Nearly four years ago, a friend and I hiked part of the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park. This trail is renowned for its stunning scenery. The full hike spans about twelve to fourteen miles, but most hikers opt for an out-and-back route instead of completing the entire trail. We discovered that this preference largely stems from the final four miles, which feature a steep decline that can be tough on the knees and offers little in the way of views.
If you're planning to hike the full trail, here are some tips to keep in mind. First, be prepared for the length of the hike. We woke up at 3:30 a.m. to drive from our campsite to the parking lot. Arriving early is crucial, as this lot is one of the smallest for such a popular hike. We noticed people had even slept in their cars overnight to secure a spot. Thankfully, we arrived early enough to find parking without any issues. We started our hike at sunrise, and the overcast sky worked to our advantage, providing some relief from the sun. The trail has no shade, and although there isn’t much elevation gain, the sun can really wear you out, so pack plenty of water and snacks.
Around mile 7 there’s a junction with the Garden Wall Trail. I highly recommend taking this detour to Grinnell Glacier, where you’ll gain 900 to 1,500 feet in elevation over less than a mile. The views from up there were my absolute favorite in Glacier. Don’t forget to bring a lightweight jacket, as it can get quite windy and chilly.
After descending from Garden Wall, you’ll return to the main trail and reach the chalet in about a mile. The chalet offers lodging, snacks, restrooms, and drinks, making it a popular stop for many hikers. Some people spend the night there before heading back the next day, while others pause to rest before continuing. We stopped briefly but needed to keep moving, as we were concerned about our dog, Lylah, waiting in the car.
The descent was challenging. I found myself practically sprinting the last four miles, which was far from straightforward. The trail features steep steps and undulating terrain, with little tree cover along the way. Once you finally reach the bottom, you'll need to wait for the shuttle back to the parking lot. A word of caution about the shuttle system: it can be chaotic and overcrowded. If you're in a large group, I recommend sending someone ahead to secure a ride back. We saw groups waiting for over half an hour, and when the second shuttle arrived, I managed to grab one of the last two spots. Lylah was fine in the car, and after picking up our friend J, we headed back to the campsite.
Overall, we had a fantastic trip, and the hike was definitely worth it. If we do it again, we might leave Lylah with other campers overnight or stay at the chalet ourselves. It's definitely on our list for a return visit—maybe next time!
