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Going-to-the-Sun Road Guided Day Tour

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Description

Want to experience Going-to-the-Sun Road without the stress of vehicle reservations and white knuckled driving? Or simply wondering if you're missing out on the top spots in Glacier National Park? This is your complete Going-to-the-Sun Road tour experience that includes scenic viewpoints and short hikes to iconic points along Going-to-the-sun Road in Montana.

Your guided tour will begin at 8am as you head towards to West Glacier entrance to Glacier National Park. Along the road, you will have chances to stop and learn about must see sites such as: Lake McDonald, Upper McDonald Creek, Trail of the Cedars, Bird Woman Falls, Weeping Wall, Logan Pass, Jackson Glacier Overlook, Sun Point, and Rising Sun just to name a few.

This full day, 8-hour tour will traverse the full length of Going-to-the-Sun Road with a round trip to and from the West Glacier entrance. Along the way you'll have the opportunity a couple short hikes, a maximum of about 1.5 miles total. This is an excellent tour experience for those looking for limited hiking, but exceptional views and photo opportunities for the whole family!

The Going-to-the-Sun Road is nearly 50 miles long and takes just under 2 hours to drive from the West entrance of Glacier Park over to the eastern entry to the sun road. You will start your day in Columbia Falls or with pickup from a nearby campground or hotel in between Columbia Falls and West Glacier.

This small group tour (up to 13 people maximum) experience will feature the must see highlights of Going-to-the-Sun Road all with a knowledgeable and experienced guide. You'll learn about the history, flora and fauna, and geology all while enjoying world class views from one of the most scenic drives in the USA.

Interested in Guided Hikes in Glacier National Park?

If you want to spend more time on the trail checkout these guided hikes below.

Hidden Lake Overlook - ~3 miles roundtrip from Logan Pass
Highline Trail - ~8 miles roundtrip from Logan Pass
Avalanche Lake - ~5 miles roundtrip from Avalanche Lake Trailhead
Many Glacier - ~8 miles roundtrip in Many Glacier Valley

Important Information for Guided Going-to-the-Sun Road Day Tour

Meeting Point - This tour meets in Columbia Falls, MT about 20 minutes from the entrance to West Glacier. Open in Google Maps.
Must carry a Glacier Site Pass prior to arrival (separate from vehicle reservation, which is NOT required)
Glacier Park Annual, America the Beautiful, or Military/Senior Lifetime Passes are valid in place of Site Pass for full party size.
Food is not available for purchase after passing Apgar in West Glacier. Water is available at the logan pass visitor center, but it is recommended you bring your own food and water for the day, or request a lunch be included.

What's Included

Roundtrip Transportation from Columbia Falls

Knowledgeable Education Guide

Going-to-the-Sun Road Vehicle Reservation

Glacier National Park Site Pass

Food/Drinks (optional add-on)

Guide Gratuity

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Glacier National Park Site Pass?

All participants above the age of 15 on are required to carry a Glacier National Site Pass. If traveling as a group, it's recommended to purchase a 7-day Private Vehicle Pass. All site passes can be purchased online at recreation.gov

How long does it take to drive the Road to the Sun?

Drive time on Going-to-the-Sun road is highly dependent on the time of year and time of day that you visit. Generally it takes about 2-hours to traverse the full 50 miles of the road from its West Glacier entrance over to the St. Mary's visitor center. Factor in more time for scenic viewpoints or hikes along the way. Of course you'll want to stop at Logan Pass which is 32 miles from the West Entrance.

What should we bring for a Going-to-the-Sun Road Day Tour?

Be prepared for unpredictable weather anytime of year, proper gear and clothing is crucial. Hiking boots/shoes, rainproof jacket, backpack, water bottle, lunch/snacks, bug spray, sunscreen and sunglasses are a great start!

Do I need a 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 Site Pass.

Will we see any wildlife in Glacier National Park?

Wildlife viewings in Glacier National Park are not uncommon, but there is no gurantee and sightings are not as frequent as in parks likes Yellowstone. If you're lucky you may spot bighorn sheep, mountains goats, moose, or a bear!

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

Offical Going-to-the-Sun Road opening and closing dates are weather dependant and can come with little public notice. On average years, the route is open to vehicle traffic from late June through mid-October. For planning purposes, Going-to-the-Sun Road tours are availabile to book from July 1 onward.

Will we see all of Going-to-the-Sun Road?

During your Going-to-the-Sun Road Day Tour you will traverse the entire length of the scenic route. Begining from Columbia Falls, MT your tour will take you out and back through the West Glacier Entrance over to the east side of Logan pass, stopping at iconic Rising Sun viewpoint at St. Mary's lake.