Scenic overlooks, cascading waterfalls, pristine lakes, and some of the best hikes in Glacier National Park… These 21 must-see stops along the Going-to-the-Sun Road can impress even a Grinch.
Last updated: June 1, 2024
Top 21 Stops to See Along the Going-to-the-Sun Road
The Going-to-the-Sun Road must be on every Glacier National Park itinerary. In fact, it is, or at least on almost every. Running through Glacier’s diverse terrain, the 50-mile scenic road is rightfully considered the crown jewel of the park that entices with a myriad of epic stops, overlooks, hikes, and abundant wildlife.
Hiking is another activity that classifies the panoramic corridor as the most popular section of Glacier National Park. Whether you stop by the side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, march down a narrow trail to a wooden deck that observes a series of cascades, or set off on a day journey along the 11.6-mile Highline Trail, the area takes your breath away and inspires to see more of it.
Activities for Everybody
No wonder, the panoramic stops along the Going-to-the-Sun Road provide a serious competition to Many Glacier, another must-see area in the park. Snuggled mostly by the side of the road, these places ensure that you can enjoy the natural beauty without walking too far or too much.
On the other hand, the convenient locations of the majority of the must-see stops along the Going-to-the-Sun Road don’t imply that avid hikers should skip this area altogether. Quite the opposite! The farther you wander off the Going-to-the-Sun Road, the more remarkable stops and intriguing places you find along the way.
How to See the Best Stops Along Going-to-the-Sun Road
The Going-to-the-Sun Road with its resplendent sites runs from West Glacier to East Glacier. Two entrances, the West Glacier and St. Mary entrances, allow access to the scenic route and see all the natural wonders it has to offer.
Depending on where you’re heading from, you can start your journey of exploring these 21 stops along the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road at either of these entrances.
Driving East
We drove along the Going-to-the-Sun Road twice. As we were coming from Idaho, the West Glacier entrance was the closest for us to access the park.
It turned out driving west to east had a few advantages. Many of the scenic sites of the Going-to-the-Sun Road area sit on the right hand side, which let us quickly access trailheads and overlooks with panoramic views without worrying about the upcoming traffic while crossing the road.
Driving West
Consequently, westbound travelers have fewer options for easy pull-offs on the eastern side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Furthermore, a tall cliff wall on the right limits the views and prevents you from taking good pictures from the car.
TIP: The best way to see and fully enjoy the many scenic stops along the Going-to-the-Sun Road is to drive the route twice, in the opposite directions. If you have only one chance, head east to west, from the West Glacier entrance to the St. Mary entrance.
NEED TO KNOW: As of the summer season of 2024, all visitors driving along the Going-to-the-Sun Road must present a vehicle reservation along with park’s pass.
THE BEST STOPS IN GOING-TO-THE-SUN ROAD AREA: PANORAMIC OVERLOOKS AND HIKES
So what can you see and explore while driving along the Going-to-the-Sun Road? A simple answer is: “More than you can expect”. The area is dotted with spectacular cascades and waterfalls, roadside overlooks and creeks, and some of Glacier’s favorite trails.
Since we drove west to east, these 21 must-see stops along the Going-to-the-Sun Road are listed in similar order, starting from the westmost places and ending with the favorite destinations on the eastern side of the most visited section of Glacier. Without further ado, here are the best stops to explore along the outrageously gorgeous Going-to-the-Sun Road.
1. Apgar Village
Apgar Village is the first place to stop in the Going-to-the-Sun Road area. Home to several shops and in-park lodges, it’s a place to get social and soak in a vibrant village vibe before looking for solitude farther down the road.
TIP: If you have only one day to explore more than two dozen panoramic stops along the Going-to-the-Sun Road in summer, don’t spend too much time at Apgar Village. The earlier you start your drive, the easier is to find parking spots at the most popular trailhead along the Sun Road.
2. Lake McDonald
Lake McDonald is one of the most recognizable stops along the western side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The largest lake in Glacier National Park, this natural attraction spans 10 miles in length and a mile in width. Moreover, at 472 feet deep, it’s also one of the best places to boat in the Sun Road corridor.
Frequent visitors of Glacier National Park insist that the best views of Lake McDonald open up from its shores near Apgar Village, Lake McDonald Lodge, and the Fish Creek Campground.
