This week, Rangers at Glacier National Park have closed the Highline, Loop, and Swiftcurrent Pass trails due to “aggressive grizzly bear activity,” according to the park’s official Twitter account. These trails are the only access to the Granite Peak area, a popular hiking destination in the northeastern area of the park, effectively closing the area until further notice.
Reports of “Unusual” and “Aggressive” Grizzly Bear Activity Leads to Three Trail Closures in Glacier National Park
A Park Ranger on the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park, now closed due to bear activity.
In a press release on Monday, the park reported that the trails will likely be closed until park staff can evaluate the area. Depending on their findings, the area may be closed an indeterminate period of time. According to the Great Falls Tribune, the escalated bear activity was noticed on Sunday night. Park spokeswoman Lauren Alley was quoted as saying “a bear or bears reportedly were huffing, drooling, shaking heads from side-to-side and backing people off trails.”
“We appreciate the public’s patience while we evaluate this situation,” said Glacier National Park Superintendent Jeff Mow in the press release. “The park has a proactive bear management program, and we take reports of aggressive bear behavior very seriously.”
Visitors to the park can monitor trail status by visiting the park’s Trail Status webpage. Hikers with reservations looking to reach Granite Park Chalet tomorrow night should call the Granite Park Chalet Office at 888-345-2649 for more information and updates. The park does not expect that any trail status updates will be available before Monday afternoon.
