Going-to-the-Sun Road is the only route across Glacier National Park, climbing from Lake McDonald's dense forests to Logan Pass at 6,646 feet on the Continental Divide, then descending through alpine meadows to St. Mary Lake. Built between 1921 and 1932, the road was an engineering achievement that required blasting through cliff faces and constructing stone retaining walls by hand. The result is 50 miles of curves carved into mountainsides, waterfalls that pour onto the pavement, and views that justified the eleven-year construction. This is the road that defines Glacier. Most visitors drive it at least once. Many drive it twice, to see both directions.
Parks Along the Way
Glacier National Park
Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road, hike the Highline Trail from Logan Pass, and see Many Glacier on the east side.
Notable Stops
Apgar Village
The western gateway. A cluster of lodges, a camp store, boat rentals, and Eddie's Cafe. The view across Lake McDonald toward the peaks sets expectations for what's ahead. Stop here for supplies and information before beginning the drive.
30 minutes to 1 hour
Lake McDonald Lodge
A Swiss chalet-style lodge built in 1913, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The lobby features Native American artifacts and massive timber beams. Worth walking through even if you're not staying. The lakefront beach is the classic Glacier photograph.
30 minutes to 1 hour
Trail of the Cedars
A boardwalk loop through old-growth cedar and hemlock forest, ending at Avalanche Gorge where Avalanche Creek has carved a slot canyon into red argillite rock. Wheelchair accessible. Under a mile total. One of the most popular stops on the road for good reason.
30-45 minutes
The Loop
A dramatic hairpin turn where the road begins its serious climb. Heaven's Peak rises nearly 9,000 feet across the valley. This is the trailhead for Granite Park Chalet and the western terminus of the Highline Trail. Rangers often station here to answer questions.
15-30 minutes
Bird Woman Falls Overlook
Bird Woman Falls drops 492 feet between Mount Oberlin and Mount Cannon. You cannot hike to it, but the pullout provides a clear view across the valley. Best in early summer when snowmelt is at its peak.
10-15 minutes
Weeping Wall
In late spring and early summer, snowmelt pours down the cliff face directly onto the road. The rock wall appears to weep. Expect to get wet if driving with windows down or riding in a red bus with the top open.
Drive-through
Big Bend
A large pullout with panoramic views of the Garden Wall, Mount Oberlin, and the wildflower-filled valley below. One of the best sunset locations on the road. Mountain goats are often visible on the cliffs above.
15-30 minutes
Triple Arches
The road's most impressive engineering feature: three stone arches supporting the highway as it curves along a cliff face. A pullout allows you to look back and photograph the structure. Built by hand in the 1930s without modern equipment.
10-15 minutes
Logan Pass Visitor Center
The Continental Divide at 6,646 feet. The visitor center has exhibits, restrooms, and rangers who can advise on trail conditions. The Highline Trail begins here, traversing the Garden Wall to Granite Park Chalet. Mountain goats frequently graze near the parking lot. Arrive before 8am in summer or expect to circle for parking.
1-3 hours depending on hiking
Sun Point
A rocky promontory overlooking St. Mary Lake, with views of Going-to-the-Sun Mountain to the north and Wild Goose Island in the lake below. Trails connect to Baring Falls and St. Mary Falls. Often windy. The iconic Glacier viewpoint.
30 minutes to 1 hour
Rising Sun
A motor inn, camp store, and boat dock on St. Mary Lake. Boat tours depart for the far end of the lake. The restaurant serves standard American fare. A good place to regroup before the final stretch to St. Mary.
30 minutes to 2 hours
Park Cafe
Famous for pie. The huckleberry is legendary. The cafe sits just outside the park boundary at St. Mary, serving breakfast and lunch with mountain views. Seasonal, typically late May through September. Lines form for good reason.
1 hour
Two Sisters Cafe
Home cooking and pie in Babb, about 10 miles north of St. Mary on the way to Many Glacier. The kind of roadside cafe where pie is made fresh and the portions are designed for people who've been hiking all day.
1 hour
Pro Tips
- Vehicle restrictions apply: no vehicles over 21 feet long or 8 feet wide between Avalanche Creek and Sun Point. This includes most RVs and trailers.
- The road requires a vehicle reservation from late May through early September, 6am to 3pm. Book at recreation.gov up to 60 days in advance.
- Drive west to east for easier access to pullouts on the cliff side. Drive east to west if you are uncomfortable with heights, as your lane will be against the mountain.
- Logan Pass parking fills by 8am in July and August. The free shuttle system from Apgar is an alternative.
- Weather changes rapidly at elevation. Carry layers even in summer. Afternoon thunderstorms are common.
- Historic Red Bus tours and Sun Tours offer guided drives for those who prefer not to navigate the road themselves.