A Guide to Glacier’s Going-to-the-Sun Road
The best way to experience Glacier National Park is by touring Going-to-the-Sun Road, an incredible scenic drive that takes you past beautiful lakes, jaw-dropping valleys, and towering mountains.
Along the way, you’ll see waterfalls, pass multiple hiking trailheads, drive by 3 visitors center, and can have a picnic.
This road is only open seasonally, but it is a must-do if you’re visiting the park during the summer months when the entire stretch is open.
In the guide below, you’ll find everything you need to plan your time exploring Going-to-the-Sun Road from an overview of the reservations systems, vehicle requirements, a mile-by-mile guide to overlooks and stops, and tips to make your trip perfect.
A Jammer bus and other vehicles on Going-to-the-Sun Road at Haystack Falls
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What is Going-to-the-Sun Road?
PIN ME!
Going-to-the-Sun Road is a paved, 2 lane road that runs roughly west-east across the main section of Glacier National Park.
It connects West Glacier and Apgar Village on the west (as the name might imply) to St. Mary in the east. This is the only through road that extends the full length of this park’s section.
You cannot get to Many Glacier or Two Medicine directly on this road.
Those areas of the park are accessible by following Going-to-the-Sun Road to the St. Mary entrance, with Many Glacier then lying north on Route 89, and Two Medicine south on Route 89 and then Route 49.
The entire 51-mile stretch is only open in the summer months starting in very late June or early July, as the road is impassible before then.
You can access the open portions on either end in the spring, when it becomes a biking-only road until the snow plows complete the road clearing.
For the best views along the road, go on a day that’s forecasted to be bright and clear.
While rainy or foggy days will give you a moody mountain vibe, you’re probably here to see those glaciers, overlooks, mountains, and valleys, and that’s not happening on a rainy day.
Since you can start and stop along the way, this road is a must do when visiting Glacier National Park with kids!
What’s up with the name?
There’s a Going-to-the-Sun Mountain on the St. Mary Lake side of the road, and the road borrows its name from that.
Back when the road was first built, it had the bland name of “Transmountain Highway” to reflect the fact that this engineering feat was replacing an earlier and much more rustic trail that wound through the mountains.
There are a couple of theories on the name, which come with some unverified claims. A press release around the time that the road was completed in the early 1930s claimed that the mountain (and road) were named after a local Blackfeet legend wherein a spirit descend from the high peak near the sun to bring knowledge of hunting to the tribe. So, when the spirit left, he was going back to the sun.
However, there are many other people who say that isn’t a true Blackfeet legend, and that some early trapper created the story.
Either way, the road does evoke a sense of climbing into the sky as you wind your way through the mountains.
Reservations System Information
You will need a reservation to access Going-to-the-Sun Road during peak season. If you do not have a reservation, then you will not be able to pass by the rangers who do check each and every car before it is allowed onto the road.
This reservation is only required if you’re going west to east from Apgar Village towards St. Mary.
If you start in St. Mary and travel east to west, you do not need to make any prior reservations. Though, you will still need to purchase an entrance pass to get into the park.
Rangers man the checkpoint to ensure all vehicles have the appropriate pass (and they will turn you away if you don’t!)
The reservations for Going-to-the-Sun Road begin selling 4 months ahead of the first day the road is anticipated to be passable, usually in mid-June. From there on out, the tickets are released on a rolling basis 4 months out (i.e. tickets for July 1 open up March 1). These will sell out, so you need to be ready a few minutes before the tickets open for sale at 8 AM MST.
If you miss out on the tickets during the main reservation time, the park releases a small number of reservations the day before you’d like to go (i.e. for travel on July 6, you’d have to get the ticket on July 5).
I know it’s a pain to have to plan ahead for what is essentially driving, but I promise, the hassle is worth the time you get to spend on this gorgeous road.
>> Get more details on the Glacier National Park vehicle reservations system in my complete guide here. <<
Ways to Cross Going-to-the-Sun Road
Private vehicle
This is the standard way to get across, and it is the most flexible since you get to pick when you pause along the way.
However, it does come with its own concerns, primarily getting one of those coveted vehicle passes if you’re traveling west to east. For more information, see the reservations section above.
