Going-to-the-Sun Road: Complete Guide
50 Miles of North America's Most Spectacular Mountain Scenery
Quick Facts: Going-to-the-Sun Road
- ✓ Distance: 50 miles (West Glacier to St. Mary)
- ✓ Drive Time: 2-3 hours minimum (4-6 hours with stops recommended)
- ✓ Highest Point: Logan Pass (6,646 feet elevation) - Continental Divide
- ✓ Overall Rating: 10/10 - Best scenic drive in North America
- ✓ Vehicle Reservation: Required July-early September, 6 AM-4 PM ($2 per vehicle)
- ✓ Vehicle Size Limit: 21 feet length, 8 feet width, 10 feet height
- ✓ Typically Opens: Late June to early July (weather dependent)
- ✓ Typically Closes: Mid-October (first major snowfall)
- ✓ Best Time: Early morning (sunrise - no reservation needed) or late afternoon (after 4 PM)
Best for: Families seeking the most dramatic mountain scenery accessible by car. Skip if: You're uncomfortable with heights or have an oversized vehicle.
Reservation requirement: July through early September, 6 AM to 4 PM daily. Reservations cost $2 and are available at recreation.gov up to 120 days in advance.
Booking reality: Reservations sell out within minutes of release. Set calendar reminders for exactly 120 days before your planned visit. Log into recreation.gov at 8 AM MT (when reservations release) and be ready to book immediately.
Alternative times: Before 6 AM and after 4 PM, no reservation required. Sunrise drives (5-6 AM) offer incredible lighting, smaller crowds, and no reservation hassle. This is our #1 recommendation.
Photo by Julius Silver on Pexels
Why This Road Earned 10/10 (Best in North America)
Going-to-the-Sun Road isn't just a scenic drive - it's an engineering marvel carved into cliff faces, crossing the Continental Divide through some of the most dramatic mountain terrain in the Lower 48 states.
"We've driven Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain, the Pacific Coast Highway, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and dozens of others. Going-to-the-Sun Road beats them all. The way the road is carved into sheer cliff faces with waterfalls cascading over your car is absolutely surreal. Worth every bit of the reservation hassle."
- TripAdvisor review, Denver family, August 2024What makes it 10/10 vs. other scenic drives:
- Dramatic cliff-carved sections: Road is literally carved into vertical rock faces (vs. Trail Ridge Road's gentler mountain slopes)
- Glacier-carved valleys: Views of active glaciers, hanging valleys, and U-shaped valleys (Rocky Mountain has none)
- Waterfalls over the road: Weeping Wall section where water cascades directly over vehicles (unique experience)
- Engineering achievement: Completed in 1932, still considered one of the most ambitious road projects ever
- Accessibility meets wilderness: Brings families within hiking distance of true alpine wilderness (Logan Pass trailheads)
- Wildlife viewing: Mountain goats regularly visible from the road (especially at Logan Pass), bighorn sheep, bears
The only downsides:
- Vehicle reservation system is competitive and stressful to book
- Short season (typically only 3.5 months fully open)
- Vehicle size restrictions eliminate RVs and larger vehicles
- Can feel crowded at Logan Pass during peak hours
- Road can be intimidating for those uncomfortable with heights (narrow sections with steep drop-offs)
Bottom line: If you can handle the logistics (vehicle reservation or early morning drive) and aren't bothered by heights, this is the single best scenic drive in North America. The scenery justifies the effort.
Complete Stop-by-Stop Guide (West to East)
This guide covers the road from west to east (West Glacier to St. Mary). The experience is spectacular in either direction, but west-to-east gives you the most dramatic reveals as you climb toward Logan Pass.
Stop 1: Apgar Village & Lake McDonald Lodge
3,153 feet elevation Mile 0-2What you'll see: Start of the journey with views across Lake McDonald (Glacier's largest lake at 10 miles long). Crystal-clear water with surrounding peaks reflected on calm mornings.
Stop recommendation: Lake McDonald Lodge (Mile 2). Historic 1913 lodge with stunning lake views. Quick restroom stop, last chance for food/drinks before Logan Pass. If arriving pre-sunrise, wait here for first light over the lake (spectacular).
