Consider arriving the night before and camping at the St. Mary or Apgar campgrounds to avoid morning crowds.

4. Prepare Your Gear

Even on a day hike, the Highline Trail demands serious preparation. Weather can shift in minutes, and youre exposed to sun, wind, and sudden storms. Your gear list should include:

• Layered Clothing: Moisture-wicking base layer, insulating mid-layer (fleece or down), and waterproof outer shell. Temperatures at Logan Pass can be 20F colder than at valley floors.
• Sturdy Hiking Boots: Ankle support and aggressive tread are essential. The trail surface includes loose scree, rocky switchbacks, and narrow ledges.
• Daypack (2030L): Carry water, food, first aid, map, and emergency gear. Avoid overpackingevery extra pound adds fatigue on steep sections.
• Water and Filtration: Carry at least 3 liters. There are no reliable water sources between Logan Pass and Granite Park Chalet. Filter or treat water at the chalet if continuing beyond.
• Navigation Tools: Even with cell service in some areas, GPS apps (like Gaia GPS or AllTrails) may fail. Carry a physical map and compass. The trail is well-marked but can be obscured by fog or snowmelt runoff.
• Bear Spray: Mandatory. Keep it accessiblenot tucked in your pack. Know how to use it. Grizzly and black bears inhabit the area year-round.
• Sun Protection: UV exposure is extreme at 6,000+ feet. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, UV-blocking sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. Reapply every two hours.
• Emergency Items: Whistle, headlamp with extra batteries, space blanket, and a basic first aid kit with blister care and antiseptic wipes.

5. Begin Your Hike at Logan Pass

Start at the Logan Pass Visitor Center. Use the restrooms before you beginthere are no facilities on the trail. The trailhead is clearly marked with a sign and a large parking area just west of the visitor center. Follow the boardwalk path for 0.2 miles to the actual trailhead, where the Highline Trail branches off to the right (southwest).

For the first 0.5 miles, the trail is gently graded and runs parallel to the Going-to-the-Sun Road. This section is often crowded and offers excellent views of Hidden Lake and the surrounding peaks. After the first switchback, the trail begins to climb more steeply and the crowds thin out.

6. Navigate the Narrow Sections with Caution

Between 1.5 and 3.5 miles, the trail hugs the cliffside in a section known as the Highline proper. Here, the trail is only 1824 inches wide in places, with a 500+ foot drop to your left. While the trail is well-maintained and secured with cables in the most exposed areas, it can be intimidating for those with a fear of heights.

Key tips for this section:

• Stay on the trail. Do not step off to take photosrockfall and erosion make the edges unstable.
• Let faster hikers pass on the inside (away from the cliff) when possible. Use designated passing zones marked by wider sections of trail.
• Children and pets should be closely supervised. Leashes are required, and the trail is not recommended for very young children.
• If you feel dizzy or overwhelmed, pause, breathe, and focus on the trail ahead. Do not look down unless necessary.

This section is the most photographedand the most dangerouspart of the trail. Take your time. There is no shame in turning back if conditions feel unsafe.

7. Reach Granite Park Chalet

At 5.9 miles, youll arrive at the Granite Park Chalet, a historic stone lodge built in 1913. This is a natural turnaround point for day hikers. The chalet offers restrooms, water (treat before drinking), and a small snack bar (seasonal). You can also view the chalets interior and learn about its history through interpretive signs.

From here, the trail continues to the Loop (another 1.8 miles), descending steeply through forested terrain. If youre continuing, ensure you have enough daylight and energy. The descent is hard on the knees and can be slippery when wet.

8. Return or Continue

If doing an out-and-back, retrace your steps. The return journey feels longer due to fatigue, so pace yourself. Use trekking poles if you have themthey reduce strain on your quads and knees.

If continuing to the Loop, expect a 1.8-mile descent with 1,200 feet of elevation loss. The trail becomes shaded and wooded, offering relief from the sun but also increased mosquito activity. Stay alert for trail markersthis section is less maintained and can be overgrown in late summer.

9. Complete Your Hike and Recover

Once youve finished, hydrate, eat a balanced snack with protein and carbs, and stretch your legs, hips, and lower back. Avoid sitting on cold rocks immediately after exertionyour body is still regulating temperature.

If youre staying overnight, consider booking a room at the Granite Park Chalet (reservations required months in advance) or camping at the nearby Avalanche Creek or Fish Creek campgrounds. Do not camp on the trail itselfthis is prohibited and harmful to the fragile alpine ecosystem.

Best Practices

1. Leave No Trace Principles Are Non-Negotiable

Glacier National Park is a designated wilderness area. Follow all seven Leave No Trace principles rigorously:

• Plan ahead and prepare.
• Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
• Dispose of waste properlypack out all trash, including food scraps and toilet paper.
• Leave what you finddo not pick flowers, move rocks, or carve into trees.
• Minimize campfire impactfires are prohibited above 6,000 feet.
• Respect wildlifeobserve from a distance. Never feed animals.
• Be considerate of other visitorskeep noise down, yield to others on narrow trails, and avoid playing music.

Violations of these principles not only damage the environment but can result in fines and permanent bans from park access.