Once that’s in hand, you’ll then need to determine if your vehicle fits within the limitations of the road. because of the very tight turns and narrow lanes, vehicles longer than 21’ aren’t allowed on the road. Trailers and RVs are allowed, but they cannot be any longer than 21’ combined (tow vehicle plus trailer).
Your vehicle must be 10’ or shorter, and no more than 8’ feet, or you simply will not fit on the narrower portions of the road.
The vehicle size restrictions start at Avalanche Creek (where you’ll find the trailhead for Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Lake) on the west side and end at Rising Sun on the east side.
Free shuttle
Waiting to get onto one of the free Glacier National Park shuttles
If you’d rather someone else drive, the park has implemented a free shuttle system. Partially, this system is in place to help those who can’t or won’t drive on such a narrow mountain road, but it’s also there to alleviate traffic.
The shuttle only runs in the summers until 7 PM, so you will need to watch your timing carefully if you’re planning to do a hike and then catch a shuttle to where your car is parked at one of the visitors centers.
There isn’t one shuttle that goes all the way across Going-to-the-Sun Road, so you’ll also have to navigate transfers whether you take the express or the full service shuttle.
In the full service shuttle, larger buses will take you from Apgar Visitors Center to Avalanche Creek; you’ll then transfer to a 15 passenger bus that can navigate the close turns between there and Logan Pass.
At Logan Pass, you transfer to an eastbound 15 passenger bus before making one final transfer to a larger bus at Sun Point. This will take you onto St. Mary Visitors Center.
The full service shuttle stops at these places, going west to east:
Apgar Visitors Center
Sprague Creek Campground
Lake McDonald Lodge
Avalanche Creek/ Trail of the Cedars (transfer)
The Loop
Logan Pass (transfer)
Siyeh Bend
Jackson Glacier Overlook
St. Mary Falls
Sunrift Gorge
Sun Point (transfer)
Rising Sun boat dock
St. Mary Visitors Center
The express shuttles are small buses that only run between Apgar Visitors Center and Logan Pass, and then Logan Pass to St. Mary Visitors Center, with a transfer at Logan Pass.
Jammer buses
My parents in front of the Jammer bus they toured in
For a fun and historic twist on the typical journey across Going-to-the-Sun Road, opt for a Jammer tour.
These large red buses hold 16 people and date from the early 1930s. They’re called “Jammers” because of the sounds that the buses used to make as the drivers shifted into gear. (Nowadays, the buses have been upgraded to automatic transmissions.)
If you want to get the highlights of Going-to-the-Sun Road from a live guide, this is the way to do it. If you just want to get a tour of Going-to-the-Sun Road, I’d recommend the version of “Crown of the Continent” tour, which departs from West Glacier, takes you across the scenic drive, up to Many Glacier and then back east-west to West Glacier. There is a version of this same tour that departs from Many Glacier and travels Going-to-the-Sun Road only to Lake McDonald Lodge.
For Jammer bus tours departing from the eastern side of Glacier, you can take either the aforementioned east-departure “Crown of the Continent” tour which doesn’t see the entire road, or you can do the much longer “Big Sky Circle” tour that takes in the scenic road in it entirety and Route 2 out of the park between West Glacier and East Glacier/Two Medicine.
Stops and Overlooks along the Road
Here’s what to expect, mile by mile along Going-to-the-Sun Road!
If you’d like even more commentary on these stops, I highly recommend the GuideAlong audio tour for Glacier National Park, which includes information on the park’s history, important figures, conservation, wildlife and geology.
We love listening to these audio tours as we tour the national parks as they’re fun and informative (and inexpensive). You’ll need Wifi to download the tour, but, once it’s on your phone, you need neither cell service nor Wifi to have the audio tour play.
It will run automatically as you move through the park, starting and stopping as you get to points of interest. You can skip, replay, or pause the tour at any time. These audio tours are much more flexible than live tours, which is excellent when we’re traveling with our kids, who always have questions.
Mile 1: West Glacier and Apgar Village
This is where Going-to-the-Road starts, on the western side of the park and just beyond the Apgar Visitor Center’s entrance.
You will need an entrance pass to explore Apgar Village and Apgar Visitors Center, but you don’t need reservations unless you’re heading onto Going-to-the-Sun Road.
