Highline Trail Trailhead

Highline Trail: an 11.8-mile one-way alpine route with exposure, serious weather risk, and a return plan to arrange.

Insider tip

The Grinnell Glacier Overlook spur is optional but worth it; keep pace.

Insider tip

Check shuttle times in advance; crowds can slow you down.

When to come

Check NPS trail conditions and access rules before departure; do not assume shuttle or parking policies beyond the 2026 pilot period.

Trail

TrailOPERATIONAL★ 4.9

YOUR VISIT, YOUR WAY

What would you love to do here?

Highline offers exposed alpine scenery from Logan Pass, with a shorter out-and-back or an 11.8-mile one-way hike to The Loop. Even a short walk has serious dropoffs and weather exposure. Bring water, food, layers and bear spray; check closures and arrange your return first. The 2026 three-hour parking pilot and ticketed shuttle were scheduled July 1–September 7, not beyond; a seasonal schedule is not live service confirmation.

Walk out and back from Logan Pass

Start at Logan Pass and turn back at a time your group can comfortably manage. Return the same way rather than committing to The Loop; exposed sections and changing weather still require care.

Logan Pass and the Highline Trail start · Moderate effort

With children

A shorter outing can fit a tighter visit window, but this is not an easy family walk; exposure and weather remain important considerations for children.

The full Logan Pass-to-The Loop hike

This is an 11.8-mile one-way hike with substantial ascent and descent, and it requires a separately arranged return.

From Logan Pass to The Loop · High effort

With children

The substantial ascent and descent, one-way commitment and return logistics make this a demanding choice for families; it is not an easy family walk.

Saved choices are ideas, not reservations. Check current access, conditions and opening times before travel.

Planning sources · checked September 7, 2026

The Highline Trail’s draw is sustained alpine scenery from the Logan Pass end, not just one final viewpoint. Choose a time-limited out-and-back if you want to return to your starting point, or plan the 11.8-mile one-way route to The Loop with return transport arranged separately. Exposed terrain and changing weather are serious considerations even on a shorter outing; check NPS conditions before committing.

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
11.8-mile one-way route from Logan Pass toward The Loop; an explicitly time-limited out-and-back to Logan Pass is an NPS alternative, and a through hike needs a separately arranged return.
Difficulty Level
Moderate to Difficult
Elevation Gain Feet
800

CHOOSE YOUR NEXT WALK

Is this the right hike for your day?

Why choose this hike?

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.
Best For
  • Peak baggers
  • Long-distance day hikers
  • Wildlife enthusiasts

What the outing demands

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.
Estimated Time
Plan time according to the chosen route; the NPS describes a time-limited out-and-back alternative, while the through hike requires a separately arranged return.

Where and when it fits the day

Trailhead Location
Logan Pass Visitor Center, Going-to-the-Sun Road
Best Time To Visit
Check NPS trail conditions and access rules before departure; do not assume shuttle or parking policies beyond the 2026 pilot period.

Explore your choices Choose your visit options.

Trail profile

Distance Miles
11.8
Route Type
11.8-mile one-way route from Logan Pass toward The Loop; an explicitly time-limited out-and-back to Logan Pass is an NPS alternative, and a through hike needs a separately arranged return.
Difficulty Level
Moderate to Difficult
Elevation Gain Feet
800
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

Trailhead & access

Parking Lot Size
Large lot at Logan Pass Visitor Center
Parking Fill Time
No reliable daily parking fill time is established here. The three-hour Logan Pass parking pilot applied July 1 through September 7, 2026; check current access conditions rather than assuming the old pilot or a guaranteed parking window.
Shuttle Details
During the July 1–September 7, 2026 pilot, ticketed Logan Pass shuttle planning was required for longer hikes because parking was limited to three hours. That pilot has ended as of September 8, 2026; do not assume shuttle availability now or in 2027 without checking NPS.

Permits & conditions

Permits Required
Yes
Permit Details
For 2026, vehicle reservations are not required anywhere in Glacier. Check NPS for current access rules before departure.
Fees
A park entrance pass and other applicable fees remain separate from the absence of a vehicle-reservation requirement in 2026. Check current NPS fees and access guidance before departure.
Trail Status
Current status not verified; trail conditions and closures change frequently. Check NPS before departure.
Seasonal Closures
Going-to-the-Sun Road typically closes for the season between late September and mid-October

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
Yes
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
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.
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
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
Yes
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
For 2026, vehicle reservations were not required anywhere in Glacier, and the Logan Pass three-hour parking/ticketed-shuttle pilot ended after September 7. Current trail conditions, closures, and services must be checked with NPS before departure.
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.

Location

Highline Trail Trailhead in Glacier National Park overlooking rugged ridges and a distant turquoise lake.Highline Trail Trailhead winds along a rugged alpine slope with snow-capped peaks in Glacier National Park.Highline Trailhead overlook along Glacier National Park's rugged ridgeline with wildflowers and distant peaks.Highline Trailhead overlook in Glacier National Park with jagged alpine peaks and evergreen trees under a clear blue sky.

Frequently asked questions

Can I do a shorter version instead of the through hike?

Yes. The NPS describes an explicitly time-limited out-and-back to Logan Pass as an alternative; choose a turnaround time before starting.

Is this trail safe in bad weather?

Exposure and inclement weather are serious concerns, even on a shorter outing. Check NPS conditions and be prepared to turn around.

Can I hike the full route and return by shuttle?

Do not assume that. A through hike requires a separately arranged return plan, and shuttle services are date- and policy-dependent.

Do I need a vehicle reservation in 2026?

The reviewed NPS guidance says vehicle reservations are not required anywhere in Glacier for 2026. Check current rules for later dates.

Should I rely on cell service?

No. Plan without dependable cell coverage and carry water, food, layers, and bear spray.

Can I hike alone?

The NPS recommends hiking together. Exposure, changing conditions, and limited communications make a partner especially important.

What should I check before leaving?

Check NPS trail conditions, closures, access rules, and any current shuttle or parking requirements before departure.

Avalanche Lake Trailhead

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated December 2025. Report an issue.