Glacier National Park in Montana protects some of the most visually stunning mountain terrain anywhere, with giant mountain peaks, above tree-line alpine terrain and alpine to valley length waterfalls.
This amazing road was designed purely for sightseeing, crossing from one side to the other, and over the Continental Divide. The story about construction is a tale of stubborn engineers, hard working labourers and many skeptics.
Though the drive is only 50 miles, expect to spend most of a full day taking in the mountain views, alpine flower filled meadows and waterfalls. While the views are numerous, the pullouts aren’t. We’ll give you plenty of notice so both the driver and passengers can relax and feel comfortable about what’s ahead.
As we climb, in many places the road is carved right out of the mountain side. But there is only one switchback located at “The Loop“. You’ll find out why. The engineering marvels along the drive like Triple Arches and the Tunnels are visually impressive. So are the stories of the “powder monkeys” tasked with hanging off the cliffs by rope, drilling holes and stuffing them with dynamite.
If you are touring early in the season, you might get a free car wash at the Weeping Wall, as the snow melt showers over the road. You can’t fully credit the outstanding scenery at Big Bend with views to Mt Oberlin in words.
The highest point along the route is celebrates at the Logan Pass Visitor Centre and a high alpine hike on a warm sunny day. Here, we’ll explore the different versions around the unusual “Going to the Sun Road” name.
The valleys and alpine terrain are also ideal environments for a variety of wildlife and animals sightings are common.
The tour can be driven in either direction, between West Glacier and St Mary. And it’s just so good, you may want to turn around and do it again in the other direction.
West Glacier or St Mary
Allow a half day to travel one way or a full day to return and enjoy the views in the opposite direction
One way, West Glacier – St Mary is 50 miles
Glacier National Park has introduced a timed ticketed entry for peak season dates. In 2022, these are required from May 27 through September 11 (6am to 4pm) for all points between the West Entrance Station, Camas Entrance Station, and Rising Sun checkpoint (6 miles west of the St. Mary Entrance). Tickets are also required at the Polebridge Ranger Station to visit the North Fork area of the park.
Tickets are only available online at recreation.gov. Advanced reservations are mandatory. Tickets for Going to the Sun Road are valid for a three day window and roughly half of the vehicle reservations are available 120 days in advance starting March 2 and then released daily. The remaining vehicle reservations will be available the day before the effective day.