If you can, pause here before getting to the road; Apgar Village has some cute souvenir shops, the Nature Center (one of our favorite places to visit with kids!), and a small beach on the shores of Lake McDonald.
Once you’re ready to start your Going-to-the-Sun Road adventure, hop onto the road, head west, and show your reservation pass to the rangers waiting on the side of the road. Once they’ve scanned your pass, you’re off on one of the most beautiful drives anywhere in the national parks system.
Mile 3: Lake McDonald
Me paddle boarding on Lake McDonald
The largest lake in Glacier National Park, Lake McDonald has over 20 miles of shoreline to explore.
It’s also 472 feet deep in places, so you can rent motor boats, kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards to explore it.
The lake is known for its brilliantly colored rocks along the shore, which can be yellow, orange, grey, pink, white, and even greenish-blue.
On the Apgar Village end, you can rent paddleboards, small motorboats, kayaks, and canoes.
Towards its northern end, the boat tour for the lake leaves from Lake McDonald Lodge (see below for more on that).
Along the sides are multiple hiking trails for yet another way to experience this beautiful area in West Glacier.
As you drive along Going-to-the-Sun Road, you’ll follow the eastern shoreline of the lake for several miles, and the lake peeks through the trees constantly along this stretch.
Mile 10: Sprague Campground
One of the most popular campgrounds on this side of the park, Sprague Campground is well positioned. It’s right on Going-to-the-Sun Road for easy access to everything on that stretch, and it has waterfront access to Lake McDonald as well.
This is a great option for tent campers or those with a small travel trailer or Class B RV.
Mile 11: Lake McDonald Lodge
The lobby of Lake McDonald Lodge
If you need to stop and stretch your legs on your road trip, this is a great place to do so. There’s ample free parking, the historic lodge, lake access, several places to eat, and clean public restrooms.
Lake McDonald Lodge was one of the first structures built in the national park and dates to 1913.
While it has been modernized with plumbing, upgraded dining areas, and other 21st century amenities, much of its original charm remains.
If you’re taking one of the Lake McDonald boat tours, you’ll wait for your tour here before heading down to the dock near the back doors.
There’s often live piano music in the lobby, and there are chess tables if you need to pass the time. When the weather is cool, the staff will have a roaring fire going in the huge fireplace.
Lake McDonald Lodge also has a dining room, gift shop, and picnic tables. If you’d like something quick, there’s a pizzeria near the main building.
Mile 12: McDonald Falls
McDonald Falls as seen from the short hike off of Going-to-the-Sun Road
This pull-off has a viewpoint for McDonald Falls, though several areas are obscured by trees in the summer. If you walk down to the rock and dirt overlook, please note that there are no railings, and the rocks can be slippery.
McDonald Falls (and this entire section of McDonald Creek) is turbid and fast moving, especially in the late spring and summer as snow melt increases the river’s volume. This is not the place you want you or your child to lose footing and fall into the water.
I’ve found that a better viewpoint for McDonald Falls is on the other side of the river, via the Upper McDonald Creek Trail. To get to that trail, drive another 0.3 miles up Going-to-the-Sun Road, where you’ll find another pull-off. At this pull-off, cross the bridge below the road, and then turn left onto the McDonald Creek Trail (also a spur of the John’s Loop Trail). If you hike down this trail for 0.3 miles, you’ll come to another, better, and less crowded viewpoint below the falls.
Mile 13.5: Sacred Dancing Cascade
There’s no dedicated overlook for Sacred Dancing Cascade, but you will be able to catch a few glimpses of it as you drive past.
If you’d like to get a better view, you’ll need to get out for a hike. At the same pull-off you access the McDonald Creek Trail (above), you’ll find a small bridge that crosses McDonald Creek. From that bridge, you’ll get the view shown in my photo above.
Basically, once you cross that pedestrian bridge, turn left to see McDonald Falls and right to see Sacred Dancing Cascade.
Both are easy hikes that are great if you want to break up your road trip through the park a bit.
Mile 16: Avalanche Creek
My son ready for some exploring on the Trail of the Cedars
If you’re visiting here in the summer, pack your patience as this area of the park is always busy.
