Riding the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park
2 min read
The Going-to-the-Sun Road crosses Glacier National Park in Montana for 80 km (50 mi), from West Glacier in the west to St. Mary in the east. It climbs over Logan Pass at 2,026 m (6,646 ft), cut into the mountainside, with Lake McDonald below one side of the pass and St. Mary Lake below the other.
When the road is open
The whole road is usually open from late June or early July until the third Monday of October. Snow decides the exact dates each year, and the lower ends open before the pass does.
Weather at the pass can change fast, even in summer, so bring layers and rain gear. Check the park's road status before you ride.
Fees and access
In 2026, a 7-day entrance pass for a motorcycle costs $30 ($20 from November to April). Visitors aged 16 and over from outside the US also pay $100 per person, unless they have an annual or America the Beautiful pass.
No vehicle reservation was needed in 2026, but parking at Logan Pass was limited to three hours. These rules change from year to year, so check the park's fees and vehicle reservation page for the year you ride.
Five stops along the way
From west to east:
- Lake McDonald: the largest lake in the park, with clear water and mountains and forest all around. A good place for a break before the climb.
- Triple Arches: on the climb to Logan Pass, the road crosses a gap in the steep side of Pollock Mountain on a stone bridge with three arches.
- Logan Pass: the top of the road. The visitor center has exhibits on the park and is the start of several hiking trails, and you may see mountain goats and bighorn sheep.
- Jackson Glacier Overlook: east of the pass, a view of Jackson Glacier, one of the few glaciers left in the park.
- St. Mary Lake and Sun Point: clear water framed by peaks, with Going-to-the-Sun Mountain above. Stop at Sun Point for the view, or walk one of the trails nearby.
