Mile 39.6 · Stop 27 of 32 · Going-to-the-Sun Road

Baring Falls

Turquoise pool and a 25-30 ft cascade over red rock. Water erosion sculpts Baring Falls.

You are here · Going-to-the-Sun Road

← Sunrift Gorge · mile 39.5 Sun Point · mile 40.4 →
Insider tip

Parking fills very early—use shuttle or visit in the shoulder season

Insider tip

Morning light highlights the turquoise pool

The light

Alpenglow possible at sunrise

Heads up

Gravity: exposed edges and slippery rocks; Temperatures: glacier water is extremely cold; Wildlife: bears; carry bear spray and know how to use it; stay on mar…

When to come

Summer, from early June through late October when Going-to-the-Sun Road is open; morning light enhances the turquoise pool; avoid peak mid-summer crowds.

Natural Attraction

Natural Attraction★ 4.7
Waterfall4,900 ftRestrooms availableNo permit neededGolden-hour pick

Turquoise pool glints beneath a 25–30 ft cascade framed by red-tinted bedrock. A footbridge offers a view of the falls, with Upper Baring Falls forming a shorter 12 ft tier nearby. Water from melting alpine ice sculpts this cascade through ongoing erosion, revealing the rock's layered history. The force at work is erosion by glacier-fed water—soft layers yield first, leaving harder rocks to persist.

MAKE ROOM FOR A MEMORABLE STOP

Is this stop worth your time?

Why go

What Youll See
Red-tinted sedimentary bedrock, turquoise pool, 25–30 ft waterfall with a 12 ft upper tier, footbridge viewing, exposed cliff edges along Baring Creek
Unique Characteristics
Turquoise glacier-fed pool set against red Precambrian sedimentary rock; two-tier cascade on a short hike

When to go

Best Visit Times
Shoulder seasons; weekday mornings often quieter
Peak Fill Times
Very early morning; parking fills quickly during peak season

Getting there and doing it

How To Get There
From Sunrift Gorge on Going-to-the-Sun Road, follow the Sunrift Gorge Trail about 0.7 miles round-trip to a footbridge overlooking Baring Falls.
Parking Availability
Small to medium lot at Sunrift Gorge; fills quickly in the morning; overflow parking or park shuttle available.

Getting there & parking

Distance From Entrance
0.7 miles round-trip
Road Type
Paved
GPS Coordinates
Latitude 48.6°N, Longitude -113.5955°

When to go

Best Time To Visit
Summer, from early June through late October when Going-to-the-Sun Road is open; morning light enhances the turquoise pool; avoid peak mid-summer crowds.
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Alpenglow possible at sunrise
Best Season
Summer
Busiest Season
Mid-summer (July–August)
Seasonal Access
Summer through late fall; Going-to-the-Sun Road typically open June–October.
Road Opening Dates
Going-to-the-Sun Road open roughly June–October; Sunrift Gorge area follows road status
Snow Lingering
Snow may linger on shaded slopes into early summer
Winter Access
Limited; winter access primarily by snow routes; not suitable for vehicle travel
Weather Patterns
Summers can bring heat with afternoon thunderstorms; mornings are cool and misty near the falls
Wildflower Peak
Not listed
Fall Colors Peak
Not listed

What you will experience

Attraction Type
Waterfall
Main Features
Waterfall, turquoise glacier-fed pool, red-tinted bedrock, footbridge viewing, 0.7-mile hike
Photo Opportunities
Morning light on turquoise pool; contrasting red rock; spray creating rainbows in mist
Photography Spots
Footbridge over the falls; lower viewing area along Baring Creek; sunrise shots from near Sunrift Gorge
Best Viewpoints
Footbridge vantage near the falls; viewpoints along Baring Creek
Common Wildlife
American dippers; deer; black bears
Geological Formation Type
Sedimentary bedrock with layered strata; water-eroded waterfall
Scientific Interest
Rock flour color; differential erosion; Precambrian bedrock
Stargazing Quality
Good with clear skies; limited light pollution away from the road

