Highline Trail Trailhead at Logan Pass to Grinnell Glacier Overlook

Sunlit peak rises above the Highline Trail Trailhead in Glacier National Park, with rugged green valleys and lingering snow patches.

Hike from Logan Pass to the Grinnell Glacier Overlook via the Highline Trail. An 11.4-mile out-and-back with ~2,450 ft of elevation gain, exposed ledges, and parking challenges.

Popular, seasonal 11.8-mile trail with panoramic valley views, wildlife & a ledge with a hand cable.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 11.8
Route Type: Point-to-Point (Logan Pass to The Loop) – Out-and-Back options to Haystack Pass or Granite Park Chalet
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
Elevation Gain Feet: 800

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 11.8
Route Type: Point-to-Point (Logan Pass to The Loop) – Out-and-Back options to Haystack Pass or Granite Park Chalet
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
Elevation Gain Feet: 800
Estimated Time: 6-10 hours for point-to-point; 2.5-4 hours for Haystack Pass out-and-back
Trail Surface: Primarily packed dirt with rocky sections and some exposed ledges
Trail Features: Garden Wall
exposed cliffside ledges
hand cable section
Grinnell Glacier Overlook spur
Trail Highlights: Expansive alpine vistas, dramatic cliffside views along the Garden Wall, wildlife sightings (goats, sheep, marmots, bears), wildflowers in early summer, and glacier views. The Grinnell Glacier Overlook offers glacier viewing as a side trail.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Logan Pass Visitor Center, Going-to-the-Sun Road
Parking Lot Size: Large lot at Logan Pass Visitor Center
Parking Fill Time: Full by sunrise; 6:30–7:00 AM, especially on weekends
Shuttle Details: Free Glacier National Park shuttle runs along Going-to-the-Sun Road between Logan Pass and The Loop; expect crowds and longer waits, especially at The Loop

Permits & conditions

Permits Required: Yes
Permit Details: Vehicle reservations may be required to access the trailhead during peak season; obtain via Recreation.gov
Fees: Vehicle reservations have a small fee. Park entry pass is $35 per vehicle for 7 days.
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: Going-to-the-Sun Road typically closes for the season between late September and mid-October

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 1
Water Sources: Very limited. Potable water is available at Logan Pass Visitor Center; slow snowmelt or small creeks may be found early in the season but are not reliable. Water is also sold at Granite Park Chalet.
Accessibility: Rooty and rocky with exposure; not stroller-friendly

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Bear country (grizzly and black bears)
steep drop-offs
narrow ledges
high winds
rapidly changing weather conditions
Hazard Details: Exposed cliffside ledges require careful footing; the Grinnell Glacier Overlook spur is steep and strenuous
Cell Service: Limited within the park
Crowd Level: Very high
Peak Crowd Times: First section, peak season weekends
Parking Strategy: Logan Pass parking fills very early, especially in peak season. Use the free Going-to-the-Sun Road shuttle to reach the trailhead, and consider arriving before sunrise.
Effort Verdict: Moderate to strenuous overall due to the long distance (11.4 miles round trip), 2,450 ft of elevation gain, and exposure along the Garden Wall.
Ideal Hiker Profile: Best for hikers with solid endurance, good balance on exposed ledges, and the ability to hike 11.4 miles round trip with 2,450 ft of gain; not recommended for beginners.
Best Season: July through September
Best Time To Visit: Start before sunrise (6:30–7:00 AM) to beat crowds. Best season is July–September when Going-to-the-Sun Road is open.
Tips Advice: Hydrate: carry 2–3 liters per person
Wear sturdy boots and trekking poles
Make noise to avoid bear encounters
Dress in layers; weather shifts fast
Start cold and pace yourself
Carry bear spray and know how to use it
Use the shuttle if timing is tight

More details

Trail Markers: Well-worn; carry a map
Shade Level: Largely exposed with minimal shade, especially along the Garden Wall
Emergency Contacts: Call 911 in emergencies; contact Glacier National Park rangers through the NPS
Map Recommended: 1
Best For: Peak baggers
Long-distance day hikers
Wildlife enthusiasts
Snow Dates: Trail typically opens around July 1st; snow can linger and render early July impassable in some years
Mud Season: Early July often brings mud and lingering snow along the Highline Trail; prepare for wet footing and pack waterproof footwear.
Bug Season: Summer months; bite risk
Insider Tips: The Grinnell Glacier Overlook spur is optional but worth it; keep pace.
Check shuttle times in advance; crowds can slow you down.
Carry a map; cell service is limited.
The main parking lot fills by 6:30 AM; arrive early or use the shuttle.
Recent Updates: Seasonal operation; road and shuttle availability may change; check park alerts
Family Friendly Notes: Exposed ledges and steep drop-offs mean this hike is not suitable for very young children; older kids should be supervised and able to maintain stable footing.
Nearby Facilities: Logan Pass Visitor Center restrooms; Granite Park Chalet restrooms if continuing past Haystack Pass
Photo Ops: Photo opportunities include dramatic views from the ledges of the Garden Wall and toward the Grinnell Glacier Overlook; bring a wide-angle lens to capture expansive alpine scenery.
Review Summary: The distance and exposure demand grit, but the ridge walk delivers high-alpine payoff with wildlife and glacier views; crowds are heavy near the start, so plan ahead and keep a steady pace.