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The Highline Trail in Glacier National Park is iconic for a reason. It’s absolutely stunning. You walk along the Garden Wall with huge mountain views the entire time, and you’ll most likely see mountain goats and bighorn sheep. I lived and worked seasonally in Glacier, and the Highline is still one of my favorite hikes in the whole park.
In this guide I’ll cover everything you need to know: how long it is, whether the ledge is scary, parking and the shuttle, Granite Park Chalet, the Grinnell Glacier Overlook, and the route I actually recommend, which most people don’t know about.
Highline Trail quick facts
- Start: Logan Pass, across Going-to-the-Sun Road from the visitor center
- Popular end points: The Loop (most common), Granite Park Chalet and back, or my favorite, Many Glacier via Swiftcurrent Pass
- Full trail to The Loop: 11.8 miles total (you end at The Loop, not back at Logan Pass), according to the National Park Service
- Difficulty: Long, but mostly flat. The hardest parts are the optional side trips.
- Time: Plan on most of the day, and start early to beat the sun. My route with both side trips took me about 10 hours.
- Best time: Usually mid-July through mid-September, once the snow melts
- Water: Basically none on the Highline itself. Bring plenty.
Highline Trail distances by route
| Route | Miles | Gain | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logan Pass to Haystack Butte and back | 7.2 mi round trip | ~825 ft | Great views without committing to the whole day |
| Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet and back | ~15 mi round trip | ~1,900 ft | One car, no shuttle logistics |
| Logan Pass to The Loop | 11.8 mi point to point | ~1,000 ft up, ~2,300 ft down | The most common point-to-point hike |
| Logan Pass to Many Glacier via Swiftcurrent Pass | ~15 mi point to point | ~1,500 ft up, ~2,300 ft down | My favorite route, with way fewer people |
| Add Swiftcurrent Lookout | +2.7 mi round trip | +1,250 ft | The best views of the day |
| Add Grinnell Glacier Overlook | +1.2 mi round trip | +900 ft (steep) | Seeing the glacier from above |
Distances and elevation gain are approximate and come from the NPS and trail guides. Always check the current trail status before you go.
Is the Highline Trail hard?
Honestly, I wouldn’t call the Highline a hard hike. It’s long, but it’s pretty flat. There’s barely any elevation gain on the main trail unless you add the Grinnell Glacier Overlook, which is very steep.
What makes it tough is the mileage and the sun. You’re out in full sun basically the entire way, so bring lots of water and electrolytes. If you’re comfortable walking all day, you can do the Highline.
Start early. I recommend starting the hike as early as you can so you get a head start before the sun is beating down on you. It takes a while for the sun to come up over the mountains, so the first few miles stay shaded and cool. I was on the ledge by 7 AM, and you also get that pretty sunrise light on the peaks, like in my photos.
You also don’t need to do the whole thing. The first few miles are beautiful, and you’re looking at mountains the whole time.
Is the Highline Trail scary? The ledge and handrail
This is the question I get asked most. About a quarter mile from Logan Pass, the trail runs along a ledge cut into the Garden Wall, with Going-to-the-Sun Road far below. There’s a handrail cable bolted to the wall to hold onto. This section is short, only about three-tenths of a mile.
I personally didn’t think it was scary at all, and I didn’t even hold the rope. The path really isn’t that narrow in my opinion. I’ve done a lot of hikes, so maybe I’m just used to it, but I think how scary it is gets exaggerated. The handrail is still a good precaution to have.
After the ledge, the trail is still high up and exposed for most of the hike, but the path is wider, so it feels a lot less intense.
Is the Highline OK if you’re afraid of heights?
Heights have never bothered me, so I can’t speak from experience here. If you’re nervous, the ledge is the part to think about, and it’s right at the beginning. Hold the cable, don’t look down, and take it slow. Once you’re past it, it’s much easier. If you get there and it’s not for you, you can turn around and head back to Logan Pass, no big deal.
Is the Highline Trail safe for kids?
It depends on your kids and how old they are. If they can walk carefully on a narrower path, the ledge should be manageable. I’ve even seen TikToks of parents putting their kids on a leash for the Highline, so that’s an option if you’re worried! You could also just walk the first mile, which is where the sketchiest part is, and see how everyone feels.
If you’d rather skip it, Hidden Lake Overlook is a great family-friendly hike from the same visitor center. It’s about 1.3 miles each way (2.6 miles round trip) with about 600 feet of elevation gain, according to the NPS. It’s uphill, but it’s mostly boardwalk and stairs, so there’s nothing to worry about with heights. Early in the season it can still have snow and ice, so wear good shoes. By peak season it’s usually all melted.
