Highline Trail - Glacier National Park - Montana

This picture of Adam hiking the Highline Trail shows what this trail has to offer.  This was easily the most spectacularly scenic trail I've ever hiked.

The vistas are spectacular but there were also many wildlife viewing opportunities.  This mountain goat blocked our way for about 15 minutes until he moved far enough off the trail to let us pass.  We were also able to spot a big horned sheep a little further off the trail.

Another vista.

At different points along the Highline, the Golden Mantled Squirrels were nearly tame.  Adam is posing with one sitting just to the right of his left elbow.  Several times we walked within inches of them, stopping to watch them closely as they went about their business as if we weren't even there.

There is a spur trail along the Highline that takes you to the Grinnell Glacier overlook (elevation -  7,510').  The spur to the overlook is only nine tenths of a mile but you gain 900' in elevation on the spur.  It is VERY strenuous. We were glad we didn't pass it by.  Pictured above is Adam at the top of the overlook with Grinnell glacier to the left and Grinnell lake below.  It was super windy at the top.  We hid from the wind behind a rock outcropping and ate the snacks we packed while soaking up the sun.

Just before we reached the Granite Park Chalet (the end of the Highline) we watched this deer cross the meadow at 7000'.  The Highline really does have it all.  All sorts of animals, wildflowers everywhere, and absolutely incredible vistas.

After reaching the Granite Park Chalet (above), we took the loop trail for four miles back down to Going to the Sun Road and caught the shuttle back to Logan's Pass to meet Kim and Syd.

Miles Hiked........:  13.6

Elevation Gained...:  2,850' (including Grinnel Overlook)