Going-to-the-Sun Road, west to east

Fifty miles of cliff-edge road across Glacier National Park. Check vehicle size limits first.

Distance: 82 km (51 mi)
Driving: 0 h 55 min
Suggested days: 2
Stops: 3
States: MT
Updated: August 23, 2026

At a glance: 2-day road trip of about 82 km (51 mi) with 3 stops, from Whitefish to Many Glacier Campground. About 0 h 55 min of driving in total.

More road trips in Montana

Route description

From Whitefish, US-2 leads east through the Flathead Valley to West Glacier, the western entrance to Glacier National Park. Going-to-the-Sun Road first follows the long shore of Lake McDonald through cedar forest, then climbs along the cliffs of the Garden Wall with the valley dropping away below. The road tops out at Logan Pass at 6,646 feet, where the visitor center and trails into the alpine meadows make a natural stop.

Between Avalanche Creek and Rising Sun, vehicles or combinations longer than 21 feet, wider than 8 feet including mirrors or taller than 10 feet are not allowed, so larger motorhomes must drive around the park on US-2 over Marias Pass. The road is usually fully open only from late June or July to mid-October, and in some years a vehicle reservation is needed in summer, so check the park website before you set off. Parking at Logan Pass fills early in the morning.

From Logan Pass the road descends the east side past St. Mary Lake, where the land opens toward the plains, to the village of St. Mary. From there, US-89 runs north to Babb and the road west into the Many Glacier valley, ending at a trailhead campground among lakes and peaks. This is grizzly country, so keep bear spray within reach on every trail and store food as instructed.

Stop-by-stop itinerary

In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.

1

Whitefish
MT
Start
2

Logan Pass – Going-to-the-Sun Road
ViewsWest Glacier, MT
The high point of Glacier's cliff-hugging road at 6,646 feet. Vehicle size limits apply, and reservations may too.
68 km
3

Many Glacier Campground
CampingBabb, MT
A trailhead campground on Glacier's wild east side. Keep bear spray within reach.
14 km

Suggested stages and overnight stops

2 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.

Day 1: Whitefish → Logan Pass – Going-to-the-Sun Road · 42 mi · 0 h 45 minOvernight nearby, for example: Heart of Glacier RV Park & Cabins (14 mi); Johnson's Campground and RV Park (14 mi).
Day 2: Logan Pass – Going-to-the-Sun Road → Many Glacier Campground · 9 mi · 0 h 09 minOvernight at the campsite itself.

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Cold, short days in November–March. Mountain passes on this route are usually open July–September. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.

Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons

Practical notes for the road

Going-to-the-Sun Road (Logan Pass) (2,026 m). Usually open July–September; outside that window the road can be closed by snow. Alternative: US-2 goes round the south of the park all year.
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier NP (MT). Size limits for motorhomes and trailers (length 20 ft 12 in (6.4 m), height 10 ft 0 in (3.1 m)). Alternative: US-2 goes round the south of the park, or take the park shuttle.

Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.

FAQs

How long is Going-to-the-Sun Road, west to east?

2-day road trip of about 82 km (51 mi) with 3 stops, from Whitefish to Many Glacier Campground. About 0 h 55 min of driving in total.

How many days do you need for Going-to-the-Sun Road, west to east?

We suggest 2 days: about 0 h 55 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

Where does Going-to-the-Sun Road, west to east start and end?

It starts in Whitefish and ends in Many Glacier Campground.

Which states does Going-to-the-Sun Road, west to east pass through?

Montana.

Where can you camp along Going-to-the-Sun Road, west to east?

OpenStreetMap lists 37 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: Montana Basecamp, Kalispell North KOA and Mountain Meadow RV Park & Cabins.

When is the best time for Going-to-the-Sun Road, west to east?

The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)