I can’t attest to the validity of these statements. Ample secluded stops and roadside pull-offs along the shore, however, allowed us to take in the gorgeous surroundings and explore this section of the Going-to-the-Sun Road without the maddening crowds around.
3. McDonald Falls Overlook
One of the easier and prettiest stops along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, the McDonald Falls Overlook is located a stone’s throw away from Lake McDonald. Although the waterfall that cascades down MdDonald Creek is hard to spot while driving, the roaring sound unveils the presence of the fall from a far.
Unlike some other easy stops along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, McDonald Falls gathers fewer spectators. The fact that we had the whole overlook to ourselves on an early morning is hard to deny.
4. Sacred Dancing Cascade
One of the frequently overlooked stops along the western side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, Sacred Dancing Cascade amuses with its swirling water flows over rocky “stairs” on McDonald Creek. The stunning natural landmark indeed looks like a dance performed by nature. The powerful water streams down the rocks, creating such a drastic contrast to the serene surroundings.
TIP: Pull over and walk down a narrow path to take in the stunning views and explore a few other must-see stops located within a walking distance from this section of the Going-to-the-Sun Road. If you have time, linger at a bridge across the creek to photograph the cascade or hike to Johns Lake.
5. Redrock
If chasing the least visited stops in the Going-to-the-Sun Road area is your idea of a perfect trip to Glacier, then Redrock is exactly what you need. The roaring stream rushing down and submerging a series of massive rocks on its way looks too good to miss. Yet with the abundance of other incredible places scattered across the Going-to-the-Sun Road area, it hardly gets its deserved glory.
Those who stumble upon this little gem, don’t hesitate to go down to the creek to dip their feet in the water, though. At the same time, a hidden in the woods observation deck set right by the road welcomes Glacier’s guests that feel comfortable enjoying the views from the dry ground.
TIP: The alluring stops on the Going-to-the-Sun Road located between Redrock and Lake McDonald are best to see while driving east to west.
6. The Trail of the Cedars
The number of the most visited stops along the Going-to-the-Sun Road increases starting with the Trail of the Cedars. Located 16.8 miles away from the West Glacier entrance, this 0.7-mile loop runs through a dense forest of tall cedars.
The trail begins as a paved path and continues along a raised boardwalk all the way to Avalanche Gorge. Here, you find stunning vistas of the water rushing past moss-covered rocks and streaming down Avalanche Creek.
Overall, the hike is easy and can be done any time of the day, given that you can find a parking space in the afternoon – the busiest time of the day in Glacier National Park.
READ MORE: The Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park
7. Avalanche Lake – One of the Must-See Stops Along the Going-to-the-Sun Road
If you’ve succeeded at securing your spot at the Trail of the Cedars’ parking lot, spend a few hours in this section of the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Another must-visit destination here is mesmerizing Avalanche Lake. The place sits at the end of the 2-mile Avalanche Lake Trail that forks from the Trail of the Cedars. Having barely any significant ascents, the hike asks on average 2-3 hours of your time.
8. West Tunnel
Bored through a 192-foot-wide mountain, West Tunnel is one of the iconic stops you stumble upon while driving along the western side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The place came to life between 1926 and 1927.
The almost 100-year-old member of the popular scenic route, however, has lost neither its functionality nor attractiveness. Festooned with window ports overlooking Heavens Peak and the Upper McDonald Creek Valley, it’s one of the most photographed places in Glacier.
A small waterfall right next to the tunnel provides a cool spot to take a break while exploring the area on foot.
9. The Loop
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is indeed remarkable. It’s loaded with epic landmarks and breathtaking landscapes that you can see right from the window of your car. Popping up on the right or left sides of the road, these places are called stops for a reason. The Loop is one of them.
The only switchback on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, the area offers unobstructed views of Heavens Peak, the highest of four peaks that divide Camas Creek and McDonald Creek. If enjoying the vistas from the side of the road is not enough for you, hike down the strenuous, 4-mile Granite Park Chalet Trail.
10. Bird Woman Falls Overlook
The Bird Woman Falls Overlook is one of the best stops to admire the tallest waterfall in the Going-to-the-Sun Road area. Perched between Mount Oberlin and Mount Cannon, the 492-foot falls cascades down from a hanging valley, offering plenty of stunning photo opportunities.
