Going-to-the-Sun Road: 2026 Access, Shuttle & Parking
A 50-mile scenic drive through Glacier's most iconic landscape—seasonal access, shuttle planning, and signature stops explained.
Last verified against official NPS sources
Going-to-the-Sun Road is a spectacular 50-mile scenic drive that crosses the Continental Divide at 6,646-foot Logan Pass, connecting West Glacier and St. Mary through glacial-carved terrain. It is the centerpiece of any Glacier National Park visit in northwest Montana and arguably the most famous scenic drive in the U.S. national park system.
This road transforms the park from a destination into a full sensory experience. The drive itself—not just the trailheads it connects—is worth your time and planning. Visitors who treat Going-to-the-Sun Road as a day-long itinerary rather than a quick transit discover why the park draws over 3 million visitors annually.
Going-to-the-Sun Road right now
The route and its stops
West Glacier to St. Mary over Logan Pass - 50 miles across the Continental Divide.
The stops, west to east
Plan specific stops rather than pulling over at random - some overlooks are better at particular times of day.
Weeping Wall — West side
A 100-foot drainage cascade pouring straight onto the roadside pullout.
- Most dramatic in early summer when snowmelt swells the flow
- Visible from a roadside pullout - no walking required
Logan Pass Visitor Center — The crest - 6,646 ft
The high point of the road and its primary hiking hub.
- Exhibits, restrooms, water, and a bookstore
- Hidden Lake trail: 3 miles round-trip through alpine tundra
- 3-hour timed parking July 1 - September 7
Jackson Glacier Overlook — East side
The park's most accessible glacier viewpoint - a short walk from the pullout.
- One of the easiest places in the park to see a named glacier
- A sobering demonstration of climate change in real time
Sunrift Gorge — East side
A narrow gorge carved by Baring Creek, with a footbridge over dramatic canyon views.
- Short walk to the footbridge
- Pullout fills quickly at midday - go early or after 4pm
Going-to-the-Sun Point — East side
Lake views plus interpretive signage on the road's history and engineering.
- Interpretive panels on how the road was built
- Saint Mary Lake views
Wild Goose Island Scenic Overlook — East side
The most photographed vista in the park - a tiny island backed by Mount Jackson.
- Exceptional light 1-2 hours before sunset
- Classic sunrise photo spot over Saint Mary Lake
Saint Mary Lake overlooks — East-side descent
Progressive lake and front-range views down the eastern descent.
- Multiple pullouts as the road descends toward St. Mary
- Front-range mountain backdrop
Landmark Overview
Going-to-the-Sun Road earned its name from a Native American legend of a being who climbed the mountain to see the sunrise. Completed in 1932, it was a marvel of early mountain road engineering, featuring narrow grades (up to 7%), hairpin turns, and dramatic switchbacks carved into the mountainside.
The drive spans from West Glacier (3,200 ft) to St. Mary (4,875 ft), gaining elevation to Logan Pass and then descending the east slope. Budget 2–4 hours for transit alone; a round-trip with stops typically takes 4–6 hours.
The road passes through three ecosystems: western cedar-hemlock forest, subalpine meadows, and alpine tundra. Wildlife includes mountain goats, bighorn sheep, bears, and elk—maintain 100 yards from bears and wolves, 25 yards from other wildlife.
Seasonal Status & Opening Dates
Late June through mid-October is the typical window. Exact dates vary year to year; the park does not publish firm dates. As of July 2026, the road is fully open for vehicles.
Spring plowing (April–June) progressively opens closed-to-vehicle sections to foot and bicycle traffic. Road-crew closures apply Monday–Thursday, with updates posted every Thursday.
Monitor nps.gov/glac weekly during shoulder seasons (May, June, September, October) if your visit has fixed dates—conditions change rapidly at elevation.
Vehicle Reservations & Parking
Vehicle reservations are NOT required in 2026—the system was retired after 2025. Simply pay the entrance fee and drive.
However, Logan Pass parking is now limited by a 3-hour timed parking pilot (July 1–September 7, 2026). If planning a longer stay at the pass, the shuttle system becomes essential.
Entrance fees: $35 per private vehicle (7-day pass), $20 per person (walking/biking), or $80 annual America the Beautiful pass (covers all federal recreation sites).
Shuttle Access & Booking
The shuttle system is the primary solution for peak-season visitors seeking extended Logan Pass time or planning to hike without driving back down.
Logan Pass shuttle runs July 1–September 7, 2026 only. June has NO shuttle service. Tickets cost $1 per ride and release on Recreation.gov via two windows: 60-day advance (opening May 2 at 8 a.m. MDT) and next-day tickets (released 7 p.m. MDT starting June 30).
