Going-to-the-Sun Road
United States, north-america
80 km
2,026 m
moderate
July to September
Going-to-the-Sun Road is a 80-kilometer mountain road that bisects Glacier National Park in Montana, crossing the Continental Divide at Logan Pass (2,026 m). Completed in 1932 after eleven years of construction, the road is considered one of the most difficult engineering feats in American highway history and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1985. It is the only road that crosses the park, threading through some of the most dramatic glacially carved terrain in the Rocky Mountains.
The road climbs from the shores of Lake McDonald on the west side through dense cedar-hemlock forests, past tumbling waterfalls, and along narrow ledges carved into near-vertical cliff faces. The Garden Wall section, where the road was cut directly into a sheer cliff, offers heart-stopping views of the valley thousands of feet below. At Logan Pass, alpine meadows explode with wildflowers in July, and mountain goats frequently graze near the visitor center. The eastern descent passes through a more open landscape of glacial lakes and wind-sculpted terrain.
Vehicle restrictions apply due to the road's narrow width and tight curves: vehicles over 6.4 meters long or 2.4 meters wide (including mirrors) are prohibited on certain sections. The road is typically open from mid-June to mid-October, with the exact opening date depending on how quickly snowplows can clear the massive snowdrifts that accumulate at higher elevations. A vehicle reservation system has been implemented in recent years to manage the millions of visitors who come to experience what many consider America's most beautiful drive.
Where is it?
Going-to-the-Sun Road is located in Montana, United States (north-america). Coordinates: 48.6962, -113.7168
Driving Tips
Vehicle reservation required June-September. Size restrictions apply (no vehicles over 21ft or 8ft wide). Visit early morning for fewer crowds. Wildflower peak is mid-July. Watch for mountain goats at Logan Pass.
Road Surface
Paved asphalt
Road Details
- Country
- United States
- Continent
- north-america
- Region
- Montana
- Length
- 80 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,026 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Surface
- Paved asphalt
- Best Season
- July to September
- Coordinates
- 48.6962, -113.7168
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