TIP: Don’t feel disheartened if you can’t find a parking spot at the overlook. Delighting the visitors from a distance, Bird Woman Falls comes into view at many other stops along the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
11. Weeping Wall
Feel droplets of refreshing water on your skin as you pass by the Weeping Wall. Dropping from the mountain wall on the left (for eastbound visitors), the place is the closest waterfall you can drive to in the Going-to-the-Sun Road area.
The roadside attraction consists of a series of gushing waterfalls, which are the most powerful in spring. Yet even in summer, the waterfalls store enough force to offer a free “car wash” for the passing by vehicles. By August, however, the Weeping Wall usually exhausts its water supplies, turning into a trickle.
12. Big Bend
Big Bend falls into the category of the most photogenic stops along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. A place where the scenic route bends, creating a dramatic U-shape, entices with some of the best views of the valley below and Glacier’s giants: Cannon Mountain, Mount Oberlin, and Heavens Peak.
13. Triple Arches
As you drive along the Sun Road towards Logan Pass, keep your eyes peeled for the Triple Arches. Regarded as an engineering marvel, the place is one of a few places along the Going-to-the-Sun Roads that you don’t actually stop at. If you do, you’ve already missed it. The best view of the Triple Arches opens up from the road as it curves from afar.
While the inartistic architecture may surprise you, its history will make you appreciate the place even more. The Triple Arches Bridge was built in the 1920s to cover a gap in the mountain terrain.
14. Logan Pass – One of the Most Beautiful Stops Along Going-to-the-Sun Road
Logan Pass is unquestionably one of the most remarkable stops in the Going-to-the-Sun Road section of the park. The place is famous for its alpine meadows filled with yellow wildflowers, abundant Glacier’s wildlife, and jaw-dropping scenery.
A few picturesque hikes intersect the area. The trails range from short hikes such as the 3-mile, round-trip Hidden Lake Overlook Trail, to longer endeavors such the Highline Trail. Stretching for more than 10 miles one way, the hike requires a whole day to complete.
Good to Know: Logan Pass is one of the trickiest places to explore in the Going-to-the-Sun Road area. Being the highest point in the area, it’s perched 6,647 feet above sea level and has its own parking lot and visitor center. Yet the shortage of parking spaces seems to be the biggest problem at Logan Pass during the summer season.
TIP: The parking lot gets packed quickly. When it reaches its full capacity, rangers turn away all other visitors. Midday is often too late to stop at this section of the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor. Plan to arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds and secure a parking spot. In the worst-case scenario, drive a little bit farther down the road in the hope of finding a space at an overflow parking area.
15. Lunch Creek
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is dotted with many iconic stops such as Lunch Creek. Known as a historic rising point, the scenic stream with stair-like cascades has been a resting place for Continental Divide hikers for years.
Although you can easily see Lunch Creek from the side of the road, exploring this stop on foot allows you to feel at one with nature. The absence of official hiking trails along with hordes of visitors wishing to see the creek up close are, however, to blame for often disturbed fragile vegetation around one of the irresistible stops in the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
16. East Tunnel
East Tunnel sits farther down the road. The 408-foot structure was cut through Piegan Mountain in 1931. Though easy to drive through today, it was one of the challenging stops during the construction of the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
17. Siyeh Bend
I kept staring at the road in the hope of spotting Siyeh Bend, a place that makes the transitions between subalpine vegetation and the forest on the eastern side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Still, I somehow managed to miss this stop.
The difference in the vegetation, however, was noticeable right away. We didn’t stop here, preferring to enjoy the views from the windows. But for those who dream of the scenic hiking stops along the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor, Siyeh Bend is home to Piegan Pass and Siyeh Pass trailheads.
18. Jackson Glacier Overlook
The seventh-largest glacier in the park is another reason to stop by the side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The only glacier visible from the scenic drive, the Jackson Glacier Overlook sits just 2 miles away from Siyeh Bend.
Alluring the travelers with its ice-covered plateau atop a mountain, the site once again reminds of severe damages climate change has brought. According to signage at the overlook, Jackson Glacier has receded tremendously for the past few years. And the dwindling hasn’t stopped. Every year, Glacier National Park loses a part of this one-of-a-kind stop in the Going-to-the-Sun Road area.