That frenzy comes from the fact that there is a campground, picnic area, shuttle shop, and trailhead for two very popular hikes here. You’ll need to cruise around the too-small parking areas to find a place to leave your vehicle, and then head into the forest for a hike or two.
The Trail of the Cedars isn’t too crowded as most people are here for the Avalanche Lake Trail. Trail of the Cedars is great for kids or less enthusiastic hikers as it is flat with boardwalks and well kept dirt trails.
Avalanche Lake Trail is a bit more demanding with just over 700 feet of elevation gain over the 4.6 mile round trip. It’s one of the easiest to access glacier lakes on this side of the park, so if you’re aiming to find one of those brilliant blue lakes without going to Many Glacier or Two Medicine, this is your best bet.
There’s also a campground here, vault toilets, and picnic tables.
Mile 17: Red Rock Point
This overlook is a quick stop that provides beautiful views of the rocks that would look more at home in Utah’s desert than in the Rocky Mountains of Glacier National Park.
Mile 23: Mountain Tunnel (West)
Heaven’s Peak as seen from the interior of the West Tunnel
If you’d like to (carefully) walk to the pedestrian overlooks, park on the shoulder of the road just before you get to the tunnel.
There is a steep drop off beyond the westbound lane before you get to the concrete, so you may be tempted to walk in the bike lane. Just watch your kids and the other drivers.
Once you’re in the tunnel, the car noise can be loud, and people have an odd inclination to beep as they’re in the tunnel, making it worse. Truly, calling it a “tunnel” is a misnomer as it is more of a passthrough than a true mountain tunnel the way that the 1.1 mile long Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel in Zion National Park is.
There are dedicated overlook areas inside the tunnel that perfectly frame Heaven’s Peak and are less crowded than what you’ll find just ahead on the next stop at Mile 24.
Mile 24: Heaven’s Peak and The Loop
This is where you have another chance to see Heaven’s Peak, which towers above you at nearly 9,000 feet. It’s also the trailhead for the popular Granite Park Trail, which takes you to the hike-in only Granite Park Chalet. You can also connect to the Highline Trail, which runs roughly parallel to Going-to-the-Sun Road to Logan’s Pass.
Bikers navigating the Loop switchback before the road opens to cars
Parking is limited here, so if you’re planning to get out to view Heaven’s Peak, go slowly in the hopes you’ll catch another vehicle moving out of this area. If you don’t find a spot on that first driveby, there’s no good place to turn around for a second try.
There are 2 tiers of parking here, so if you don’t see something before the switchback, you might have better luck on the higher section.
This is also where the driving gets dicey. Up to this point on the road, the lanes feel robust and have a small shoulder if you needed to pull off. There have been a couple of sloping inclines on the road’s northern side, but nothing spectacular.
However, after you turn the corner at The Loop, there’s no doubt that you’re in the Rocky Mountains, for better or for worse. From here to the other side of Logan’s Pass, the road narrows and there are long stretches without any significant shoulder. On the flip side, the most incredible views are just ahead!
There is a small 3 foot stone and mortar barrier on this part of the road. It’s not going to do much if you crash into it, but it does provide the barest sense of safety. And, having driven on roads like Million Dollar Highway in Colorado, with similar views, narrow lanes, and inclines, but without that little barrier, I can tell you that it does a world of good if you’re nervous about driving in the mountains.
Bird Woman Falls between Mt. Oberlin and Mt. Cannon from the overlook
Mile 27: Bird Woman Falls
While you can’t get up close to these falls—they’re across the valley from Going-to-the-Sun Road—you will be able to see them from the road.
These iconic falls can be seen from just about anywhere in this section of the park as the water cascades 492 feet.
The fact that this large waterfall appear to be so small among the mountains speaks to how vast this area is!
When coming towards Bird Woman Falls from the west (as we’re doing on this itinerary), Bird Woman Falls is located between Mt. Oberlin on the falls’ left and Mt. Cannon on the right.
If you can’t look and drive, there’s a small 4 or 5 pull-out where you can pause for a moment to see the falls.
Mile 28: Haystack Falls
Just around the corner from the Bird Woman Falls is a dramatic waterfall that flows directly under the road you’re on before cascading hundreds of feet into the valley below, and, ultimately, into McDonald Creek.
