Going-to-the-Sun Road
Going-to-the-Sun Road
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A spectacular and scenic 52-mile highway through Glacier National Park, which crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass in Montana.
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21 within 6 miles
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- HIBBIESarasota, Florida581 contributionsAwesomeReally worth the time. Amazing views. Took lots of pictures. The day we went, Sunday, traffic was heavy but not bad. We left the east side at 11am and got to the west, after a few stops, around 1:30. Had lunch and returned. We took our rental car but it was not a driving experience for the faint of heart. The Red Buses were sold out so I jammed the gears in the rental.Visited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 25, 2023
- MomofAPNMatawan, New Jersey105 contributionsSpectacular viewsThis is truly a must-do in Montana! What views, it is a truly spectacular drive. You do need to reserve a spot ahead of time. Even though parking can be an issue, there simply isn’t much space on that road.Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 8, 2023
- Twig49 contributionsDo it!!!We were on the fence about going. Family of 8 with kids ranging from 14-23. It is a must do. Wished we would have taken more time and pulled over at more stops. Absolutely gorgeous. I am a backseat driver and one dtr tends to get car sick but no issues! Highly recommend!Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 19, 2023
- LegalEyeDallasTexasDallas, Texas177 contributionsBucket list item.Gorgeous, not too crowded. Wow scenery. So many hike options. Plan to see baby mountain goats at the hike at Logan’s pass. Maybe see bears at dusk. But guaranteed to see jaw dropping vistas and turquoise water.Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 23, 2023
- rogersoberClermont, Florida28,562 contributionsGlad I was not drivingScenery that cannot be well described is everywhere on this trek. The frightening heights could only be outdone by just how much you could see. The road is a marvel for the single switchback on the west side. The pull outs were breathtaking. This is not to be missed.Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 26, 2023
- Sara TEllicott City, Maryland1,033 contributionsAmazing experienceWhat an amazing experience! I recommend you drive a small car, there are some narrow areas and cliff over the side. We went in July, there was construction which added a lot of time! Take advantage of the pull offs.Visited July 2023Traveled with friendsWritten August 6, 2023
- SuzanneDallas, Texas158 contributionsBeauty amongst the glaciersDriving this road is the most beautiful experience and a definite must do! It goes without saying, arrive early. We had our pass and got there shortly after sunrise to ensure getting spots at the pulloffs, etc. We entered at the St Mary entrance and were successful stopping at all the places we desired and got fantastic pictures. As the day progressed, you can feel the traffic becoming more and more congested. As far as Logan Pass area, it is absolutely true, don't even try to get in the parking lot after 8:30. We drove by and saw some bighorn sheep laying in the grass. I attempted to pull in the lot and it was chaos just trying to get back out, no less see the wildlife or go in the visitors center. It's a shame there can't be designating parking for those who are going to take up parking for long term hiking and some of us who just want to see the visitor center and overlook/snap a few pics. Instead, we only got to drive by the whole area. Even the goat study area was packed, so no go there either. Nonetheless, it did not take away from the beauty of the remainder of the experience of GTTSR. It is magnificent!Visited July 2023Written August 7, 2023
- Patrick K2 contributionsBan bicyclists on Going to Sun RoadThe park is amazing! But, Almost died in head on collision with another car swerving to avoid bicyclists. They need to ban all bike traffic on this road. It is not designed for bikes. There are many other options for bike riders.Visited August 2023Traveled with friendsWritten August 10, 2023
- Postcards From CarrieFrederick, Maryland37 contributionsBucket List DriveThis is a bucket list drive! Rivals Road To Hana in Maui but the scenery on this road is superior. Pictures and descriptions do not do justice to the awe inspiring, majestic scenery along this drive. It gets better as you climb higher on the road, even when you think it can’t get any better, it does. It really makes you feel small and it is a bit intimidating as well. Just know that there is no cell service anywhere in Glacier National Park. Saw a few families with 2 way radios which I thought was really smart!Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten August 13, 2023
- Amanda J16 contributionsAnother planet!Not that this needed a review but man it was like another planet! Be warned though the beginning of the trek involves about 10 miles of unpaved roads due to construction and expect delays! But it is so worth it! You need a reservation for the road though and we saw multiple people turned away without one so don’t let that happen! The site to reserve is easy to use and even though we didn’t get one ahead of time, we were able to get up at 8am to get one for three days! Be warned- not for the faint of heart so have your most confident driver do it!Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten August 15, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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5.0
3,267 reviews
Excellent
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30
Mindy
Louisville, KY39 contributions
Jun 2023 • Solo
Amazing road with amazing views. I drove early morning and late evening so I didn’t encounter too much traffic. It’s the only road that I’ve ever actually seen fallen rock!
