Going to the Sun Road: Everything You Need to Know About Glacier National Park's Most Famous Road

No visit to Glacier National Park is complete without experiencing the breathtaking Going-to-the-Sun Road! This scenic 50-mile route through the heart of Glacier Park is a true marvel of engineering and is considered by many as the most scenic roadway in America.

The narrow two-lane highway passes crystal-clear lakes and cascading waterfalls, and traverses through picturesque valleys, providing breathtaking views, access to numerous hikes and countless activities.

Whether it be a rainbow of colorful rocks along the shore of Lake McDonald or the dramatic views from atop Logan Pass; Going-to-the-Sun Road is a worthy bucket-list item for any visitor. With an expanse of dense cedar forests and hemlock groves, serene lakes, flowing waterfalls, breathtaking mountains, and hanging glaciers... where should you begin?

A true marvel of engineering, the scenic route was built with the belief that the drive itself should complement the natural beauty and become a destination of its very own.

Their vision was a success, and Going-to-the-Sun Road opened to the public when a staggering 4,000 visitors attended the commencement ceremony in Logan Pass on July 15, 1933.

This is the ultimate guide to everything you need to know about Glacier National Park's most famous road. We'll help you prepare with expert tips and top activity suggestions from experienced and knowledgeable locals.

We’ll cover:

• What (and where) is Going-to-the-Sun Road?

• When Is Going-to-the-Sun Road Open?

• Entry Requirements & Vehicle Restrictions in 2025

• Things To Do Along Going-to-the-Sun Road

• Places To Stay & Where to Eat

• Cycling & E-biking Along Going-to-the-Sun Road

• Best Practices & Bear Safety

What (and where) is Going-to-the-Sun Road?

The only throughway route traveling east-west, Going-to-the-Sun Road is 51 miles and runs between the gateway communities of West Glacier and St. Mary while crossing over the Continental Divide at Logan Pass.

As the main thoroughfare in the park, it closely winds alongside and hugs the exposed mountain face for a truly exhilarating drive that offers travelers unmatched access to outstanding sights.

In a campaign to increase accessibility in the park, engineers began building the road that would take nearly 2 decades to complete before it was completed in 1932. By today's standards, we can only imagine how difficult it was to construct this engineering masterpiece in such exposed and difficult terrain.

How Did Going-to-the-Sun Road Get The Name?

There are a few theories, but the most common explanation is that the name comes from Going-to-the-Sun Mountain, which sits to the east of Logan Pass and is visible from the visitor center (just ask a park employee!). The legend comes from the native Blackfeet Nation that their Sun God came down from the sacred mountain in a time of great misfortune to help them hunt.

After returning to the sun, an image of the deity wearing a headdress was placed on the mountain. This was the inspiration for the Blackfeet naming the sacred mountain.

Going-to-the-Sun Road By The Numbers

The full route spans 50 miles and takes an average of 2-3 hours to drive depending on traffic and the number of stops made. We'll be honest here, the highway is narrow, travels along soaring cliffs, and is frequented by many other vehicles, cyclists, and wildlife, so safety precautions should be taken.

The road has one switchback located at 'The Loop' where it begins to climb at a grade of 6% to its summit at Logan Pass. On the lower elevations, the speed limit is 40 mph, and at the alpine section, the limit is 25 mph.

It's important to familiarize yourself with park information and policy so be sure to also check out the official webpage for Going-to-the-Sun Road General Info.

Local Tip: Logan Pass is a notoriously difficult place to find parking. Expect the parking lot to be full between 7-8 a.m. so don't be afraid to start your day early!

When Is Going-to-the-Sun Road Open?

Typically the full route is accessible to vehicle traffic from late June to mid-October. Before the road opens to vehicles in the summer, "hiker/biker season" allows pedestrians and cyclists the unique opportunity to bike along Going-to-the-Sun Road without the traffic of cars and busy parking lots.

If you'd rather stick to what's accessible by car then there are still plenty of sights to see along the lower sections of the road if you're visiting early, so be sure to check current conditions before you travel.

From June 13 through September 28, 2025, timed entry vehicle reservations are mandatory for the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road and the North Fork area between 7 am and 3 pm. Visitors entering these areas during these dates need two things: (1) A timed entry vehicle reservation or service reservation and (2) Park Entrance Fee or valid Park Pass (Annual, Senior, Military, etc.).

Spring

Glacier National Park is open year-round, but late spring is when visitation starts to pick up and snow removal efforts begin along Going-to-the-Sun Road. Through the winter, a portion of the road is kept plowed from West Glacier to the Lake McDonald Lodge. From West Glacier beginning in late spring, you can drive about 16 miles to the Avalanche Campground.

Summer

Traditional full opening dates of Going-to-the-Sun Road are between the end of June and mid-July. For planning purposes, we recommend that you consider July 1 as the soft opening date. But ultimately, the decision is greatly impacted by mother nature, in June 2022 a late-season snowstorm delayed the opening date to July 13. If you're curious, you can check the historic opening dates provided by the National Park Service.