There’s no room to stop here, but don’t worry—there are several other waterfalls ahead that will let you get up close.
Mile 29: Weeping Wall
The Weeping Wall is so much fun!
One of my kids’ favorite parts of Going-to-the-Sun Road is this series of waterfalls that splashes directly into the road!
You won’t get the best experience of this going west to east since you’re in the east bound lane, and, thus on the side of the road away from the waterfalls.
However, when you’re traveling back west in the lane closest to the cliffs, you’ll get misted, sprinkled, and spattered with water as you drive underneath!
If you don’t mind the interior of your car getting a little wet, roll down the windows, go slowly, and stick your hand out of the window to feel these drive by waterfalls.
For the best effect, go in the summer as soon as the road opens as this is when the snow melt tends to be at its highest.
Mile 30: Big Bend/Paradise Meadow
Make this one of the spots that you must get out at as there are several things to see here.
The Camping Kiddos and me at Paradise Meadow
First of all, there’s ample parking on both sides of the road, a rarity for Going-to-the-Sun Road. On the valley side, you can get incredible photos of Bird Woman Falls, Mt. Oberlin and Mt. Cannon (in front of you), Mt. Gould behind you, and even Heaven’s Peak off in the distance over the valley.
On some maps, you may see this area labeled as Paradise Meadow, which is referring to the sloped area beside the eastbound lane that has beargrass in it during the summer.
As a side note, beargrass is neither related to a bear nor grass. It’s part of the lily family and is beautiful when it is in bloom! Learn more about the wildflowers of Montana that you might see on the trails of Glacier.
On the westbound side of the road, closer to the mountain, you’ll see a waterfall running down the steep cliff here.
Above it (and better seen from the Highline Trail, which runs above you nearer to the peaks) is what’s called the Garden Wall. This section of Mt. Gould explodes with greenery and wildflowers as the snow melts in the late spring and summer.
There are vault toilets here if you need to use them before continuing on.
Mile 31: Triple Arches
The Triple Arches bridge | source
This feature is a bit hard to see when you’re driving as they are part of the road structure.
Instead, you’ll need to look ahead as you come around the part of the road that juts out about 0.4 miles after you leave Paradise Meadow/Big Bend.
This bridge was built in 1927 and was chosen as a more attractive way to sustain traffic over this section of the mountain road.
Mile 32: Logan Pass
The view as you approach Logan Pass from the west side
You’ve made it to the highest point on Going-to-the-Sun Road!
In the late spring and early summer, this is the area of the road that’s snowed in the latest, holding up traffic from going across the park until the first of July or later. If you’re visiting around that time, keep checking on the official NPS site for Glacier National Park as they will post updates on the road’s snow plowing.
Even after the road is cleared for vehicle traffic each year, large banks of snow will linger well into the summer—and sometimes will simply never melt from one winter season to the next.
If you’re lucky, and you visit in the time between the road opening and the snow melting near Logan Pass Visitors Center, you can throw a couple of snowballs while you’re hiking.
Visitors Center
The visitors center is the biggest draw here for most visitors. Parking can be tough since the lot is small for the number of people who venture up here daily in the summer, but be patient. People tend to move in and out of here quickly, and a parking spot will open up if you circle the lot slowly.
Inside the visitors center are flush toilets, a small but well stocked gift shop, some interpretive materials and a ranger information desk.
Hiking
There’s a sign for the Continental Divide near the road, and the Highline Trail also ends here on the opposite side of the road from where the visitors center sits.
Behind the visitors center is the Hidden Lake Trail. This trail is composed of both boardwalks and gravel patches as you ascend one lower slope of Clements Mountain. It can be steep, but the views are spectacular. The trail levels off just in time for the Hidden Lake Overlook, where you can see the large lake below.
Turn back towards the visitors center or continue on the trail down to the lake shore. This one doesn’t have the brilliant blue of Grinnell Lake or Avalanche Lake, but it’s still pretty.
Mile 34: Mountain Tunnel (East)
A Jammer bus enters the East Mountain Tunnel
More substantial than the previous mountain tunnel on the west side of the road, this one is the result of the hard work of many laborers back in the early 1930s, who constructed it entirely by hand tools.
