News Release

Section of Highline Trail closed due to bear encounter

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News Release Date: September 19, 2024
Contact: Gina Icenoggle, 406-888-5838

WEST GLACIER, Mont. [September 19, 2024] – Glacier National Park rangers closed a section of Highline Trail this morning from Haystack Butte to Granite Park Chalet due to a visitor’s encounter with a bear. The species of bear is still under investigation. The closure will remain in place until further notice. 

A 35-year-old male sustained non-life threating injuries from a bear while hiking the trail early this morning. His hiking party encountered the bear near the Grinnell Glacier Overlook trailhead. The injured visitor hiked to Granite Park Chalet with assistance from rangers and other hikers where he was met by Two Bear Air and flown to the Apgar horse corrals, then transported by Three Rivers ambulance to the hospital in Whitefish, MT. No further details are currently available.  

Visitors to Glacier National Park are reminded that the park is home to black and grizzly bears. Hikers are highly encouraged to hike in groups, make noise when hiking, and have bear spray accessible and know how to use it. For information on trail closures in the park, visit the park’s trail status webpage.  

For more information about recreating in bear country, please visit the park’s bear safety webpage.  

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