Epic Things About Going To The Sun Road 2024

Epic Things About Going To The Sun Road 2024

Going-to-the-Sun Road is an amazing scenic mountain road on the western United States rocky mountains in Glacier National Park in Montana. It is approx. (80 km) long and spans the park’s width between the east and west entrance stations. Firstly, in 1917, George Superintendent conceived the chief engineer of the park service for the following years.

The road was completed in 1932, with formal dedication the following summer, July 15, 1933. Before the construction of the road, visitors would need to spend several days travelling through the central part of the park. This area can now be traversed within a few hours, excluding any stops for sightseeing or construction. This road is registered with this stopages: National Historic Place, National Historic Landmark and Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. The road traverses the Continental Divide through Logan Pass at 6,646 feet (2,026 m), officially the highest point on the road.

Going-to-the-Sun Road And Nearby Attractions

Going-to-the-Sun Road is a scenic mountain road in Glacier National Park, Montana. You can enjoy endless breathtaking views of towering peaks, stunning valleys, and epic scenery at every turn. The road is 80 kilometres long and takes 4-5 hours to complete. Here are some of the best ways to experience Going-to-the-Sun Road and nearby attractions:

1. Apgar Visitor’s Center: Stop by the Apgar Visitor’s Center to learn about the park’s history and wildlife.
2. Lake McDonald Lodge: Tour the historic Lake McDonald Lodge and enjoy a meal or beverage.
3. McDonald Falls: Explore the McDonald Falls and take in the beautiful scenery.
4. Sperry Chalet: Hike to Sperry Chalet, a historic backcountry chalet that offers stunning park views.
5. Johns Lake Loop: Hike the Johns Lake Loop trail and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

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Best Adventure Activities In Going-to-the-Sun Road

1. Hiking: You can find a lot of hiking trails in Glacier National Park that give you the ultimate level of stunning views of the park’s natural beauty. So, here are some popular trails: Highline Trail, Grinnell Glacier Trail, and Hidden Lake Trail.
2. Biking: Biking is one of the best ways to adventure on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. You can easily rent a bike from Apgar Visitor Center or Lake McDonald Lodge and enjoy the beautiful scenic ride.
3. Fishing: If you’re a fishing enthusiast, you can enjoy fishing in the park’s many lakes and streams. Some popular park fishing spots are Lake McDonald, Bowman Lake, and Kintla Lake.
4. Rafting: You can go rafting in the park with the ultimate thrilling rapid rides. You can book the rafting online or offline to enjoy this thrilling moment.
5. Camping: Camping is a great way to immerse yourself in the park’s natural beauty. Many campgrounds in the park offer a range of amenities.
6. Wildlife Viewing: Glacier National Park is home to wildlife animals, for instance, grizzly bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep. You can rent a guide for wildlife tours or explore the park independently.
7. Horseback Riding: Horseback riding is a fun way to explore the park’s trails. You can easily book horseback riding online or offline. Both options are available.
8. Kayaking: Kayaking is a great way to explore the park’s lakes and streams. You can rent kayaks from the Apgar Visitor Center or Lake McDonald Lodge.
9. Rock Climbing: If you’re an experienced rock climber, you can climb some of the park’s stunning peaks. Some popular climbing spots include Mount Gould, Mount Siyeh, and Mount Merritt.

Best Time To Visit The Going-to-the-Sun Road 

1. If you’re planning a long hike along the way, it’s recommended to start earlier in the day.
2. For a casual drive, afternoons and evenings are considered perfect.
3. The road is most accessible and all park facilities are open during the summer. Visiting in early to mid-September can help avoid peak crowds.

Some sources suggest that the best time to visit is from August to early

FAQ About Going-to-the-Sun Road

Question 1 : How long does it take to do Going-to-the-Sun Road?

Answer : It takes approx. 2 hours to drive the full 50 miles of Going-to-the-Sun Road without stopping. However, with all the ultimate places to stop along the way, you should allow 4-5o 5 hours to soak it all in.

Question 2 : What is so special about Going-to-the-Sun Road?

Answer : Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the top scenic drives in the United States, often called the “Crown of the Continent”. This main road through Glacier National Park provides breathtaking stunning views of glacier-carved peaks, emerald-blue alpine lakes, and lush forests. It’s an engineering marvel that traverses a dangerous mountain pass and continually sees record visitors year after year during the summer. The road is the first to have been registered as a National Historic Place, National Historic Landmark, and Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.

Question 3 : Where is the Going-to-the-Sun Highway?

Answer : Going-to-the-Sun Road is a scenic mountain road in the western United States between the rocky mountains in Glacier National Park in Montana.

Question 4 : Can you walk Going-to-the-Sun Road?

Answer : While walking along portions of the Going-to-the-Sun Road is possible, please note that it’s primarily designed for vehicular traffic. There are numerous stopping points along the road, many of which have trailheads for short hikes. Always ensure your safety and follow park regulations when exploring on foot.