Explore Glacier's Going-to-the-Sun Road

Located near the western entrance of Glacier National Park, Lake McDonald Beach at Apgar Village, offers visitors an easy escape into nature. Take a short walk to the shore, near the boat docks, and soak in the breathtaking views of the crystal-clear lake. On calm days, the lake’s glassy waters reveal a mesmerizing view of multi-colored smooth stones resting at the bottom, creating a picture-perfect scene. Beyond the waters, the towering alpine mountains invite you to explore the park’s incredible landscapes and adventures.

Nestled along the southern shores of Lake McDonald, the Lake McDonald Lookout is perfectly positioned halfway between the lake’s two ends. This picturesque spot offers views similar to those at Lake McDonald Beach at Apgar Village, with alpine mountains towering over the northern waters, multi-colored rocks visible through the lake's glassy waters, and stunning southward views back toward Apgar Village. It’s an ideal location for soaking in the serene beauty of Glacier National Park.

The Johns Lake Trail is a serene 1.1-mile out-and-back hike that winds through a lush, moss-covered evergreen forest, leading to the peaceful Johns Lake. This guide highlights Johns Lake Trail as a standalone hike, though many visitors enjoy combining it with nearby McDonald Falls and Sacred Dancing Cascade for a longer loop. While Johns Lake may not rival the crystal-clear alpine lakes in the park, its tranquil setting offers breathtaking views of alpine mountains towering overhead. This short trail is also an excellent opportunity to experience Glacier National Park's wetter, rainforest-like environment.

McDonald Falls Overlook offers a universally-accessible view of one of Glacier National Park's stunning waterfalls. This roadside stop requires virtually no walking, making it perfect for visitors of all abilities. Here, you can admire the picturesque cascade of McDonald Creek as it tumbles down the rugged bedrock, creating a serene yet powerful natural display. Whether you’re on a quick drive or exploring nearby attractions, this accessible spot is a must-see highlight of the park and only takes a few minutes.

The 1.2-mile out-and-back trail to Sacred Dancing Cascade and McDonald Falls offers a picturesque journey along McDonald Creek in Glacier National Park. The hike begins with the short but beautiful Sacred Dancing Cascade, where creek's waters flow serenly down the rocky creek bed at about 7-feet tall. Further down the trail sit several pools of turquoise-colored waters. The hike turns around at the top of McDonald Falls, where the powerful waters cascade down the creek's bedrock. This short hike is perfect for nature lovers seeking both beauty, tranquility, and some peace and quiet from the crowds.

The McDonald Creek Overlook is a convenient roadside stop requiring very little walking, perfect for a quick yet rewarding experience in Glacier National Park. A short pathway leads to two scenic overlooks above the creek. One overlook offers a striking view of a ~7-foot waterfall cascading down the creek’s flume-like bedrock. The second overlook provides an upstream perspective, showcasing small tumbling cascades within the creek's turquoise-colored waters. This stop is ideal for visitors seeking beautiful views with minimal effort.

Trail of the Cedars is a must-see in Glacier National Park, offering an easy, universally-accessible 1-mile loop through a serene old-growth forest of towering western red cedars. Along the trail, you’ll encounter breathtaking turquoise-colored waters flowing through a striking red rock gorge, where colorful, smoothed stones shaped by ancient glaciers are visible beneath the surface.

At the far end of the loop, the trail connects to the popular Avalanche Lake Trail, a rewarding day hike that’s perfect for those looking to explore further into the park. Combining the Trail of the Cedars with the Avalanche Lake Trail is highly recommended for an unforgettable Glacier National Park experience.

The Avalanche Lake Trail is a popular 3.9-mile moderate out-and-back hike in Glacier National Park that leads to the breathtaking Avalanche Lake. Along the way, you’ll traverse a lush cedar forest filled with moss-covered rocks and pass a red rock gorge with turquoise pools of cascading waters.

At the lake, you’ll be rewarded with views of several towering 2,000-foot waterfalls fed by the melting waters of the Sperry Glacier, nestled high above in a hanging valley. The hanging valley's surroundings include majestic peaks like Little Matterhorn, Edwards Mountain, and Gunsight Mountain, creating a dramatic and unforgettable landscape. This trail is a must for those seeking a mix of serene forests and awe-inspiring mountain views.

Red Rocks is a brief yet rewarding 0.1-mile out-and-back walk that takes you through a serene evergreen forest to a scenic lookout of Redrock Falls. While the waterfall itself is only a few feet tall, it offers a charming view surrounded by the vibrant turquoise-colored pools of water and the striking red bedrock that gives the area its name.

This popular roadside stop is perfect for a quick visit, offering a glimpse of Glacier National Park's natural beauty without a lengthy hike. It’s a must-see for those exploring the park.

The West Tunnel is an overlooked engineering marvel within the park and can even be explored on foot for a very short walk.

Visitors traveling westbound can park along the side of the road at designated turnouts near the West Tunnel. From here, take a short walk into the tunnel to access its unique viewing platforms. These platforms offer breathtaking views of the alpine landscape, including the majestic Heavens Peak. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity to experience one of Glacier National Park's most scenic and historic spots.