Written December 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
D7192NH
Kalispell, MT3 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We backpacked into the park this fall and I have to say, 2023 was way better than my 2022 trip to the same spot. Maybe it was just the company, but this year was perfect!
Written November 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KitSpencer1
Wilmington, DE17 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
We are from the east coast and never visited Montana before and were overwhelmed by how beautiful the state was especially during this drive.
Written October 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christine
Maryland14 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
I first visited Glacier National Park with my family in the summer of 1974. We were traveling in a Surburban and towing a small tent trailer. A ranger directed us to pull into a pre-measured space in the road to determine if our vehicle's length and width were acceptable. The ranger used a pole to measure the height of our vehicle.Â
I was in awe of the "Going-to-the-Sun Road". The majesty of the mountains and glaciers were breathtaking.
Fast forward to Sep 15, 2023. I was appalled at the staff, both lack of and quality of service, the lack of parking at Logan Pass Visitor Center, lack of signage especially on the West side, and the unsanitary condition of toilets in the park.
The vehicle pass system stopped after Sep 10th. We entered the Park on the East side on Sep 15th. It was a free for all! No staff at the gate. Not one oversized vehicle was stopped from entry to the Going-to-the-Sun Rd. These oversized vehicles created a back up on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, when an entire lane of vehicles had to pull over to let them pass. Â
We noticed that 2 cars did fill out honor system payment cards; a few like us pulled into the St.Mary's visitor center, and the rest kept going. I approached the desk in the visitor center at 8 a.m. to show my pass and stated that no one was on duty at the entrance. The Park employee was NOT interested in seeing my pass and said "Not to worry, a ranger would be on duty in the afternoon at the West Entrance to see my pass". The Park employee also stated that we were likely already too late to find a parking spot at Logan Pass.
Also. the bathrooms were closed for cleaning even though the visitor center opens at 8 a.m.Â
We were able to find parking spots as we drove the Going-to-the-Sun Road with several EXCEPTIONS including Logan Pass which was a zoo.
At the West Entrance Visitor Center, there was a very long line outside at the Information Desk which had only 1 employee. Inside the gift shop, there were 2Â Â GNP Conservancy employees. A visitor with cash and no other way to pay was turned away.Â
The concern expressed about the shrinking glaciers was NOT apparent by GNP the day we were there. If DOI was doing their job, the Entrances would be staffed, Park and Conservancy employees would act like they care, the toilets would be clean, and there would be a better parking solution.
I heard multiple excuses,Â
- the season is over so the staff is gone.Â
-Information on passes for your vehicle and the Going-to-the-Sun Rd are on the website.
-we are a cash-less societyÂ
That's the point. The excuses do NOT address the problem.
DOI/NPS get your act togetherÂ
I was in awe of the "Going-to-the-Sun Road". The majesty of the mountains and glaciers were breathtaking.
Fast forward to Sep 15, 2023. I was appalled at the staff, both lack of and quality of service, the lack of parking at Logan Pass Visitor Center, lack of signage especially on the West side, and the unsanitary condition of toilets in the park.
The vehicle pass system stopped after Sep 10th. We entered the Park on the East side on Sep 15th. It was a free for all! No staff at the gate. Not one oversized vehicle was stopped from entry to the Going-to-the-Sun Rd. These oversized vehicles created a back up on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, when an entire lane of vehicles had to pull over to let them pass. Â
We noticed that 2 cars did fill out honor system payment cards; a few like us pulled into the St.Mary's visitor center, and the rest kept going. I approached the desk in the visitor center at 8 a.m. to show my pass and stated that no one was on duty at the entrance. The Park employee was NOT interested in seeing my pass and said "Not to worry, a ranger would be on duty in the afternoon at the West Entrance to see my pass". The Park employee also stated that we were likely already too late to find a parking spot at Logan Pass.
Also. the bathrooms were closed for cleaning even though the visitor center opens at 8 a.m.Â
We were able to find parking spots as we drove the Going-to-the-Sun Road with several EXCEPTIONS including Logan Pass which was a zoo.
At the West Entrance Visitor Center, there was a very long line outside at the Information Desk which had only 1 employee. Inside the gift shop, there were 2Â Â GNP Conservancy employees. A visitor with cash and no other way to pay was turned away.Â
The concern expressed about the shrinking glaciers was NOT apparent by GNP the day we were there. If DOI was doing their job, the Entrances would be staffed, Park and Conservancy employees would act like they care, the toilets would be clean, and there would be a better parking solution.
I heard multiple excuses,Â
- the season is over so the staff is gone.Â
-Information on passes for your vehicle and the Going-to-the-Sun Rd are on the website.
-we are a cash-less societyÂ
That's the point. The excuses do NOT address the problem.