Time needed: 10-20 minutes for lodge area, 30 minutes if hiking the lakeshore trail.
Stop 2: Trail of the Cedars
3,200 feet elevation Mile 5What you'll see: Ancient cedar and hemlock rainforest. Boardwalk trail (wheelchair accessible) through old-growth forest with Avalanche Creek gorge.
Stop recommendation: If you have time for a short walk (0.7-mile loop, 20-30 minutes), this is worth it. Cool, shaded forest - perfect break from the intense mountain scenery ahead.
Trailhead for Avalanche Lake: If you planned ahead for a longer hike (2.3 miles one-way, 2-3 hours round trip), Avalanche Lake trail starts here. Stunning lake with waterfalls (rated 9/10 for family hiking).
Time needed: 20-30 minutes for boardwalk, or 2-3 hours for Avalanche Lake hike.
Stop 3: The Loop
4,100 feet elevation Mile 13What you'll see: Dramatic switchback where the road makes a 180-degree turn up the mountainside. Small pullout with views down into the valley you just drove through.
Stop recommendation: Quick photo stop (5 minutes) to appreciate the engineering. Look back to see how far you've climbed.
Time needed: 5-10 minutes.
Stop 4: Weeping Wall
4,400 feet elevation Mile 14What you'll see: Water cascades directly over the road from snowmelt and springs above. In early season (June-July), it's a waterfall shower for your vehicle. By late season (September), it may be just a trickle.
Stop recommendation: MUST STOP experience (best in early season). Pull over just past the wall to look back. Kids absolutely love this - it feels like you're driving through a waterfall.
"Our 7-year-old kept yelling 'do it again! do it again!' when we drove through Weeping Wall. We ended up going back and forth three times. Such a unique experience you can't get anywhere else."
- Reddit r/NationalPark, Minnesota family, July 2024Time needed: 10 minutes for photos and looking back at the wall.
Best season: Late June through early July (peak water flow from snowmelt).
Stop 5: Big Bend & Haystack Creek
5,000 feet elevation Mile 16-17What you'll see: Series of tight switchbacks carved into the cliff face. Haystack Creek cascades down the mountainside across multiple levels visible from the road.
Stop recommendation: Limited pullouts here - slow down but keep moving unless you find space. This section is about the driving experience (narrow road, sheer drops, incredible exposure).
This section has 1,000+ foot drop-offs with minimal guardrails. If you're uncomfortable with heights, focus on the mountain side (passenger side heading east). The experience is intense but safe - the road has been here for 90+ years.
Passenger tip: Passengers on the cliff side (driver's side heading east) get the most dramatic views. Some find it thrilling, others terrifying. Communicate with your group before you start.
Stop 6: Logan Pass - MAIN DESTINATION
6,646 feet elevation (Continental Divide) Mile 25 (midpoint)What you'll see: Alpine meadows (wildflowers peak July-early August), mountain goats (almost guaranteed sightings), glacially-carved peaks, and access to two of Glacier's best trails.
Parking reality: Lot fills by 7-8 AM in peak season. Spots turn over every 30-60 minutes as hikers return. If full, continue to eastern pullouts and return later, or do the drive-by experience.
Visitor Center: Small center with exhibits, restrooms, and rangers. Open when the road is open (typically 9 AM-5 PM).
Mountain goat viewing: Goats are commonly seen in the parking area and along the boardwalk. Stay 25+ yards away - they're habituated to people but still wild. Rangers enforce distance rules.
"We saw 12 mountain goats at Logan Pass including 3 kids (baby goats). They were just walking through the parking lot like it was no big deal. The rangers were great about helping people keep distance while still getting photos. Absolutely surreal experience."
- TripAdvisor review, Chicago family, August 2024Hidden Lake Overlook Trail: 2.7 miles round trip, 540 feet elevation gain. Glacier's most popular trail. Boardwalk section, then alpine meadow climb to overlook. Peak wildflowers mid-July. Allow 1.5-2 hours. (Rated 9.5/10 for family hiking.)
Highline Trail: 7.6 miles one-way to Granite Park Chalet (or shorter out-and-back options). Follows the Continental Divide with constant dramatic views. First 200 yards are exposed cliff traverse with cable handrail - not for everyone. Rated 10/10 for experienced hikers comfortable with heights.
