The Loop
The road's only hairpin — Heavens Peak views, Highline hikers' exit, major shuttle stop, and the start of the cliff-cut climb to Logan Pass.
You are here · Going-to-the-Sun Road
Don't fight for a spot in the morning — hikers claim the lot early and it stays jammed until the afternoon shuttle waves start.
If you're hiking the Highline point-to-point, this is where you come OUT — park here at dawn, shuttle up to Logan Pass, and your car is waiting at the end.
Strong evening stop - the valley opens west, and late light lands on Heavens Peak. Not the sunset destination Big Bend is, but far easier to park for it.
Natural Attraction
The Loop is the moment Going-to-the-Sun Road stops being a forest drive and becomes the road everyone talks about. It's the only hairpin switchback on the entire route — the pavement doubles back on itself once, gains its nerve, and starts the long cliff-cut climb to Logan Pass. From the pullout, Heavens Peak fills the sky across the valley at just under 9,000 feet. This is also one of the busiest trail junctions in the park: Highline Trail hikers pour down here all afternoon to catch the shuttle back up, and the Loop Trail climbs from the bend to Granite Park Chalet.
Getting there & parking
- How To Get There
- About 24 miles from the West Glacier entrance on Going-to-the-Sun Road - the road's one true hairpin, where the climb to Logan Pass begins. Parking areas sit above and below the bend. Driving west-to-east, the lower lot comes first. Accessible only while the alpine section of the road is open, typically late June through mid-October.
- Road Type
- Paved Going-to-the-Sun Road. The Loop is the road's only hairpin switchback - beyond it the alpine section narrows against the cliff, and the 21-ft vehicle length limit applies.
- Parking Availability
- Two small lots at the bend, above and below the curve, plus a handful of roadside spots. Fills early with Highline and Granite Park hikers and stays tight until afternoon - midday through evening is the realistic window for drivers.
When to go
- Best Time To Visit
- Midday through evening for parking — mornings the lot belongs to Highline and Granite Park hikers staging their cars. Evening light on Heavens Peak is the photo window.
- Best Visit Times
- Midday through evening for parking; evening for the light on Heavens Peak. Mornings belong to hikers staging the Highline point-to-point.
- Sunrise Sunset Quality
- Strong evening stop - the valley opens west, and late light lands on Heavens Peak. Not the sunset destination Big Bend is, but far easier to park for it.
- Seasonal Access
- Open only while the alpine section of Going-to-the-Sun Road is open - typically late June through mid-October, varying with snowpack.
- Road Opening Dates
- Alpine section typically opens late June (June 22 in 2026) and closes in mid-October, varying with snowpack.
- Snow Lingering
- Snowbanks linger at the bend into early summer; Heavens Peak across the valley holds snow streaks most of the season.
- Weather Patterns
- Alpine-edge weather: afternoon thunderstorms are routine in summer, and conditions shift fast as the road climbs beyond the bend.
What you will experience
- Attraction Type
- Hairpin switchback and overlook
- Main Features
- The road's only hairpin switchback, Heavens Peak views across the valley, Loop Trail to Granite Park Chalet, Highline Trail exit point, major shuttle stop, parking above and below the bend, pit toilets
- What Youll See
- Heavens Peak dominating the western skyline at just under 9,000 feet, usually streaked with snow into midsummer. The bend itself is the show for road lovers - the pavement visibly doubling back and then cutting along the cliff face toward Logan Pass. All afternoon, Highline hikers stream down the trail into the lot, packs and trekking poles everywhere - The Loop has the busiest trailhead energy of any pullout on the road.
- Unique Characteristics
- The only 180-degree switchback on the entire 50-mile road - everywhere else the engineers held the grade with cliff cuts instead of bends. Doubles as the Highline Trail's point-to-point exit, which gives it a trailhead's rhythm: dawn car drops, afternoon shuttle crowds.
- Photo Opportunities
- Heavens Peak from the outside of the bend - evening light is best. The hairpin itself photographs well from the upper lot looking down. Red buses rounding the curve are the classic motion shot.