DOI/NPS get your act togetherÂ
Written October 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nowpacking
Dallas, TX2,647 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We drove through on a beautiful day - literally a few days before the road was closed because of snow on Logan Pass.
There was a thirty minute wait to get in the west entrance. You must arrive very early!
All of the pullovers along Lake McDonald were closed due to construction. The parking lot at Logan Pass was full and we waited 20-30 minutes driving around for someone to leave.
The east side of the park, which is our favorite was lined with burnt trees from a past fire.
Despite all of these obstacles there are still many beautiful views!
Hopefully you will have good weather because the light is important for beautiful photographs.
Bring food, snacks and water because nothing is available on the road.
There was a thirty minute wait to get in the west entrance. You must arrive very early!
All of the pullovers along Lake McDonald were closed due to construction. The parking lot at Logan Pass was full and we waited 20-30 minutes driving around for someone to leave.
The east side of the park, which is our favorite was lined with burnt trees from a past fire.
Despite all of these obstacles there are still many beautiful views!
Hopefully you will have good weather because the light is important for beautiful photographs.
Bring food, snacks and water because nothing is available on the road.
Written October 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travels4jen
North Carolina292 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
Pretty drive thru GNP! Entered thru the West entrance, had some minor delays around Lake McDonald due to road construction but nothing major (last week of Sept). Very scenic with ‘wow’ factor the further we drove. We drove to St. Mary’s while enjoying stops along the way and loved the remoteness of the east side. We exited the park and drove back to Whitefish via East Glacier which was amazingly beautiful! Another day we drove GTTSR from east to west, and the view was more impressive than west to east! Definitely a must!
Written October 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gr8ful4222
Campbell, CA1,831 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
This is such a gorgeous drive, definitely worth doing at least once, in spite of the crowds. But the truth is that unless you go very early you won’t be able to get parking at most places, even with the permit system in effect; and the shuttle stops can have very long waits. We went a few days after Labor Day in September, so shuttles weren’t even running until after 9 am. Overall, the only two places that we were able to park easily were McDonald Lodge and Apgar Visitor Center, on the west side. Avalanche, Logan Pass Visitor Center, Sun Point, and St. Mary Visitor Center filled up quickly, along with the stops closest to Logan Pass (Lunch Creek Loop and Oberlin Bend). The parking lot for Logan Pass, in particular, is a zoo. But there were a lot of places to pullover and enjoy the scenery between Avalanche and Logan Pass, and between Logan Pass and St. Mary. We drove the entire road twice in five days, so some places that didn’t have parking the first time had parking on our second time through (St. Mary Visitor Center and Sun Point). I highly recommend driving this road at least once, but use the shuttle system if you are planning a hike, since there’s no guarantee you can park at any particular trailhead.
Written September 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
digitalroc
Calgary, Canada1,869 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
I had taken the Going to the Sun Road a few times in the past with friends, but this was the first time via shuttle. Since there is virtually no parking at Logan Pass, I took the free shuttle service from Saint Mary Visitor Center, which is a good way to see the scenery while travelling alone.
The 28-seat van was air conditioned on a very hot September day as it left the Saint Mary Visitor Center. The shuttle stops at every stop based on a 20-minute schedule. The only issue with the shuttle, was the return from Logan Pass to Saint Mary Visitor Center, as people were waiting for 45-minutes and there was a massive amount of people. Two 11-seat vans arrived, and there was a mass rush to the vans to get a seat. People were standing in the van, which I thought was against the National Park policy. I probably won’t do the shuttle again, but I did notice that nearly every stop had no parking, so I am glad that I tried the shuttle.
The Going to the Sun Road is a spectacular journey, and there are multiple scenic stops, so I recommend that you set aside the full day in order to do it right.
The 28-seat van was air conditioned on a very hot September day as it left the Saint Mary Visitor Center. The shuttle stops at every stop based on a 20-minute schedule. The only issue with the shuttle, was the return from Logan Pass to Saint Mary Visitor Center, as people were waiting for 45-minutes and there was a massive amount of people. Two 11-seat vans arrived, and there was a mass rush to the vans to get a seat. People were standing in the van, which I thought was against the National Park policy. I probably won’t do the shuttle again, but I did notice that nearly every stop had no parking, so I am glad that I tried the shuttle.
The Going to the Sun Road is a spectacular journey, and there are multiple scenic stops, so I recommend that you set aside the full day in order to do it right.
Written September 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Inspire820950
5 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
GTTS road is a two and a half hour scenic drive, which also offers you trails on your way, although parking is very limited.
Written September 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tricia
Atlanta, GA12 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Must Do!!! Amazing drive with the most beautiful scenery. Get on the road early it gets crowded. We pulled over at almost all the areas available. Which was such a good idea…on the way back across when we were tired we could just drive and not worry about stopping at anything
Written September 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Normally yes, It's open completely.
