Highline Trail now open in Glacier Park

The Highline Trail in Glacier National Park is open, but snow remains on the trail past Haystack Butte. Strong hiking skills and snow travel skills, as well as the appropriate equipment, are recommended for this alpine trail from Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet.

On the east side, the Ptarmigan Tunnel is open. Stock access to the Iceberg-Ptarmigan Trail is prohibited due to a temporary bridge that allows foot traffic but is not suitable for stock.

Park officials warn hikers that snow and snow hazards remain in many areas. Visitors planning to hike are encouraged to be mindful of their hiking skills and comfort levels, and to prepare accordingly.

Hikers should be wary of snowfields and steep areas in the higher elevations. Snow bridges may exist but be hard to identify. A snow bridge may create an illusion of unbroken surface while hiding an opening under a layer of snow, such as a creek.

Glacier Park’s more than 700 miles of trails provide a variety of hiking opportunities. During July and August, many of the more popular trails can be crowded. For more information about hiking options and trail status, visit online at www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/hikingthetrails.htm.

Hikers on the east side are encouraged to use the Park’s free shuttle system with stops along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Road construction on the east side of the Sun Road makes parking to access at St. Mary, Virginia and Barring Falls areas very challenging. For more information,visit online at www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/shuttles.htm.