fbpx

The Loop Trail in Glacier National Park

One way to really appreciate the fall foliage and snow-dusted mountain peaks

By Molly Priddy
The Loop Trail. Molly Priddy | Flathead Beacon

 The west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road is still open in this gorgeous fall weather, and it’s a great time to explore Glacier National Park as it transitions from summer greens to golden autumn.

One way to really appreciate the fall foliage and snow-dusted mountain peaks is to park your car at The Loop parking lot and head out onto The Loop Trail, which, if you follow it all four miles, will take you to the Granite Park Chalet on the Highline Trail.

Walking along the trail, which maintains a mostly flat grade for about half a mile until it starts to really go uphill, hikers get great views of Heaven’s Peak and a glimpse into the northwest section of the park.

On the way back to the parking lot, the peaks lining the park’s famous vistas along Going-to-the-Sun are there to greet you in the crisp air.

As usual, take the weather into consideration when going into Glacier Park in the fall, and be sure to check out conditions and closures on the Sun Road. Pack some water and bear spray as well. For road status, check nps.gov/applications/glac/roadstatus/roadstatus.cfm