It’s not surprising that Glacier National Park has one of the most scenic drives in the USA. That is, of course, the Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTSR). You may have heard of this famous road, but don’t worry if you haven’t. You’re in the right spot!
Let’s first talk about the Going-to-the-Sun-Road before we get to the guide. Along the beautiful GTSR, which is 51 miles long, you can drive through the middle of Glacier National Park in the northwest corner of Montana.
Some of the park’s most beautiful walks and views are right along the drive. We think you should drive this famous road if you go to Glacier National Park, especially if it’s your first time there. Let’s go over everything you need to know to have a great time on the Going-to-the-Sun-Road now that we’ve talked about the basics!
Going-to-the-Sun-Road: What Is It?
Going-to-the-Sun Road is a beautiful 50-mile drive that is like no other. It is in Montana’s Glacier National Park. Known as the “Crown of the West,” it cuts through high hills, lush meadows, and glacial valleys. Imagine winding roads that cling to the sides of mountains and offer stunning views around every corner.
At Logan Pass, the road’s highest point, this engineering feat goes across the Continental Divide. Be ready for big changes in the weather and possible wildlife sightings. Any explorer should do it because it gives you a look into Glacier’s wild beauty.
Basic Details: Going-to-the-Sun-Road
Address:
The Going-to-the-Sun Road route doesn’t have a single address because Glacier National Park is very big. But there are two main ways to get into the park:
- West Entrance: Located near West Glacier, Montana (GPS coordinates: 48°38’32” N, 114°09’39” W)
- East Entrance: St. Mary Visitor Center, St. Mary, Montana (GPS coordinates: 48°48’11” N, 113°29’07” W)
Contact Detail:
For general park information and Going-to-the-Sun Road updates, you can contact Glacier National Park through the National Park Service website or call the park at (406) 888-7800.
Glacier National Park Website: https://www.nps.gov/glac
Opening Timings:
Depending on the weather, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is only open during certain times of the year, from late June to mid-October. The roads at higher levels, like Logan Pass, may open and close a few weeks later or earlier than the rest of the road. Before you go, you should always check the park’s website to see how the roads are.
Entrance Fees:
To get to the GTSR, you must pay $35 to get into Glacier National Park with a non-commercial car, truck, or van, $30 for a motorcycle, or $20 for a person walking or riding a bike.
These passes work for seven days. You can also buy an Annual National Park Pass, which lets you go to more than 2,000 government recreation sites nationwide. A military pass is complimentary, while an annual or senior pass that lasts a lifetime costs $80.
Best Season to Visit Going-to-the-Sun Road
Which season is “best” for the Going-to-the-Sun Road relies on what you value most:
Peak Season (July and August): This is the warmest time with the most daylight, making it perfect for long walks and seeing lots of colorful wildflowers.
But there will likely be more people, traffic jams, and full parking places, especially at Logan Pass.
Shoulder Seasons: June and September are excellent months with good weather, fewer people, and beautiful wildflower shows (in June) or fall foliage (in September).
Early/Late Season (May & October): If you go in early or late season (May or October), fewer people will be there, and you might see wildlife or snow-capped hills. However, some services and buildings may only be open during certain hours, and Logan Pass may be closed.
Special Direction Going-to-the-sun road
There are some Going-to-the-sun road travel guides you need to know before you drive on the Going-to-the-Sun Road:
Vehicle Reservations: During peak season, which is usually from late May to September, westbound travel between 6 am and 3 pm needs both a park entrance pass and a vehicle reservation. Several months in advance, you can make reservations online.
Be an early bird: There is often a lot of traffic, especially around Logan Pass. You might want to take a drive early in the morning to avoid the crowds and have a more relaxing time.
Take care of the road: The Going-to-the-Sun Road is a small mountain road that winds around and has some very steep drops. Follow the speed limits, pull over at marked photo spots, and be polite to other drivers.
Parking: There aren’t many spots available, especially at busy stops like Logan Pass. You might have to wait for a place or look at other views with less crowded parking lots.
What to Wear: The weather in the mountains can change quickly. Bring layers of clothes, including things to protect you from the sun and the rain. Between the base and higher elevations, temperatures can change significantly.
Be Bear Aware: Bears live in Glacier National Park, and you should be aware of them. Keep food in a safe place, bring bear spray, and be careful on walks.
By planning and following these going-to-the-sun road travel tips, you can ensure that your trip on the Going-to-the-Sun Road is safe and memorable while enjoying Glacier National Park’s stunning beauty.
How Do You Get to Visit the Going-to-the-Sun Road?
The northwest region of the state of Montana is home to Glacier National Park; no significant airports are nearby.
The minuscule Glacier Park International Airport is in Kalispell, Montana, 30 miles away.
However, it’s likely more affordable to fly into Spokane, Washington, which is approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes away from the park’s west entrance, or Bozeman, Montana, which is approximately 5 hours away from the park’s east entrance and then rent a car to explore the park and its surroundings.
