After experiencing delays due to a late winter, Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road officially opened for summer on July 13. This gives tourists a chance to enjoy the stunning glaciers, valleys, and waterfalls along the 50-mile stretch.
As noted by the National Park Service, late openings are not uncommon for this road. In both 2011 and 2020, it also opened on July 13, delayed by snowpack and the pandemic.
If you’re planning to drive along this road, keep in mind that a vehicle reservation is required at the West Glacier Entrance, Camas Entrance, and Rising Sun checkpoint from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, and for the North Fork area between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. However, other areas of the park do not require reservations, though an entrance fee is still necessary. Due to increased vehicle reservations from the road’s opening, visitors should anticipate traffic restrictions between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. because of heavy congestion.
Despite the road being open, there will be nightly closures from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. from Lake McDonald to the Sprague Creek Campground for construction. Construction will also occur during the day near Big Bend. The National Park Service advises visitors to stay alert for construction zones, slow down, and give workers plenty of space.
Cyclists should be mindful of park rules and safety restrictions, in effect until September 5, which limit bike access in some areas between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. A free shuttle service is available along the road on a first-come, first-served basis.
Although part of the road near the West Entrance remains open year-round, the entire route, especially the alpine sections, is scheduled to close by 10 p.m. MDT on September 30.
For updated road closures and directions, please visit the National Park Service website.
