Max Elevation: 6515 feet Preferred route: Start the Highline Trail at Logan Pass. Traverse Between Grinnell Glacier Overlook and Swiftcurrent Pass This traverse can be completed from the Loop on GTS Road as a long day hike (very similar to the route description for Mount Grinnell) or as a very long day hike from Logan Pass. You’ll reach the chalet after hiking 0.7 miles past the junction leading to the Grinnell Glacier Overlook. For this reason, protect your feet with some good hiking boots! There are quite a few photo opportunities at the top. You can stay at the chalet for a different kind of Glacier National Park getaway. This first mile is one of the best parts of Highline Trail. Distance: 11.6 miles one-way 1 mi (1.6 km) Elevation gain: 700 ft (213 m) Trailhead: Apikuni parking area, 1.1 miles … The drive takes about 15 minutes to get to Logan Pass, so the earliest you will start the hike will be just after 9 am. Started at the hairpin, veered off for the Grinnell overlook, then kept following the Highline to Logan pass. 1) Park at the Loop on Going to the Sun Road and take the Loop trail to Granite Park Chalet and then get on the Highline Trail headed towards Logan's Pass to the Grinnell Glacier Overlook tail head or 2) *the longer route* Park at Logan's Pass and take the Highline Trail along the Garden Wall to the Grinnell Glacier Overlook trail … Once it was a good thirty feet away from the trail, Kara and I continued on our way. If you return to Logan Pass on the trail, you don’t have to worry about waiting for the shuttle (it can be a very long wait, depending on your timing). When you do this hike, turn around at the Glacier Park Chalet. You only have 4 miles to go! Heading to Glacier end of August/early September this year. The highest Lookout in Glacier, with an unrestricted 360 view. The Grinnell Glacier Overlook trail will bring you above one of Glacier National Park’s most prominent glacier formations. My trip total was 15 miles, and would have been 13 if I’d gone to the loop instead. Preferred route: Start the Highline Trail at Logan Pass. There is also a little eating area and store in the chalet, so if you want to take a break from hiking, do it here! There's a hiker shuttle bus service that makes this possible. I’ll list both then tell you what we did. This wait can be as long as one hour during peak times (midday to early afternoon). I found the trees to be a wild contrast to the rest of the trail and we had some great views of the surrounding mountains. And it sucks. This part of the hike is a steep downhill walk in and out of a forest. Think I will stick with our plan , Your email address will not be published. If you hike to the Grinnell Glacier Overlook, you will be standing on the mountain in the background with a view down to the glacier. There is nothing to see on the downhill walk to the Loop. You’re going to want to have it handy to take photos while you hike! In fact, locals call bear bells “dinner bells,” since studies show that they can actually make bears more curious and want to investigate the sound of the bells. We came to a stop, I kept talking, calmly voicing my thoughts to Kara, so the bear could hear us and so that Kara knew what I was thinking. This trailhead is marked on the highway before you get to the "Loop." The vegetation in Glacier National Park is very fragile and can take hundreds of years to grow back if you trample all over it. The views are spectacular and we got to see bear and mountain goats up close. Hello Josh. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc. Check out Grinnell Glacier Overlook. Okay, now that you know what we did, let’s dive into Option #2 a bit more. Take as many breaks as you need! There are about 8 to 10 parking spaces at The Loop, so you will want to get there early. To get back to Logan Pass, get in the line for the eastbound shuttle. Hike along the Highline Trail (from The Loop and Granite Park Chalet or from the south along the Highline Trail) to the Grinnell Glacier Overlook and follow that trail to the overlook. If you hike Grinnell Glacier Overlook on a partially cloudy day, you can still get great pictures! If you’re curious about our camera gear, read our blog here. Let me tell you when you come upon Grinnell Glacier Overlook, you’re going to feel the fattest smile come on your face. Views the entire way but lots of foot traffic on and past the overlook turn off. The views across Glacier National Park are spectacular. This hike can be done in either direction. Just before arriving at Granite Park Chalet you have the option to take the detour to the Grinnell Glacier Overlook. Take your pick from 50 of the world's best travel adventures. And man, was it worth it! You could just go to the Fork. If you do not have plans to hike to Grinnell Glacier on a separate day, I recommend adding this detour onto your day. And oh my god, when you start to hike up to the overlook, your legs might hate you. If you are lucky, you can spot deer, mountain goats, and Bighorn sheep. While hiking, I was constantly scanning not only the trail in front of us, but also the trees and brush along the sides of the trail. Let’s