Going-to-the-Sun Road

The famously beautiful Going-to-the-Sun Road takes visitors through the heart of Glacier National Park and crests the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. The engineering marvel and National Historic Landmark connects West Glacier and St. Mary and gives travelers stunning views of towering peaks, alpine valleys, wildflowers, waterfalls and wildlife. Perhaps the most popular attraction in the park, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the most scenic drives in America.

The lower elevation sections of the Going-to-the-Sun Road remain open all year and provide access to many park locations and activities. The summer opening date of the alpine portion varies from year to year, based on snowfall and plowing operations. There is no set date for the road to open over Logan Pass, but the road is typically fully open by early July. It's usually fully open until the third Monday of October, but that can change due to weather and road construction at any point.

Visitors can travel the road via their private car, aboard the park's free shuttle system (early July - early September) or on an interpretive tour inside a historic red bus with Xanterra or with Sun Tours. There are numerous scenic viewpoints and pullouts along the road, offering visitors plenty of photography opportunities. Hiking trails can also be accessed at various points along the road.

Additional recreation opportunities on the Going-to-the-Sun Road include recreational bicycling—which is permitted in the spring when the road is still closed to vehicles—as well as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing during the winter months.

During peak visitation (May through September) the park uses a vehicle reservation system for those entering the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The 2023 vehicle reservation system for Glacier National Park has been released. Additional reservations will be required. Read more here.

The park has announced plans for major construction areas during the 2023 summer season. Prepare for traffic delays at the West Entrance and closures in the North Fork. In addition, construction will continue on multiple bridges within the park, as well as the Going-to-the-Sun Road and Lake McDonald area, and just outside the park in Polebridge and on U.S. Highways 2 and 89. Read more here.

PLEASE TRAVEL AND RECREATE RESPONSIBLY. Plan well, monitor and adjust, stay safe, and be respectful, kind patient and prepared.