Best way to Granite Chalet

Just a day hike to see the views and the Chalet. Thinking about starting at the Loop since it%26#39;s only a 4 mile hike but hear that%26#39;s a pretty tough trail. Highline trail seems good too but a longer walk and wondering if it will eat up most of our day to and from. Suggestions?

Also, for ';tourist day hikes'; do we need to get a permit? I%26#39;ve read on some sites where people talk about hiking permits....

Best way to Granite Chalet

You need permits only for backcountry hiking and overnights. We hiked Granite Park from the Loop. A lot of the hike is thru a burn area. While most people have said they didn%26#39;t like this hike, we found the burn area really interesting. The trees are almost silver. It really wasn%26#39;t a bad hike even with the elevation gain. If you hike on Highline to the chalet you do get much better views, and can hike out to the loop. You would have to take the shuttle or arrange for a ride back to your car. There isn%26#39;t much elevation gain on Highline.

Best way to Granite Chalet

The shortest route is definitely from the Loop and back. It is also much steeper than the Highline Trail and is not as scenic. If you enjoy burn areas and the potential for some nice wildflowers and don%26#39;t mind a steep trek, then the Loop is a good choice. However, I really, really like the Highline Trail %26amp; would recommend that. You can either hike that out to the Loop or to the chalet and back. I think the views on the Highline Trail are spectacular though!

best way is the highline as you have much better views and far better opportunities to see wildlife. The trail is not bad but has some more up/down than most people expect.

So, the only thing that is bothering me...the beginning of the Highline Trail. How bad is that drop off? The trail looks pretty dang narrow and since we are not expert hikers just wondering if normal people go on this trail. We are not afraid of heights,(wife and I) not sure about my son though. (15) how long is this tight area and is it really as bad as the pictures make it out to be?

Once we get past this narrow part then it%26#39;s a bit more open from what I see n pictures. The scenery looks amazing....it%26#39;s just the narrow part!! Am I over reacting??

I did not find it bad at all, and I don%26#39;t care for exposed places (althoughI am also an experienced hiker---go figure). There is the dropoff on one side, but the trail is wide enough (maybe 3 feet) and the tread is solid and good. You don%26#39;t feel like you are going to trip or slip. Also, there is a cable secured to the cliff on your right side and you can hold that for security if you need to.