One of the most popular hikes in Glacier National Park. The Highline Trail is on many people's hiking lists because it showcases all of the beauty of Glacier National Park in just one hike. This hike takes hikers up through Alpine meadows, the top of the Continental Divide, and past several lakes. 

The trail is found at the Logan Pass Visitors Center. From here, hikers will cross the road and begin along the Highline Trail. As hikers make their way along the trail and up to the Continental Divide, they will face some significant elevation gain. The trail is split into two parts, the southern half and the northern half. The southern half is about 7 miles one way and finishes at Granite Park Chalet, with the northern half picking up from Granite Park Chalet and continuing to Waterton Valley/Flattop Mountain Trail Junction. 

From the beginning, the trail goes through a meadow and then begins to climb along the Garden Wall Divide. There is some exposure along this part of the trail, though the trail is pretty wide. During the summer a cable is put up along the Garden Wall for extra support while hiking, however this part of the trail does not last very long. After hiking along the cliff face, the trail goes through several grassy meadows with streams flowing, making a good place to refill on water. The next stop is a rock field which then leads to switchbacks on the east side of Haystack Butte. When hiking over Haystack Butte, there will be a trail for Grinnell Glacier Overlook. This is a good detour hike for those who are fit enough for some extra miles, and offers excellent views of Many Glacier and Upper Grinnell Lake. 

After the butte, the trail makes a slight decline to Granite Park Chalet. This chalet sells water and food for hikers, includes bathrooms and rooms to sleep in. If hikers wish to continue from Granite Park Chalet on the northern half of the trail, they will continue from here for about 11 miles. Depending on how late in the season hikers go, the northern half of the trail may still have significant snow in places. However, the trail is still beautiful and often less crowded than the southern half. The northern half takes hikers toward Ahern Pass and Sue Lake. Towards the end of the trail there is a campground where people can choose to spend the night and then return back to Logan Pass the next day. 

This hike has plenty of wildlife and nature to see. It isn't uncommon to see Mountain Goats as well as deer and bighorn sheep. Be aware, this is bear country and it is advised to carry bear spray when hiking.