Going-to-the-Sun Road & Hidden Lake Hike
Description
Choose this popular tour to enjoy the top sights along the Going-to-the-Sun Road and a short guide hike among spectacular mountains and scenery in the heart of Glacier National Park. Prepare for an unforgettable adventure through Glacier National Park with an in-depth and educational Going-to-the-Sun Road Guided Day Tour and a hike to Hidden Lake Overlook.
Experience the best of Glacier National Park on an 8-hour adventure filled with incredible sights and stories. Your day begins in Columbia Falls, where you’ll meet your guide and travel through the park’s western entrance. Following the scenic Middle Fork of the Flathead River, marvel at the untouched wilderness of Flathead National Forest as you approach the iconic Lake McDonald. Pause at Apgar Village, where you can admire the lake’s famous rainbow-colored rocks and soak in the serene beauty of its surroundings.
From there, the tour climbs into the mountains along the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road. This engineering marvel offers unrivaled views of rugged peaks, glacial-carved valleys, and cascading waterfalls. Frequent stops at scenic overlooks and pullouts let you capture these moments forever, whether with a camera or just your own eyes. With your guide’s engaging insights, you’ll uncover the park’s geological wonders, diverse wildlife, and fascinating history.
Complete your ascent by reaching Logan Pass and crossing the Continental Divide. A true highlight and must-see of Glacier National Park, Logan Pass is home to a world of epic views and notoriously difficult parking. From here, you'll begin your hiking journey to the Hidden Lake Overview. While this hike may be short, it is an incredible way to see some of the most spectacular mountains and scenery in the very heart of Glacier National Park.
This hike winds up 1.5 miles over a curated boardwalk + maintained dirt trail. At the top, you'll often see mountain goats and enjoy gorgeous views of the famous "Hidden Lake" of Glacier Park. Your guide will teach you about flora and fauna as well as the history and geology of Glacier National Park in a fun and educational way. This hike is ideal for nature enthusiasts of all ages and abilities, offering a wonderful chance to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Glacier National Park.
Join us for a fun and memorable day of sightseeing along Going-to-the-Sun Road and hiking the Hidden Lake trail in Glacier!
Looking For More?
Learn more about Going-to-the-Sun Road with our Ulitmate Guide to Everything You Need To Know About Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Check out these other educational day tours to learn more about Glacier National Park. Experience spectacular views and get up close with nature on a guided educational day hike or private tour.
What's Included
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Going-to-the-Sun Road Vehicle Reservation?
You do NOT need a Going-to-the-Sun Road Vehicle Reservation for this tour, however, you do need a Glacier National Park Entry Pass.
Do I need a Glacier National Park Entry Pass?
Yes, every group will need a Glacier National Park Entry Pass. You can purchase your pass online at recreation.gov. We recommend purchasing a single 7-day Private Vehicle Pass (1 per group), this pass may also be used for entry with your own vehicle or car rental. America the Beautiful Passes are also accepted.
Will we see all of Going-to-the-Sun Road?
This tour includes the post popular section of Going-to-the-Sun Road from West Glacier to Logan Pass. The tour will include multiple stops and follow the route back again from Logan Pass to West Glacier. Note that due to time restraints with the hike, the tour does not go down to St. Marys on the east side of the continental divide.
Will we see any wildlife?
There are no guarantees, bot a decent chance of spotting goats, marmots or deer along the way. Sometimes we get luck and see big horn sheep or bear as well. .Be sure to pack a good pair of binoculars and keep an eye on the mountain slopes for mountain goats and bighorn sheep!
Does this tour include Logan Pass?
Absolutely! Logan Pass is often considered the highlight of this tour and is the summit of Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Is there any hiking?
This tour involves a short and wonderful hike to the Hidden Lake Overlook from Logan Pass visitor center. It is about 3 miles round trip. Participants must be able to hike this distance which includes slight elevation gain on a trail that is partially wooden walkway and partially on dirt trail.
Know Before You Book
Quick Facts
Itinerary • 8h 00min • 6 activities
Arrive 15 minutes prior to your departure to check in, meet your guide, and get ready for the adventure ahead!
Begin your journey to Going-to-the-Sun Road as you travel along the banks of the Flathead River to the Western Entrance to Glacier National Park and Lake McDonald
Begin your journey along Going-to-the-Sun Road as you traverse along the eastern shore of Lake McDonald, the largest lake in the park. Enjoy scenic stops along Upper McDonald Creek such as the impressive McDonald Falls or Sacred Dancing Cascade.
Journey upward and onward along the western approach to Logan Pass known as The Garden Wall. Take in a commanding view of Heaven's Peak and enjoy the sweeping vista of McDonald Valley before crossing the Continental Divide to Logan Pass reaching an elevation of 6,646 ft.
Start at the Logan Pass Visitor center and enjoy a 3 mile guided hike to the Hidden Lake Overlook for great photos and learning along the way.
After enjoying a wonderful hike, make your journey home through West Glacier with a couple quick stops along the way at the loop and other scenic lookouts.