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

a month 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.
Hitro

a month ago

Starts from Logan pass visitor center. View is beautiful and we didn’t do this trail all the way. This is one longest trail like 13 miles around going through multiple mountains. This would be hard and take lots of water.
Dooley Wood

a year ago

Wow. What amazing views. This was a tough trail. After hiking several hours, we arrived at the Grinnel Glacier portion. We opted not to go up to the glacier views. It was just too much for us at that point. We took the loop trail down because it was "faster". It's almost a straight decent, brutal on the knees. Waited on the shuttle for about 45 minutes back to Logan's Pass. You might have better luck trying to hitch a ride and give up your parking spot if you started at Logan. As tough as it was, I'm still giving all stars. The beauty is incomparable.
Kevin Scillion

a year ago

Roughly 14 mile hike from Logan Pass to the Loop including the Grinnell Glacier overlook. It is strenuous. Grinnell glacier overlook is an out-and-back spur off the main trail that ascends 900ft in .8 miles... then you have to come back down and begin a fairly steady ascent to the Granite Park Chalet. Good place to rest, buy additional water, Gatorade, snacks. Then begins what is, in my opinion, the toughest part of the hike...a 4 mile decent to the loop that is brutal on the knees. Descending sounds easy, it most definitely is not. It is STEEP and uneven. Bring your hiking poles, they saved me. And don't believe google maps estimated time to traverse this. Took us 11hrs to complete this 14 mile hike with sufficient rest breaks, lunch, etc. Start early, it will also help with parking.
Jasmine W

a year ago

This hike was so challenging but so worth it! Postcard-worthy views with every step you take :) I was scared to do this because I’m a little afraid of heights, but honestly it’s such a thrill and I very rarely felt anything less than secure on the trail. If you don’t want to make it all the way to the Granite Park Chalet, the Haystack switchback is a very scenic place to have a quick lunch and turn around! Make sure to wear waterproof shoes and bring your trekking poles - you’ll be crossing a few waterfalls!

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