My favorite route: the Highline to Swiftcurrent Pass
Most people hike the Highline to Granite Park Chalet and back, or they finish at The Loop. I recommend going a little farther and hiking out over Swiftcurrent Pass to Many Glacier instead. It’s about 15 miles total, and I barely saw anyone on the Swiftcurrent side. I also wrote about this route in my most underrated hikes in Glacier.
From Granite Park Chalet, you follow the trail to Swiftcurrent Pass and then down into Many Glacier. The views going down Swiftcurrent Pass are insane, with waterfalls and a whole chain of lakes below you.
Add Swiftcurrent Lookout (highly recommend)
If you’re OK adding a few more miles, take the side trail up Swiftcurrent Mountain to the old fire lookout tower. It adds about 2.7 miles round trip and over 1,200 feet of climbing, but it’s a steady incline, not too difficult in my opinion. This was one of my favorite parts of the whole day, and I’d pick it over the Grinnell Glacier Overlook every time.
How to get back to your car
Since this route is point to point, you need a car waiting in Many Glacier. There’s no park shuttle in Many Glacier, so here are the options:
- Two cars: Park one at the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn in Many Glacier, then drive the other to Logan Pass or the pullout I mention below.
- Get dropped off: Have someone drop you at Logan Pass and leave your car at Swiftcurrent.
- Shuttle up, car at the end: If your group has a car parked at Swiftcurrent and a way to reach a shuttle stop, you can ride the park shuttle up to Logan Pass. See the shuttle section below.
After the hike, grab dinner at Many Glacier Hotel or at Swiftcurrent. You’ll have earned it. Want more hikes in this area? Here are my favorite Many Glacier hikes, including Swiftcurrent Pass from the other direction.
What about the Highline to The Loop?
The Loop is the most popular way to finish the Highline. From Granite Park Chalet, the trail drops about 4 miles down to The Loop on Going-to-the-Sun Road, and in past years the shuttle has picked hikers up there (check the current stops). It’s the shortest point-to-point option.
I’ll be honest: I haven’t done it, because everyone I know who has told me to skip it. I’ve heard it’s long, hot and exposed, and it goes through an old burn area, so it isn’t very pretty. If you want the shortest point-to-point hike, it works. But if you have the energy, I’d choose Swiftcurrent Pass instead.
Granite Park Chalet
Granite Park Chalet is about 7.6 miles in, and it’s where most people turn around or head down to The Loop. The chalet is a short walk off the Highline, and there are signs for it.
They sell candy, water and Gatorade, but it’s pricey since everything has to be packed in. When I was there, a can of Gatorade was about $8 and water was about $10. There are outdoor toilets, which were actually pretty nice and well kept.
Staying overnight at Granite Park Chalet
You can stay overnight, and I did it once just for the experience. I hiked up Swiftcurrent, stayed at the chalet, and went back down Swiftcurrent the next day. That was a separate trip from my full Highline hike.
It was such a cool experience. I loved hearing from the staff, who live there for about three months, work around 60 hours a week, and barely leave the property. They see a lot of bears! There’s no running water, so they hike about a quarter mile to get it, and it was eye-opening to see how much work it takes just to cook and clean up there. Every night they do a presentation about safety and the history of the chalet, with a hot drink and a snack. Fair warning about the lodge rooms: the walls are super thin. You can hear people whispering in the next room, so bring earplugs.
- 2026 season: June 29 to September 12
- 2026 rates: Started at $265 a night for a two-person room
- Water: There’s no running water at the chalet. The closest water is a big jug that I believe collects rainwater, but it may be just for overnight guests, so don’t count on it. Day hikers should carry all their water or buy bottled water at the chalet.
- Booking: Rooms sell out fast, but cancellations pop up on their availability page. That’s how I got my night. For 2027, reservations are handled through a lottery, so check the Granite Park Chalet website for details.
Grinnell Glacier Overlook: is it worth it?
Around mile 6.9, a side trail climbs the Garden Wall to the Grinnell Glacier Overlook, where you can look down on the glacier and Upper Grinnell Lake. It’s about 0.6 miles each way, with more than 900 feet of climbing.
My honest opinion: I didn’t think it was worth it. It is very steep. I was really struggling, and I hike a lot. I had to stop and take lots of breaks, and even the way down was hard on my knees. Someone with great cardio might be fine, but mine was definitely lacking that day.
Most people stop right where the trail tops out. The best view is actually if you keep climbing onto the rocky area past it, and when I did that, no one else was up there. But it’s a lot of extra work. If you go down Swiftcurrent Pass, you get similar views anyway, and I’d rather save my energy for Swiftcurrent Lookout. That said, lots of people love the overlook, so take my advice with a grain of salt!