Time needed at Logan Pass:
- Quick stop (visitor center, goats, photos): 30-45 minutes
- Hidden Lake Overlook hike: 2-2.5 hours total
- Portion of Highline Trail (2-4 miles out-and-back): 2-3 hours
Best approach: Arrive before 7 AM (no reservation needed, parking available, smaller crowds). Do Hidden Lake Overlook hike first (trail is quieter early). Return to car by 9-10 AM and continue east on the road.
Alternative if arriving 9 AM-2 PM: Parking will be difficult. Drive past, stop at eastern section pullouts (Wild Goose Island, Sun Point), then return to Logan Pass after 3 PM when crowds thin and parking opens up.
Stop 7: Jackson Glacier Overlook
6,000 feet elevation Mile 28What you'll see: Distant view of Jackson Glacier (one of the park's larger remaining glaciers). Requires binoculars or telephoto lens to see detail.
Stop recommendation: Quick pullout stop (5-10 minutes). Educational but not as visually dramatic as other stops. Worth it if you want to see an actual glacier from the road.
Glacier viewing context: In 1850, Glacier had 150+ glaciers. Today, it has 25 (and shrinking). Jackson Glacier has lost over 50% of its area since 1966. Viewing it provides context for climate change impacts.
Time needed: 5-10 minutes.
Stop 8: Wild Goose Island Overlook
4,500 feet elevation Mile 37What you'll see: Classic Montana postcard view. Tiny island in St. Mary Lake with dramatic peaks behind it. This is one of the most photographed spots in Glacier.
Stop recommendation: MUST STOP (10-15 minutes). Perfect photo op, especially in morning light (if driving west-to-east) or evening light (if returning east-to-west).
Photography tip: Best light is morning (8-10 AM) for the classic shot. Afternoon works but with harsher light. Calm mornings give you the perfect reflection.
Time needed: 10-15 minutes for photos and soaking in the view.
Stop 9: Sun Point
4,400 feet elevation Mile 39What you'll see: Viewpoint overlooking St. Mary Lake with surrounding peaks. Short trail (0.6 miles round trip) to better viewpoint at Baring Falls.
Stop recommendation: If you have 20-30 minutes, the short trail is worth it. Waterfall isn't dramatic but the lake views are excellent. Good spot if Logan Pass parking was full and you're waiting to return.
Time needed: 20-30 minutes for the short trail, or 5 minutes for pullout views only.
Stop 10: St. Mary Visitor Center & End of Drive
4,484 feet elevation Mile 50 (endpoint)End of the drive: You've completed one of North America's greatest scenic drives. St. Mary Visitor Center has larger facilities than Logan Pass (restrooms, exhibits, bookstore).
From here: Options include continuing north to Many Glacier (additional 45-minute drive to another spectacular area), returning on Going-to-the-Sun Road in the opposite direction (totally different views), or heading south toward East Glacier/Two Medicine.
Timing & Strategy
Best Times to Drive
Early Morning (5-8 AM) - BEST OPTION
Advantages:
- No vehicle reservation required (before 6 AM)
- Parking available at Logan Pass (before 7 AM)
- Optimal lighting for photography (sunrise glow on peaks)
- Calm conditions (less wind, better for mountain goat viewing)
- Smallest crowds (peaceful experience)
Disadvantages:
- Very early wake-up required (4-5 AM departure from lodging)
- Visitor centers not yet open
Our recommendation: This is the single best way to experience Going-to-the-Sun Road. Worth the early alarm.
Midday (9 AM-3 PM) - MOST COMMON BUT CHALLENGING
Advantages:
- All facilities open (visitor centers, ranger programs)
- Warmest temperatures
- Best for wildlife viewing (mountain goats most active)
Disadvantages:
- Vehicle reservation required (competitive to book)
- Logan Pass parking lot full (requires patience or skipping the stop)
- Largest crowds (less peaceful experience)
- Harsher light for photography
Reality check: This is when most families drive because it fits a normal schedule. Just expect parking challenges and crowds. Still 100% worth doing even with the hassle.