You’ll enter the 408-foot tunnel, which does not include a pedestrian overlook like the west mountain tunnel, to then be treated to incredible views of Heavy Runner Mountain and Citadel Mountain as you exit the other side.
If you’d like to get photos of the view, there is 1 small pull-off before the tunnel and an additional 2 small pull-offs just past the tunnel when you’re headed east.
Mile 35: Siyeh Bend
While it’s not classified as a switchback, this is the closest thing you’ll get to one on the eastern side of Going-to-the-Sun Road.
You can’t miss this sharp turn in the road as you begin the ascent down to St. Mary in earnest.
Despite the trailhead of several popular trails begin here, there’s (again) not enough parking for the number of hikers during peak time. Drive slowly here and watch for people crossing the road.
The parking that is available is on both sides of the road, so look carefully if you’re planning to nab a spot. There are 2 sections of parking—one just before the trailhead and one after.
From here, you can hike the Piegan Pass Trail or Siyeh Pass Trail, which share a trail for the first section before splitting into opposite directions. Both take you through the forests to stunning views of the glaciers on this side of the park.
Mile 40: Jackson Glacier Overlook
Jackson Glacier is the patch of dense white just over my head.
If you’re not interested in hiking the backcountry or going to Many Glacier, this is the best look you’ll get at a glacier in the park.
At the overlook, the glacier is that huge patch of ice to the right of Citadel Mountain.
Jackson Glacier is on Mt. Jackson, which is smaller than Citadel Mountain, and has far more snow and ice on it.
Given the name of the park, it’s worth stopping here to take a quick photo.
Plus, there’s a sense of urgency: since 1966, every named glacier has shrunk, and scientists estimate that there will not be any more year round glaciers by 2100 at the rate they are going now.
When visiting here, you will find several parking spots. The free shuttles also stop here on the route between Logan Pass and Rising Sun, but only if you’re on the non-express shuttle.
Mile 42.5 Bering Falls and Sun Point Nature Trail
The stout but still pretty Bering Falls
These 2 short hikes are located less than a mile from one another, so I’ve put them together.
When traveling west to east, as we’ve been doing in this itinerary, you will come to the parking area for Bering Falls first. You’ll look for the small trail opening near the end of the parking area, and then follow this trail down towards the lake until it forks just a few hundred feet later; take the right fork and hike along it until you reach the Bering Falls.
Interestingly, you’re using both Siyeh Pass Trail and Piegan Point Trail to access this waterfall, which you saw the trailheads of back at Siyeh Point (mile 35).
Sun Point Nature Trail is further east, and includes a small parking area. Here, you can get excellent views of Little Chief Mountain, Mahtopah Mountain, and Red Eagle Mountain (looking right to left from the viewpoint) across the lake.
Mile 44: Rising Sun and St. Mary Lake Access
If you’d like to take a boat tour of St. Mary Lake, you’ll meet at the Rising Sun boat dock. Even if you don’t, there is a large parking lot and picnic area if you need to stretch your legs.
St. Mary Lake is the second largest in the park, coming in just behind Lake McDonald. While Lake McDonald isn’t ever what I’d call warm, it does stay, on average, warmer than St. Mary, which is more exposed to the winds and is 1500 feet higher in elevation.
Because of this difference, St. Mary Lake doesn’t offer paddleboard, kayak, or canoe rentals as the winds here can quickly cause issue for less experienced boaters.
Mile 46: Wild Goose Island Overlook
Wild Goose Island on St. Mary peeking through the trees
One of the prettiest overlooks in the park in my opinion, Wild Goose Overlook is worth a quick stop. From here, you can see Wild Goose Island through the trees. It’s a tiny little island—only 14 feet above the lake with room for some small trees and a couple of hardy shrubs—but it makes for a fascinating contrast compared to the huge mountains nearby.
If you’re familiar with Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, the title sequence was filmed on this part of Going-to-the-Sun Road, and you can clearly see Wild Goose Island in the lake in the first few seconds before the Torrances’ VW Bug climbs into the mountains on the road. The island essentially looks the same as those poor shrubs and trees are pummelled by winds year round, keeping them from growing as they should.
