Glacier National Park’s Going‑to‑the‑Sun Road Unfurls Alpine Drama and Ice

Glacier National Park is one of the most renowned natural attractions in the United States. Situated in the far northwestern corner of Montana, near the Canadian border, this federally protected chunk of the Rockies is jam-packed with snowcapped mountains, alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and, of course, glaciers. But unlike so many other remote parks in the nation, this one has an incredibly convenient highway going through it, specifically designed to pass by many of Glacier's best landmarks and recreational areas.

Widely considered one of America's best drives, the Going-to-the-Sun Road of Glacier National Park is an absolute must-do if you want to experience this region to its fullest extent.

How This Scenic Highway Came to Be

Construction on Going-to-the-Sun Road began in 1921 and was finally completed in 1932. Built to connect Glacier National Park’s east and west sides, the 50-mile road follows a challenging route across the Continental Divide at Logan Pass.

Just look at it; you will know that this road's engineers faced extreme terrain and other harsh conditions, like heavy snowfall, strong winds, and short construction seasons. Building it required innovative techniques to preserve the pristine landscape around it while simultaneously carving into cliffs and traversing mountain slopes. The project was part of a broader shift toward automobile tourism in America's national parks, replacing a reliance on horseback and rail travel to the increasingly car-owning public of the time.

Its attention-catching name comes from a nearby, 9,647-foot mountain that holds spiritual significance for the indigenous Blackfeet people (although how it got its name is disputed, with other legends stating it came from American explorers in the area during the 1880s). In 1997, Going-to-the-Sun Road was added to the National Register of Historic Places, and it has also been designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark to recognize its impressive technical achievement and enduring cultural impact.

Must-See Stops Along the Going-to-the-Sun Road

Here is a selection of places and activities you should check out while traversing the Going-to-the-Sun Road. From simple lookout points and overlooks to popular trailheads, info centers, and more, see what amazing things you can see and do during your travels here.

Logan Pass

At a lofty 6,646 feet, Logan Pass is the highest point reachable by car in Glacier National Park and a central highlight along the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Surrounded by panoramic views of Reynolds Mountain and Clements Mountain, Logan Pass delivers high-elevation scenery and a starting point for deeper backcountry exploration. This alpine hub offers immediate access to the Hidden Lake and Highline trails, where you can spot cool wildlife like mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and expansive wildflower meadows in the summer.

The Logan Pass Visitor Center is also located here. It provides interpretive exhibits, various ranger-led programs, restrooms, and parking throughout the season. Be aware that the lot tends to fill early.

Wild Goose Island Overlook

This roadside turnout on St. Mary Lake, towards the park's eastern side, is one of the most photographed spots in the area. The overlook provides a clear view of Wild Goose Island, a small landform in the middle of the lake, picturesquely framed by high peaks and reflected in the blue glacial waters below. It is a top-notch spot to catch a sunset or sunrise, and better yet, there’s no hiking required; just pull over and soak in the sights. Interpretive signs here also give you some fun and interesting facts about the area.

The Loop

The Loop marks the only true switchback on Going-to-the-Sun Road, giving you a close-up view of the rugged western slope of the Continental Divide. As you can probably imagine, this stop is named after the sharp hairpin curve on the road. It also serves as a trailhead for the Granite Park Trail, which leads to the Granite Park Chalet and the Grinnell Glacier Overlook.

Even without the hiking, you can appreciate the surrounding area from the small parking lot at the center of the switchback turn. At the very least, it’s a good place to stretch, take photos, and/or rest up before the start of a serious trek in the adjacent mountains.

Jackson Glacier Overlook

This is perhaps the best spot along the Going-to-the-Sun Road to view a glacier from the roadside. Located east of Logan Pass, the overlook delivers a clear view of Jackson Glacier, one of the park’s few remaining active glaciers. Informative panels at this spot explain the glacier’s retreat over the past century and provide insight into the broader effects of climate change within the park.

Again, no hiking is needed to get to this lookout, and the viewpoint is easily accessible from a small pullout. On clear days, which are fairly common here, the large ice mass stands out sharply against the surrounding peaks, making it a hotspot for landscape photographers.

Lake McDonald Lodge

Located near the western end of the road, Lake McDonald Lodge is a historic structure, built in 1913, that takes on a Swiss chalet style popular in early national park architecture across the country. Set along the shores of the park's largest lake, this lodge is not just a nightly accommodation, but an access point for boat tours, bus tours, and several nearby hiking trails.

Inside, the lobby houses a massive stone fireplace, exposed timber beams, and mounted animal heads, giving the lodge an old-timey atmosphere. The surrounding area includes a lakeside dock, rustic cabins, a gift shop, and a store more directed at campers.

Whether staying overnight or just stopping in, the Lake McDonald Lodge is one of the most recognizable in America. It is just as beautiful as its epic natural surroundings.

Opening Dates and Local Lodging

Due to the road's popularity, you must book an entry time between June 13 and September 28 if you plan on arriving anytime between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. You can only reserve a spot online. Also, know that the Going-to-the-Sun Road is closed for the winter, generally from late October to late May.

Luckily, each end of the Going-to-the-Sun Road is accompanied by a town or two that will provide you with all the amenities you may need for an extended stay in the area. At the eastern entrance sits the community of St. Mary, which acts more as a tourist hub than a full-fledged town. With various accommodations, such as The Cottages at Glacier and the iconic St. Mary Village, you have more than enough options to find a bed for the night and food at a handful of nearby eateries. The local St. Mary Visitor Center is also an excellent locale to buy a park pass and gather more info about the park before you head on.

You have more variety on the western end, with towns like Hungry Horse, Columbia Falls, and Kalispell feeling like more fleshed-out settlements. They have everything small to mid-sized towns generally include, like restaurants, outfitters, shopping areas, and several hotels or motels. The Apgar Visitor Center also rests on the far western end of Lake McDonald, just before you enter the scenic portion of the road. It is another highly scenic stop to buy gifts, gather news and info, and catch a bus tour.

See Glacier National Park the Way It's Meant to Be Seen

Just like many national parks, hiking opportunities abound here. But what sets it apart is the sheer engineering marvel known as the Going-to-the-Sun Road, giving everyone an easy option to see the previously hard-to-reach natural wonders of northwestern Montana. With the above-mentioned info in mind, you should have everything you need to know to make the best of your next Glacier National Park outing this year.