Shuttle reservations fill within 1–2 hours during peak weeks (July–August), so plan ahead. Book 60 days in advance if flexible, or set a reminder to grab next-day tickets the evening before your visit.
Biking Season & Restrictions
Cyclists have two windows: spring hiker-biker season (May–early June, before full vehicle opening) and summer riding with time restrictions (late June–Sept 27).
Spring access opens progressively during plowing; closed-to-vehicle sections become bikeable as crews progress. Road-crew closures apply Monday–Thursday; access updates are posted every Thursday.
Summer restrictions: Eastbound (Apgar to Logan Pass) prohibited 12 p.m.–6 p.m. Westbound (Logan Pass to Apgar) prohibited 3 p.m.–6 p.m. The elevation gain to Logan Pass is roughly 3,300 feet over 32 miles from the west—a serious endurance ride.
Closures & Weather Hazards
Going-to-the-Sun Road is prone to unpredictable closures due to weather, rockfall, or infrastructure damage. High winds above Logan Pass can force temporary closures. Summer thunderstorms develop rapidly in afternoon hours and create flash-flood hazards.
Snow can arrive by late September and accumulate quickly above 6,000 feet, triggering full closures within hours. Icy or wet pavement on narrow grades (7%), tight curves, and sheer drop-offs is genuinely dangerous.
Rockfall closures occur most often in spring (snowmelt loosening frozen rock) and after heavy rains. When the road closes, there is no alternative vehicle route across the Continental Divide—plan accordingly.
Connected Trails & Gateway Towns
Going-to-the-Sun Road serves as a hub for day hikes and backcountry routes. Hidden Lake Trail (3 miles round-trip) ascends to an alpine tundra overlook—steep but short and rewarding. Bearhat Lake Trail (9.8 miles) is a serious climb (2,000+ ft gain) through subalpine terrain to a pristine alpine lake.
Backcountry options include Gunsight Pass Trail (14 miles one-way, Jackson Glacier area to park interior) and Siyeh Pass (11 miles one-way from east side, Continental Divide access).
Gateway towns: West Glacier (western entrance, lodging, restaurants, shuttle staging) and St. Mary (east side, food and fuel).
Go deeper
Places along the way
Logan Pass Visitor CenterThe crest of the road at 6,646 feet 
Hidden LakeAlpine hike from Logan Pass (3 miles round-trip) 
Saint Mary LakeEast-side lake with the Wild Goose Island viewpoint 
Jackson Glacier OverlookThe best roadside glacier view on the drive 
Sun PointHistoric 1915 chalet site and trailhead hub above St. Mary Lake 
Wild Goose Island OverlookThe most photographed vista in the park 
Apgar CampgroundWest-entrance base camp 
St. Mary CampgroundEast-entrance base camp 
West GlacierGateway town at the west entrance Common Questions
Do I need a vehicle reservation to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road in 2026?
No. Vehicle reservations were retired after 2025. Simply pay the entrance fee ($35 per private vehicle, $20 per person) and drive. However, parking at Logan Pass is now limited to 3 hours (July 1–September 7), and shuttle reservations ($1 per ticket) are highly recommended for July–early September if you want to stay longer at the pass.
When does Going-to-the-Sun Road open in 2026?
The road typically opens late June through mid-October, depending on winter snow and spring plowing. As of July 2026, the road is fully open. The exact opening date shifts year to year; check nps.gov/glac for current status.
When should I book my shuttle tickets?
Shuttle tickets release on Recreation.gov via two windows: a 60-day advance window (opening May 2 at 8:00 a.m. MDT) and next-day releases (7:00 p.m. MDT starting June 30). Tickets fill within 1–2 hours during peak weeks (July–August), so book early if your dates are fixed. Note: shuttle runs July 1–September 7 only; June has no shuttle service.
What are the must-see stops on Going-to-the-Sun Road?
Logan Pass Visitor Center (6,646 ft, the highest and primary hub) is the must-stop. On the west side, don't miss Weeping Wall (spring snowmelt cascade) and Jackson Glacier Overlook (climate-change story). On the east side, Wild Goose Island Scenic Overlook is the most photographed vista, especially during golden hour.
Can I bike Going-to-the-Sun Road?
Yes, with restrictions. Spring hiker-biker season (May–early June) opens progressively during plowing to cyclists and hikers before full vehicle opening. Once the full road opens (typically late June), bicycles are restricted: eastbound prohibited 12 p.m.–6 p.m., westbound prohibited 3 p.m.–6 p.m., through September 27. The elevation gain (~3,300 ft from west) is significant; it's a serious endurance ride.
