The Highline Trail

Today was the day.  After checking out hike possibilities and on the recommendation of my friend Linette, we decided before we left that we would hike the Highline Trail from Logan Pass, up the spur to the Continental Divide overlooking Grinnell Glacier, past the Granite Chalet and down to the Loop.  A total of 13.5 miles.  More than we've ever hiked at one time.  It kicked my butt, but

what a great day.  The weather was gorgeous and the views spectacular.  You couldn't have asked for anything better.

One key we learned was to park our car at the Loop and ride the free shuttle up to Logan Pass.  The shuttles are crowded and the parking limited, so it's important to get their early.  We timed it so we would be ready for the first shuttle to stop at the Loop.  We got the last two seats.

The Highline Trail hugs what is referred to as the Garden Wall which is the separator for the Continental Divide in this section of the park.  You start off perched high above the Going to the Sun Road hugging a cliff with no guardrail to keep you from falling off.  It was maybe 4 to 5 feet wide in most places, narrower in others.  From there the trail kept hugging the side of the mountain as you

twisted and turned your way through lodgepole pine, rocky outcrops, and meadows.  The views were amazing.  We saw mountain goats, big horn sheep, and marmots as we hiked along.

The spur trail up to the Continental Divide was about 6.5 miles into our hike -- gaining over 1000 feet in elevation in less than a mile.  To call it steep would be an understatement.  This was the most brutal part of the hike.  We stopped frequently going up to catch our breath, and when we finally made it to the top the view was

definitely worth it.  You could see not only the backside of Grinnell Glacier, but also three other mountain lakes through the valley all the way to Swiftcurrent Lake on the eastern side of the park.  The hike down was easier but you had to keep yourself from running.

The last four miles from the chalet to the Loop was downhill through a wooded area that was devastated by a forest fire about 10 years ago.  The remnants of all the trees look like really tall toothpicks sticking up but the the area has filled in with lush underbrush and new trees are sprouting and are about 5 or 6 feet tall now.  A very different ecosystem to hike through -- not nearly as picturesque but interesting nonetheless.

By the time we made it back to the car, we were hot, very sore, and very tired.  The one saving grace -- having booked a massage that morning.   Knowing a massage was waiting for us made the hour ride back to the apartment much more enjoyable.  Definitely a great way to end our day.