Going-to-the-Sun Road

This National Historic Landmark road runs from West Glacier past Lake McDonald, climbs through the Loop and over Logan Pass, then descends along St. Mary Lake. The scenery is constant, but the road is narrow with sheer drops and is only fully open for part of the summer. It suits first-time visitors to Glacier who plan to leave the car at the trailhead and walk.

The stops

1. Start

   West Glacier

2. Historic

   Lake McDonald Lodge

   1913 lodge on the lake with a restaurant

3. Hike

   Trail of the Cedars

   Accessible boardwalk through old cedar and hemlock

4. Viewpoint

   The Loop

   Hairpin bend where shuttle and trail stops line up

5. Viewpoint

   Bird Woman Falls Overlook

   A thin 150 m waterfall across the valley

6. Viewpoint

   Logan Pass

   Continental Divide at 2,026 m, with mountain goats and Hidden Lake walk; car park fills early

7. Viewpoint

   Jackson Glacier Overlook

   Distant view of one of the park's remaining glaciers

8. Viewpoint

   Sun Point

   Short walk to a view over St. Mary Lake

9. Viewpoint

   St. Mary Lake

   Eastern end of the road, with the park entrance

10. Finish

    St. Mary

Where to stay

• Night 1

  West Glacier / Apgar

  Apgar Campground (NPS)

• Night 2

  St. Mary

  St. Mary Campground (NPS)

When to go

Late Jun to mid Sep; the full road typically opens in late June or July

On the road

Vehicles longer than 21 ft or wider than 8 ft are not allowed on the high section. Check the NPS site for vehicle reservations and shuttle options in summer, and for the current opening date.