This hike up Granite Mountain comes with a steep price, so be prepared for a good climb to the top. Elevation gain is about 1,000 ft per mile, and should be done by those who are in good shape to handle the strain. Part of the reason people love going on this hike is the beautiful views available from the lookout point at the summit. Hikers will be able to see Mount Rainier in the distance as well as Mount Stewart and the Teanaway. 

The trail begins off the highway at the Pratt Lake trailhead. Hikers will follow this trail for about 1.2 miles until they reach a trail junction. Pratt Lake continues on the left, while Granite Mountain takes off on the right. There are switchbacks along the trail, with one of the early switchbacks giving an excellent view of steep, debris filled avalanche chute. This hike is especially dangerous in the winter and early spring, and it is highly adviced that hikers wait until the snow melts before attempting this hike as the avalanche risk is very high. 

Once past the trail junction, the Granite Mountain trail becomes narrower and rockier as hikers begin their way towards the summit. The trail is shaded, however because of the steep climb, most hikers will not feel cold but pretty warm. Switchbacks meander across the mountain, and about a mile after the junction, hikers will be at the top of the previously seen avalanche chute. There is a seasonal stream which can be used to refill water, just remember to filter. Continuing up along the trail, there will be some flatter spots through a few meadows and forests before reaching a talus slope. At this point the outlook will be in view, but there is still a difficult climb to the top. 

Overall this trail is gruelling and steep, however the views are well worth the work it takes to get to the top. There is a ranger outlook which is sometimes open to the public at the top, and makes for a great rest spot. This trail tends to get crowded on the weekends, so it might be best to go during the week. 

The Siyeh Pass Trail is widely considered one of the finest day hikes in Glacier National Park — a roughly 10-mile point-to-point traverse that climbs through flower-filled meadows to a high alpine pass with top-of-the-world views, then descends a dramatic canyon toward Saint Mary Lake. With about 2,250 feet of elevation gain to a high point near 8,080 feet, it's a strenuous but hugely rewarding outing that samples the very best of Glacier: wildflowers, glaciers, wildlife, and staggering mountain scenery.

The classic route begins at Siyeh Bend on the Going-to-the-Sun Road and ends at Sunrift Gorge, so it's a one-way hike — you'll ride the park shuttle back to your car (more on that below). From the trailhead the path climbs about 2.5 miles through forest before opening up; where the trail splits, keep toward Preston Park, one of the most beautiful subalpine meadows in the park and a perfect spot to rest beneath 10,000-foot Mount Siyeh. From the meadow, a series of switchbacks climbs the flank of Matahpi Peak to the pass itself — the high point of the hike, with sweeping views over several drainages at once.

The descent is every bit as spectacular. Dropping toward Baring Creek, hikers pass close to Sexton Glacier, wander through wildflower slopes, and often spot mountain goats and bighorn sheep on the rocky heights. Depending on the season you may cross lingering snowfields. The trail finally winds down to Sunrift Gorge on the shore of Saint Mary Lake, where you catch the shuttle back to Siyeh Bend.

Plan around the logistics. The hike sits along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, and reaching the trailheads is easiest via the park's free shuttle — but in 2026 the shuttle requires a reservation (a small processing fee, released 60 days ahead or at 7 p.m. the night before). A park entrance pass is required. The high country stays snowbound much of the year, so the season generally runs from about mid-July into late September; check current trail and road status before you go.

Keep an eye on the rock underfoot, too. The colorful red and green cliffs here belong to the ancient Belt Supergroup, and the trail passes limestone of the Helena (Siyeh) Formation that holds stromatolites — fossilized mats of blue-green algae roughly 1.45 billion years old, among the oldest visible signs of life on Earth. It's a humbling thing to spot mid-hike: proof that this dramatic landscape has a story reaching back almost unimaginably far.

This is grizzly country, and bear sightings are common, so carry bear spray, know how to use it, and make noise on blind corners. Bring layers for fast-changing alpine weather, sun protection, plenty of water, and sturdy footwear for the long descent. Start early to secure parking and your shuttle, and give yourself the whole day — Siyeh Pass rewards every mile with the kind of scenery that makes Glacier famous.

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.