go plastic-free, folks. About those bear bells: We were told by a park ranger to leave those bear bells at home. This option is much longer than the first, but the views are epic, I promise. Have fun in Glacier! Since we finished earlier than the main crowd, we did not have to wait in line for the shuttle to Logan Pass. There are places to take breaks in between the climb, and plenty of people will be, so don’t shy away from stopping to catch your breath. Like you, we did not want to do 3 big hikes, so we are saving Iceberg for a future visit. This is one of the biggest decisions of the day. Although the hike to Grinnell Glacier Overlook is short at 3.2 miles total, the last .6 miles of the hike up is very strenuous after the previous hikes of the day. The Grinnell Glacier Overlook Remember, this is grizzly and black bear country. Your email address will not be published. But Kara and I hike fast, so within a few miles, we passed many of the hikers and were almost on our own. Before starting your hike, drive along Going To The Sun Road and park your car at The Loop. Grinnell stands tall between two incredible drainages in the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park. Okay, I won’t keep you with the fantasies. A good polarizer will help you take better photos! Some other folks decided to go to the right and hike up to a higher viewpoint. The trail occasionally closes due to grizzly bear activity. The trail is about 1 mile from the Highline Trail to the top of the overlook, but trust me, 1 mile never seemed so long! You can park at either Logan Pass or the Loop. Overall, it will be a longer hike, but you get to enjoy the spectacular views the entire time. That’s when we chose to do this hike and I was surprised by how great the images turned out. This makes a great place to take a break and have lunch. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. From this spot in the trail, you’ll be able to see Granite Park Chalet and the end to the uphill in your day. The Loop has a smaller parking lot that can accommodate roughly 20 cars. It doesn’t take long until you leave the shade of the trees and enter what remains of an old forest fire. Planning a trip through the United States? When we did this, the parking lot was almost completely filled by 7:45 am. Not to mention, the trail is a long one! ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Work with me here. Also, just in case it is very busy, plan on getting to the Logan Pass parking lot very early in the morning. A black bear crossed the trail in front of us (keep reading to learn more) and several other hikers told us that they spotted a grizzly bear. I want you all to have the best gear available so I’ll never put something in my blog that I don’t think you’ll personally love :). SO, there are a couple of trailhead options here. Scott and I didn’t have time for a whole ton of hiking while we were in Glacier National Park, so rather than do a bunch of short hikes, we decided to do a really long on instead HAHA. But don’t let the steepness stop you! The Grinnell Glacier Overlook is located about a mile before you reach the Granite Park Chalet. Important Update for 2020: The park shuttle is not operating in 2020. This blog is about a weekend road trip through Arizona that needs to be on your bucket list! Hike 6.8 miles on a pleasantly gradual trail to get to the overlook trail. You will need water!I recommend bringing a Hydroflask for your hike! This part of the hike is also called the Garden Wall. We parked at Logan Pass, hiked to the Loop, and took the shuttle back to Logan Pass. Grinnell Glacier is in the heart of Glacier National Park in the U.S. state of Montana.The glacier is named for George Bird Grinnell, an early American conservationist and explorer, who was also a strong advocate of ensuring the creation of Glacier National Park. It’s also possible to see black bear or grizzly bear. Each place has its advantages. Hello! Your email address will not be published. The eastbound shuttle stop is on the left hand side of the road. The Grinnell Glacier Overlook Trail has plenty of places you can stop along the way and grab a snack from your bag or a quick lunch. For more information on the hike, you can read my blog about it here. Looking back at Logan Pass from the Highline Trail. For almost 12 miles, this trail takes hikers high above Going-to-the-Sun Road, with stunning views of the park and a chance to see glaciers, alpine wildflowers, and wildlife. The switchbacks lead up Haystack Pass – it is so scenic! Save on pre-loved gear at REI.com. *FYI, we entered the park from the west entrance of Glacier National Park. And PLEASE do not feed wildlife. To get to the Grinnell Glacier Overlook you have two options. Glacier Overlook peers eastward on to the ice fields and melted pools of Grinnell Glacier. Grinnell Glacier Overlook (1.4 miles) Hike a well traveled steep trail to view glaciers along the continental divide. The Loop Trail is 3.8 miles in length and has a vertical gain (from the Going to the Sun Road up to the Granite Park Chalet) of a little over 2000 feet. While not on the Garden Wall, the easiest way to access it is from the Lake McDonald side via the Grinnell Glacier Overlook. After waiting about 30 seconds, the bear moved further into the brush. This is where the Grinnell Glacier Overlook side trail shoots off. Scott and I relied on our 16-35mm lens, but an excellent 24-70mm can work as well. On Google Maps, it is labeled “Grinnell Glacier Trailhead.” There is a small parking lot here. There is not much shade along the trail, and it is LONG. Cheers, Julie, Thanks! Never forget to wear a good sunscreen! Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Yes, this is an option, and it has several advantages. Scott and I chose to go to the left, which gave us a clear view of Grinnell Glacier and the lake down below. It’s much safer to use your own voice. Top Ten Things to do in Glacier National Park, How Many Days Do You Need in Glacier National Park: A Complete Itinerary, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, & Glacier National Parks: Road Trip Itinerary, 20 Short, Fun Hikes in the National Parks, How to Hike the Enchantments in One Day: A Step-By-Step Trail Guide, Yosemite for First-Timers: Best Hikes, Best Views & the Best Things to Do, Angels Landing Survival Guide: Things to Know Before You Go, How to Hike to Grinnell Glacier in Glacier National Park, 10 Best Things to do in Glacier National Park. You can start your hike from The Loop on Going To The Sun Road, climb an ugly amount of elevation to the Granite Chalet, then hike up to the overlook, then back down the same way. Mileage (one-way): 5 miles if done from The Loop. I did the trail as an out and back, adding on the Grinnell Glacier Overlook. Cheers, Julie. The shuttle runs every 15 minutes. Sadly our Norway trip is on hold due to COVID so we have opted to head to Glacier. From the very start of the hike, you’ll be able to tell you’re somewhere special. Logan Pass will also be the place to take a bathroom break if you need to before starting your hike up to Grinnell Glacier Overlook! For the last couple of years, I’ve been relying on GoMacro bars while I’m out on the trail. Pro Travel Tip: Plan on getting to Logan Pass by 7:30 am. The Highline Trail is a point-to-point hike. After taking photos, you will hike down the Grinnell Glacier Overlook path, take a right and make your way to the Granite Chalet. With fields of colorful wildflowers, it’s easy to see how it gets this name. Most people start at Logan Pass and end at the Loop. Eventually, the trail will lead you in between mountains, and you’ll be able to see views of valleys that look like they’re right out of a dream. Also, eastbound from this area is going uphill, and westbound (taking you out of the park) will be going downhill. Grinnell Glacier (Grinnell Lake Overlook) Length: 6.8 miles one way / ~3.8 miles one way to Grinnell Lake Overlook (both distances from Many Glacier Hotel - a boat is available to cross Swiftcurrent and Lake Josephine to knock off 1.7 miles one way) Elevation Gain: 1840 feet. The Grinnell Glacier Overlook . On the right side is a cable attached to the rock wall, there to assist you if you feel like you need something to hold onto. What better way to ring in the new season than with a road trip? Post Summary: Why Grinnell Glacier Overlook in Glacier National Park needs to be on your bucket list and what to expect. If you’re soft on the knees,I highly recommend you snag yourself some trekking poles! Along the way, you’ll go through some lush forest until you come to a wide-open area where the trees are burned. However, you can turn around whenever you like. With only 800 feet of elevation gain over 12 miles, this hike is relatively flat and fast. There are pit toilets but no water. As you walk, you might even spot a bighorn sheep or two walking along the grass. If you have a fear of heights, this first section could be very challenging. Make sure you turn around! Doing so can prompt them to attack humans for food in the future. Rooms are $108 for the first person then $80 for each additional person. While searching for this year’s trip to Glacier (and Yellowstone/Grand Tetons) I came across your site again. Required fields are marked *. I share tips and tricks for adventurers, creating better content, and scoring brand deals! Since the Many Glacier area of the park is closed, it may be worth it for some people to hike the spur trail to the Grinnell Glacier Overlook just to get a glimpse of this area of the park. If you Google this trail, as I did before doing the Highline, you will see that everyone says that the Overlook side trail is strenuous. It's a qui... 25 miles Hike to Grinnell Glacier Overlook via Highline Trail. August 24,2019 Our longest day hike yet! If you are traveling to Glacier National Park in June, September, or October, check the status of Going-to-the-Sun Road here. Trekking Poles. Three miles past Logan Pass, you will come to Haystack Pass. It’s a short, switchback trail to the top of the pass. Grinnell Overlook Your view of Upper Salamander Glacier, Upper Grinnell Lake, and Grinnell Glacier from the overlook. I’m going to help you with all your glacier dream – tehehe. I recommend you stop when you can to take some pictures from the top of Haystack Pass! Below are my absolute favorite layering pieces. Since you mentioned that the Skyline Trail was relatively unimpressive and steep from the Chalet down to the Loop, would you recommend going as far as the Chalet or the Grinnel Glacier Fork and then return back to Logan Pass? We arrived here at 9am. This eventually results in the unnecessary death of wildlife. 