Access to The Loop closed to motor vehciles on 9-19-11. There are 6 trees down on the trail. 09/25/2011Trail DEPOSTED: 9/27/11 Trail POSTED: for bear frequenting 9/7/11 Trail is clear of snow as of 8-30-11 with one tree down, BUT snow is predicted for 8-31-11 above 6,000 feet. Trail as of 8-30-11 is dry no creeks running along trail except at bridge! Granite Park Chalet Staff reports bears along the Loop Trail as of 8-30-11. Wildflowers blooming in meadow around Chalet 8-30-11. 9-5-11 More reports from hikers of bear activity on the Loop Trail and near Granite Park CHalet. NPS Trail Report 8/31/11 Loop - Granite Park Chalet ~ 4.0 mi. Snow Cover: 0%, 08/09/2011 Trees Down: 1, 08/09/2011 Initial clearing scheduled for: Trail is clear of downfall and debris from the Loop Trail head to the second switchback (approximately 2.5 miles) Snow line is within a quarter mile above the second switchback. Depths range from several feet to more than 8 feet at the Chalet and Campground. Caution should be used as water is running under the snow, causing bridging. 6/29/11 According to the latest NPS Trail Crew Report the Loop Trail as of 8-8-11 is clear of snow. Not sure when the snow melted in the meadows below the Chalet but there is a chance for large glacier lily blooms on this trail just below the chalet. Granite Park Chalet opening was delayed from June 28, 2011 till July 2, 2011.  Glacier Park Chalet outbuildings. The chalet was designed by architect Samuel L. Bartlett and was built in 1914. Regular Shuttle Service started on 7-13-11. | It usually takes me 4 hours to get to the Chalet from the loop and two hours to return. So with the current time limits of the shuttle it is a real close call.
The Loop Trail starts at the Loop. If you get to Apgar between 7 am and 8 am you can use the Free Shuttle to the Loop and not be rushed for time. Otherwise you will need to park at the Loop, the Loop parking area fills up quickly. When Going To The Sun Road is open it is ONLY open to 9 p.m. across the pass Sunday through Thursday nights. The Loop Parking is open 24 hours 7 days a week from the West Entrance. This is a hot, exposed trail, great views, lots of wildflowers but bring a water filter or LOTS of water. |
The Loop Trail used to be a heavily wooded trail up to Granite Park Chalet until the Trapper Peak Fire of 2003. There is a poster out showing a wall of flames at the Loop. Now the Loop Trail has underbrush but little in the way of shade. The positive side is that you have great views of Heavens Peak. This is another one of Glacier Parks horse trails masquerading as a hiking trail. It is a steep climb with lots of switchbacks up to Granite Park Chalet. One of the traverses seems to be endless. The Granite Park Chalet opens Jult 2, 2011 through September 9, 2011, you can buy snacks and water at Granite Park Chalet. cow parsnip ~ Heracleum maximum. Caution "The juices of all parts contain a phototoxin that can act on contact with skin and exposure to ultraviolet light, causing anything from a mild rash to a blistering, severe dermatitis, depending on the sensitivity of the individual." (wiki) There are sections of the Loop Trail were cow parsnip is already 6 feet tall as of 7-8-10. I normally wear long sleeve shirts but on this hike I was wearing a short sleeve T shirt and now have a rash on my left arm. 
Granite Park Chalet is a major trail junction, the Highline Trail runs north and south from the Chalet. Swiftcurrent Pass Trail goes over the pass and drops down into the Many Glacier Valley. The southern branch of the Highline Trail goes to Logan Pass. The northern branch isn't a day hike but eventually ends up in Canada. The photo of Heavens Peak shown below was taken about half way up the Loop Trail. The Trapper Peak Fire almost made it to Granite Park Chalet.  |
 | Since the Trapper Peak Fire of 2003 this is a good trail to experience up close the effects of a large, hot fast moving forest fire. 2010 was a great wildflower year, as of 7-8-10 wildflowers were blooming on the lower parts of the trail, then once you get back into the forested, unburned section of the Loop Trail you will be hiking through fields of glacier lilies. glacier lilies bloom shortly after the snow melts, so the first fields are now blooming, higher up on the final meadows below Granite Park Chalet the snow is still 4 feet deep in places so once the snow melts there the glacier lilies will be blooming. Brings extra socks, the higher part of the trail is wet and snow covered. Once you get to Granite Park Chalet there is no snow on that bench. |
 Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves. ~ John Muir | |