Know Before You Go, Glacier National Park: Going-to-the-Sun Road

Start Planning! 

You’re about to go on an epic adventure to Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road! Here’s what you need to know before you go. 

• The tour has five starting points:
  • Northbound
    • Columbia: The Montana Vortex House of Mystery on Highway 2 E
    • Middle Fork: The Cascadilla Flat River Boating Access on US Rte 2
  • Reverse
    • Baab: The junction of Hwy 17 and Hwy 89
    • Kiowa: The junction of Hwy 89 and Star School Road.
    • Wetzel: North of Wetzel of Hwy 64
• Vehicle reservations are required for entering the Going-to-the-Sun Road from the West Glacier entrance.
• Decide in advance when and where you would like to start the tour so you know whether or not you need a vehicle reservation.
• You will also need your National Park Pass.
• The Going-to-the-Sun Road closes seasonally every year. Check Below.

Best Time to Visit Going-to-the-Sun Road

Late June through September is usually the best window, once the full road opens.

• July–August: best access, but busiest (and reservations are often required).
• September: fewer crowds, cooler temps, some services may scale back.
• Late spring/late fall: road may be partially open or closed due to snow.

Pro tip: Go early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and a smoother drive.

How Long to Spend on Going-to-the-Sun Road

• Quick drive: ~2 hours with no stops
• Half day: 4–6 hours to enjoy viewpoints and short walks
• Full day (recommended): Add hikes, visitor centers, and a relaxed pace

If you can, plan extra time—this is one drive where you’ll want to stop often. If you want to explore all the other sections of the park as well, I'd suggest 4-6 days for a full but stress-free itinerary.

Budgeting and Hours of Operation 

Shutterstock Image

Budget

To drive Going-to-the-Sun Road, you’ll need a valid Glacier National Park entrance pass:

• $35 per private vehicle (valid for 7 days)
• $30 per motorcycle
• $20 per person (walk-in or bike)
• America the Beautiful Annual Pass: $80 (best value if you’re visiting multiple national parks)

Vehicle Reservations (Important)

During the busy season, vehicle reservations are required to enter Going-to-the-Sun Road from the West Glacier entrance during peak hours.

• Vehicle reservation: $2–$3 processing fee (non-refundable)
• Purchased through Recreation.gov
• Required in addition to your park entrance pass

No reservation? No panic—see transportation alternatives below.

In-Park Lodging (Seasonal, Limited)

Going-to-the-Sun Road runs between West Glacier and St. Mary, and lodging prices vary by side and season.

• Lake McDonald Lodge / Rising Sun Motor Inn
• $200–$350+ per night, prime location, books far in advance, short season

West Glacier Area

• Hotels & lodges: $150–$300+ per night (summer)
• Budget motels: $120–$180
• More options, easier access to services

East Glacier/St. Mary Area

• Hotels & cabins: $140–$280 per night
• Fewer choices, quieter vibe, closer to Logan Pass from the east

Camping (Most Affordable)

• In-park campgrounds: ~$20–$35 per night
• Seasonal, some first-come/first-served
• Campgrounds along GTTSR fill quickly in summer

Optional

Red Bus Tours (Guided, No Driving)

A classic Glacier experience and a popular alternative to driving yourself.

• Half-day tours: ~$60–$70 per adult
• Full-day tours: ~$80–$95 per adult

Prices vary by route and season.

Boat Tours & Rentals (Nearby Lakes)

Not directly on the road, but easy add-ons if you’re already exploring nearby areas.

• Boat tours: ~$20–$35 per adult
• Boat rentals (kayak/rowboat): ~$20–$30 per hour

Popular lakes include Lake McDonald and St. Mary Lake.

Gear & Rentals

Often purchased specifically for Glacier trips:

• Bear spray:
  • Buy: ~$40–$60
  • Rent: ~$15–$25

• Trekking poles / traction (early season): ~$10–$25 (rental)

Hours of Operation 

Going-to-the-Sun Road doesn’t run on fixed hours—it runs on season, weather, and snow.