2. Hike with a BuddyNever Alone

While solo hiking is possible on the Highline Trail, its strongly discouraged. Cell service is spotty, and rescue operations in remote areas can take hours. If you must hike alone, inform someone of your exact route and expected return time. Carry a satellite communicator like a Garmin inReach or Apple Watch with emergency SOS.

3. Acclimate Before You Go

Logan Pass sits at 6,646 feet. Altitude sickness is realeven for fit individuals. If youre coming from sea level, spend at least one day at a lower elevation (like West Glacier or Kalispell) to adjust. Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and descend immediately if you experience headache, nausea, dizziness, or shortness of breath at rest.

4. Watch the Weather Relentlessly

Thunderstorms develop rapidly in the mountains. If you see dark clouds gathering, hear thunder, or feel static in the air, turn back immediately. Lightning strikes are a leading cause of injury and death on exposed ridgelines. The Highline Trail is one of the most dangerous places to be during a storm.

Check the National Weather Service forecast for Glacier National Park Logan Pass before leaving. Wind speeds often exceed 30 mph on the ridge, making it feel much colder than the actual temperature.

5. Know Bear Behavior and Safety Protocols

Glacier National Park has one of the highest densities of grizzly bears in the contiguous U.S. Hike in groups of three or more when possible. Make noisetalk, clap, or singespecially in blind corners or dense brush. Bears often avoid humans if they know youre coming.

Carry bear spray and keep it in a holster on your belt. Practice drawing it quickly. If a bear approaches:

• Do not run.
• Stand your ground and speak calmly.
• Use bear spray when the bear is 3060 feet away.
• If attacked by a grizzly, play deadlie face down, protect your neck, and remain still until the bear leaves.
• If attacked by a black bear, fight back aggressively.

Visit the parks bear safety center at the visitor center before your hike for a free 10-minute safety briefing.

6. Respect Trail Closures and Wildlife Zones

Sections of the Highline Trail are occasionally closed due to bear activity, rockfall, or trail damage. Always check with rangers before starting your hike. Do not bypass gates or signs. These closures are not suggestionsthey are life-saving measures.

Some areas, like the area near the Loop, are designated wildlife corridors. Avoid lingering or photographing animals too closely. Use a zoom lens, not your phone.

7. Pace Yourself and Know Your Limits

The Highline Trail is not a race. The elevation gain from Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet is approximately 1,400 feet. Thats equivalent to climbing 140 flights of stairsover 6 miles of uneven terrain. Take frequent breaks. Drink water every 2030 minutes. Eat small snacks (nuts, energy bars, dried fruit) every hour.

If youre feeling lightheaded, fatigued, or short of breath, stop. Rest. Assess. Its better to turn back early than to push into danger.

Tools and Resources

Official Park Resources

• Glacier National Park Website: www.nps.gov/glac Updated trail conditions, shuttle schedules, alerts, and maps.
• Glacier National Park App: Free app with offline maps, audio tours, and real-time alerts.
• Visitor Centers: Logan Pass, Apgar, and St. Mary all offer free trail maps, ranger talks, and safety briefings.

Navigation and Mapping Tools

• Gaia GPS: Premium app with topographic maps, trail overlays, and offline access. Highly recommended for the Highline Trail.
• AllTrails: User reviews, photos, and recent trail reports. Filter by dog-friendly, family-friendly, or crowded.
• USGS Topographic Maps: Download the Logan Pass and Granite Park quadrangles for detailed elevation profiles.

Gear Recommendations

• Footwear: Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX, Merrell Moab 3, or Hoka Speedgoat 5.
• Backpack: Osprey Atmos AG 65 (for multi-day), or Deuter Aircontact Lite 25+ (day hike).
• Water: Sawyer Squeeze Filter or Katadyn BeFree.
• Bear Spray: Counter Assault, UDAP, or Frontiersmanensure its EPA-approved and has a 30+ foot range.
• Layers: Patagonia Capilene base layer, Arcteryx Atom LT mid-layer, and Arcteryx Beta LT shell.
• Navigation: Suunto MC-2 compass and laminated USGS map in a waterproof case.

Books and Guides

• Hiking Glacier National Park by David B. Smith Comprehensive trail descriptions, difficulty ratings, and wildlife tips.
• The Complete Guide to Glacier National Park by David H. Lewis Historical context and lesser-known side trails.
• Leave No Trace: A Guide to the New Wilderness Etiquette by Liza S. Grobman Essential reading for responsible outdoor ethics.

Online Communities

• Reddit r/GlacierNationalPark Active forum with recent photos, trail updates, and advice from locals.
• Facebook Groups Glacier National Park Hikers Real-time updates on closures, weather, and bear sightings.
• YouTube Channels The Trek and Hike It Baby Video walkthroughs of the Highline Trail from multiple seasons.

Real Examples

Example 1: The First-Time Hiker Sarah and Mark

Sarah and Mark, both 32 and from Chicago, had never hiked above 5,000 feet. They planned a weekend trip to Glacier National Park and chose the Highline Trail as their main goal. After researching, they arrived at Logan Pass at 7:00 a.m. on a Tuesday in early July. They packed light: two liters of water, bear spray, a light rain shell, and energy bars. They took the shuttle from Apgar to Logan Pass and started hiking.

