Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Get ready for an unforgettable drive on Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road. This 50-mile route takes you through stunning landscapes, from lush forests to towering mountains and sparkling waterfalls. Whether you’re looking to hike, snap photos, or enjoy the view, this iconic road has something for everyone. Buckle up, and let’s explore!

What is Going-to-the-Sun Road? A Short History

Going-to-the-Sun Road is more than just a scenic highway—it’s an engineering marvel. Built between 1921 and 1932, it was the first road in the United States designed specifically for visitors to enjoy a national park’s natural beauty.

• Named after a Peak: The road gets its name from Going-to-the-Sun Mountain, which is visible along the drive.
• A Feat of Engineering: Crews blasted through solid rock, built bridges, and carved tunnels to create this route.
• One of the Most Scenic Drives in the U.S.: Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1997, it remains one of the most iconic mountain drives in America.

Going-to-the-Sun Road: Must-See Stops & Mile-by-Mile Guide

Here are all the places I stopped along my amazing trip along Going-to-the-sun road. I will also link some of my additional hiking guides for you to enjoy!

Looking for a specific stop? Use the drop down below.

Mile 1: West Entrance

First, you will enter the park. Many enter through the West Entrance, which is open all year long. Make sure you have your National Park Pass to enter! Otherwise, it will cost you $30 per vehicle.

As always, I recommend purchasing the Annual Park Pass.

We saw a baby mountain goat as soon as we drove through the entrance! So keep your eyes peeled for wildlife.

Mile 3: Lake McDonald

Your next stop should be Lake McDonald, the largest lake in Glacier National Park. It is known for its stunningly clear waters and breathtaking mountain backdrop.

Bonus Tip: Stop at Apgar Campground to photograph the iconic rainbow rocks! I got this one during my visit.

Mile 11: Lake McDonald Lodge

From here, continue to Lake McDonald Lodge. This is a great place to grab a bite to eat or to take a walk around the property while viewing the lake. It was built in 1913 and currently has over eight rooms. If you are lucky enough, make a reservation to spend the night.

Bonus Tip: Take the Lake McDonald Cruise. We took it when we visited, which taught us a lot about Glacier National Park while on the water.

Mile 16: Avalanche Lake & Trail of the Cedars

This is my favorite hiking trail in Glacier National Park, and it is also one of the most popular ones.

🥾 Hiking Options:

• Trail of the Cedars (Easy, 1 mile): A wheelchair-accessible boardwalk through a stunning cedar forest.
• Avalanche Lake Hike (Moderate, 4.5 miles): Hike past waterfalls to a secluded alpine lake surrounded by towering peaks.

The Trail of the Cedars, which takes you through the forest. You can enjoy the views of the icy blue water while walking on the wooden boardwalk.

But, if you are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime hike, continue to Avalanche Lake. The trail of the Cedars connects to this hike

It is mostly moderate and uphill, but the views of Avalanche Lake at the top will take your breath away.

Want more info? Read my guide to the Enchanting Avalanche Lake Hike!

Mile 23: West Side Tunnel

The West Side Tunnel, located along the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, is a notable feature of this scenic drive. Constructed in the 1920s, the tunnel is approximately 192 feet long and showcases the incredible engineering feats achieved during the road’s development.

I loved looking out the windows carved into the tunnel walls, which allowed me to see the beautiful mountains!

📸 Best Photo Spot: Stop to capture the tunnel framing the mountains in the background.

Mile 27: Bird Woman Falls

Bird Woman Falls is situated on the east side of Glacier National Park. Positioned within the Reynolds Creek drainage area, it cascades down a steep cliff face, dropping approximately 492 feet, which makes it one of the taller waterfalls in the park.

Best Time to See It: Spring and early summer when the snowmelt makes it most powerful.

Mile 28: Haystack Falls

Soon, you will drive over the bridge, which takes you over Haystack Falls! You can park at the small turnout, which is a great photo area. You can watch the waterfall cascade into the ground beneath you.

📸 Photography Tip: Park at the small turnout just before the bridge for the best angle.

Mile 29: Weeping Wall

This natural phenomenon consists of a series of waterfalls cascading down a steep rock face, creating a “weeping” wall.

🌊 Best Time to Visit: Late May–July for the strongest flow.

