Highline or SwiftCurrent

[nicttuma]

I am taking a backpacking trip in late July and have the choice of either taking Swiftcurrent pass to glacier or Highline Trail to Logan's Pass both starting from Granite Park. Any suggestions on which trail to take.

[PeteE]

I am taking a backpacking trip in late July and have the choice of either taking Swiftcurrent pass to glacier or Highline Trail to Logan's Pass both starting from Granite Park. Any suggestions on which trail to take.

You will need to clarify your question...for me anyway.

You can't start a hike at Granite Park since Granite park is ~7miles north of Logan Pass via the Highline trail, and...
Granite park is about the same miles west of Swiftcurrent/Many Glacier area.

Hikers and backpackers wishing to visit Granite Park Chalet(or the BC campground for packers) usually begin at Logan Pass, or The Loop, or possibly Packers Roost(for packers)....on the West Side.
Hikers and packers going to Granite Park from the East side via Swiftcurrent Pass[directly] will usually begin at the Swiftcurrent parking lot on the west end.

Are you familiar with the Glacier Back Country backpacking permit process?
They are accepting applications now for the "lottery" they do for 1/2 the BC camping spaces.

My advice would be to thoroughly familiarize yourself with ALL the info at this link....if you have not already done so.
It's 7 pages with a lot of detailed information that you need to be familiar with if you want to do the permit process without screwing up.

The info here "trumps" anything else you may hear or have been told...imo.
http://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/u ... eb-rev.pdf

Later and welcome to the GNP chat.
Lots of folks to help you make decisions on this site.

pete

[PeteE]

I saw your other posts.
What exactly did you put in for for your itinerary(s)
What trail head will you begin at, and where will you finish for each itinerary?
As said, usually the tunnel will be open in late July, but nothing is ever "certain" in GNP
You make the best plans you can and then pray.

pete

[isleroyaleguy]

Hey! Nicttoma.
I would take the Swiftcurrent Pass trail to the Many Glacier area. You will see lots of people the closer you get to Many Glacier but it's nothing compared to the 300 to 400 people coming at you from Logan Pass. IMO
Beautiful route either way.
IRG

[Jen]

I agree with IRG.

Granite to Logan is a superhighway. Granite to Swiftcurrent is much more peaceful.

[wnysteve]

I am taking a backpacking trip in late July and have the choice of either taking Swiftcurrent pass to glacier or Highline Trail to Logan's Pass both starting from Granite Park. Any suggestions on which trail to take.

Not to add confusion, but if you literally mean "backpacking", as in an overnight tent camp in the backcountry, be aware of a special restriction on the Granite Park backcountry site: "In July or August, this (site) must be part of an extended itenerary of two or more nights in backcountry campsites."

[PeteE]

I am taking a backpacking trip in late July and have the choice of either taking Swiftcurrent pass to glacier or Highline Trail to Logan's Pass both starting from Granite Park. Any suggestions on which trail to take.

Not to add confusion, but if you literally mean "backpacking", as in an overnight tent camp in the backcountry, be aware of a special restriction on the Granite Park backcountry site: "In July or August, this (site) must be part of an extended itenerary of two or more nights in backcountry campsites."

Thank you Steve. I generally tend to take people's words literally. I couldn't parse that original post of his either.
It's kind of like a "hiking non sequitur"
And so I said what I did....and I stand by it.

pete

[nicttuma]

Sorry for the confusion. I am taking a 5 night 6 day backpacking trip. I will be staying at granite on my last night of the trip then hiking out via the Highline trail or Swiftcurrent Pass. I already submitted my permit as this is not included with the permit anyways. Thanks for the input!

[PeteE]

Not to worry!
We live in confusing times. That and I'm probably getting more senile by the day.
And yes, given the above, I would agree that going back to Many Glacier from Granite Park via Swiftcurrent Pass would be the preferable route.
"Clyde" Lives in GNP and he thinks so too
Sounds like you're doing some CCW version of the "Northern Circle" ? Out from Many Glacier, through the tunnel, over Stoney Indian Pass, south to Granite Park, and then back to Many Glacier?
Unless I get too feeble or senile, I'd like to do that route some day.

Good luck in the lottery draw!

pete

[nicttuma]

That is exactly my route. What does CCW stand for?

[PeteE]

That is exactly my route. What does CCW stand for?

CCW is counter clockwise. That route can be done in either direction since it is a circular route....although I believe most do it CCW?

pete

[teapot57]

You can't go wrong either way. The scenery from Granite Park to Logan Pass is unbelievable. But as others have said, there will be less traffic and outstanding scenery if you exit through Swiftcurrent Pass. Also, it will be much easier for you logistically to return to the Many Glacier area, which makes it almost a no brainer.

Good luck with your permit-- I hope you get the trip you have your heart set on!