Bird Woman Falls Lookout is a popular and scenic roadside stop along the steep slopes of the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park. From this universally-accessible viewpoint, visitors can marvel at two spectacular waterfalls. In the distance, the towering Bird Woman Falls cascades 492-feet between Mount Oberlin and Mount Cannon, creating a dramatic alpine display. Closer to the road, on the left-hand side, Haystack Falls tumbles over 200-feet along Haystack Creek, cutting gracefully below the roadway.

This stop can be enjoyed without leaving your vehicle, but a short walk offers unobstructed views of the stunning alpine landscape. Whether you stay seated or step out, the Bird Woman Falls Lookout is an unforgettable highlight of your journey through the park.

Big Bend Overlook & Falls is a picturesque roadside stop along Glacier National Park's Going-to-the-Sun Road, offering breathtaking alpine scenery. During the summer, the meadows along the Garden Wall come alive with vibrant wildflowers, creating a stunning backdrop framed by the towering peaks of Mount Oberlin and Mount Cannon, as well as the iconic Bird Woman Falls.

In snowmelt seasons or after heavy rains, visitors can take a short dirt trail leading toward Big Bend Falls, a seasonal waterfall nestled in what serves as an avalanche chute during the winter months. Later in the summer, when the snow has fully melted, the waterfall often dwindles to a mere trickle, but the dramatic alpine landscape remains awe-inspiring year-round.

The Oberlin Bend Loop Trail, is a short walk that provides breathtaking vistas of the Going-to-the-Sun Road as it winds up the glacial arête of the Garden Wall. It’s a must-see spot for soaking in the grandeur of Glacier National Park's before continuing to the top of Logan Pass. Visitors should be aware that half of the trail is universally-accessible while the other half includes a staircase.

The Logan Pass Accessible Loop is a 0.4-mile universally-accessible trail that offers a quick and scenic way to explore the beauty of Logan Pass. This easy loop winds through fragile alpine meadows adorned with wildflowers and provides breathtaking views of towering peaks, including Clements Mountain and Reynolds Mountain.

As you stroll along the trail, keep an eye out for wildlife. Mountain goats and longhorn sheep are often spotted in this area, though are not guaranteed. Perfect for visitors of all abilities, this trail is an excellent way to experience the wonders of Logan Pass and its surrounding alpine landscapes.

The Hidden Lake Trail is a moderate 2.7-mile out-and-back hike starting at Logan Pass that rewards hikers with breathtaking views of Glacier National Park's alpine beauty. The trail ascends between Clements Mountain and Reynolds Mountain, following a raised boardwalk designed to protect the fragile alpine plants below.

As you hike, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Logan Pass and its surrounding peaks, making the journey as stunning as the destination. At the trail’s end, the Hidden Lake Overlook reveals a picturesque alpine lake framed by the towering Bearhat Mountain and a backdrop of more rugged peaks in the distance like Mount Jackson. This hike is a must-do for those seeking an unforgettable experience in Glacier’s alpine wilderness.

The Highline Trail, a ~12-mile one-way shuttle hike, is one of Glacier National Park's most iconic attractions. Starting at Logan Pass, this trail follows the glacial arête of the Garden Wall, offering breathtaking panoramic views almost the entire way to its endpoint at The Loop, a notable bend in the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

A highlight of the trail is the thrilling cliff walk section, where hikers traverse sheer cliffs high above the Going-to-the-Sun Road. While the views are unmatched, this hike may not be suitable for those with a fear of heights.

For a shorter experience, this guide explores just over 2.1 miles of the Highline Trail (out-and-back), taking you to a stunning view of Oberlin Falls. This impressive waterfall cascades from Logan Pass and is visible only from the trail. Whether you take on the full trail or opt for this shorter hike, the Highline Trail offers a memorable glimpse into the alpine beauty of Glacier National Park.

The Lunch Creek Accessible Lookout, named for its history as a popular lunch spot for the first travelers of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, offers a quick and rewarding stop for visitors. A very short walk leads to a scenic viewpoint overlooking Lunch Creek, where the alpine stream flows gently below your feet.

From the lookout, you’ll also enjoy a stunning view of Reynolds Mountain towering above Logan Pass, making this spot a perfect place to pause and soak in the beauty of Glacier National Park's alpine landscape.

Located across the road from the Lunch Creek Accessible Lookout, Lunch Creek Falls is a hidden gem for those seeking a short off-trail adventure. A brief walk upstream along Lunch Creek leads to this charming waterfall, where multiple streams and tiers cascade down approximately 8 feet.

Piegan Falls Lookout, located along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, is a must-visit roadside stop for breathtaking views of a massive waterfall. Visitors can park in a convenient turnout and admire Piegan Falls as it cascades dramatically down the southeast side of Piegan Mountain.

The Siyeh Bend Falls hike is a quick and rewarding 0.4-mile out-and-back trail located at the Siyeh Bend trailhead along Glacier National Park's Going-to-the-Sun Road. This short hike follows a 400-foot-long, 40-foot-tall slide waterfall, offering incredible views right from the start.

