Going-to-the-Sun Road
An iconic, seasonal mountain road in Glacier National Park offering stunning alpine vistas, waterfalls, and wildlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and catch sunrise
Going-to-the-Sun Road
Best Time
Beat the crowds and catch sunrise
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic, seasonal mountain road in Glacier National Park offering stunning alpine vistas, waterfalls, and wildlife.
"It's called the Going-to-the-Sun Road for a reason – it's truly heaven on earth. 
🚗 Book Vehicle Reservations Early
Essential for west side access 7 am-3 pm. They sell out fast! :admission_tickets:
⛰️ Don't Fear the Drive
The road is wider than it looks; shuttle drivers navigate it daily. Stay on your side! :road:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Logan Pass Summit
Highest point on the road
Experience breathtaking panoramic views and spot mountain goats and bighorn sheep. The visitor center here is a must-see.
Weeping Wall
West side of the road
Feel the spray from cascading waterfalls that flow directly onto the road, creating a unique, refreshing experience.
Jackson Glacier Overlook
East side of the road
A stunning viewpoint offering a clear look at one of the park's remaining glaciers, a poignant reminder of its namesake.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timed Entry Reservations are Key
+1Seasonal Access & Weather
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Book Vehicle Reservations Early
Essential for west side access 7 am-3 pm. They sell out fast!
⛰️ Don't Fear the Drive
The road is wider than it looks; shuttle drivers navigate it daily. Stay on your side! :road:
☀️ Check Road Status Daily
Weather can close sections unexpectedly. Always check the park website.
📸 Pack Your Camera
Breathtaking views at every turn. You'll want to capture it all!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Book Vehicle Reservations Early
Essential for west side access 7 am-3 pm. They sell out fast!
⛰️ Don't Fear the Drive
The road is wider than it looks; shuttle drivers navigate it daily. Stay on your side! :road:
☀️ Check Road Status Daily
Weather can close sections unexpectedly. Always check the park website.
📸 Pack Your Camera
Breathtaking views at every turn. You'll want to capture it all!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Plenty of pull-offs for short walks and hikes to truly experience the scenery. +1 :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the unparalleled scenic beauty and breathtaking vistas of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, calling it a 'heaven on earth' and a 'must-see.' The engineering marvel of the road itself is also frequently praised. However, some find the narrow sections nerve-wracking, and the strict reservation system can be a point of frustration if not planned for well in advance.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is located within Glacier National Park, Montana. Access is typically from the west entrance near West Glacier or the east entrance near St. Mary. Remember that a vehicle reservation is required for the west side between 7 am and 3 pm during peak season.
No, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is not open year-round. It is a seasonal road, typically fully open from late June or early July through mid-October, depending on snow conditions. Always check the official Glacier National Park website for the most current road status.
Yes, it's possible to drive the entire 50-mile road in one day, but it's highly recommended to make a full day of it to stop and enjoy the numerous viewpoints and short hikes. The drive itself without stops takes about 2 hours.
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for very early morning (before 7 AM) or late afternoon (after 3 PM) when timed entry reservations are not required for the west side. The shoulder seasons of September and October also tend to be less crowded.
Due to narrow sections, sharp turns, and low clearances (especially at the historic West Tunnel), RVs, trailers, and vehicles over 22 feet long or 10 feet high are prohibited on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Check the park's website for specific restrictions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a vehicle reservation is required to access the west side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road between 7 am and 3 pm from late May through early September. These reservations are in addition to the park entrance fee and must be booked in advance online.
There is no separate fee to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road itself. However, you will need to pay the standard Glacier National Park entrance fee, and a vehicle reservation may be required for access during peak hours and season.
Vehicle reservations for the Going-to-the-Sun Road are typically booked through Recreation.gov. It's crucial to check the Glacier National Park website for the exact booking dates and times, as reservations are released in advance and sell out very quickly.
If you do not have a vehicle reservation for the west side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road between 7 am and 3 pm, you will not be able to enter that section of the road during those hours. You can still access the park and other areas, or drive the road outside of these reservation times.
The vehicle reservation system is separate from the park entrance fee. While some passes like the America the Beautiful Pass cover the park entrance fee, they do not waive the requirement for a separate vehicle reservation for the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Key viewpoints include Logan Pass for panoramic alpine vistas, the Weeping Wall for its unique waterfall spray, Jackson Glacier Overlook for glacier views, and numerous pull-offs offering stunning mountain and lake scenery.