The water comes from snowmelt and rainfall, making the flow particularly strong in the spring and early summer.

You can actually see it right from your car window, but I recommend parking at the small parking area and getting out of the car for a closer look.

🌞 Bonus Tip: Walk under the falls on a hot day for a refreshing mist!

Want to see my video of Weeping Wall? Read Weeping Wall: A Must See When Visiting Glacier National Park!

Mile 30: Big Bend

Bird Woman Falls is situated on the east side of Glacier National Park. Positioned within the Reynolds Creek drainage area, it cascades down a cliff face, dropping approximately 492 feet, which makes it one of the taller waterfalls in the park.

The viewpoint provides a dramatic perspective of the road as it curves along the mountainside, showcasing the engineering feat and the natural beauty of Glacier National Park.

📸 Best Time for Photos: Sunset—when the peaks glow orange and pink!

Mile 32: Logan Pass Visitor Center

Take a rest by visiting the Logan Pass Visitors Center, which sits at 6,646 feet and provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

🥾 Hiking Tip: Try the Highline Trail for epic views and wildlife spotting.

🦌 Wildlife Alert: This is one of the best places to see mountain goats!

Hiking The Highline Trail

We stopped here to start our hike on the Highline Trail, which starts just across Going-to-the-Sun Road from the parking lot. It was my second favorite hike in Glacier.

The trail is 14.9 miles, but we only did about three miles before turning around. It was such a pretty hike!

The trail hugs the Garden Wall, a steep ridge that provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and glaciers. You can use the hand cable for an extra sense of security.

Mile 40: Sunrift Gorge

Sunrift Gorge is a narrow canyon carved by Baring Creek. It features small waterfalls and cascades, offering stunning views and excellent photo opportunities.

Nearby trails, like those leading to St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls, further explore the area’s natural beauty.

🥾 Short Hike: Walk the 0.2-mile path for stunning waterfall views!

Mile 44: Rising Sun

Rising Sun is a historic area and campground located on the eastern side of Glacier National Park, along the shores of St. Mary Lake, near the park’s east entrance. If you want to camp, this would be a great location as it’s far away from the crowds on the park’s west side.

🔥 Camping Tip: Book early—sites fill up fast in peak summer months!

Mile 50: St. Mary Visitor Center

Congratulations, you’ve made it! Stop at the St. Mary Visitor Center to learn about the park’s history and grab a souvenir.

Head Inside to explore exhibits about the park’s natural and cultural history, wildlife, and geology.

Park rangers are available to offer guidance on hiking trails, points of interest, and current park conditions, too!

FAQS

Where does Going-to-the-Sun Road start and end?

The road begins at the West Glacier entrance and ends at St. Mary Visitor Center, spanning 50 miles.

How Long Does It Take To Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road?

🚗 Nonstop: 2–2.5 hours
🛑 With Stops & Short Hikes: 5–7 hours
📸 Full-Day Adventure (Best Option!): Plan 8–10 hours to explore every major stop.

Driving the entire length of Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park typically takes 2 to 2.5 hours without stops.

However, this can vary depending on traffic, road conditions, and the time of year. The drive can take longer during peak tourist season or if you stop frequently at viewpoints and attractions.

I would plan all day to drive the entire road and back. We left at 8:00 AM and didn’t return until 6:00 PM. It’s an all-day affair!

When is the best time to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road?

The road is fully open from late June to mid-October, depending on snow conditions.

Are there gas stations on Going-to-the-Sun Road?

No, so make sure to fuel up before entering Glacier National Park.

Is Going-to-the-Sun Road dangerous to drive?

It’s safe for most vehicles, but sections have steep drop-offs and tight turns. Drive carefully!

Do I Need Reservations To Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road?

Vehicle reservations will be required for the west entrance of Going-to-the-Sun Road, the North Fork entrance, and the Many Glacier entrance.

You can make reservations Going-to-the-Sun Road here.

Where Is Going-to-the-Sun Road?

The road is located in Glacier National Park!

Explore More National Parks

Have you driven Going-to-the-Sun Road? What was your favorite stop? Let me know in the comments!

Hike Glacier National Park’s Enchanting Avalanche Lake Hike!

Also make a stop by Weeping Wall: A Must See When Visiting Glacier National Park!

Read all of my National Park Travel Guides!