Natural Attraction
Sunrift Gorge
At Sunrift Gorge, Baring Creek has cut a spectacular 800-foot chasm into bedrock—you're looking straight down an 80-foot cliff into the water-carved canyon. The creek still flows through, carrying sediment that polishes the rock walls smooth and continues the erosion work. Striations in the stone show the history of water flow and past flood events. This is a living example of how water shapes landscapes: what looks permanent (solid rock) is actually being sculpted year by year.
More details
- Attraction Type
- Geological Formation
- How To Get There
- Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road to the Sunrift Gorge pullout and park in the auto lot. A 200-foot paved trail leads to the overlook platform.
- Main Features
- 800-foot-long gorge, 80-foot-deep sheer canyon walls, Baring Creek waterfall plunge at base, overlook platform with views straight down into the chasm, polished rock striations from water erosion
- Geological Formation Type
- Canyon, water-eroded
Location
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Sources
- National Park Service
- YourNPGuide Editorial
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Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.