Driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road through Glacier National Park

Montana’s pristine wilderness covers more than one million acres. Glacier National Park It is a sanctuary of beauty and wilderness. While you could spend years attempting to see every corner of the park—from its 762 lakes and 65 backcountry campgrounds to its 158 trails totaling a length of nearly 746 miles—there’s one incredibly popular, efficient way to see some of the highlights: driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

You can enter the park from either the west entrance or the east. St. Mary EntranceAutumn Sifuentes is a Glacier National Park public affairs specialist who calls the route an “incredible feat of engineering.” The 50 mile route is only open during the summer months and closes by mid-October. Plan accordingly if you wish to take in all the wildlife, waterfalls and wildflowers.

Know Before You Go

The portion of the road near the West Entrance, just past West Glacier Village, is open year-round, but the alpine section—which reaches nearly 6,500 feet above sea level at its highest point, Logan Pass—is only open seasonally. Sifuentes says that the Going-to-the-Sun Road is “typically open in early July”, but this year the whole route was opened to the public on 16 June. The drive takes about two hours without stopping.

You shouldn’t attempt this drive without doing some preliminary planning. You can check the road conditions and status on the National Park Service websiteYou’ll have to choose which entrance you want to start your journey at. If you are starting your drive from the West Entrance, you will need to enter between 7am and 3pm (through Sept. 28th 2025). a timed-entry reservationIf you enter the park from St. Mary on the east side, or outside of those hours on West Side, no reservation is required. You do not need to make a reservation if you enter the park from the east at St. Mary, or outside the hours mentioned on the west. No matter which entrance you choose, be sure you have a full tank of gas; there are no stations along the Going-to-the-Sun Road—or within the park, for that matter.

Sifuentes adds that “it’s essential to prioritize the safety of yourself and your companions along with being aware of bears.” Be sure to follow the posted speed limits and keep an eye on other cars that may be pulling in or out of overlooks along the route. You should also carry bear spray. 

National Park Service is a reputable provider of a wide range of services. shuttle service Visitors who don’t want to worry about parking or driving can take advantage of the free shuttle service. The sprinter buses, which can accommodate 10 to 15 people, are available for free on a “first-come-first-served” basis. They operate every 15 to 30 mins between Apgar Visitor Center, St. Mary Visitor Center, (passengers must change at Logan Pass). The shuttle will run from July 1 through Labor Day.

Stops along the road

There are dozens of interesting spots you can hike to from the road—like St. Mary Falls You can also find out more about the following: Virginia Falls—but you’ll still get to experience some jaw-dropping sights by sticking to the main road. Sifuentes notes that there are “many wonderful pull-outs” along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. He specifically mentions the “pull-outs near St. Mary Lake which is located on the eastside of Going-to-the-Sun Road.” 

You’ll reach Jackson Glacier OverlookBring binoculars to get a better look at the last glacier in the park. You’ll reach the park a few miles after that. Siyeh Bend. Visit this area to see the surrounding peaks, or hike the Siyeh Pass Trail and the Piegan Pass Trail.

Finding a parking space at the airport is a challenge. Logan Pass Visitor Center; You might be able to explore and reach the highest point along the road, where it crosses over the continental divide. You’ll also find the trailhead of one of the most popular hikes in the Park. the Highline TrailYou may see some mountain goats on the overlooks in and around Logan Pass. 

After leaving Logan Pass, you’ll go by Oberlin Bend—pull over for stunning mountain vistas—and then prepare to encounter some particularly gorgeous waterfalls. You’ll see some beautiful waterfalls after leaving Logan Pass. Bird Woman Falls OverlookYou will see the 560-foot Haystack Creek Falls, as well as the other waterfalls in the area. Weeping Wall It is only a short drive to the west. 

You’ll descend to the turquoise water of the Nearby Sea after you navigate the hairpin turn, “The Loop.” McDonald Creek You can also find out more about the following: Avalanche Creek, Lake McDonald Lodge Visitor’s center in Apgar Village.

Plan Your Trip

Avoid weekends and holidays as much as possible, given the popularity of this route. Sifuentes recommends that you drive the route in September. She warns, “The temperature will usually be cooling off. Be mindful of this.” You can drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road just before sunrise or after sunset if you are willing to wake up earlier or stay up later. (The sun does not set in this area of Montana until 10 p.m. at night during the summer).

Bring snacks, water and layers. If you’re driving from the east side, you’ll definitely want to fill up on treats—don’t miss the huckleberry bear claws—from Kyiyo Mercantile After kicking off the morning with a hearty breakfast at Two Medicine Grill East Glacier Park. The Huckleberry Hut and West Glacier Mercantile are the best places to get road trip snacks for those traveling from west. West Glacier Village.

There are many places to stay in and around Glacier National Park There are many places to visit in East Glacier Park that are close by the Going-to-the-Sun Road. East Glacier Park has the historic East Glacier Park. Glacier Park LodgeBuilt in 1913. Accommodation at Lake McDonald Lodge You can drive directly to the scenic road. LOGE Glacier West Glacier Village is about a 30-minute-drive away.