Not far from the trailhead, hikers will reach a junction where Siyeh Creek feeds into the main creek, creating a series of captivating slide waterfalls. At this junction, you’ll be treated to a spectacular view of the towering 600-foot Siyeh Creek Falls cascading dramatically down the mountainside.

This hike is an excellent choice for those seeking to explore Glacier’s stunning alpine waterfalls without a lengthy trek.

The Jackson Glacier Overlook, is a universally-accessible roadside stop along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, offering one of the easiest and most scenic ways to view the massive Jackson Glacier. With minimal walking required from the parking area, this overlook provides a rare opportunity to witness one of the park’s remaining glaciers.

Glaciers in Glacier National Park are receding rapidly and may not last forever, making this stop a must-visit for those seeking to appreciate these incredible natural formations. While most of the park’s glaciers are only accessible via strenuous day hikes, like Grinnell Glacier, this overlook also offers views of the nearby Blackfoot Glacier, making it the best option for experiencing the beauty of glaciers with minimal effort.

The St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls hike is a moderate 3.8-mile out-and-back trail that showcases some of Glacier National Park's most beautiful and popular waterfalls. The journey begins uphill from Saint Mary Lake, winding through a wildfire-scarred area where the standing dead forest provides sweeping views of the St. Mary Valley, the lake, and its surrounding peaks, as of 2024.

The first highlight is the turquoise-colored pools of St. Mary Falls, a picturesque spot perfect for photos, relaxation, or contemplation. Continuing upstream, the trail passes several scenic unnamed waterfalls before reaching the 80-foot-tall Virginia Falls, cascading dramatically down the mountainside. Along the way, hikers can catch glimpses of Virginia Falls from a distance, adding to the anticipation of this unforgettable hike.

The Baring Falls hike is a quick and easy 0.7-mile out-and-back trail perfect for all ages and skill levels. Starting at the Sunrift Gorge along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, this hike offers an abundance of sights in a short distance. The trail initially heads into the narrow Sunrift Gorge, showcasing colorful rocks, crystal-clear waters, and small cascading waterfalls—a beautiful and unique feature to explore before continuing toward Baring Falls.

From there, the path leads downhill along Baring Creek, passing a couple of waterfalls before running parallel to St. Mary Lake. At the trail’s end, you’ll find the picturesque 25-foot-tall plummeting Baring Falls surrounded by red-tinted boulders, a serene and photogenic spot to enjoy the natural beauty of Glacier National Parks. This short hike pairs well with other nearby waterfall trails, making it an excellent addition to your itinerary.

The Sun Point Nature Trail is a short and easy 0.4-mile loop offering breathtaking views of St. Mary Lake, surrounded by turquoise-tinted waters and towering alpine mountains. Sun Point is a favorite spot for catching the sunrise, with the mountains beautifully painted in the early morning light—a perfect setting for photography enthusiasts.

Beyond its stunning natural scenery, Sun Point is rich in history. It was once the site of the Going-to-the-Sun Chalets, built in 1915 by the Great Northern Railway. Perched high above the lake on the rocky promontory of Sun Point, these Swiss chalet-style buildings, constructed of rock and log, could accommodate up to 200 visitors. Before the Going-to-the-Sun Road was built, visitors arrived at the chalets by boat or horseback, making this a hub for adventurous travelers. Horseback trails connected the chalets to other park destinations, such as Many Glacier via Piegan Pass or the Lake McDonald Valley via Gunsight Pass.

The chalets closed during World War II, fell into disrepair, and were ultimately removed in 1949. Today, visitors can still explore the site, where old foundation footings remain as a reminder of this historic landmark.

The Wild Goose Island Lookout, made famous by the opening scene of The Shining, is one of the most popular roadside stops in Glacier National Park. This incredibly short walk—less than 0.1 miles round trip—takes visitors to a breathtaking viewpoint of St. Mary Lake, with the picturesque Wild Goose Island perfectly situated in the lake’s center.

This must-see stop along the Going-to-the-Sun Road is just a stone’s throw from the parking area, making it an easy and accessible way to experience one of the park’s most iconic vistas. Be sure to add this stop to your itinerary for an unforgettable view of Glacier National Park's alpine splendor.

The last stop along the Going-to-the-Sun Road in this guide is the Rising Sun Trail. The Rising Sun Trail is one of Glacier National Park's lesser-known but highly rewarding trails if you're looking for solitude. This easy 0.8-mile out-and-back hike follows the northern shore of St. Mary Lake, offering breathtaking views of the Golden Staircase and towering alpine peaks like Red Eagle Mountain.

Along the trail, you’ll find short spur paths leading to the water’s edge, where the lake’s clear, still waters reveal a mesmerizing array of multi-colored rocks on the lakebed. Combined with the stunning backdrop of alpine mountains, the trail offers a peaceful and picturesque experience perfect for photography and relaxation.

If you’re looking to explore a quieter side of Glacier National Park with unmatched natural beauty, the Rising Sun Trail is a must-add to your list.