• Seasonal access: The road typically opens late spring through early fall and closes mid-fall through late spring. Exact dates vary every year, especially around Logan Pass.
• Gate checks & reservations (peak season): Vehicle reservation enforcement happens during set daytime hours that change by year. Outside those hours (early/late), you may be able to enter without a reservation if the road is open.
• Services are seasonal: Visitor centers, shuttles, cafés, and tours mostly operate in summer, with reduced hours in shoulder seasons.
• Temporary closures happen: Even in summer, the road can close briefly due to weather, construction, or incidents.

Check NPS site for current opening hours.

Get Packing!

Rachel Ennis

​​Here’s our packing list for this tour. It may seem a little long, but remember, what you bring depends on the activities you choose to do for the day. 

• Raincoat
• Sunscreen
• Binoculars
• Insect Repellent
• Bear Spray (can be rented at Kalispel Airport or Apgar Village)
• Any Vehicle Reservations Needed

Best Time to Visit 

Rachel Ennis

• The Going to the Sun Road closes seasonally every year. Typically, the road opens from late spring to early fall, but exact dates depend on the weather. 
• Summer is a great time to visit, with all shops, visitor centers, and roadways open, but it can also be extremely busy. 
• Early fall sees fewer visitors, but by mid-fall, some park services will be reduced.

Safety Information 

• The biggest concerns are falling, hypothermia, and bears. Watch your step, keep dry, and bring bear spray.

Additional Information

• As of 2024, vehicle reservations are required for entering the Going-to-the-Sun Road from the West Glacier entrance during the prime seasons. These can be booked on Recreation.gov 120 days or 24 hours in advance. Without a vehicle reservation, visitors will need to ride either the free park shuttle buses or a paid-for red bus tour. 
• Alternatively, visitors can enter without a reservation at any time from the St. Mary entrance or can enter from any entrance in the early morning or late afternoon, after gate-check hours.
• Decide in advance when and where you would like to start the tour so you know whether or not you need a vehicle reservation.

Leave No Trace

While exploring, we encourage you to abide by the leave-no-trace principles. Embrace the outdoors responsibly with our commitment to preserving natural wonders. 

Respect wildlife habitats, minimize your footprint, and carry out memories, not waste. By following Leave No Trace principles, you contribute to the longevity and beauty of our planet's most stunning landscapes.

FAQs

Do I need a vehicle reservation to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road?

Yes—if you’re entering from the West Glacier entrance during peak season and gate-check hours. Reservations are booked on Recreation.gov and are required in addition to your park entrance pass.

Can I see Going-to-the-Sun Road without a reservation?

Yes. As of 2025, you can:

• Enter from the St. Mary entrance
• Enter early morning or late afternoon, outside gate-check hours
• Use the free park shuttle
• Take a Red Bus Tour

Do I still need a park pass if I have a reservation?

Yes. A vehicle reservation does not replace your Glacier National Park entrance pass.

Is the road open year-round?

No. Going-to-the-Sun Road closes seasonally due to snow. It typically opens sometime between late spring and early summer and closes in mid-fall, depending on weather.

How long does it take to drive the road?

Without stops, about 2 hours. With viewpoints, short walks, and photos, plan half a day or more.

Is it scary to drive?

It’s narrow in places with steep drop-offs, but it’s fully paved and well-maintained. Take it slow and use pullouts.

Are there size restrictions for vehicles?

Yes. Oversized vehicles and large RVs are restricted. Check current length and width limits before driving.

Will I have cell service?

Cell service is spotty to nonexistent. Download your Shaka Guide tour before you enter the park.

Are there food and restrooms along the road?

Yes, but they’re limited and seasonal. Bring water and snacks just in case. You will, however, find plenty of options near Apgar and West Glacier.

What are the biggest safety concerns?

Falls at overlooks, fast-changing mountain weather, and bears. Stay back from edges, bring layers, and carry bear spray.

Ready to take the tour? Check out Shaka Guide's Glacier National Park, Going-to-the-Sun Road Tour!

We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.

For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our Glacier National Park, Going-to-the-Sun Road Itinerary.

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