Going-to-the-Sun Road FAQs

Frequently asked questions regarding the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

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Going-to-the-Sun Road FAQs Details

**When will the Going-to-the-Sun Road open?** Portions of the road remain open all year. June is typically the earliest that the entire road is open. Plowing the road is a massive undertaking each year, and unpredictable spring storms can slow down the progress. Visitors should check the NPS website for current plowing status. **How long is the Going-to-the-Sun Road?** The entire road is approximately 50 miles from the park borders at the east and west entrances. **How long does it take to drive the entire length of the Going-to-the Sun Road?** Without stopping, it usually takes about two hours to drive the length of the road. Visitors should plan some time to stop for points of interest along the way, however. **How far is it to Logan Pass?** Logan Pass is 32 miles from the west entrance and 18 miles from the east entrance. **When does the parking lot at Logan Pass fill?** The parking lot at Logan Pass usually fills between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., though this can vary during busy weekends. **How did the Going-to-the-Sun Road get its name?** The road officially received its name, "The Going-to-the-Sun Road," during the 1933 dedication at Logan Pass, borrowing its name from nearby Going-to-the-Sun Mountain. Local legend, and a 1933 press release issued by the Department of the Interior, tell the story of a deity, Sour Spirit, who came down from the sun to teach Blackfeet braves how to hunt. On his way back to the sun, Sour Spirit had his image reproduced on the top of the mountain for inspiration to the Blackfeet. An alternate story suggests a white explorer in the 1880s concocted the name and the legend. **Are there vehicle size restrictions on the Going-to-the-Sun Road?** To help reduce congestion, vehicle size restrictions are in effect. Vehicles and vehicle combinations longer than 21 feet (including bumpers) or wider than eight feet (including mirrors), are prohibited between Avalanche Campground and the Rising Sun picnic area. Vehicle and vehicle combinations over 10 feet in height may have difficulty driving west from Logan Pass to the Loop due to rock overhangs. Stock trucks and trailers can access Packers Roost on the west and Siyeh Bend on the east. **How can I see the rest of the Going-to-the-Sun Road if I can't drive my vehicle?** Tour buses and shuttles also travel Going-to-the-Sun Road. **Can I ride my bicycle on the Going-to-the Sun Road?** Yes, with some exceptions. From June 15 through Labor Day, Going-to-the-Sun Road is closed to bicycles between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. from the Apgar turnoff (at the south end of Lake McDonald) to Sprague Creek Campground, and eastbound from Logan Creek to Logan Pass. Due to ongoing road rehabilitation, some portions of the Going-to-the-Sun Road may not be paved; bicyclists should use caution on these gravel portions of the road. **What construction delays will I experience?** Delays will normally be limited to 30 minutes total for a one-way trip across the road. In late September and early October, however, delays up to two hours are possible. **Is it scary to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road?** The Going-to-the Sun Road takes you through some of the most spectacular scenery in Glacier. Because portions of the road hug the mountainside there are a few tight curves, but thousands of vehicles regularly travel from one side of the park to the other. Heading east toward Logan Pass and St. Mary from the West Entrance, those on the passenger side of the vehicle will be able to look over the edge of the road in a few spots. Follow the speed limit and drive carefully. Visitors can also take shuttles or tour buses if they don't wish to drive. **Can I see a glacier from the Going-to-the-Sun Road?** Yes, Jackson Glacier Overlook offers the best opportunity to see a glacier from the road. The overlook is located on the east side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road between Logan Pass and St. Mary. **How much does it cost to drive the Going-to-the Sun Road?** The park entrance fee covers the drive along Going-to-the Sun Road. **Are there campgrounds located along the Going-to-the Sun Road?** Yes, five of the 13 campgrounds in Glacier are located along the road; Apgar, Sprague Creek, Avalanche, Rising Sun, and St. Mary. **Are services like gas, lodging, food and picnic areas available on the Going-to-the-Sun Road?** Gas is not available anywhere in the park or on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Food and lodging can be found along the road at Rising Sun, Lake McDonald Lodge, and Apgar Village. There are picnic areas at Rising Sun, Sun Point, Avalanche Creek, Sprague Creek, and Apgar. **What is the speed limit on the Going-to-the-Sun Road?** For safety reasons, the speed limit is 40 miles per hour in the lower elevations of the road, and 25 miles per hour in the alpine section. Be careful around blind curves, as animals and pedestrians occasionally cross the road. **What is the maximum elevation on the Going-to-the-Sun Road?** Logan Pass is the highest point on the Going-to-the Sun Road, at 6,646 feet. **Where can I see wildlife along the Going-to-the-Sun Road?** Wildlife may be present anywhere along the Going-to-the-Sun Road; however, mountain goats and bighorn sheep are typically seen near Logan Pass. **What kind of weather can I expect while driving?** Weather in Glacier National Park can be quite changeable. Drivers should always drive with caution during inclement weather. **Why is the Going-to-the-Sun Road being rebuilt?** At 75 years old, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is in need of comprehensive rehabilitation to make sure that the National Historic Landmark is preserved and stays safe for visitors for many years.

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