As an alternative, you could take the road trip that my spouse. This region of the United States is ideal for road trips since it offers so much breathtaking scenery and limitless opportunities for outdoor activities.
Top 6 Travel Tips for The Going-To-The-Sun Road
1. Plan in Advance
First, ensure you have the appropriate passes before setting off on your trek to Going-to-the-Sun Road.
During peak season, which runs from May 24 to September 8, 2024, if you’re traveling from the west between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m., you’ll require a parking pass and a car reservation.
The sole requirement is a Going-to-the-sun road parking pass if you’re coming via St. Mary on the east side. Around half of the bookings become available four months in advance, and they tend to fill up quickly.
The remaining “Next Day” passes are distributed every night at 7 p.m. if you cannot obtain one. Visit this page of the National Park Service for further information.
After obtaining your pass, it’s critical to prepare and pack appropriately. The 33 miles between Lake McDonald and the Rising Sun Motor Inn have no services except the occasional water station, which is located at Logan Pass.
Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks for the day’s adventures. An excellent option to spend a lunch break is with a picnic near Logan Pass or at one of the picturesque pullouts!
Suggestion: Did you not receive a reservation? Driving from the west, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is still accessible before 6 a.m. or after 3 p.m. (park pass still required).
2. Begin Early
Not surprisingly, Going-to-the-Sun Road gets extremely busy at times. Expect traffic delays and possible parking lot difficulties as the Logan Pass parking lot is typically full between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. You’ll not only avoid traffic if you leave early, but you’ll also have a better chance of viewing animals. To avoid the noon heat, animals are frequently more active early in the day.
3. Understand Your Path
Even though the Going-to-the-Sun Road route has appropriate obstacles and is extremely secure, more nervous drivers might prefer to drive it from east to west, starting at St. Mary.
Driving beside rock walls throughout most of the east-west route is preferable to driving along the road’s edge. Driving from St. Mary to West Glacier via the Going-to-the-Sun Road and back to St. Mary via Highway 2 and 89 makes for a complete loop.
4. Stock up and Fuel Up
If you’re coming from the east, you can stop at Triple Divide Coffee Company or Curly Bear Café at St. Mary for coffee in the morning. You can also get gas and snacks for the road at the St. Mary Grocery Store and gas station.
West Glacier Village and West Glacier Gas Station are both on the park’s west side. These are good places to get food and gas.
5. Get Ready For The Weather to Change
The weather in Glacier changes a lot. It is usually at least ten degrees cooler at Logan Pass than at low elevations. Layer your clothes, bring a hat to protect your eyes from the sun, and keep a rain jacket on hand in case the weather changes.
6. Give Yourself Extra Time to Enjoy The Views
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is so beautiful that you’ll probably want to stop and take pictures several times.
Along the path, there are many pull-outs where you can stretch your legs and pose in front of some of the park’s most famous sites.
Don’t miss these things along the way that will stay with you:
- The Top of Heaven
- The Loop
- Bird Woman Falls
- Weeping Wall
- Jackson Glacier View
- Wild Goose Island Viewpoint
The Bottom Line
To wrap it up, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is more than just a way to get through the mountains; it leads right into the middle of Glacier National Park. Wind through this beautiful scenery and see peaks reaching for the sky, meadows filled with bright wildflowers, and glacial lakes below.
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You need to plan ahead to get the most out of your trip. Think about the best time of year for weather and scenery, make any car reservations you need, and be aware of how each road is different.
If you follow these tips, you’ll be ready to handle the turns, enjoy the clean mountain air, and make memories that will last a lifetime. It’s time to get ready for an adventure on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park’s top attraction.
Gorgeous vistas of the mountains, alpine lakes, and various species make this gorgeous journey an absolute must.
The closest possibilities are St. Mary (east entrance) or West Glacier (west entrance).
Near Logan Pass in 1933, the road was formerly named “The Going-to-the-Sun Road.” Going-to-the-Sun Mountain, which is close, is where the road got its name.
According to local mythology and a 1933 news statement from the Department of the Interior, the god Sour Spirit descended from the sun to teach Blackfeet braves the fundamentals of hunting.
Sour Spirit had his picture painted on the summit of the mountain to motivate the Blackfeet as he returned to the sun. According to a different account, the name and tale were created in the 1880s by a white adventurer. Whichever version is accurate, the Going-to-the-Sun path continues to inspire people who travel it.
Give yourself two hours to drive, with additional time to stop and take in the scenery at pullouts.
Indeed! From the road at Logan Pass, one can see Grinnell Glacier.
The road itself is free, however there is a park admission fee. Westbound entry may need a vehicle reservation (fee) during high season.
Sure, but only in specific ways. Westbound entries may need a reservation during high season. To learn more, visit the park’s website.
Generally speaking, the weather allows late June to mid-October.
