If you’re planning a visit to Glacier Park on your motorcycle, you’ll want to take time to tour the Going-to-the-Sun Road. This scenic road provides spectacular mountain views alongside some of the most rugged terrain in the continent. Traveling this route on your bike is an excellent way to soak in the beauty of Glacier National Park. Here’s what you need to know about riding the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park.
Going-to-the-Sun Road
Going-to-the-Sun Road is a scenic road within Glacier National Park that spans 50 miles. It crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass and provides some seriously stunning views of the surrounding mountain scenery. It also positions you up close and personal with the park’s famous wildlife.
Along this route, you can expect to see beautiful views of:
- Glaciers
- Waterfalls
- Mountains
- Valleys
- Wildflowers
You may also witness animals such as:
- Mountain goats
- Bears
- Pikas
- Bighorn sheep
- Wolverines
- Lynx
Tips for Riding the Going-to-the-Sun Road
Traveling this beautiful route in Glacier Park can provide an unforgettable, breathtaking experience. However, taking a few steps to prepare for your trip will only make it that much better.
Leave Earlier in the Day
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is very popular — and for a good reason. Chances are, you won’t be the only motorist who wants to ride this road on any given day. As a motorcyclist, you need to take extra precautions on busy roads like this one to avoid rear-end collisions.
We recommend leaving as early in the day as you can, preferably close to sunrise. Glacier Park officials note that the parking lot at Logan Pass usually fills up from around 9:30 am until 4 pm, which can cause delays on the route as drivers look for alternative parking areas. Setting out before 9:30 in the morning can help you avoid this traffic.
Additionally, you may see more wildlife when you leave earlier. Many animals living in Glacier Park prefer to be out and about in the morning to avoid the midday heat.
Prepare for Changing Weather Patterns
The weather throughout Glacier Park is often different from surrounding areas and can change throughout the day. Because the park is situated at a higher elevation, you can expect it to be at least 10 degrees cooler than lower elevations. Be sure to pack plenty of layers, even if you’re traveling on a seemingly hot day. You may also want a rain jacket and a hat to protect you from the elements during your ride.
Pack What You Need
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is very remote. There are no services for a 33-mile stretch along this route. As such, you’ll want to pack everything you may need in your storage compartment and fuel up before you head out.
We recommend packing the following items at a minimum:
- Water
- Snacks
- Cell phone
- Map
- First aid kit
- Basic motorcycle tools
Understand the Route
Much of the Going-to-the-Sun Road travels up and around the mountain, making for beautiful, scenic views — and risky riding conditions. If you’re a newer rider or don’t feel comfortable riding close to the rock edge, we recommend taking the route from east to west. This direction will place you in the lane closer to the rock wall.
You can turn the route into a loop by taking Highway 2 and Highway 89 to return to your starting point near St. Mary. Now that you know all about the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier Park, you can begin planning your trip. You will surely have an unforgettable experience riding your motorcycle on this majestic path.
Call Law Tigers If You Have an Accident
Accidents can happen when you are clocking miles on twisty and scenic Montana roadways. If you get hurt, give Law Tigers a call at +1 (888) 863-7216 for a free consultation. The Law Tigers team will refer you to a motorcycle injury attorney in your area.