Facilities, fees & access

Entry Fees
Included with park entrance fee
Permits Required
No
Restrooms Available
Yes
Restroom Type
Sun Point Visitor Center restrooms (flush toilets)
Picnic Areas
No
Water Available
No
Interpretive Signs
No
Accessibility
Stairs and rocky sections; not wheelchair-accessible
Accessibility Level
Not wheelchair-friendly; stairs and rocky sections.
Nearby Services
St. Mary dining; Sun Point Visitor Center
Nearby Facilities
Sun Point Visitor Center; dining in St. Mary
Family Friendly Notes
Sturdy footwear; keep children away from cliff edges; stay on trail

Safety

Nearby

Nearby Attractions
St. Mary Falls; Virginia Falls; Siyeh Pass Trail; Piegan Pass Trail
Connecting Trails
Siyeh Pass Trail; Piegan Pass Trail; St. Mary Falls Trail
Trailheads Here
Sunrift Gorge

Planning advice

Insider Tips
  • Parking fills very early—use shuttle or visit in the shoulder season
  • Morning light highlights the turquoise pool
  • Stay back from cliff edges
  • Look for American dippers along Baring Creek
Tips Advice
  • Parking fills very early—arrive before 7am or use the park shuttle.
  • Look for the turquoise pool set against red bedrock; stay on the trail.
  • The viewing footbridge has open cliff edges; keep a safe distance.
  • Bear spray is recommended; know how to use it; sturdy footwear advised.

More details

Park Area
Glacier National Park
Recent Updates
Parking remains tight; shuttle recommended during peak season
Elevation Feet
4900
Visitor Center Present
Yes
Guided Tours Available
No
Waterfall Height
25-30 ft; Upper Baring Falls ~12 ft
Waterfall Flow Rate
Variable with snowmelt
Fishing Species
Not listed
Fishing Nearby
No
Swimming Allowed
No
Boating Allowed
No
Climbing Areas
No
Review Summary
Visitors celebrate the turquoise pool against red rock and the short, rewarding hike; parking can be a bottleneck; overall the site delivers a concise geologic and visual payoff

Continue the drive

← Previous stop · mile 39.5 Sunrift Gorge Next stop → · mile 40.4 Sun Point

See every stop on the drive →

Location

Baring Falls, Glacier National ParkBaring Falls from side, Glacier National ParkBaring Falls sits beside a clear glacier-fed lake with towering Glacier National Park peaks in the background.Baring Falls along a rushing Glacier National Park stream, framed by green trees and jagged mountains.Baring Falls wooden bridge crosses a rushing glacier-fed stream beneath rugged cliffs and lush shrubs in Glacier National Park.Baring Falls landscape at Glacier National Park with a charred forest foreground and towering mountain peaks in the distance.

Frequently asked questions

Do I really need to arrive before 7am to get parking?

Yes. Parking at Sunrift Gorge fills quickly, especially in peak season; consider the park shuttle or visiting in the shoulder months.

Is the 0.7-mile hike worth the effort?

Yes. The turquoise pool, red bedrock, and the waterfall provide a compact but high-contrast geologic display.

Can I view Baring Falls from the Sunrift Gorge area without hiking?

A footbridge offers a viewing vantage near the falls, but the best full view requires the short trail.

Is bear spray recommended here?

Yes. Bears are a possibility; carry bear spray and know how to use it; stay on trails and maintain distance.

Is the trail accessible for those with limited mobility?

No. The route involves stairs and rocky sections, not wheelchair-friendly.

Pyramid Peak

Granite peak sharpened by glacial ice; scrambling to Pyramid Peak from Pyramid Pass.

Grace Lake

Grace Lake: glacial cirque lake at 3,966 ft, reached via the Logging Lake Trail.

Monument Falls

215 ft waterfall fed by glacial meltwater; view from Avalanche Lake shore.

Lake McDonald

A west-side lakeshore pause: choose Apgar or Lake McDonald Lodge, then leave room for a separate walk or boat outing.

Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated December 2025. Report an issue.