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
• As of 2026, vehicle reservations are no longer required for any area of the park, including Going-to-the-Sun.
• Logan Pass parking is limited to 3 hours. If you will be participating in the longer hikes, such as the Highline Trail, you'll need to book a shuttle reservation.
• You will need your National Park Pass, or else purchase one at the gate.
• Large vehicles are not permitted to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road. See below for details.
• 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
• 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)

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.
• Seasonal services: 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 hey...better to be safe than sorry, right?

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

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.

Vehicle Size Limits

Due to the winding, narrow nature of the road, there are firm vehicle-size limits in place. 

Vehicles longer than 21 feet or wider than 8 feet are not allowed between Avalanche Creek on the west side and Rising Sun on the east side of Going-to-the-Sun Road. This includes vehicles with a tow.

If you enter from the West Entrance, large vehicles must turn around before Avalanche Creek, as they cannot continue through the alpine section of the road toward Logan Pass. If you enter from the East Entrance (St. Mary), oversized vehicles must turn around before Rising Sun.

Also, vehicles over 10 feet tall may have difficulty driving west from Logan Pass toward the Loop because of rock overhangs.

Additional Information

• Though previous years have seen a piloted vehicle reservation system, that is no longer required.
• However, Logan Pass now has a firm parking limit of 3 hours. If you're staying longer, you will need to get dropped off via the shuttle. 
• Shuttle reservations open on a rolling 60-day window and then again the evening prior.
• Book your shuttle reservation on recreation.gov.

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?

No longer! But you will need a shuttle reservation if you'll be staying at Logan Pass for longer than 3 hours.

Can I hike Highline Trail without a shuttle pass?

Unlikely. The trail takes a full day, and personal parking is limited to 3 hours. You could, however, get someone to drop you off.

Do I still need a park pass?

Yes. A park pass is needed to enter any area of the park.

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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