Highline Trail Trailhead at Logan Pass to Grinnell Glacier Overlook

Q: Do I need a permit to hike Highline Trail?

No day-hike permit is required; vehicle reservations may be needed to access the trailhead during peak season.

Q: How long does the hike take?

Plan 6–10 hours for the point-to-point variation; 2.5–4 hours for Haystack Pass out-and-back.

Q: Is a map or GPS needed on the Highline Trail?

Carry a map and be prepared for limited cell service; the ridge can be disorienting in wind or snow.

Q: Is the Grinnell Glacier Overlook spur worth the extra effort?

Yes. It adds elevation and glacier views without deviating too far from the main trail.

Q: What season has the best reliability for access?

July–September offers the most stable access when the road is typically open.

Q: Can I do this as a day hike and return to Logan Pass?

Yes, but plan a long day when the loop option is chosen; Haystack Pass is shorter but still demanding.

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Overview

About This Trail

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.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Moderate to Difficult

Hike If / Skip If

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.

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.

The Sweat Reality

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.

The Arrival Protocol

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.

The Payoff

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.

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.

Best Season to Hike

July through September

Hiking Tips

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

Family Info

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.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 11.8 miles

Elevation Gain: 800 ft

Duration: 6-10 hours for point-to-point; 2.5-4 hours for Haystack Pass out-and-back

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

Route Type: Point-to-Point (Logan Pass to The Loop) – Out-and-Back options to Haystack Pass or Granite Park Chalet

Surface: Primarily packed dirt with rocky sections and some exposed ledges

Getting There

Trailhead: Logan Pass Visitor Center, Going-to-the-Sun Road

Parking: Large lot at Logan Pass Visitor Center

Fills Up: Full by sunrise; 6:30–7:00 AM, especially on weekends

Restrooms at trailhead

Requirements

Permit Required

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.

Shuttle Available

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

Trail Rules

Trail Markers: Well-worn; carry a map

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: 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.

Shade: Largely exposed with minimal shade, especially along the Garden Wall

Cell Service: Limited within the park

Hazards:

Exposed cliffside ledges require careful footing; the Grinnell Glacier Overlook spur is steep and strenuous

Emergency: Call 911 in emergencies; contact Glacier National Park rangers through the NPS

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Very high

Peak Times: First section, peak season weekends

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Rooty and rocky with exposure; not stroller-friendly

Family 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

Reviews

★★★★☆

4.9 /5

Based on 96 Google reviews

Reviews from Google

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.

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.

I’ve been to 28 national parks and hiked all around the PNW, this is my all time favorite hike so far. Views are incredible! Pictures do not do it justice. Make sure to check the cameras at Logan pass before driving up. The first day I drove up it was completely socked in with fog and not able to hike. Second day cams were clear but dense fog halfway up that lifted right before Logan pass.

Showing 3 of 96 reviews

FAQs

Are bears a concern on this trail?

Yes—bear country; hike in groups, make noise, store food properly, and carry bear spray.

Do I need a permit to hike Highline Trail?

How long does the hike take?

Is a map or GPS needed on the Highline Trail?

Is the Grinnell Glacier Overlook spur worth the extra effort?

What season has the best reliability for access?

Can I do this as a day hike and return to Logan Pass?

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Highline Trail Trailhead