At about 1:38 in the video linked above, you can also see the Mountain Tunnel (East) from mile 34!
Mile 50: St. Mary Visitors Center
You’ve made it!
The St. Mary Visitors Center marks the east end of Going-to-the-Sun Road. Here, you can stop for a bit before retracing your steps to West Glacier again, or before heading into another section of the park.
From the St. Mary Visitors Center, you can head north to get to the Many Glacier area, where you’ll find the excellent Grinnell Lake hike and 2-boat lake tour of Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine. This is also where Many Glacier Lodge is located.
If you head south instead, you’ll go to Two Medicine and East Glacier, where you can visit the Glacier Park Lodge and its incredibly massive tree truck lobby supports, Running Eagle Falls, and Twin Falls on the other side of Two Medicine Lake.
Wherever you’re headed, grab a bite to eat in St. Mary before continuing on. At the intersection of Going-to-the-Sun Road and Highway 89, you can find the Glacier Perk Cafe and Coffee Shop, Curly Bear Cafe, and Snowgoose Grill and Gift Shop. (All of these are open seasonally.)
Tips for Driving Going-to-the-Sun Road
Going-to-the-Sun Road is beautiful no matter where you’re seated in the car.
Drive a smaller vehicle.
Your vehicle will make or break your experience of this trip. If you take a larger truck, you will constantly be worried about hitting the side mirrors of other vehicles and/or scraping your own mirrors on the rock walls. (They’re THAT close at points!)
With a smaller vehicle like a Toyota Tundra, Subaru hatchback, or sedan, you will have more room in your lane to make those tight turns and squeeze by bigger vehicles.
Put those scared of heights on the driver’s side.
The passenger side is so much worse when you’re driving west to east on the road!
Since the passenger side is the closest to the tiny wall and the massive drops, those with a fear of heights are not going to be comfortable riding on that side.
The first time we went over Going-to-the-Sun Road, my husband was driving and couldn’t understand why I kept acting like we were going to fall off the side of the road.
But, when I drove on a different trip and he rode on the passenger’s side, he immediately told me he understood why I was nervous.
If you’re driving east to west, you’re going to be on the inside of the road next to the stone face, so you don’t have this same issue.
Have plenty of fuel.
There aren’t any places in the park to fuel up, so you need to get gas either in West Glacier where there are Conoco and Sinclair gas stations, or in St. Mary where you’ll find Sinclair and Exxon gas stations.
While the road is just 50 miles, that is a long time to hold your breathe if that gas gauge hits the E on your dashboard.
Plan for a picnic.
While there are a few food options along the road, they are far and few between. If you’re traveling with kids—or you just get hangry—I’d suggest packing a picnic and extra snacks so that you won’t feel rushed along the way just so you can get to a lunch spot.
You will find restaurants in Apgar Village, Lake McDonald Lodge, and St. Mary, but there’s nothing other than a few energy bars at the gift shop at Logan Pass.
We’ve seen many people tailgating at spots along the road, including Big Bend/Paradise Meadow, Rising Sun, and Logan Pass, and we’ve definitely been among them on several days!
There is a small market in St. Mary and another even smaller one in West Glacier if you need to pick up drinks or snacks. The market in West Glacier is called West Glacier Mercantile and also offers ready-made sandwiches.
Kick the tires.
If you’re driving your personal vehicle or a rental car, do a quick once over before you head out on the road. This is not where you want to have car problems.
There are few places to pull off if you do have problems. And, even if you’re close to an overlook area, that doesn’t mean that you’ll be able to find a spot for your car (and there’s the issue of pushing it on the steep roads).
We saw a Subaru that gave out on the road, and it snarled traffic badly. Thankfully, the family had several other park goers who were willing to help push and steer it over into a tiny overlook parking area, but I can imagine that was stressful for all involved.
Plan at least a half day to driving the road.
If you drove it all of the way through, end to end, it would take about 2 hours. Between the sharp turns, narrow lanes, low speed limit, and many overlooks, you’re not going to be racing across the park.
Plan at least double that to truly experience Going-to-the-Sun Road as you’re going to want to get out at some of the overlooks, stretch your legs, and take photos.
There are places that require you to be in a rush, but this isn’t one of them.
