The short answer
How Going-to-the-Sun Road's season typically works, where to check opening status and vehicle-reservation rules, and how a group should plan the day.
- Full-road opening typically falls in late June or July; NPS posts status daily.
- Vehicle reservations have applied in recent summers — rules change yearly.
- Vehicles over 21 ft long, 8 ft wide (with mirrors) or 10 ft tall are restricted on the alpine section.
- Start early; Logan Pass parking fills on busy days.
Written and edited by Trailstead Stays content team, Trailstead Stays · Last reviewed 2026-10-05
What the road is
Going-to-the-Sun Road crosses Glacier National Park between the west entrance near Apgar and St. Mary on the east side, climbing to Logan Pass on the Continental Divide. It is a narrow mountain road, and the alpine stretch is closed for much of the year by snow.
When it opens
Crews plow the road each spring. The full road typically opens to vehicles sometime in late June or July, but there is no fixed date — heavy snow years open later. Lower sections near Lake McDonald and St. Mary open earlier. The NPS road-status page is updated through the season and is the only source to plan around.
In fall, sections typically close as weather turns. Again, the NPS page shows current status.
Vehicle reservations
In recent summers the park has required vehicle reservations for Going-to-the-Sun Road and some other areas during peak hours and dates. The specific system — which entrances, what hours, when reservations release, and any exemptions — has changed from one year to the next.
Do not rely on last year's rules, or on this page. Read the NPS vehicle-reservation page and check Recreation.gov for your travel dates before you assign days in your itinerary.
Vehicle size limits
NPS restricts vehicles and vehicle combinations longer than 21 feet, wider than 8 feet including mirrors, or taller than 10 feet between Avalanche Creek and the Rising Sun area. If someone in your group is bringing a large SUV with a roof box, a van or a trailer, check the current NPS rules before the day.
How a group should plan the day
Start early. Parking at Logan Pass and popular pullouts has filled quickly on busy summer days. When the park runs its shuttle, it can reduce the parking problem; check operating dates on the NPS site.
Split a large group into fewer vehicles where possible, carry layers — it can be much colder at the pass — and agree in advance where to meet if phones lose signal.
Keep a backup plan. If the road is closed or reservations are gone, a west-side day at Lake McDonald or a Flathead Lake day keeps the trip on track.
Where to stay
The Flathead Valley is a practical base for the west entrance. The Tamarack (Lakeside) and The Evergreen (Somers) each sleep a large group across six bedrooms, with a hot tub and sauna for the evening after the drive. Final guest limits and dates are on each home's booking page.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a reservation to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road?
In recent summers, yes for certain hours and dates. Rules change each year, so check the NPS vehicle-reservation page and Recreation.gov.
What size vehicles are allowed on Going-to-the-Sun Road?
NPS restricts vehicles over 21 feet long, 8 feet wide including mirrors, or 10 feet tall between Avalanche Creek and the Rising Sun area.
Last reviewed 2026-10-05 · Maintained by Trailstead Stays content team
