Generated with sparks and insights from 10 sources
Going-to-the-Sun Road
Road in Montana
Travel Tips
Check the road's opening times and plan to drive during daylight for the best views. 1
Pull out at several observation points for waterfalls and views. 2
The drive can be challenging due to sharp turns and heights; consider the shuttle for a more relaxed experience. 3
Download The Guide Along App for a personal tour guide experience. 4
Check road opening dates, as it's seasonal. Allow extra time for stops. 5
Drive during sunset for breathtaking views. 6
Download the audio tour for an enhanced experience. Consider ending your drive at Logan Pass Visitor Center for additional activities. 7
Start early to avoid crowds and see more wildlife. No services along the way, so bring water and snacks. 8
Start around 6am for the best experience. 9
Drive can be challenging; ensure your vehicle is in good condition. 10
Introduction
Travel Tips
- ๐ Start Early: The parking lot at Logan Pass fills up between 9:30 am and 4:00 pm.
- ๐บ๏ธ Know Your Route: More timid drivers may prefer driving from East (St. Mary) to West.
- ๐ฐ Plan Ahead: Bring enough water and snacks; no services along the 33-mile stretch between Lake McDonald and Rising Sun.
- ๐ฆ๏ธ Prepare for Weather: Dress in layers and bring a rain jacket; temperatures at Logan Pass are cooler.
- ๐ธ Scenic Stops: Allow extra time to stop and take in the sights like Heaven's Peak and Weeping Wall.
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Regulations
- ๐ Vehicle Size: Limit of 21 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 10 feet tall.
- ๐ดโโ๏ธ Bicycling: Prohibited from Apgar turnoff to Logan Pass between 3 pm and 6 pm from May 24 through September 8.
- ๐ฆ Speed Limit: 40 mph on lower elevations, 25 mph on alpine sections.
- ๐ Vehicle Reservations: Required from May 24 through September 8, 2024, from 6 am to 3 pm.
- ๐ Closures: Portions of the road may close due to weather conditions.
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Amenities
- โฝ No Gasoline: Not available in the park; electric vehicle charging station at Lake McDonald Lodge.
- ๐ด Food and Lodging: Available at Rising Sun, Lake McDonald Lodge, and Apgar Village during summer.
- ๐ฝ๏ธ Picnic Areas: Found at Rising Sun, Avalanche Creek, Sprague Creek, and Apgar.
- ๐๏ธ Campgrounds: Five out of 13 campgrounds are located along the road.
- ๐๏ธ Visitor Centers: Located at Apgar, Logan Pass, and St. Mary with restrooms, trip planning info, and exhibits.
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Viewing Opportunities
- ๐ฆ Wildlife: Mountain goats and bighorn sheep near Logan Pass; grizzly bears near Two Dog Flats.
- โ๏ธ Jackson Glacier Overlook: Best spot to see a glacier from the road.
- ๐๏ธ Scenic Stops: Include Lake McDonald Lodge, Trail of the Cedars, and St. Mary Falls.
- ๐ธ Photo Ops: Heaven's Peak, The Loop, Bird Woman Falls, Weeping Wall, and Wild Goose Island Overlook.
- ๐ถโโ๏ธ Short Hikes: Trail of the Cedars, Hidden Lake Overlook, Sunrift Gorge, Baring Falls, and St. Mary Falls.
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Travel Alternatives
- ๐ Shuttle System: Free two-way service between Apgar Visitor Center and St. Mary Visitor Center.
- ๐ Red Bus Tours: Historic tours with commentary.
- ๐ Sun Tours: Offers guided tours with commentary.
- ๐ Loop Drive: Drive from St. Mary to West Glacier along Going-to-the-Sun Road, then return via Highway 2 and Highway 89.
- ๐ถโโ๏ธ Other Scenic Sections: Explore areas not along Going-to-the-Sun Road for more scenic views.
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Scenic Drives
- ๐ฒ Camas Road: Leads to North Fork Road and Polebridge with views of Huckleberry Mountain.
- ๐๏ธ Looking Glass Highway: Connects East Glacier and St. Mary with views into Two Medicine Valley.
- ๐ US Highway 2: Follows the southern border of Glacier National Park with scenic views of the Flathead River.
- ๐ฆ Goat Lick Overlook: A salt lick attracting mountain goats, located near Essex, Montana.
- ๐ฃโโ๏ธ Bowman Lake: Accessible from Polebridge, offering additional scenic views and activities.
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