Parking at Logan Pass and the shuttle (2026)
Logan Pass parking is the hardest part of this hike. Even at 6 AM, the lot can be mostly full. If that happens, circle around and wait for someone heading back to their car. It’s basically full all day, except at night.
- No vehicle reservation: You did not need a vehicle reservation to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road in 2026.
- 3-hour parking limit: In 2026, Logan Pass had a 3-hour parking limit from July 1 through Labor Day, so you can’t park there for the full Highline.
- My parking spot: I always parked at a pullout about a quarter mile east of Logan Pass (48.69725, -113.71096). It fits about 10 to 15 cars, you need to be able to parallel park, and there was no time limit in 2026. There was almost always a spot open. Rules can change, so always follow posted signs.
Taking the shuttle to Logan Pass
In 2026, the park ran a shuttle to Logan Pass from July 1 to September 7, and you need a ticket for longer hikes like the Highline. Here’s how it worked, from the NPS Logan Pass page:
- Tickets were $1 per person, booked on Recreation.gov (not sold in the park).
- Pickups were at Apgar Visitor Center and Lake McDonald on the west side, and at Rising Sun and St. Mary Visitor Center on the east side.
- Some tickets opened 60 days ahead, and the rest were released at 7 PM the night before.
- When you check in, they give you a wristband, and that’s how they know you’re riding back with them.
Rules change almost every year, so check the NPS site before your trip. For more Going-to-the-Sun Road tips, read my post on driving Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Where to stay for an early start
Since you want to start early, stay close to Going-to-the-Sun Road on either side of the park. Logan Pass is about 45 minutes to an hour from West Glacier on the west side or St. Mary on the east side, so either one works for a sunrise start.
West Glacier and Lake McDonald
St. Mary (east side)
Not sure which side is better for your trip? Read my guide to where to stay in Glacier: east vs. west.
When does the Highline Trail open?
It depends on the snow each year. The trail usually opens in early to mid July, once the snow and ice melt off the ledges. In 2024 it opened July 12, while in 2023 it opened in late June. I wouldn’t plan on hiking it before mid-July.
It usually stays good until the first snowstorms in late September. Check the NPS trail status page before you go, and see my month-by-month guide to the best time to visit Glacier.
Get a text when the trail opens. Text GNPTRAILS to 333111 and Glacier will text you trail openings, closures and postings, so you know the moment the Highline opens for the season. Text GNPROADS to the same number for Going-to-the-Sun Road updates, since you need the road open to reach Logan Pass.
Always check AllTrails before you go. Before any hike, especially at high elevation like the Highline, I read the most recent reviews on AllTrails. People post about the weather, snow, ice and anything else you should know, like recent bear activity. It’s one of the best ways to know what the trail is actually like right now.
Download an offline trail map. There’s no cell service on most of the Highline, so I always have offline maps ready on Gaia GPS and AllTrails before I start. They’ve saved me a few times when I wandered off trail and forgot how I got there. Download the map while you still have Wi-Fi or service, and keep your phone charged.
Water, bathrooms, and food
- Water: There’s basically no water on the Highline. Fill up at the Logan Pass Visitor Center before you start. Granite Park Chalet has no running water. There’s a big jug of water there, but it may be just for overnight guests, so plan on carrying your own or buying bottled water. If you go out via Swiftcurrent, there are lakes and streams in the last few miles, so a water filter helps.
- Bathrooms: Logan Pass Visitor Center at the start, and the outdoor toilets at Granite Park Chalet.
- Food: Pack more than you think. I brought two sandwiches and a bunch of snacks.
Here’s my TikTok of everything I ate on the Highline:
What to pack for the Highline Trail
This is what I bring on every long Glacier hike. Most of it I’ve been using for years, so I can actually vouch for it.
Safety
- Bear spray and a holster. Keep your bear spray in a holster so you can grab it within a second. There are two kinds I like: one that clips onto your pants or waistband, and one that attaches with a carabiner so you can clip it onto your backpack strap. Don’t let it sit at the bottom of your bag (here’s how to use it).
- A portable charger. On long hikes I always have a portable charger. You never know if you’ll need extra battery for more pictures or because you got lost, and your offline map (Gaia GPS or AllTrails) only helps if your phone is alive.
- A headlamp. You probably won’t need it, but I always keep a headlamp in my bag just in case I’m out past dark.
Water and food
- A water bladder. There’s basically no water on the Highline, so I carry a CamelBak Crux 3L water bladder in my pack plus extra water.
- A water filter. If you go out over Swiftcurrent, there are lakes and streams in the last few miles. This LifeStraw Peak filter lets you refill instead of carrying it all.