10 Steps I Used To Gain 100k+ Instagram Followers In 12 Months, Weekender’s Arizona Road Trip From Phoenix, Zion National Park Guide: Read This Before You Go. Elevation Gain: 800 feet Mt. According to various resources, the Grinnell Glacier Overlook hike is considered difficult. Julie Last updated: November 7, 2020 United States 11 Comments. For the best images, bring a wide lens with you! If you have any questions about hiking the Highline Trail or if you want to share your experience, comment below! This Brixton hat has been my favorite for the past year. Check the status here. Why? The detour to Grinnell Glacier Overlook is the trail to the left. I wonder how crowded Glacier will be this year…if the park closures and Covid will keep traffic down? Travel to Ahern Pass (5 miles) Head north and follow the continental divide to Ahern Pass, a quiet trail where spectacular views await you. Cheers, Julie. Also please note that the trail will most likely be crowded since it is connected to the Highline Trail. Highline trail to the Grinnell glacier overlook. It will be well worth the effort. According to online resources, the climb here is about 275ft. However, the advantage of parking here is that once you are done your hike, you do not have to wait for the shuttle to take you back to your car. 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The switchbacks along the last leg of the trail will all be going downhill until you finally reach a small creek and a bridge, your last hundred feet before getting back to The Loop! Please avoid walking in the meadows! Length 11.4 mi Elevation gain 3,710 ft Route type Out & Back This is home to some fantastic trailheads like the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail. It is a steep .6 miles up the trail to the overlook. After relaxing at the chalet, it’s time to hike downhill and back to The Loop. You will see the trail to the overlook (and an obvious sign) off to your right about 6.6 miles from the Logan Pass parking lot. Grinnell Glacier Overlook. Granite Park Chalet is a national historic landmark. Sometimes there would only be one spot! Keep your eyes peeled for grizzly bears. So far, this was a pretty fabulous walk in the park – literally. My favorite part about it is that it’s spacious enough to hold all of my camera gear without making me feel like I have a monkey driving its knuckles in my back. Lightweight Better Sweater Marsupial Pullover – Women’s, Spacedye Caught in the Midi High-Waisted 7/8 Leggings – Women’s. Views from the top look down on Grinnell Glacier, the Salamander (formerly part of Grinnell Glacier, but now a separate, hanging glacier) and the surreal, turquoise Upper Grinnell Lake. There is not much shade along the trail, and it is LONG. I’ve really enjoyed your site as you have inspired our family to take some adventures over the past couple of years. We ended up waiting almost 45 minutes for free space on. At first, the hiking trail was a crowded. For the next several miles, the trail weaves in and out of small forests, through fields of wildflowers, and across scree slopes. If you’re soft on the knees,I highly recommend you snag yourself some, Bear spray is a MUST on Grinnell Glacier Overlook Trail!As with all hikes in Glacier National Park, you need to be bear aware during your visit. It’s also possible to see black bear or grizzly bear. Kara has certainly grown taller over the year(s)! I recommend turning around at or before you reach Glacier Park Chalet. Some people hike just the first few miles for the views over Going-to-the-Sun Road, which will create two-way traffic on the first cliff section of the hike. The views are incredible and some of my favorites of the day. It’s smooth sailing from there, tho the short but STEEP trek up to the overlook is a bit of a bear. How To Gain More Instagram Followers - This post is a transcript taken from my podcast: Clout Check! The glacier spills into Grinnell Lake and a string of lakes to the … There will also be a gem colored lake sitting at the base of the glacier, which will make you believe in fairy-tales, or maybe that blue Gatorade comes from someplace other than a factory. Read all of our articles in our United States Destination Guide. If you don’t know what shuttle that is, ask! The Grinnell Glacier trailhead is located on Continental Divide Trail, the road that connects the Many Glacier Hotel with Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and the Many Glacier Campground. Scott and I w, Decided to venture allll the way to the bushes in, Currently thinking about sunny days in South Dakot, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), The Best Stops Along Going To The Sun Road, Members take an extra 20% Off One REI Outlet Item.