Come and experience Glacier's pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a hiker's paradise for adventurous visitors seeking wilderness and solitude. Relive the days of old through historic chalets, lodges, and the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road. Explore Glacier National Park and discover what awaits you.
Glacier National Park is located in the northwest corner of Montana, along the Canadian border. There are four entrances to the park — the west entrance, which is 30 miles from Whitefish; and the St. Mary, Two Medicine and Many Glaciers entrances, which are approximately 125 miles from Browning.
Although a good chunk of the park is not accessible by a paved road, the Going-to-the-Sun Road bisects the park and runs from the west entrance to the St. Mary entrance. This 50-mile span of roadway climbs to an elevation of over 6,600 feet, and offers some spectacular glacier views. The road is closed during the winter, but it opens in the late spring as the snow plows inch up the pass. Although it varies from year to year, the entire length of the road is usually open by late June.
Two shuttle bus routes are also operated along Going-to-the-Sun Road. One runs from the Apgar Transit Center to Logan Pass and back, and the other runs round-trip from St. Mary to the summit. There are 16 stops along the length of the road, with a transfer point at Logan Pass. All shuttles include a lift or a ramp, and have wheelchair tie-downs. Private vehicles under 21 feet are allowed along Going-to-the-Sun Road, but sometimes parking is scarce, and taking the shuttle helps alleviate congestion. Not all of the shuttle bus stops are accessible, but the drivers announce which ones are not.
Although it’s only 50 miles long, Going-to-the-Sun Road takes two hours to drive, mainly because of the curves and the climb. That said, make plans for a full day excursion, as there are many scenic viewpoints and overlooks along the way.
After the road leaves Apgar, it meanders along the shore of Lake McDonald. At the end of the Lake, there’s a place to pull over near McDonald Falls. There is a curb-cut up to the sidewalk, where you can get a good view of the falls. The dirt trail on the left that goes down to the bridge is not accessible, but it’s still worth a quick stop here to see the falls.
The road then begins to narrow as it approaches The Loop — a sharp hairpin turn — and opens up as it passes the Weeping Wall on the left. This series of waterfalls originates from exposed springs near the top of the wall, and runs for about 100 feet, along the length of the road.
The summit is located just up the road at Logan Pass. There is accessible parking near the restroom, with a barrier-free path to the Logan Pass Visitor Center. The accessible path to the Visitor Center is located on the far right. Inside the lower building you’ll find interpretive exhibits and a ranger on duty to answer questions. Continue along the trail to the upper building for a different perspective of the surrounding glacier. And don’t miss the view from the parking lot.
As the Going-to-the-Sun Road continues, it offers good windshield views of the retreating Jackson Glacier, before it passes the Rising Sun Picnic Area. There is accessible parking near the picnic area, but the picnic tables are located in the middle of a grassy area. Still if you can manage the grass, it’s a nice place for a quiet picnic lunch. Accessible pit toilets are located near the parking area.
Going-to-the-Sun Road ends at the St. Mary Visitor Center, where you’ll find interpretive exhibits about the Blackfeet, Salish, Pend d’Oreille and Kootenae Indians that once inhabited the area. There is plenty of accessible parking near the Visitor Center, with level access to the building, and lots of room to maneuver a wheelchair inside.
