The Ultimate Introduction to Going-to-the-Sun Road

There are few roads that can rival the majesty of Glaciers National Parks Going-to-the-Sun Road. Stretching 50 miles, it’s the only road that traverses the park and is a marvel that justifies a visit to Glacier National Park all on its own. Going-to-the-Sun Road provides awe-inspiring landscapes with glacier-carved peaks and pristine alpine meadows.

Sabrina and I spent a few days in Glacier NP on our trip up to Alaska and Going-to-the-sun-Road was a highlight of the entire trip!

Starting at Apgar Visitor Center, the road climbs 3,487 feet to the top of Logan Pass, topping out at just 6,646 feet. Initiated as one of the first projects by the National Park Service intended specifically for motor tourists, Going-to-the-Sun Road was an engineering marvel of its time.

The construction began in 1921 and was completed, 11 years later, in 1932. Construction was a challenge, fighting heavy snowfalls and a need to preserve the natural beauty and ensure the road blended seamlessly into the landscape, the road cost a significant sum per mile. It’s one of the most expensive roadway projects in the US, alongside renowned routes like Shenandoah’s Skyline Drive (which is also a beautiful route!).

As you climb, you'll pass a ton of waterfalls, and the scenery gets more dramatic.

The road itself offers access to a plethora of activities year-round. In the warmer months, visitors can dive into hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. Numerous pullouts along the road provide opportunities for picnicking with a view. During the winter months, parts of the road near lower elevations remain open for winter sports such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, while the upper parts of the road are inaccessible. Since It’s one of the hardest roads to clear of snow, the full route typically open by early July through mid-October.

At the top of the road, you'll find Logans Pass Visitor Center. A lot of hikes start here. This parking lot fills up super early, often before the sunrise, so if you're looking to spend the day at Logans Pass, plan on an early morning!

The iconic red “Jammer” buses, around since the 1930s, continue to offer tours.

These busses are just iconic for the route. They also let you focus on the scenery, rather than concentrating on making the narrowing sharp turns.

Saint Mary Lake has a ton of recreation opportunities, theres even a scenic boat tour during the summer months.

The road has been so popular in recent years that since 2022, a timed-entry vehicle pass is required during the peak season, so make sure to look into that before getting to the park. The road also holds significant cultural value, crossing through landscapes that are part of the Blackfeet Nation's ancestral homeland. This area is rich in history and legend, with numerous sacred sites and historical areas of the Blackfeet people. Checkout the Saint Mary Visitor center to learn more, or download the ExploreHere app and listen to stories as you travel!

The Ultimate Introduction to Going-to-the-Sun Road

Going to the Sun Road

ExploreHere Stories along this road

Listen to a story along this route!