Glacier National Park

The hike

Glacier National Park in northwest Montana protects a wild stretch of the northern Rockies, with more than 700 miles of trail threading through glacier-carved valleys, alpine meadows and turquoise lakes. Our pick is the Highline Trail, which starts across Going-to-the-Sun Road from the Continental Divide sign at Logan Pass and runs along the Garden Wall, high above the valley, with big views nearly the whole way.

Most hikers go one way from Logan Pass to The Loop, a full day of about 19 km with more descent than climb, passing Granite Park Chalet near the end. Much of the trail is exposed, so it suits sure-footed hikers in settled weather; a shorter option is to walk out from Logan Pass for a while and turn back. Plan your transport ahead, carry bear spray and plenty of water, and watch for mountain goats and bighorn sheep.

Plan your trip

Permits & fees

Park entrance pass required. No vehicle reservations in 2026, but from July 1 to September 7, 2026 Logan Pass parking is limited to 3 hours, so Highline hikers need a ticketed Logan Pass Shuttle seat booked on Recreation.gov.

Getting there

Logan Pass is on Going-to-the-Sun Road, usually fully open from early July to mid-October. In summer 2026, ticketed express shuttles run to Logan Pass from Apgar, Lake McDonald Lodge, St. Mary and Rising Sun, and stop at The Loop to take hikers back.

Good to know

• Book Logan Pass Shuttle tickets early: some are released 60 days ahead, the rest at 7 p.m. MDT the day before. Don't count on the last shuttle from The Loop.
• The Loop has restrooms but no drinking water, so carry all the water you need from Logan Pass.
• Much of the trail is exposed to drop-offs and weather; start early, check the forecast and carry bear spray.

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