How many of you have driven the Going-to-the-Sun Road?

Cruising the famous road in Glacier National Park.
Cruising the famous road in Glacier National Park.

Hands down, it is the most popular activity for visitors in Glacier National Park. Crossing the Continental Divide at Logan Pass, it connects St. Mary (the east entrance of the park) and West Glacier (the west entrance of the park) and is a must-do when visiting Glacier National Park.

In all honesty, it can be hard to know where to stop as you navigate your way along this 50-mile-long road. No matter which way you look, you’re going to be met with jaw-dropping views that include wildflower-filled meadows and glacial-carved terrain rising high above you, as well as rushing waterfalls and streams.

The good news: You no longer need to guess where to stop and snap that gorgeous photo.

The Going-to-the-Sun Road is filled with pull-outs that are ideal for re-enacting childhood photos with your sister and dad. (Or so I've heard).
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is filled with pull-outs that are ideal for reenacting childhood photos with your sister and dad. (Or so I’ve heard).

Meet my friend Jake Bramante.
Jake in Glacier National Park. Photo courtesy: Hike734.com
Jake in Glacier National Park.
Photo courtesy: Hike734.com

An overachiever (and all-around nice guy), in 2011 he set out to hike all 734 miles of trails in the park. And again, because he’s an overachiever and because he is awesome, he shared his adventures on his blog.

And now two years later, Jake has a new project. Just this year, he released a driving guide for the Going-to-the-Sun Road that helps visitors have the perfect day in Glacier National Park. To which I say: Thank you, kind sir.

His guide is an ideal tool when you’re driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road, especially if you’re a first-time visitor. As part of his guide, Jake eliminated the guess work of where to stop and when, helping you take advantage of every minute you have in the Crown of the Continent. My opinion: It’s probably the best $9.95 cents you’ll ever spend.

Your guide to the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Your guide to the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Maps are available online or you can pick them up at retail locations within the park, as well as in Kalispell (Sportsman Ski Haus, Rocky Mountain Outfitter, Army Navy and Replay Sports), Whitefish (Red Caboose and Whitefish Chamber of Commerce) and Missoula (Trailhead and Fact & Fiction).

Happy exploring,
TT
 

PS: This year, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is slated to open in its entirety on June 21, 2013 (weather dependent).

May 30, 2013

Related: Getting Around, Glacier National Park, Road Trips, Summer Fun, West Glacier

Comments

Mr Gale Herbold
I am a fourth generation Montanan and part Native on my dad's mothers side. Dad was born in Lewistown in fall of 21. His mom was half Native of the Turtle Mountain Pembina Chippewa Tribe. I spent my early years in El Paso, TX, but moved to the Flathead Valley in 1974. I started hiking in Glacier, The Jewel Basin, Big Mountain and many other areas in summer of 75. Glacier has always been my favorite place, as it has a Spiritual connection to me. Hence I have driven Going to the Sun Road many times. My favorite hiking is on the east side in the Many Glacier valley. I also used to fish Duck Lake a lot in summer and winter so in summer we would take Going to the Sun as it is shorter and such a beautiful drive. I have had many friends from Texas mainly that I have taken to Glacier using Going to the Sun. It is a Marvel of work and engineering! Considering that building it began in 1921-22 when my mom & dad were just 1 year old, and it took 11 years to build then opened in 1933! Is it no wonder that it is listed on the "Historic Civil Engineering Landmarks" List!! The road is an AMAZING PIECE OF WORK, and several men died building it! They had to do so much work by hand while dangling on roaps and drilling the holes to put dynamite in to blast away the rock to make the side cut in the mountain sections. It is safe to say that "I am a true lover of the Great Going to The Sun Highway!

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