Absolutely! The road provides access to many popular trailheads, including the Highline Trail (starting at Logan Pass), Avalanche Lake Trail, and Hidden Lake Overlook Trail. Be prepared for varying trail conditions. +1
Yes, wildlife sightings are common. Keep an eye out for mountain goats and bighorn sheep near Logan Pass, as well as marmots, deer, and potentially bears in other areas. Always maintain a safe distance and never feed wildlife.
Facilities include restrooms, visitor centers (at Logan Pass and St. Mary), and picnic areas. Services are limited, so it's wise to fill up your gas tank before entering the park and bring snacks and water.
While some sections are narrow with steep drop-offs, many visitors find the drive manageable, especially if they stay on their side of the road and drive cautiously. Shuttle drivers navigate it daily, indicating it's safe with proper care.
📸 📸 Photography
Every turn offers a photo opportunity! Logan Pass provides epic mountain panoramas, the Weeping Wall is unique, and pull-offs near Lake McDonald and St. Mary Lake offer stunning reflections and landscapes.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography. Early mornings also provide fewer crowds and a chance for mist in the valleys. Midday can be harsh, but the sheer scale of the landscape is still impressive.
Drone usage is prohibited in all National Parks, including Glacier National Park, to protect wildlife and preserve the visitor experience. Please adhere to these regulations.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light conditions or capturing long exposures of waterfalls.
Yes, with patience and a telephoto lens, you can capture great shots of mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and other wildlife. Remember to always maintain a safe distance and use a zoom lens rather than approaching animals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for wildlife like mountain goats and bighorn sheep near Logan Pass – a guaranteed hit with children! The Weeping Wall is also a fun, interactive stop where kids can feel the waterfall spray. Ensure everyone has comfortable shoes for exploring at the many scenic pull-offs.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Plan for a full day to truly appreciate the numerous viewpoints, short hikes, and the sheer scale of the landscape. Be prepared for the seasonal opening and the timed entry reservation system, which are crucial for accessing the west side during peak hours.
Consider driving early in the morning or late in the afternoon to experience fewer crowds and potentially catch a stunning sunrise or sunset. 🚶 Hikers & Nature Lovers
Remember to check trail conditions, carry bear spray, and be prepared for changing weather, even in summer. The road itself offers numerous pull-offs that lead to short, scenic walks, allowing you to immerse yourself in the park's natural beauty without committing to a long hike.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel of the Going-to-the-Sun Road
This 50-mile road is a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, recognized for its innovative design and construction methods that allowed it to traverse such a dramatic landscape. It connects the west and east sides of the park, offering unparalleled access to its interior alpine regions. The road's construction was a monumental undertaking, involving thousands of workers and overcoming obstacles like avalanches, rockslides, and severe winter storms.
Today, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is celebrated not only for its historical significance but also for the breathtaking vistas it provides. It allows visitors to experience the park's diverse ecosystems, from the cedar forests of the west to the drier, more open terrain of the east, all within a single drive. The road's design seamlessly integrates with the natural environment, making the journey as awe-inspiring as the destinations themselves.
Navigating the Going-to-the-Sun Road: Tips for a Smooth Drive
Beyond the driving itself, planning your visit around the road's seasonal opening and reservation system is paramount. The road is typically only fully accessible from late June or early July through mid-October, and a vehicle reservation is often required for the west side between 7 am and 3 pm. Booking these reservations well in advance through Recreation.gov is essential, as they sell out rapidly.
+1 Checking the official Glacier National Park website for current road status and any alerts before you depart is also a non-negotiable step to avoid disappointment. For those who prefer not to drive, the park's shuttle system offers a fantastic alternative. The free shuttle service operates along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery without the stress of driving or parking. This is an excellent option for families or anyone who wants to fully immerse themselves in the experience.
Wildlife Encounters on the Going-to-the-Sun Road
Beyond the more common sightings, there's also a chance to spot other animals such as marmots, deer, and even bears. While bear sightings are less frequent directly on the road, they are present in the park. It's important to be bear-aware, carry bear spray if you plan to hike, and know how to react if you encounter one.
When you do spot wildlife, use binoculars or a telephoto lens to get a closer look without disturbing the animals. Pull over safely at designated pull-offs to observe and photograph. These encounters are a highlight for many visitors and a reminder of the wild beauty of Glacier National Park.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit