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Scenic highway · West Glacier, Montana
Going-to-the-Sun Road
An approximately 80 km road that crosses Glacier National Park by Lake McDonald and Logan Pass, carved into rock walls. The high section opens only in summer.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Going-to-the-Sun Road
The Going-to-the-Sun Road crosses Glacier National Park from West Glacier to St. Mary over a route of about 80 km. It was completed in 1932 after two decades of construction and is considered a landmark of mountain road engineering, with stone retaining walls and tunnels carved into the rock.
On the west side the road follows Lake McDonald and McDonald Creek, passes the Trail of the Cedars among giant cedars, and climbs the Garden Wall face, with waterfalls that spill onto the roadway. At Logan Pass, at 2,026 meters, it crosses the Continental Divide and descends the east side to St. Mary Lake.
The high section usually opens between late June and mid-July and closes in mid-October. Very long or wide vehicles cannot pass the central segment. In summer the park often requires vehicle entry reservations for the road, and the park runs shuttle buses as well as open-top red buses from the 1930s.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day to a full day, with stops.
Best time
Mid-July to September, early morning to find parking at Logan Pass, or late afternoon.
How to get there
Via the west entrance at West Glacier, or via the St. Mary entrance on the east side.
Tip
Check the park website for road conditions and seasonal reservation rules. Logan Pass parking fills early; park shuttles are an alternative.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Going-to-the-Sun Road
How long does it take to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road?
About two hours without stops; with overlooks and a short hike, a full day.
Can any car drive on the Going-to-the-Sun Road?
Very long or wide vehicles cannot use the central section of the road; check permitted dimensions on the park website.
What are the park’s red buses?
Historic open-top buses from the 1930s that offer guided tours along the Going-to-the-Sun Road in summer.