- Geological Formation Type
- Glacially carved U-shaped valley wall; the hairpin is the road's answer to 600 vertical feet the cliff would not give up gradually
Facilities, fees & access
- Entry Fees
- $35 per private vehicle (7-day summer pass) for park entrance. No additional fee at The Loop.
- Permits Required
- 0
- Restrooms Available
- 1
- Restroom Type
- Pit toilets at the bend
- Picnic Areas
- 0
- Accessibility
- Views available directly from the parking areas — no trail required. Pavement is generally level at the pullouts.
- Nearby Services
- Nothing at the bend beyond pit toilets. Lake McDonald Lodge (about 13 miles west) for food and supplies; Logan Pass Visitor Center (about 8 miles east) for water and rangers.
- Nearby Facilities
- Pit toilets at the bend. No water or food — nearest services at Lake McDonald Lodge (13 miles west) or Logan Pass Visitor Center (8 miles up).
- Family Friendly Notes
- An easy pullout stop with pit toilets, but hold hands near the bend — traffic rounds the hairpin continuously and the shoulder is narrow. Drop-offs beyond the walls are real.
Safety
- Safety Considerations
- Traffic rounds the hairpin continuously in both directions - watch children near the curve and cross with care between the upper and lower lots. Shoulders are narrow. Beyond The Loop the road tightens against the cliff with real drop-offs; slow, steady driving is all it takes.
Nearby
- Nearby Attractions
- West Tunnel just below the bend - two carved windows framing Heavens Peak. Bird Woman Falls Overlook about 3 miles up. The Weeping Wall and Big Bend further up the climb. Avalanche area (Trail of the Cedars, Avalanche Lake) about 8 miles west.
- Trailheads Here
- Loop Trail to Granite Park Chalet (about 4.2 miles, 2,600 ft gain) - also the exit leg of the Highline Trail point-to-point from Logan Pass.
Planning advice
- Insider Tips
- Don't fight for a spot in the morning — hikers claim the lot early and it stays jammed until the afternoon shuttle waves start.
- If you're hiking the Highline point-to-point, this is where you come OUT — park here at dawn, shuttle up to Logan Pass, and your car is waiting at the end.
- The bend has parking above and below the curve; the lower lot is easier to enter driving eastbound.
- Just below is the West Tunnel — its two windows frame Heavens Peak; walk the sidewalk through if you can't stop at both.
- Beyond The Loop the road narrows against the cliff — this is your last easy chance to reconsider driving a wide vehicle (21-ft length limit applies on the alpine section).
Continue the drive
Location
Photos
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called The Loop?
It's the only hairpin switchback on Going-to-the-Sun Road — the pavement bends 180 degrees around a single tight curve to gain elevation, and the name stuck.
Is there parking and a bathroom at The Loop?
Yes — small lots above and below the bend, plus pit toilets. The lots fill fast in the morning with Highline Trail hikers and stay busy most of the day.
Can I hike from The Loop?
Yes. The Loop Trail climbs about 4.2 miles and 2,600 feet to Granite Park Chalet, and it's the standard exit for Highline Trail hikers doing the point-to-point from Logan Pass.
Is The Loop a shuttle stop?
Yes, it's a major stop — most Highline point-to-point hikers park here and ride the shuttle up to Logan Pass to start, finishing back at their car.
What mountain is that across the valley?
Heavens Peak — just under 9,000 feet, snow-streaked well into summer. It's the view that makes people pull over here.
Does the road get harder after The Loop?
This is where the alpine section begins — the road narrows against the cliff face with drop-offs on the outside lane, and the 21-foot vehicle length limit applies. It's spectacular, not dangerous, if you take it slow.
More at Glacier National Park
Vulture Peak
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Pyramid Peak
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Grace Lake
Grace Lake: glacial cirque lake at 3,966 ft, reached via the Logging Lake Trail.
Rising Sun Picnic Area
Pizza with a crispy crust and handmade sauce; big views over St. Mary Lake.
Two Medicine Picnic Area
Huckleberry Shake owns the menu; pancakes arrive in colossal portions.
Monument Falls
215 ft waterfall fed by glacial meltwater; view from Avalanche Lake shore.
Sources
- National Park Service
- YourNPGuide Editorial
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 July 2026. Report an issue.