Fall

While the opening dates of Going-to-the-Sun Road can be a bit tricky to nail down, the closing dates tend to be more regular. Park maintenance crews need time to close facilities and prepare the park for winter, so closing dates are usually around the 2nd or 3rd weekend of October.

Winter

If you're visiting between November - April you can expect winter conditions, but the park remains open year-round. Most gateway communities will have little to no services available, so be sure to come prepared. From West Glacier, you can access a plowed portion of Going-to-the-Sun Road as far as the Lake McDonald Lodge. Check out our guide to visiting Glacier National Park in the winter.

From the eastern entrance in St. Mary, similar conditions apply and vehicle access is allowed as far as the Jackson Glacier Overlook until the route is opened in full.

Be sure to read up on our guide to Year-Round Weather in Glacier National Park.

Is Going-to-the-Sun Road Plowed?

Maintaining the road is no small task. Dozens of bulldozers and rotary plows work to clear the road of the snowpack that can sometimes be 80 ft at Logan Pass and even more to the east. Avalanche experts watch conditions to help keep the workers safe.

It’s a monumental challenge every year that is well worth the effort for access to this incredible landscape. Due to unpredictable weather, sometimes crews have to re-plow which is why the Spring opening date is impossible to determine ahead of time.

Check out the NPS plowing status page and up-to-date conditions!

Entry Requirements & Vehicle Restrictions in 2025

If you're planning to tackle the challenge of driving the stunning Going-to-the-Sun Road yourself, be aware that vehicle size restrictions are strictly enforced.

Vehicles, including trailers, must be 21 feet or shorter in length, 8 feet or narrower in width (including mirrors), and no taller than 10 feet to safely navigate the road’s tight turns and tunnels. Larger vehicles are not permitted past designated areas like Avalanche Creek or Rising Sun, so plan accordingly if you’re traveling in an RV or towing a camper.

Additionally, if your vehicle is over 10 feet high you'll have trouble driving west from Logan Pass due to rock overhangs. If you’re traveling here in a vehicle that exceeds these limits, you may need to find some alternative transportation.

If you still want to do some driving yourself, consider a 2-seater, 4-seater, or 6-seater UTV Side-by-Side Rental which are street-legal and make for an epic 360-viewing experience!

Mandatory Vehicle Reservations

From June 13 to September 28, 2025, timed-entry vehicle reservations are required for entry to Going-to-the-Sun Road at the West Glacier entrance between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. Reservations are also needed for the North Fork area and are only available via recreation.gov.

A portion of reservations will be released 120 days in advance, starting February 12, 2025, while additional reservations for next-day access will become available each evening at 7 p.m. MDT. These timed reservations ensure a smoother flow of traffic and help preserve the park’s pristine environment.

Ways to Enter Without a Reservation

No reservation? No problem—if you plan your visit strategically. You can enter Going-to-the-Sun Road before 7 a.m. or after 3 p.m. without needing a vehicle reservation.

However, keep in mind that popular parking areas like Logan Pass still fill up early in the morning, even during non-ticketed hours. Our recommendation? Book a guided tour that includes entry to the park, like this Going-to-the-Sun Road & Hidden Lake Guided Day Hike.

Things to do along Going-to-the-Sun Road

Going-to-the-Sun Road offers a plethora of activities for visitors, ranging from scenic driving tours to full-day hiking trips or even half-day whitewater rafting. Here are some of our must-do activities and top recommendations:

• Going-to-the-Sun Road Guided Day Tour: Don't miss out on any of the must-see highlights with a Going-to-the-Sun Road Guided Day Tour. Perfect for the whole family with minimal hiking and maximum views this trip covers everything you need for the ultimate tour.

• Avalanche Lake Guided Day Hike: Visit one of the most popular alpine lakes in Glacier National Park with a knowledgeable expert on a Guided Hike to Avalanche Lake. Learn more on an educational hike with a local guide to make the most of your family hiking experience.

• Top 3 Hikes: Going-to-the-Sun Road provides access to numerous trails from fan favorites such as The Highline Trail and Avalanche Lake, as well as some of our favorite hidden gems. Here are the top three hikes you need to do from Going-to-the-Sun Road:

  • Hidden Lake Overlook
  • Upper McDonald Creek
  • The Highline

• Lake Rentals: Enjoy a relaxing float on Lake McDonald with a paddleboard or kayak rental from Apgar Village. The perfect way to end a full day of adventure or kick back and enjoy a laid-back day on the water

• Whitewater Rafting: Headquartered just outside the park along the Middle Fork of the Flathead River head out on an epic Half-Day Whitewater Adventure before or after your Going-to-the-Sun Road journey.

There are also three park visitor centers you’ll come across as well that each have restrooms, water, maps, and exhibits. You'll find them in Apgar Village, Logan Pass, and St. Mary. The Logan Pass Visitor’s Center is also the highest point on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, at 6,646 ft.

There is a big temperature change here so make sure to wear layers! The parking lot is usually full between 7-8 a.m. so we always recommend having a backup plan or opting to take the shuttle.

Wildlife Viewing in Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is home to a diverse set of wildlife and you’re likely to come across something during your drive along Going-to-the-Sun Road. While wildlife viewing is never guaranteed, here is a list of some of the animals that inhabit the park and where you might see them.

