Going to the Sun Road Scenic Drive

Now is the time to drive the scenic Going to the Sun Road.

Going to the Sun Road is one of the most amazing highlights of Glacier National Park. Going to the Sun is an engineering marvel that spans 48.7 miles through Glacier National Park's wild interior, winding around mountainsides and treating visitors to some of the best sights in northwest Montana.

Currently all of the Going-to-the-Sun Road is open for travel.

Starting at 12:01 am on Monday, September 19th, 2011 the fall road closure on the Westside of Going to the Sun Road for construction will begin.

Why is there road Construction???  The Going-to-the-Sun Road is now 75 years old and is in need of comprehensive rehabilitation to ensure that this National Historic Landmark is preserved for generations to come.
The Going to the Sun Road officially received its name, “The Going-to-the-Sun Road,” during the 1933 dedication at Logan Pass.

The road borrowed its name from nearby Going-to-the-Sun Mountain. The local legend, and 1933 press release issued by the U.S. Department of the Interior, tells the story of the deity, Sour Spirit, who came down from the Sun to teach the Blackfeet braves the rudiments of the hunt and on his way back to the sun, Sour Spirit had his image reproduced on the top of the mountain as an inspiration for the Blackfeet.

Without stopping, it usually takes approximately two hours to travel the Going to the Sun Road. The actual time depends on how often you stop to visit the points of interests along the way, as well as road construction (delays for construction can be as long as 40 minutes), and wildlife sighting delays.

Logan Pass is 32 miles from the west entrance at West Glacier and 18 miles from the east entrance at St Mary’s. The parking lot at Logan Pass usually fills up between the hours of 9:30 am to 4 pm daily.

To help reduce congestion on Going to the Sun Road vehicle size restrictions are enforced:
   Vehicles no longer than 21 feet including bumpers
   Vehicles no wider than 8 feet including mirrors
   Vehicle and vehicle combinations over 10 feet in height
between Avalanche Campground and the Rising Sun picnic area parking area on Going to the Sun Raod.

Jackson Glacier Overlook gives you the best opportunity to see a glacier from the Going to the Sun Road. Located on the eastside of Going to the Sun Road Jackson Glacier Overlook is between Logan Pass and St. Mary.

The Glacier National Park Entrance Fee into the park allows you to experience the Going-to-the Sun Road and many other spectacular resources.
7-Day Automobile/Vehicle Permit -Summer Rate - $25.00 (May 1st - November 30th)
Entrance fee for all persons traveling in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle (car/truck/van). Non-transferable.

7-Day Single Entry Permit-Summer Rate - $12.00 (May 1st - November 30th)
Per person entrance fee for a visitor traveling on foot, bicycle, motorcycle, or for individuals traveling together in a vehicle as a non-commercial, organized group. Non-transferable.

Services available on the Going-to-the-Sun Road
Gas is not available anywhere in the park or on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Food and Lodging can be found along the road at Rising Sun, Lake McDonald Lodge, and Apgar Village.
Picnic areas may be found at Rising Sun, Sun point, Avalanche, Sprague Creek, and Apgar.
Visitor’s Information Centers -gift Shops at Apgar, Logan Pass, Rising Sun, and St. Mary.

Logan Pass is the highest point on the Going-to-the Sun Road at 6,646 feet.

Follow the Going to the Sun Road speed limit, drive carefully, and enjoy the majesty of Going to the Sun Road and all that it has to offer.