Late Afternoon/Evening (4-8 PM) - SOLID ALTERNATIVE
Advantages:
- No vehicle reservation required (after 4 PM)
- Parking at Logan Pass opens up (after 4 PM as hikers return)
- Beautiful evening light for photography (golden hour)
- Crowds thinning out
Disadvantages:
- Less time for hiking (need to be off trails by sunset)
- Visitor centers closing (typically 5 PM)
Strategy: Depart your lodging at 3-4 PM. Arrive Logan Pass at 5-6 PM (parking available), do shorter walk or just viewpoint, continue to St. Mary side for sunset views. Great option if you can't do early morning.
Vehicle Reservations: The Complete System
When Reservations Are Required
Vehicle reservations are required to enter Going-to-the-Sun Road during these times:
- Dates: Typically early July through first week of September (exact dates vary by year - check nps.gov/glac)
- Hours: 6 AM to 4 PM daily
- Entry points covered: Entering from West Glacier OR St. Mary (both directions require reservation)
When NO reservation is needed:
- Before 6 AM and after 4 PM (any day, even during reservation period)
- Outside the reservation period (typically first 2 weeks of July when road first opens, and after Labor Day)
- If you're staying at lodging inside the park (Lake McDonald Lodge, Rising Sun, St. Mary, etc.) - you get one entry/exit per day without reservation
How to Book Reservations
When reservations release: 120 days in advance at 8:00 AM MT (Mountain Time)
Where to book: recreation.gov (search for "Going-to-the-Sun Road")
Cost: $2 per vehicle reservation
Booking day strategy:
- Calculate exactly 120 days before your visit date
- Set calendar reminder for 7:45 AM MT that day
- Log into recreation.gov account BEFORE 8 AM (create account in advance)
- At 7:58 AM, load the Going-to-the-Sun Road reservation page
- At exactly 8:00 AM, refresh and select your date
- Complete booking as fast as possible (popular dates sell out in 2-5 minutes)
Reality: This system is frustrating and competitive. Many families miss out on their preferred dates. This is why we strongly recommend the early morning (before 6 AM) or late afternoon (after 4 PM) strategy instead.
"We tried for 3 days in a row to book reservations. Two days sold out before we could complete checkout. The third day we got it but for a time slot 2 hours later than we wanted. Honestly, we should have just done the sunrise drive like everyone recommended. Would have been way less stressful and probably a better experience."
- Reddit r/GlacierNationalPark, Texas family, July 2024Vehicle Size Restrictions
Maximum dimensions:
- Length: 21 feet (including bumpers and bike racks)
- Width: 8 feet (including mirrors)
- Height: 10 feet
What this eliminates: Most RVs, large trucks with trailers, vehicles towing trailers.
What works: Cars, minivans, SUVs, pickup trucks (without trailers), small campervans under 21 feet.
How they enforce it: Rangers may measure at entrance stations. Oversized vehicles are turned away (no refund on reservations).
If your vehicle is too large:
- Leave it at your lodging and rent a smaller vehicle for the day
- Use the park's free shuttle system (runs July-Labor Day from Apgar to St. Mary with stops at Logan Pass) - check nps.gov/glac for current schedule
- Book a commercial tour (red bus tours or other companies operate on the road without size restrictions)
Safety & Driving Tips
Driving Safety
- Cliff exposure: Sections have 1,000+ foot drop-offs with minimal guardrails. Drive at a comfortable pace (15-25 mph in narrow sections is normal).
- Oncoming traffic: Road is narrow (some sections barely fit two vehicles). Pull into designated turnouts to let faster traffic pass or to allow large vehicles to squeeze by.
- Watch for wildlife: Mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and bears can be on or near the road. Speed limit is 25-45 mph (varies by section) for this reason.
- Weather changes: Conditions can change rapidly. Snow possible any month (even August). Carry layers and be prepared to turn back if conditions deteriorate.
- No fuel available: Fill up before starting (Apgar or St. Mary). No gas stations along the 50-mile stretch.
Best Direction to Drive
West to East (West Glacier to St. Mary): Slightly better for first-time visitors. The ascent to Logan Pass is more gradual, and the dramatic cliff sections put you on the "inside" lane (less exposed).
East to West (St. Mary to West Glacier): Steeper, more dramatic climb. You'll be on the "outside" lane (cliff side) for the dramatic sections. Some prefer this for the views; others find it more intimidating.
Reality: Both directions are spectacular. Choose based on where you're staying (start from closer side) or drive both directions if you have multiple days.
Comparison to Trail Ridge Road
| Feature | Going-to-the-Sun Road | Trail Ridge Road (Rocky Mountain) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 10/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Distance | 50 miles | 48 miles |
| Highest Point | 6,646 ft (Logan Pass) | 12,183 ft (highest paved road in USA) |
| Dramatic Scenery | Cliff-carved road, glaciers, waterfalls | Tundra, distant peaks, gentle slopes |
| Vehicle Restrictions | 21 ft length limit | None (RVs allowed) |
| Reservation Required | July-early Sept, 6 AM-4 PM | None |
| Season Length | ~3.5 months (late June-mid Oct) | ~5 months (late May-mid Oct) |
| Wildlife Viewing | Mountain goats, bighorn sheep (9/10) | Elk, bighorn sheep (7/10) |
| Best For | Most dramatic scenery in North America | Highest elevation driving, easier logistics |
Bottom line: Going-to-the-Sun Road is more dramatic and spectacular, but requires more planning (reservations or early wake-up, vehicle size limits, shorter season). Trail Ridge Road is easier to access and offers unique high-altitude tundra experience. If you can only do one, Going-to-the-Sun Road wins for sheer "wow factor."
Final Recommendations
Sunrise drive strategy (best experience, least hassle):
- Night before: Check weather forecast. Set alarm for 4:00-4:30 AM. Pack snacks/water.
- 4:30 AM: Leave lodging. Drive to West Glacier entrance (or St. Mary if staying east side).
- 5:30-6:00 AM: Stop at Lake McDonald Lodge for sunrise over the lake.
- 6:30-7:00 AM: Arrive Logan Pass (parking available, small crowds).
- 7:00-9:00 AM: Hike Hidden Lake Overlook (2 hours) in morning light.
- 9:00-10:00 AM: Drive remaining eastern section (Wild Goose Island, Sun Point).
- 10:00-11:00 AM: Arrive St. Mary. Get lunch, relax.
- Afternoon: Return to lodging for rest, or continue to Many Glacier for more exploring.
Why this works: Zero stress (no reservations), best experience (small crowds, optimal lighting), and you're done by late morning with the whole afternoon free. This is exactly how locals drive the road.
If you can't do sunrise: Late afternoon/evening drive (depart 3-4 PM) is second best. You'll miss reservations, arrive Logan Pass when parking opens up (after 4 PM), and get beautiful evening light.
If you absolutely must drive midday: Book reservations exactly 120 days in advance at 8 AM MT. Be prepared for Logan Pass parking challenges (drive past and return later). It's still worth doing despite the hassle.
Bottom line: Going-to-the-Sun Road is the crown jewel of Glacier National Park and the best scenic drive in North America. The combination of dramatic cliff-carved sections, accessible alpine terrain, mountain goats, and engineering marvel makes it truly unique. Yes, the logistics (reservations or early wake-up) require effort, but the experience justifies it completely. Don't skip this.
Data Sources & Methodology
This guide uses the Endless Travel Plans Evaluation Framework: 50+ visitor experiences analyzed with quality controls (corroboration required, recency within 2 years, extreme claims excluded). All timing and strategy recommendations based on verified visitor reports.
Evaluation Framework
- Drive Ratings: Based on scenery drama, engineering achievement, wildlife viewing, accessibility, and overall experience
- Stop Ratings: Photo opportunities, unique experiences, time-to-value ratio
- Strategy Testing: Timing recommendations verified across multiple season visits
Data Sources
- 50+ visitor experience analyses (Reddit r/GlacierNationalPark, r/NationalPark, TripAdvisor forums)
- Official park information from NPS Glacier National Park
- Reservation system data from Recreation.gov
- Road status and weather from NOAA and park road status line (406-888-7800)
Framework: We use the ETF Scenic Drive Rating System and verified data sources for all road guides.