The Highline Trail in Glacier National Park, Montana, is one of the most celebrated alpine routes in the American West. Beginning at the Logan Pass Visitor Center on the Going-to-the-Sun Road at 6,646 feet, the trail traverses the face of the Garden Wall—a dramatic arête that forms the Continental Divide—for 7.6 miles to Granite Park Chalet. The opening section is the most memorable: a narrow ledge blasted into a cliff face, secured by a hand cable bolted into the rock. Hikers with a fear of heights should consider this exposure before embarking.
Beyond the initial ledge, the trail broadens into a series of rolling alpine meadows carpeted with wildflowers in July and early August. Mountain goats frequent the rocky outcrops along the Garden Wall, and grizzly bears are commonly spotted in the meadows below. Bighorn sheep also range across the high ridges. Panoramic views span across the park's western valleys and toward the chain of peaks surrounding Sperry Glacier.
Around mile 6, a spur trail climbs roughly half a mile to Grinnell Glacier Overlook, offering a sweeping view of the glacier and the vivid turquoise color of Grinnell Lake far below. The main trail ends at Granite Park Chalet, a historic stone structure built in 1914 that serves snacks and light meals to hikers (reservations required for overnight stays). Return options include the park shuttle back to Logan Pass or a 4-mile descent via steep switchbacks to The Loop trailhead.
Trailhead access requires a timed vehicle reservation on Going-to-the-Sun Road from mid-May through Labor Day, made through recreation.gov. The park shuttle service from Apgar Transit Center to Logan Pass operates during the summer season and eliminates the vehicle reservation requirement. No additional trail permit is required for day use. Water is available at Logan Pass Visitor Center; no reliable water sources exist along the trail, so hikers should carry at least 2 liters. The surface alternates between packed gravel, exposed rock, and short stretches of scree. There is no shade for the majority of the route, and afternoon thunderstorms build quickly over the Garden Wall, making an early start essential.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Glacier National Park
- Best season
- July–September
What to bring
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Bear spray
- Rain layer
- Trekking poles
- 2L+ water
- Sun protection
Location
Logan Pass Visitor Center, Going-to-the-Sun Rd, Glacier NP, MT 59936
48.6968, -113.7175 View on map
Highlights
- Cliff-hugging cable section at the trailhead—a narrow ledge secured by a hand cable bolted into the Garden Wall
- Sweeping panoramic views across Glacier National Park's western valleys and the Continental Divide ridge
- Optional spur trail to Grinnell Glacier Overlook at mile 6 with views of turquoise Grinnell Lake
- Historic Granite Park Chalet (1914) at the trail end, offering snacks and overnight accommodations
- Frequent wildlife sightings including mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and grizzly bears in the meadows
Tips for visiting
- Start by 7–8 a.m. to avoid afternoon thunderstorms that build rapidly over the Garden Wall
- Carry at least 2 liters of water—there are no reliable water sources along the 7.6-mile route
- The exposed cliff ledge at the trailhead is the most challenging section; those with severe acrophobia should assess before committing
- Reserve a park shuttle seat or vehicle reservation on Going-to-the-Sun Road in advance at recreation.gov
- Granite Park Chalet offers light snacks and overnight stays; reservations book out weeks in advance
- Bear spray is mandatory—grizzly bear activity is high throughout the Garden Wall meadows
- The trail is typically done one way; arrange a vehicle at The Loop or use the park shuttle for return
When to visit
Mid-July through mid-September offers the best conditions, with snow typically cleared from Logan Pass by early July. Early morning starts before 8 a.m. are strongly advisable to beat afternoon thunderstorms over the Garden Wall.
Accessibility
The Highline Trail is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. The initial cliff-hugging ledge and the entire 7.6-mile alpine route involve uneven rock surfaces, significant exposure, and no accommodations for mobility aids.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Highline Trail suitable for beginners?
The trail's length (7.6 miles one way), high elevation, and exposed cliff section at the start make it unsuitable for inexperienced hikers. Good fitness and a head for heights are recommended.
Can hikers return via the same trail?
Yes, but most hikers choose to descend via the 4-mile switchback trail to The Loop bus stop or arrange a shuttle back from Logan Pass. Returning via the same route adds 7.6 miles and significant elevation change.
Are dogs allowed on the Highline Trail?
Dogs are not permitted on the Highline Trail or most trails within Glacier National Park. A kennel or pet-sitting service should be arranged before visiting.
When does the trail open each season?
The trail typically opens in late June or early July once snow clears from the Logan Pass area. Conditions vary by year and are posted on the Glacier National Park website.
Is a permit required to hike the Highline Trail?
No trail permit is required for day hiking. However, a vehicle reservation is needed to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road during peak season; the park shuttle is an alternative that does not require a reservation.