 Glacier Park Chalet outbuildings. The chalet was designed by architect Samuel L. Bartlett and was built in 1914. |
The Loop Trail to Granite Park Chalet in Glacier National Park. This is a tough hike! The Loop Trail starts at the Loop. Unless your getting an early start plan on taking the Free Shuttle to the Loop. Going To The Sun Road is ONLY open to 10 p.m. Going To The Sun Road closes in the vicinity of the Loop this summer at 10 p.m. plan accordingly! Not sure were the road closing will be for 2009, but expect that the hours of operation will remain the same. The Loop Trail is four miles long, gains 2,200 feet. (one way) 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. The Granite Park Chalet opens June 30, 2009 through September 5, 2009, you can buy snacks and water at Granite Park Chalet. |
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. |