- Electrolytes. I ran out and paid about $8 for a Gatorade at the chalet. Now I pack Liquid I.V. packets so that doesn’t happen again.
- Lots of food and snacks. Pack more than you think you’ll need.
Clothes and shoes
- Layers. It can be cold and windy at Logan Pass in the morning. I love this rain jacket. I’ve had it two years and it’s never let me down. My puffer I’ve had for four years, and it always keeps me warm. It’s pricey, but I think it could last a lifetime (mine is yellow, which I don’t see on REI right now).
- Hiking pants. These are my absolute favorite hiking pants. I’ve had them three or four years. They zip off into shorts when I get hot, and with two zippers (one around the leg and one down the side) I don’t have to take my shoes off to do it. So convenient, super comfortable and so worth the price.
- Hiking shoes. I’ve had these hiking shoes for three years. They’re finally worn out, and I’m buying the exact same pair again because I love them.
- Good hiking socks. Not a must, but they really help on a long day. I love Darn Tough socks, and they come with a lifetime warranty.
- A comfortable hiking backpack. My Osprey Daylite is the backpack I hike with. It has room for my layers, water bladder and snacks.
Optional: trekking poles
The descents to The Loop and Many Glacier are long and hard on your knees. I’ve never liked hiking with poles, but a lot of people swear by them. If I got a pair, it would probably be these Hiker Hunger carbon fiber trekking poles.
You can find everything I wear and use on my ShopMy storefront.
Wildlife on the Highline: goats, bighorn sheep and grizzlies
You’ll most likely see mountain goats and bighorn sheep. When I hiked it, I saw so many, and a couple of mountain goats were actually blocking the trail. It was hard to get past them, but it was so cool. Give them space and let them move on.
This is also grizzly country, especially around Granite Park and Swiftcurrent. Near Swiftcurrent Mountain, not far from the chalet, I saw my first grizzly on a trail. I didn’t expect it at all, and it spooked me a little. I got my bear spray out and kept walking, since he wasn’t close, and I made lots of noise.
You don’t need to be scared, just prepared. Make noise, skip the bear bells, and keep your bear spray in your hand or on your hip, where you can reach it within a second. If it’s buried at the bottom of your bag, it won’t help you when a bear surprises you. Read my guide to bear spray in Glacier before you go. You can also text GNPTRAILS to 333111 to get the park’s trail closure alerts, including closures for bear activity.
Shorter options near Logan Pass
- Walk a few miles and turn around: The views start right away. If you parked at Logan Pass, this also keeps you inside the 3-hour limit.
- Haystack Butte: About 3.6 miles in, a nice turnaround point.
- Hidden Lake Overlook: About 2.6 miles round trip with about 600 feet of elevation gain, starting right behind the Logan Pass Visitor Center.
- Hidden Lake: Keep going past the overlook down to the lakeshore for about 5 miles round trip. The trail drops down to the lake, so you climb back up on the way out.
Fitting the Highline into a trip? It’s in my 3-day, 5-day and 7-day Glacier itineraries. And if you’re doing the Swiftcurrent route, staying on the east side helps. Here’s my guide to where to stay in Glacier National Park.
Highline Trail FAQ
How long is the Highline Trail?
The full Highline from Logan Pass to The Loop is 11.8 miles. It’s point to point, so you finish at The Loop instead of hiking back. Granite Park Chalet is about 7.6 miles in, and my favorite route out to Many Glacier via Swiftcurrent Pass is about 15 miles.
How long does the Highline Trail take?
Plan on most of the day. My route to Many Glacier with Swiftcurrent Lookout and the Grinnell Glacier Overlook took me about 10 hours.
Is the Highline Trail hard?
Not really. It’s long, but mostly flat. The steep parts are the optional Grinnell Glacier Overlook and Swiftcurrent Lookout side trips.
Is the Highline Trail scary?
The only part most people find scary is the short ledge with the handrail near Logan Pass. It’s about three-tenths of a mile, and I think its reputation is exaggerated.
Do you need a reservation for the Highline Trail?
You didn’t need a vehicle reservation in 2026, but Logan Pass had a 3-hour parking limit and the shuttle required a $1 ticket on Recreation.gov. Check the NPS site for the current year’s rules.
When is the best time to hike the Highline?
Usually mid-July through mid-September, after the snow melts and before the first fall storms.
Final thoughts
The Highline is iconic for a reason, and I’d recommend it to anyone visiting Glacier. Go early, bring more water than you think, have your bear spray ready, and if you have the energy, finish over Swiftcurrent Pass. You’ll have one of the best days of your life.
