Going-to-the-Sun Road in 2026: Opening Dates, Reservations, and Tips

Going-to-the-Sun Road is the spine of Glacier National Park — a 50-mile alpine highway that crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. It's also the source of more visitor-planning confusion than any other part of the park. Here's the practical 2026 picture.

When does Going-to-the-Sun Road open?

The road opens fully (across the Continental Divide) when crews finish plowing — typically late June to early July, depending on snowpack. The west and east sides open in stages before the full crossing is possible. Always check the official NPS opening status at nps.gov/glac before planning a crossing.

Vehicle reservations

Glacier has used timed vehicle reservations on Going-to-the-Sun Road in recent seasons. The exact rules change year to year, so check the current season's policy on the NPS site. When reservations are required, they typically apply during peak hours (often 6 a.m.–3 p.m.) and must be booked on recreation.gov in advance.

How to skip the reservation entirely

Three legitimate ways:

• Take a shuttle. Vehicles entering by shuttle are not subject to the personal vehicle reservation. Rising Wolf Outfitters runs trailhead shuttles throughout the park.
• Enter outside reservation hours. Early morning (before 6 a.m.) and late afternoon (after 3 p.m.) are typically reservation-free.
• Have a lodging or tour reservation inside the corridor. Confirmed in-park bookings often grant access.

What to do if you can't get a reservation

The east side of the park — Two Medicine, St. Mary, and Many Glacier — is fully accessible without a Going-to-the-Sun Road reservation. Many east-side hikes rival anything on the Sun Road. Base yourself in East Glacier Park and skip the chaos entirely.

Best stops along the road

• Lake McDonald (west entrance) — the largest lake in the park
• Avalanche Creek / Trail of the Cedars — accessible boardwalk through old-growth cedar
• The Loop — start of the Highline Trail
• Logan Pass — the high point; expect a packed parking lot
• Wild Goose Island Overlook — the iconic photo of St. Mary Lake
• Sun Point — quieter east-side viewpoint