Highline Trail Hike: Alpine Adventure in Glacier Park

Description

Experience breathtaking alpine meadows and expansive vistas on the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park, perfect for adventurers seeking moderate hikes. Discover the stunning landscapes of Glacier National Park on the Highline Trail, where alpine meadows and panoramic views await at every turn. Embark on a journey through the western side of the Continental Divide on the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park. This trail, known for its gentle terrain and the final ascent to Haystack Pass, offers hikers a unique opportunity to traverse glacially carved landscapes, complete with high alpine exposure. Starting from Logan Pass, the trail spans 7.2 miles round trip to Haystack Pass, with options to extend your hike for a more challenging adventure. As you set out, prepare for a section equipped with a hand cable for safety, perfect for those comfortable with heights. Along the way, the trail reveals the natural history of the area, from pika habitats in scree fields to ancient stromatolite formations in limestone and dolomite rocks. The climax of the hike, Haystack Pass, presents unparalleled views and a chance to spot alpine wildlife. Whether you choose to return from Haystack Pass or venture further to the Granite Park Chalet, this hike promises unforgettable high alpine vistas and a deep connection with nature.

Itinerary

Start at the Highline Trailhead across from the Logan Pass parking lot.
Prepare for a cliffy stretch with a hand cable shortly after beginning.
Enjoy the diverse landscape, including alpine meadows and scree fields.
Take a break at the large boulders before Haystack Pass to admire the stromatolites.
Reach Haystack Pass for a lunch break and enjoy the views.
Decide whether to return to Logan Pass or continue to the Granite Park Chalet.

4.9 ● Google reviews

Dayana Sauceda

3 months ago

Beautiful hike! The views are amazing the way the whole time. You can see beautiful flowers a day feel like you are walking in a garden sometimes. It is a long hike so make sure you bring water and snacks. We did it to the loop which in my opinion was not the best option - I would have done it to the chalet and back to Logan even if it meant I would add a few miles but keep the best scenery. After the chalet going to the loop is actually boring nothing to see- very rocky and hard on your knees. I would love to do it again. Not much elevation gain so it make it nice to hike but long.
Sylvia Peterson

2 months ago

This hiking trail is absolutely beautiful! You don’t need to walk the entire thing to see amazing views. Even just walking half a mile in on the trail and back is worth it. If you visit Glacier National Park, this should definitely be one of the hikes you do. If you only hike a smaller portion of this trail, you can hike a small part of Highline Trail in addition to hiking to Hidden Lake Overlook with the three hour parking limit at Logan‘s Pass. The parking situation is very stressful if you don’t get there before about 7 AM. You could take the free shuttle. If you are scared of heights, this might not be the trail for you. But if you can overcome your fear of heights, the views are absolutely worth it. Also, there is very often wildlife near the trailhead here!
吴锐恒（Ruiheng Edbalt Wu）

2 months ago

One of the best hiking route in Glacier NP. You can start a beautiful day near the logan pass to see teh rocks lightening by the rising sun. The view is always great.
wook kim

3 months ago

The trail was not too narrow and we saw small kids and groups of seniors on the trail. The trail starts with a decline so just plan appropriately that coming back will require a little more effort. The trail starts with cliff side rocks but than transforms into a beautiful trail with wild flowers. We had a beautiful deer on the trail that greeted us in the morning.
Seth Hohman

3 months ago

The Highline is considered one of the quintessential Glacier NP experiences, and for good reason. It's not an incredibly strenuous trail (unless you add the Grinnell Overlook spur, which I highly recommend for the full Highline effect), but the length is challenging. Come prepared, this trail has the most medical rescues in the park. You need lots of water, bring some snacks, good shoes and sun protection. In order to complete this trail point-to-point you'll likely be out there for 6-8 hours. There are places to rest, hike to Granet Park Chalet for one of those breaks. This was the grand finale of our week in glacier and probably the best way to end a vacation.

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