- This is the most iconic hiking trail in Glacier NP.
- Start point: Either Loop or Logan Pass (personal recommendation), and end the hike on the other side.
- End point: The hike takes you to Granite Park Chalet. From Chalet, you can go another 0.9 miles to see Grinnel Glacier Lookout point. From this point, you can see Grinnel Lake, Josephine Lake and Swift current lake all at the same time.
Hike Distance
- Logan Pass -> Chalet -> Loop (or reverse): 12.7 milrd
- Logan Pass -> Grinnel Glacier overlook -> Chalet -> Loop: 14.7 miles
- Level of difficulty: Hard (due to distance and mostly exposed hike)
Starting from Logan Pass vs Loop
Here are the pros and cons of starting from Loop vs Logan Pass.
Starting from Logan Pass:
- 7.5 miles to Chalet at 2100 ft elevation.
- The hike is mostly open, but you get amazing views and depths of Glacier National Park mountains on your side.
- The views are unmatched and is spectacular.
Starting from Loop:
- 4.2 miles to Chalet at 2650 ft elevation
- Shorter distance and larger elevation.
- Not so great views from Loop.
- Has 30% shade at the top. So better to use it while coming back.
My personal recommendation is to start from Logan Pass in early morning (5 AM or so). Reach Chalet and then take the stretch to Grinnel Glacier View point. Then come back to the Loop. You can get a shuttle from Loop to Logan Pass where you have parked your car.