They stopped at every viewpoint, took photos, and rested for 10 minutes every mile. When they reached the narrow section, Sarah froze for five minutes. Mark stayed calm, reminded her to breathe, and they moved slowly together. They reached Granite Park Chalet in 4.5 hours and turned back. The return took 3.5 hours. They finished by 4:00 p.m., exhausted but exhilarated.

We didnt do the whole trail, Sarah said afterward. But we did it safely. We saw goats, heard a bear in the distance, and felt like we were on top of the world. Well come back next year to do the full point-to-point.

Example 2: The Experienced Backpacker James

James, 48, is a veteran of the Pacific Crest Trail. He hiked the full Highline Trail point-to-point in mid-September, when the crowds had thinned. He carried a 30-pound pack with a tent, sleeping bag, and three days of food. He started at Logan Pass at 6:30 a.m., reached Granite Park Chalet by noon, and camped at the Avalanche Creek campground.

He woke before sunrise the next day and hiked the remaining 1.8 miles to the Loop, where he caught the shuttle back to his car. The trail was quiet, he said. The wind was strong, but the sky was clear. I saw two grizzlies feeding on huckleberries below the trail. I gave them space and kept moving. Thats what this trail teaches yourespect.

Example 3: The Family with Kids The Chen Family

The Chens, from Portland, brought their two children (ages 8 and 11) on a day trip. They hiked only to the Hidden Lake Overlook (2.2 miles round trip) and turned back. We didnt want to risk it, said their mother. The trail looked scary, and the kids were tired by the first switchback.

They still had an incredible experience. The kids saw a mountain goat right above us. We took a picnic lunch at the overlook. We didnt do the full trail, but we made memories. And well come back when theyre older.

FAQs

Is the Highline Trail dangerous?

Yes, it can be. The trails exposure, elevation, and wildlife present real risks. However, with proper preparation, awareness, and caution, it is safe for the vast majority of hikers. Most accidents occur due to poor planning, ignoring weather warnings, or underestimating the trails difficulty.

How long does it take to hike the Highline Trail?

On average, it takes 68 hours to complete the 11.8-mile point-to-point route. The out-and-back to Granite Park Chalet (11.8 miles total) typically takes 57 hours. Allow extra time for photos, rest, and weather delays.

Can I hike the Highline Trail with a dog?

Yes, dogs are allowed on the Highline Trail but must be leashed at all times. However, the narrow, exposed sections may be stressful or unsafe for some dogs. Many hikers choose to leave pets at camp. Always check current pet policies on the park website.

Do I need a permit to hike the Highline Trail?

No permit is required for day hiking. However, if you plan to camp overnight in the backcountry, you must obtain a backcountry permit from the parks backcountry office. Permits are limited and competitiveapply early.

Is the Highline Trail open in October?

Typically, no. Snow begins accumulating in late September, and the trail is often closed by mid-October. Check the parks official alerts before planning an autumn visit.

Can I hike the Highline Trail in the rain?

Its possible, but not recommended. Rain makes the trail slippery and increases the risk of rockfall. The exposed ridge becomes even more hazardous. If you must hike in light rain, wear waterproof gear, use trekking poles, and avoid the narrowest sections.

Whats the best time of day to start the hike?

Start as early as possibleideally before 8:00 a.m. This gives you the best chance to avoid crowds, secure parking, and complete the hike before afternoon thunderstorms develop.

Are there restrooms on the trail?

Only at Logan Pass Visitor Center and Granite Park Chalet. There are no facilities between these points. Use the vault toilets at the chalet if continuing beyond. For emergencies, dig a cathole 68 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, trail, or campsites.

Whats the elevation gain on the Highline Trail?

From Logan Pass (6,646 ft) to Granite Park Chalet (7,900 ft), the elevation gain is approximately 1,400 feet. The full point-to-point route to the Loop descends 1,200 feet after the chalet, resulting in a net gain of about 200 feet over the entire 11.8 miles.

Can I hike the Highline Trail in winter?

No. The trail is closed and buried under snow from October through June. Winter travel requires mountaineering skills, avalanche training, and specialized gear. It is not a hiking trail during this time.

Conclusion

The Highline Trail is more than a hikeits a transformational encounter with the raw beauty of the American wilderness. Its sweeping vistas, intimate wildlife encounters, and physical demands leave a lasting impression on everyone who completes it. But beauty and danger walk hand-in-hand here. Success on the trail isnt measured by how far you go, but by how respectfully and safely you move through this sacred landscape.

By following the steps outlined in this guideplanning your timing, preparing your gear, respecting wildlife and weather, and honoring Leave No Trace principlesyou position yourself not just to complete the trail, but to become a steward of it. The Highline Trail doesnt need more adventurers. It needs thoughtful ones.

As you lace up your boots and step onto the trail, remember: you are not conquering nature. You are visiting it. And if you treat it with humility, patience, and care, it will reward you with moments of awe youll carry for a lifetime.