Glacier Park reopens popular Highline, Loop, Swiftcurrent trails

Glacier National Park officials fully reopened the popular Highline, Loop and Swiftcurrent Pass trails on Tuesday morning, but cautioned hikers to be prepared for possible grizzly bear encounters.

Rangers and a wildlife biologist patrolled the area around Granite Park Chalet and backcountry campground on Monday and then overnight, but saw no grizzly bears. On Sunday, three separate groups of hikers reported encounters with an aggressive grizzly or grizzlies, prompting the trail closures.

Granite Park's campground will remain closed until further notice.

The trails remain posted for "bear frequenting," meaning that recent repeated observations or confirmed reports of bear sign in short intervals exist in those areas.

"Visitors should exercise heightened situational awareness and watch for signs of bears on trails posted for bear frequenting," park officials said Tuesday. "Glacier is bear country and hikers should be prepared to encounter bears on trail at any time. Hikers should always carry bear spray, have it easily accessible on a hip or chest harness, and be comfortable using it."

To learn more about trails closed or posted for bears, visit the park's website.