diff --git a/gtk/gtkrange.c b/gtk/gtkrange.c
index 137070318e..62d8f9d856 100644
--- a/gtk/gtkrange.c
+++ b/gtk/gtkrange.c
@@ -2006,8 +2006,8 @@ gtk_range_allocate_trough (GtkCssGadget        *gadget,
     {
       GtkAllocation highlight_alloc, highlight_clip;
 
-      gtk_css_gadget_get_content_allocation (priv->slider_gadget,
-                                             &slider_alloc, NULL);
+      if (gtk_css_gadget_get_visible (priv->slider_gadget))
+        gtk_css_gadget_get_content_allocation (priv->slider_gadget, &slider_alloc, NULL);
       highlight_alloc = *allocation;
 
       if (priv->orientation == GTK_ORIENTATION_HORIZONTAL)