Enjoy it while visiting Glacier National Park in Montana
The Highline Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in the park. It’s also one of the more challenging ones. The trail follows the Continental Divide and offers breathtaking views of glacial valleys, alpine meadows, and the famous Garden Wall. The Garden Wall is a magnificent section of the park known for its impressive formations. However, this part of the trail can be quite intimidating for people who are afraid of heights. To ensure safety, the park service has installed a hand cable along the narrow ridge. Keep in mind that the trail is 11 miles round trip, so it’s not recommended for inexperienced hikers. If you’d like to see the Garden Wall without tackling the entire Highline Trail, you can take the Garden Wall trail, which branches off near Granite Park Chalet.
To make the most of your trip and avoid large crowds, it’s advisable to arrive early at Logan Pass, where the trail begins. This will also increase your chances of finding a parking spot. Once you’ve completed the hike, there’s a convenient shuttle service available from the Loop back to Logan Pass, allowing you to easily return to your vehicle.
Many hikers recommend starting at Logan Pass and hiking to Haystack Pass before turning back. Keep in mind that the lower part of the trail is more challenging and doesn’t offer the same breathtaking views as other sections. However, along the way, you’ll likely encounter various wildlife species such as bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and bears.
It’s worth mentioning that access to the trail is free with park admission, so you won’t need to pay any additional fees. If you want to check the schedule for the shuttle service, you can visit the NPS website, where they provide a list of shuttle times.