Enjoy driving this winding, incredibly scenic roadway, and discover prairie grasslands, dense forests, mountain vistas, rugged Rocky Mountains, waterfalls, and much wildlife.
Situated within the confines of Glacier National Park is Going-to-the-Sun Highway, one of the most beautiful of all the national parks, and a 50-mile length of zigzagging, incredibly scenic roadway. A very narrow, 2-lane road, Going-to-the-Sun Highway changes scenery, beginning with prairie grasslands in the east to dense mountain vistas and forests in the west. This is the only road across the park’s one million acres, and much, if not all of it, is closed by late September because of heavy snowfall. Coming and going out of West Glacier, you’ll have to endure the ever-present budget motels, gift shops, and the rush of tourists in peak season.
As soon as you’ve taken to the highway, you’ll be transplanted into heaven on earth. Breathtaking in every path, Glacier National Park is beyond douby the American Alps. Lake McDonald, the park’s largest lake, is situated in West of Logan Pass. Here lies Lake McDonald Lodge, complete with campground, restaurants, a gas station, and, if you’ve got extra time, a one-hour narrated boat cruise. The most rugged of all the Rocky Mountain national parks, Glacier safeguards some 1,500 sq. miles. Offered for everyone’s pleasure are dense forests, rivers and streams, red rock, cedar and fir trees lining the creeks, glacier-fed lakes, wildlife, wildflowers and waterfalls. Going-to-the-Sun Highway, although a sheer 50 miles, is magnificent in its breadth and depth. Visitors might even spot mountain lions, deer, grizzly bears, mountain sheep, and goats along the road, as well as in the back country.
There are several fishing areas, hiking trails, and campgrounds within the park. One is advised to strictly follow all park rules, as there are bears and other wildlife. The lodges within the park feature frequent visits with park rangers in the evenings, providing plenty of useful information. Along Going-to-the-Sun Highway, there are turnoffs where you can stop, relax, and get a good view of the park, as well as great photo-ops, of course. Within the park, there has always been transportation provided across the highway by “jammers,” red vintage, open-top buses. Because they were in such disrepair, they were closed last year, but hopes are they will open again this summer. Two pre-WWI villas–off the beaten track and accessible only by hiking–have been refurbished and guests can stay overnight.
Starting Point:
Browning, MT
Distance of Drive:
79 miles (Going-to-the-Sun drive is 50 miles long).
Must Eat:
Glacier Village
304 Highway 2 East, East Glacier Park, MT 59434
Phone: 406-226-4464
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Best Time of Year for Drive:
Summer is the only season for crossing Going-to-the-Sun Highway, as snows come early to this part of the country. Late September through mid-October is just about as long into the Fall as road trippers are able to navigate the roads by car.
Points of Interest on Drive:
Avalanche Creek
Blackfoot Indian Writing Company
Glacier National Park
The Hi-Line Trail
Logan Pass (only during summer)
Museum of the Plains Indian
Tagged with: best time:summer and fall • Montana • wildlife
Filed under: Best Road Trips