• Grizzly Bears: Glacier National Park has one of the largest remaining grizzly bear populations in the lower 48 states. Some grizzlies spend all summer in the lowland meadows of east Glacier.
• Black Bears: Black bears are much more common than grizzlies and live primarily in the forests, alpine meadows, and anywhere that berry bushes are plentiful.
• Mountain Goats: Look to the cliffs in the high alpine regions to spot a Rocky Mountain goat! They are commonly seen at Logan Pass.

• Bighorn Sheep: Often traveling in flocks, they prefer alpine meadows and grassy mountain slopes. They are often spotted around Logan Pass.
• Elk: In the summer, elk typically stay at high elevations and have been seen in herds around Two Dog Flats on the east side.
• Moose: While moose and elk may look similar from a distance, they are very different! Moose are solitary animals and are not afraid of humans, you should take precautions as seriously as you would with a bear. They prefer forested areas, lakes, and low-lying marshy areas.
• Mountain Lion: Where there are deer, there are mountain lions. They are great at hiding out of sight and are not commonly seen. They prefer wooded areas where they can take cover and the population is dense throughout the park. Read about mountain lion safety.
• Coyotes and Foxes: These animals are all over the park and can usually be spotted in meadows.
• Wolverine: More than 50 wolverines have been documented in Glacier National Park, making it the densest population in the lower 48 states. They prefer subalpine forests in isolated areas with snow cover.

Remember to never approach any type of wildlife. Keep your distance, not only for your safety but to ensure the animals do not become habituated around people and cars. Read more about bear safety and best practices with our bear safety guide.

Places to Stay & Where to Eat

Accommodations in and around Glacier National Park range from historic lodges to cozy cabins and campgrounds. When planning your trip to the park one of the most important aspects to consider is where to stay and where to eat. Fortunately, the park offers a range of accommodations to fit every budget and preference.

For those who prefer a more traditional lodging experience, several historic lodges within the park offer comfortable accommodations and stunning views such as the Lake McDonald Lodge, Rising Sun Motor Inn, and Belton Chalet.

• Lake McDonald Lodge is located on the north shore of the park's largest lake. This rustic hunting lodge offers a variety of room types, from cozy guest rooms to spacious suites with simple yet modern amenities.

• Rising Sun Motor Inn is found on the eastern side of Going-to-the-Sun Road and offers a more rustic experience. This lodge features simple and comfortable rooms, as well as a restaurant and gift shop.

• The Belton Chalet is a must-visit for those looking for a unique stay. This historic railway hotel was built in 1910 and has been beautifully restored to its original glory. The hotel offers both guest rooms and suites, as well as an excellent restaurant and lounge.

If you prefer tent poles to room keys there are several campgrounds located throughout the park that offer both RV and tent camping options. Many of these campgrounds also have picnic areas where you can enjoy your own packed or camp-prepared meals.

Cycling & E-biking Along Going-to-the-Sun Road

Cycling and e-biking have become a popular way to explore Going-to-the-Sun Road, especially in the spring and fall when vehicle traffic is lighter. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Biking in Glacier to ensure you are fully prepared for a two-wheeled adventure in the park!

E-bikes are allowed on the road as long as they meet the National Park Service's regulations which do not allow for throttled e-bikes, only pedal-assist so be sure to check your manufacturer settings if bringing your own e-bike. The more popular approach is from the west side to Logan Pass where you can expect challenging climbs and outstanding views.

Between June 15th and Labor Day, the road is closed to bicyclists between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. from the Apgar turnoff to Sprague Creek Campground, and eastbound (uphill) from Logan Creek to Logan Pass. It's only recommended for experienced cyclists to consider bicycling on the Going-to-the-Sun Road during the peak summer season.

Restricted areas are highlighted in red.

Is It Difficult To Bike Going-to-the-Sun Road?

The road gains about 3,300 ft in elevation at a gentle grade, offering an incredibly rewarding workout. It’s important to note that there is ongoing road rehabilitation where portions may not be paved, so you’ll need to use extra caution riding on these portions of gravel.

There is a bike-shuttle service available to transport riders and their gear from the Lake McDonald Lodge on the west side to the gate at Avalanche Creek.

Make sure to read the biking safety, regulations, and fees and always check the current road status before heading out.

Local Tip: Mark your calendar for a full-moon bike ride! These illuminated night rides are popular among locals for a truly special adventure.

Best Practices & Bear Safety

When exploring Going-to-the-Sun Road and Glacier National Park, it's essential to practice Leave No Trace principles and be bear aware. Carry bear spray, store food properly, and maintain a safe distance from wildlife, don't forget to check out our guide to bear safety. Lastly, always check the park's website for current road conditions, weather forecasts, and safety alerts.

After this ultimate guide, there should be no doubt that Going-to-the-Sun Road is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Glacier National Park.

With its stunning scenery, diverse activities, and rich history, it offers an unforgettable experience that showcases the natural beauty of the park. Plan your visit, respect the environment, and enjoy the journey along this iconic road.