Going to the Sun Road Driving Tips

The Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park makes for one of the most scenic drives in America. From West Glacier to St. Mary, the Sun Road takes tourists on a 50-mile journey past historic buildings, beside glacier-carved lakes, through an old growth rain forest, past grizzly inhabited prairies, and up the side of u-shaped valleys and mountainsides. Here are some items to consider when driving the Going to the Sun Road:

1. Check Weather Conditions Before Driving up the Road - The Going to the Sun Road travels to an elevation of 6,646 feet at Logan Pass. Weather conditions can vary from rain and fog to snow and high winds, but in most cases, you’ll have sunshine and blue skies.

2. Consider Taking the Free Park Shuttle - The National Park Service provides Glacier guests with a free shuttle up and down the Going to the Sun Road. Leave a car (or RV camper) in Apgar or St. Mary to enjoy a worry-free ride.

3. Get an Early Start - The Going to the Sun Road is the main attraction in Glacier National Park. Millions of visitors show up during the summer months to drive the Sun Road. An early start means fewer people on the road, fewer congestions at the stopping points, and spaces available in the parking lots.

4. Bring a Day Pack for Small Hikes and Include Bear Spray - Have a small bag filled with water, bear spray and other hiking essentials, so you can journey on short hikes with peace of mind that you prepared for the wild.

5. Pack enough Food and Water for the Road Trip and Hikes - Although you can purchase snacks and beverages at Lake McDonald Lodge Complex and Rising Sun Motor Inn; they are the lasts stops along the Going to the Sun Road that provides these services. There are no food or beverage sales at Logan Pass, but a water fountain is available.

6. Prepare for Possible Inclement Weather at the Summit - Pack cold weather clothes, a rain jacket, hiking boots, a hat, and mittens for Logan Pass. You can always expect the unexpected weather at Logan Pass. As Mark Twain once said, "if you don’t like the weather, just wait a few minutes." (He was referring to New England, but the same applies to Montana.)

7. Fuel Up Before Leaving St. Mary or West Glacier - There are no fuel stations beyond these two towns on the Going to the Sun Road.

8. Map out Stopping Points to Save Time - Plan on 2 hours of total driving time (West Glacier to St. Mary - this does not account for traffic delays) and add 2 hours for stopping points. From the Loop to Siyeh Bend, scenic stops should be made while driving east towards St. Mary. The bulk of the pull-offs are on the south side of the Sun Road, making it difficult for westward vehicles to stop.

9. Expect Delays - Depending on the time of day or time of year, the Going to the Sun Road may have delays in traffic due to traffic congestion, construction, or animal crossings.

10. Follow the Speed Limits and Drive Carefully - Stay focussed while driving the Going to the Sun Road. Review a Glacier National Park Map before travel to avoid inattentive driving.

The dramatic Sun Road offers hundreds of roadside pull-offs and designated National park stopping points for visitors to marvel. Most visitors to Glacier National Park have the Sun Road as a large sightseeing portion of their trip. If you have any questions about where to stop and what to do, drop by our office and ask one of our friendly staff members. We are happy to help you have the most enjoyable vacation possible!