The popular Highline Trail at Logan Pass is anticipated to be open by Friday and possibly earlier, according to officials at Glacier National Park.

The Highline Trail takes hikers along the steep face of the Garden Wall for 7.6 miles between Logan Pass and Granite Park Chalet. The trail opened July 31 last year.

Hikers are warned that they may encounter rocks and mud on trails, eroded trail tread, and some snowfields on higher-elevation trails across the park, according to a news release from Glacier.    

Recent mud and rock slides along the Highline Trail prompted both west- and east-side park trail crews to put in extra work to allow for public access on the trail from Logan Pass to Haystack Butte.  

On July 17, heavy rains triggered slides and deposited lots of rocks and mud on the trail.  

Much of the tread, flat surfaces or step-like features built by the trail crew were washed out. On several areas of the trail, bedrock is exposed, so hikers are encouraged to use caution.

Often the bedrock is angled downhill and potentially slick. The use of hiking poles is encouraged.  

Visitors planning to hike on higher-elevation trails are encouraged to have appropriate footwear for snow travel, specifically lug-sole boots, and self-arrest tools such as ice ax and crampons.  

There are more than 700 miles of trail in Glacier providing opportunities ranging from short hikes to extended backpacking trips.  

During July and August many of the more popular trails can be crowded. Visitors are encouraged to consider lesser-used or more remote trails.  

For more information about hiking options, please visit the park’s website at http://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/hikingthetrails.htm, contact the park at 406-888-7800 or stop by one of the park’s visitor centers.  

Interested hikers may complete voluntary day-trip plans that may help plan a trip and be valuable  for family and friends, and perhaps park rangers, if search-and-rescue efforts are needed.  

This voluntary form is not collected by the National Park Service, and is a courtesy form to help visitors plan day trips and communicate plans with family and friends. The form is available on the hiking portion of the park’s website.

Glacier Park is home to both black bears and grizzly bears.

Hikers are encouraged to hike in groups, carry bear spray that is easily accessible and make noise at regular intervals along the trail. Bears spend a lot of time eating, so hikers should be extra alert when hiking in feeding areas such as berry patches, cow parsnip thickets or fields of glacier lilies.

Hiking early in the morning, late in the day or after dark is not encouraged. Trail running is not recommended since it has led to surprise bear encounters.