BUT this year there will be a complete road closure between Apgar and Lake McDonald Lodge between 10 PM and 6 AM due to a construction/utilities project. 7 days per week.
Written May 12, 2023
Going to GTTSR in Aug. Have reservation for the St Mary boat at 11:00, then McDonald boat at 3:00. How long will it take to get from the St Mary dock to McDonald dock? Should I change McDonald to 5:30?
Written April 14, 2023
2023 rates have not been published yet. Prices vary depending on the particular tour you book. But once you get onto their website the 2022 rates remain...should be similar or a little higher.
I cannot add a link on this function...but simply type into your browser, Red Bus Tours Glacier and the site will appear.
There are tours originating from both the east and west side of the park.
Written February 1, 2023
Does anyone have experience riding a mountain bike up there going to the sun road vs. a road bike?
Written May 16, 2022
Katherine H
Birmingham, Alabama
We have campground reservations for our whole stay inside glacier this July/August. Do we ALSO have to get reservations to drive on the road or is that somehow included? Any other tips for campers?
Written April 8, 2022
Hi I would like to book a guided tour with driver to road to the sun for Friday or SUnday or Monday this week.
Marty my cell is 419-685-1818 for 2 people
Written July 7, 2021
We would recommend the Red Bus Tours (google for web link as pasting URLs are not allowed on Trip Advisor answers)
Written July 9, 2021
Hi I would like to book a guided tour with driver to road to the sun for Friday or SUnday or Monday this week.
Marty my cell is 419-685-1818 for 2 people
Written July 7, 2021
Privately owned guided tours are not allowed within Glacier or any National Park.
You can book Red Bus or Sun Tours...they have routes that include the Sun Road. Both those companies are concessionaires that are allowed to conduct those tours within park boundaries.
Red Bus has in the past booked private tours for smaller groups or weddings etc. They do not allow us to post live links on this function...so access Red Bus tours by using Duck Duck Go or Google. Type in Glacier National park red-bus-tours and the link will appear.
Or type in Glacier Sun interpretive tours.
You could even contact Glacier Guides and see if they have any plans to conduct auto tours over the Going to the Sun Road this year. In the past they have only conducted hiking and biking tours...but you never know.
Good luck on this. Hopefully there will be space on the tours so close to your visit.
Written July 8, 2021
best route from Tetons to Whitefish. Planning to stop along the way. Is it reasonable to stop and tour Lewis and Clark Caverns?
Written June 4, 2021
If you have the time you can enjoy the L & C Caverns if they are open. When is your trip?
The best and actually the most scenic is to make your way north to the I-90...follow it all the way to just past Missoula then take the 93 north from there to Whitefish. The section of the I-90 from the Bozeman area all the way to the Idaho Border is considered the most beautiful freeway route in America.
Depending on how you leave the Tetons, the really pretty route is the 287 from West Yellowstone...or use the Idaho 87 instead heading north up through eastern Idaho to connect with the 287. Ennis is a nice place to stop on the way. Then L & C Caverns...then hit the I-90 from there.
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I would not advise using the 287 to Helena and then the 141 and 83. It looks like a shorter cut across to Bigfork...but that road is not as scenic, has more 2 lane and the 83 section is known to locals as "dead deer alley". So many deer are hit that they often have to send up a special truck to collect the bodies. Hitting a deer can ruin a vacation.
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If you spend a lot of time at the Caverns it's possible you may wan to overnight in Missoula at the end of the day before completing the drive to Whitefish. The 93 is a gorgeous drive too...you go up through the Mission Mountain valley and then along the west side of the huge Flathead Lake.
Do you enjoy botique breweries? At Lakeside along the east side of Flathead Lake you could visit the Tamarack Brewery and grill. Beer optional...food is great too. You will enjoy Whitefish!
Written June 5, 2021
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Claim your listingGoing-to-the-Sun Road - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Going-to-the-Sun Road
- Hotels near Going-to-the-Sun Road:
- (0.09 mi) Avalanche Creek Campground
- (0.25 mi) Glacier Guides Lodge
- (0.23 mi) Belton Chalet
- (0.16 mi) West Glacier Adobe House
- (0.18 mi) West Glacier Village
- Restaurants near Going-to-the-Sun Road:
- (0.01 mi) Freda’s Bar
- (0.12 mi) Glacier Highland
- (0.12 mi) West Glacier Cafe
- (0.23 mi) Belton Grill Dining Room & Tap Room
- (1.08 mi) The Wandering Gringo
- Attractions near Going-to-the-Sun Road:
- (0.01 mi) St. Mary Lake
- (0.08 mi) Glacier Raft Company
- (0.06 mi) Virginia Falls
- (0.06 mi) Trail of the Cedars
- (0.06 mi) Garden Wall