Going-to-the-Sun Road

Going-to-the-Sun Road, arguably the most beautiful drive in the country, connects Lake McDonald on the west side of Glacier with St. Mary Lake on the east. Turnoffs provide views of the high country and glacier-carved valleys. The sights here are listed in order from west to east.

The Garden Wall. An abrupt and jagged wall of rock juts above the road and is visible for about 10 mi as it follows Logan Creek from just past Avalanche Creek Campground to Logan Pass. 24-34 mi northeast of West Glacier, Glacier National Park, MT.

Logan Pass. At 6,660 feet, this is the highest point in the park accessible by motor vehicle. It presents unparalleled views of both sides of the Continental Divide and is frequented by mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and grizzly bears. It is extremely crowded in July and August. The Logan Pass Visitor Center is located just east of the pass. 34 mi east of West Glacier, 18 mi west of St. Mary, Glacier National Park, MT.

Hidden Lake Overlook. Take a walk from Logan Pass up to see the crystalline Hidden Lake, which often still has ice clinging to it in early July. It's a 1½-mi hike on an uphill grade, partially on a boardwalk that protects the abundant wildflowers. Trailhead behind Logan Pass Visitor's Centre, Glacier National Park, MT.

Jackson Glacier Overlook. On the east side of the Continental Divide, you come into view of Jackson Glacier looming in a rocky pass across the upper St. Mary River valley. If it isn't covered with snow, you'll see sharp peaks of ice. The glacier is shrinking and may disappear in another 100 years. 5 mi east of Logan Pass, Glacier National Park, MT.

St. Mary Lake. When the breezes calm, the second largest lake in Glacier National Park mirrors the snowcapped granite peaks that line the St. Mary Valley. To get a good look at the beautiful scenery, follow the Sun Point Nature Trail along the lake's shore. The hike is 1 mile each way. 1 mi west of St. Mary, Glacier National Park, MT.

The drive is susceptible to frequent delays in summer. To avoid traffic jams and parking problems, take the road early in the morning or late in the evening (when the lighting is ideal for photography and wildlife is most likely to appear).

Vehicle size is restricted to under 21 feet long, 10 feet high, and 8 feet wide, including mirrors, between Avalanche Creek Campground and Sun Point. This roadway is open only from mid-June to mid-September, due to heavy snowfalls.