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Going-To-The-Sun Road

Where is it located?

About 33 miles north of Kalispell, Montana, Going-To-The-Sun Road winds up the lush mountains of Glacier National Park.

What is it like?

Completed in 1933, Going-To-The-Sun Road stretches over 50 miles through Glacier National Park. It’s a narrow two-way road with sharp bends and several intimidating drop offs on one side. Due to weather conditions and occasional rock slides, the road is often closed during winter, spring, and some autumn months. However, the road is open daily--as weather permits it--from late-June through early October. There are no gas stations along Going-To-The-Sun Road, and the drive takes about two hours to complete. It’s important to plan accordingly. Certain sections of the roads are closed to bikers from 11:00am to 4:00pm, and hikers and joggers are advised extreme caution for there are no sidewalks. While Going-To-The-Sun Road is toll free, it is located in a national park; therefore, a day pass cost $30 and an annual pass cost $90. (The annual park pass allows people access to all national parks in the USA.) Expect delays due to wildlife and road construction.

Why you should go.

Going-To-The-Sun Road offers some of the most breathtaking views of granite mountain peaks and deep valleys, making those who travel it feel on top of the world. The road is built on the side of the mountain with stone arches, providing support and gorgeous architecture, and at some points, waterfalls spill onto the road--the Weeping Wall being the most famous. Picnic areas and overlooks align the road and offer visitors perfect places to take photos, eat lunch, and even paint the scenery. Peering over the road’s edge, down the mountain and into a deep valley split by a river, gives a dose of euphoria and anxiety--one wrong move and someone could fall 500 feet to their death. Luckily, guardrails provide protection from falls, and there are dozens of pull-offs for drivers to turn around. And if driving Going-To-The-Sun Road isn’t enough to get someone planning for their next summer vacation, Glacier National Park has over 60 day-hike trails, 109 campsites, and over 700 lakes--well worth the $30 day pass fee.

Link: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/goingtothesunroad.htm

Pictures taken by Shanna Lowe.


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