19. St. Mary Falls
The waterfalls are some of the most alluring stops in the Going-to-the-Sun Road section. From unnamed roadside falls to the biggest stars such as St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls, the scenic route pampers the visitors with the best places to see iconic waterfalls in Glacier National Park.
Unlike Bird Woman Falls, you can’t see St. Mary Falls from the road. Hiking is needed. Yet fear not, the 1.7-mile trail is a piece of cake even for kids. If you want to make your hiking game a little bit more challenging, continue on past St. Mary Falls toward Virginia Falls.
20. Sun Point
Sun Point once attracted visitors with its popular Sun Point Chalet. Today, the site is gone. A large parking lot along with a picnic area still faithfully serve Glacier’s guests, offering plenty of stops to relax and hike around.
The 1.2-mile (out and back) Baring Falls Trail and the 5.6-mile (round trip) Three Falls Trail, which takes you to St. Mary Falls, Virginia Falls, and Barring Falls, are not to miss in the eastern section of the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
21. Wild Goose Island
One of the most photographed stops along the eastern side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, tiny Wild Goose Island rises only 14 feet above the surface of St. Mary Lake. The isle is one of the must-see places in Glacier National Park and has been featured in many movies.
The most popular place to feast your eyes on the favorite island is marked by a designated overlook with a small parking lot in front of it. Yet you can stop anywhere along the eastern part of the Going-to-the-Sun Road (past the Sun Point area) and admire the site from different angles.
The Best Stops Along Going-to-the-Sun Road: Map
Places to Stay in the Going-to-the-Sun Road Area
If you plan to spend more than one day and explore as many of these scenic stops as you can, find a place to stay inside the Going-to-the-Sun area. The best and most convenient places to spend a night here include the following:
- Lake McDonald Lodge
- Village Inn
- Rising Sun Motor Inn
- Granite Park Chalet
- Sperry Chalet
Tips for Visiting Going-to-the-Sun Road
Arrive Early
The Going-to-the-Sun Road gets busy during the summer season. The parking lots fill up quickly. Arriving before 8:00 a.m. significantly increases your chances to check out all the favorite stops along the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Fill Up Your Tank
No gas stations are available within Glacier National Park, including the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Pack Your Lunch
Food can be found at a few popular stops along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, such as the Lake McDonald Lodge, Rising Sun, and Apgar Village. Better yet, plan ahead and pack snacks and lunch for the whole day in the Going-to-the-Sun Road area.
Protect Your Skin
Wear sunscreen and hats and be sure to reapply sunblock every two hours.
Never Approach Glacier National Park’s Wildlife
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the best places to see bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, marmots, pikas, and other animals. Disturbing wildlife, however, is prohibited and can be dangerous. It’s recommended to keep a safe distance of 100 yards from bears and wolves, 25 yards from all other animals.
Beware of Bears
Bring along bear spray that you can in case of a bear attack. You can also attach small bells to your backpack or clothes to make noise and keep the bears away. Although popular, this method, however, is not the most effective.
READ MORE: How to Protect Yourself from Bears in the Wild: Tips and Myths
Use Binoculars for Watching Wildlife at a Safe Distance
Again, never approaching wildlife in Glacier National Park. Use binoculars to admire and telephoto lenses to photograph the animals from a distance.
Leave No Trace
Pack out your trash and don’t harm any animals or plants. Strive to keep the pristine places along the Going-to-the-Sun Road better than you find them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take to Drive Along the Entire Going-to-the-Sun Road?
It takes 2 hours to drive the entire Sun Road from the West Glacier entrance to St. Mary entrance. Plan to spend at least extra 3 to 4 hours and hike to cascading waterfalls, alpine lakes, and other favorite stops along the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Can I See Wildlife in the Going-to-the-Sun Road Area?
The Going-to-the-Sun Road area abounds with wildlife. From mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and bears to cute marmots and quick pikas and chipmunks, different species of mammals and birds are found in this section of Glacier.
When Is the Going-to-the-Sun Road Open?
You can visit some places along the Going-to-the-Sun Road all year round. The alpine areas are usually open from late June through mid-October. The opening and closing dates, however, vary depending on the weather conditions.
