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Going To The Sun Road
Includes Logan Pass
Going To The Sun Road in Glacier National Park.
The Going To The Sun Road in Glacier National Park is one of the world's civil engineering marvels. This is the only road that cuts through Glacier National Park, and is regarded by many as one of the most scenic drives found anywhere in the world. The road was named after Going-to-the-Sun Mountain, which is located directly east of Logan Pass on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Completed in 1932, this 52 mile road begins at the town of St. Mary, then climbs up the east slope of the mountains of Glacier National Park, and crests at the continental divide on Logan Pass. The Going-to-the-Sun Road then works its way down the west slope of the divide, eventually reaching Lake McDonald Lodge, Apgar Village, and then on to the town of West Glacier.
The Going To The Sun Road is among the most scenic highways in the world, and will be one of the top highlights of your Glacier Park vacation.
Going To The Sun Road, Glacier National Park.
The Going To The Sun Road one of the few structures in the United States that is a National Historic Landmark, a National Historic Place, AND a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. This world famous highway is a national treasure, and is an absolute "Must Do" while vacationing in Glacier National Park.
The Going To The Sun Road is the only road that runs completely through Glacier National Park. All the other roads are short spur roads that have dead ends within the first 6 to 12 miles.
"Big Bend" along the Going To The Sun Road.
WHEN DOES THE GOING TO THE SUN ROAD OPEN EACH YEAR? Glacier Park gets a ton of snow each year, and it's a major project to remove all this snow from the Going To The Sun Road to fully open it for the summer season. The Going To The Sun Road typically fully opens by the third week of June. HOWEVER, the actual date varies each year. In 2011 and 2022, the road was not open until July 13th due to the deep snow levels.
Wild Goose Island along the Going To The Sun Road in Glacier Park.
LOGAN PASS
Logan Pass is the highest point along the Going To The Sun Road in Glacier National Park. Early in the season, there will definitely be snow! This photo was taken July 13th, 2011 on opening day.
Logan Pass is the highest point along the Going To The Sun Road (6,646 feet) and is undoubtedly one of the most popular places to explore in the Glacier Park. Not only are the views tremendous in all directions, but there is also a Visitor Center, as well as trailheads to two of the most popular hikes in Glacier National Park- the Hidden Lake Overlook and the Highline Trail. If you like hiking, these two trails are "must do's" while vacationing in Glacier Park.
Logan Pass on the Going To The Sun Road, Glacier National Park.
July 13th, 2011 opening day on Logan Pass along the Going To The Sun Road in Glacier National Park.
Hikers heading up the Hidden Lake Trail on Logan Pass.
The Logan Pass Visitor Center is a great place to learn all about the Logan Pass Area.
Along the Going To The Sun Road in Glacier National Park, you will see countless glacier-carved peaks, beautiful lakes, wondrous wildflowers, deep U-shaped valleys, rivers, streams, glaciers, wildlife, forests, and breathtaking heights.
You'll never forget your journey across the middle of Glacier National Park, and your life will be forever changed in an incredibly positive way. The beauty that you will behold on Going-to-the-Sun Road is absolutely magnificent, and there is no other place like it on earth.
There are towering mountains everywhere you look as you drive along the Going To The Sun Road in Glacier National Park.
This is the legendary "Weeping Wall" along the west side of the Going To The Sun Road.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
BRING FOOD!
There is no food available at Logan Pass on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. There is however a drinking fountain, but it's a good idea to bring your own beverages as well in case the fountain is out of order.
GET TO LOGAN PASS BY 7 AM!
This is one of the most popular places in Glacier National Park, and the parking lot usually fills up by 8 AM. There is limited parking, so to avoid a frustrating struggle to find a parking spot, get there early! Plus, by getting there early, the morning sun really makes the landscape glow, so it's a great time for photos.
East Side Tunnel along the Going To The Sun Road in Glacier Park.
DRIVE THE ENTIRE ROAD, BOTH WAYS!
This is really important information. There are basically four segments to the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The first segment is from St. Mary up to Logan Pass, which is the east side of the continental divide. The second segment is from Logan Pass down to Lake McDonald Lodge on the west side of the divide. The third segment is from Lake McDonald Lodge back up to Logan Pass, and the fourth segment is from Logan Pass back down to St. Mary, which is the East Entrance of Glacier National Park.
There are plenty of turnouts along the Going To The Sun Road to enjoy the spectular view, such as the Oberlin Bend Overlook. For more turnouts along the Sun Road, click here.
Going To The Sun Road, Glacier National Park.
BE PREPARED TO GO HIKING!
Once you reach Logan Pass, we can guarantee you that you are going to want to go on a short hike, either to the Hidden Lake Overlook or a few miles up the Highline Trail. BOTH of these trails are among our Top Ten Things To Do In Glacier National Park, and are definitely "must do's" if you're a hiker!
The Hidden Lake Overlook on Logan Pass is one of the most popular hikes in Glacier Park.
The Highline Trail on Logan Pass is also one of the most popular hikes in Glacier Park.
ABOUT THE RED BUSES... The Red Buses that you'll see all along the Going To The Sun Road in Glacier National Park are an iconic symbol of Glacier. These buses are part of the original 1930 fleet, and are known as "Jammers". This famous fleet was restored in 2001, and are a welcome sight along the Going To The Sun Road.
Red Bus at Lunch Creek along the Going To The Sun Road in Glacier National Park.
Car driving early in July along the Going To The Sun Road in Glacier National Park.
The Going To The Sun Road follows the shoreline of Lake McDonald for nearly 9 miles along the west side.
Triple Arches along the Going To The Sun Road in Glacier Park.
Reynolds Mountain above Going To The Sun Road in Glacier Park.
Little Chief Mountain above Going To The Sun Road in Glacier Park.
Shannon standing in front of a giant snow drift along the Going To The Sun Road in Glacier Park.
Going To The Sun Mountain towers over the Going To The Sun Road in Glacier Park.
Vehicle driving by the "Weeping Wall" along the Going To The Sun Road in Glacier Park.
Red Bus driving along the Going To The Sun Road in Glacier Park.
Beargrass along the Going To The Sun Road in Glacier Park.
Going To The Sun Road in Glacier Park.
Hidden Lake Trail early in July at Logan Pass along the Going To The Sun Road in Glacier Park.
Haystack Creek along the Going To The Sun Road in Glacier Park.
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