Going-to-the-Sun Road open for 2026 season

Here’s the meat of the official press release. I like the part all the way at the end where they say, “Traffic into the West Entrance of the park may be busy at times.”

WEST GLACIER, Mont. [June 22, 2026] – Going-to-the-Sun Road is now fully open for the 2026 season. Visitors will be able to drive the entire 50-mile length of the road, and access Logan Pass from both West Glacier and St. Mary Entrances.

Vehicles and vehicle combinations longer than 21 feet (including bumpers) or wider than 8 feet (including mirrors) are prohibited between Avalanche Creek and Rising Sun. Vehicles over 10 feet in height may have difficulty driving west from Logan Pass to The Loop due to rock overhangs. Stock trucks and trailers can access Packers Roost on the west and Siyeh Bend on the east.

At Logan Pass, visitors will discover lingering winter snow, and should be prepared for cold temperatures, wind, and icy conditions. Standing or walking on snow along the road and nearby trails is strongly discouraged.

The Highline Trail from Logan Pass is closed due to snow conditions. Be sure to check the Trail Status Reports page often for the latest information on trail conditions.

Visitors are encouraged to be prepared at the entrance station by having their Park Pass ready and accessible.

Park only in designated parking spaces throughout the park. Parking outside of marked areas damages fragile vegetation, contributes to soil erosion, and can block access for emergency responders. To help protect park resources and ensure safe travel for all, visitors should follow posted parking guidance, avoid stopping along roadways, and remain patient during periods of high congestion.

As a reminder, do not throw food waste, including apple cores, orange peels, sunflower seeds, unwanted drinks (coffee, tea, soda) etc., out car windows. This attracts wildlife to the roadways which increases wildlife fatalities. Discard garbage in bear-proof garbage cans.

Traffic into the West Entrance of the park may be busy at times. Visitors may expect waits of up to 2 miles and 30 minutes to West Glacier at peak times.

#GlacierNationalPark #GoingToTheSunRoad

Going-to-the-Sun Road projected to open Monday, June 22

Going-to-the-Sun Road

The headline says it all, but here’s the official press release with additional details . . .

WEST GLACIER, Mont. [June 18, 2026] – The full length of Going-to-the-Sun Road is expected to open to motorized vehicles Monday, June 22, for the 2026 summer season. Rockfalls or other natural events may delay this opening, as conditions can change quickly.

Last weekend to bike Going-to-the-Sun Road

The full length of Going-to-the-Sun Road will be open to bicyclists from June 18-21, before it is projected to open to motorized vehicles on Monday, June 22.

As we prepare for the road opening on Monday, June 22, bicyclists should be mindful of administrative vehicle traffic beyond the vehicle closure, especially on Thursday and Friday, June 18 and June 19.

More biking information can be found at Bicycling – Glacier National Park (U.S. National Park Service).

Bicycle restrictions are in place after the road opens to motor vehicles

For safety concerns, bicycle restrictions are in place when the road is open to motor vehicles as described below:

      • From when Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open to vehicles through September 27, bicycles are prohibited from Apgar to Logan Pass going eastbound between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.
      • From when Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open to vehicles through September 27, bicycles are prohibited from Logan Pass to Apgar going westbound between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Bicycling safety reminders

      • Always wear a helmet.
      • Maintain control of your speed.
      • Bicyclists must obey the same rules and regulations that apply to motorized vehicles.
      • Bring a headlamp if biking in the early morning, late afternoon, or evening.
      • Never leave food unattended, including in bicycle panniers and backpacks.
      • When riding an e-bike, mount and dismount carefully. The added weight of the battery and motor assist technology can add twenty or more pounds to a bike’s typical weight.
      • Electric bicycles (e-bikes) are allowed if the motor is less than 750 watts (1 hp) and engaged only while pedaling.
      • Make sure to carry and understand how to use bear spray and understand the dos and don’ts of a wildlife encounter.
      • Check tire pressure before you set out and make sure you have the necessary tools to change a tire. Check that your pump matches the valve on your tire.

2026 Logan Pass changes, visitor services, and parking

Glacier National Park is reminding visitors about important changes taking effect for the 2026 season. These changes, first announced in February, include that the park will not have vehicle reservations in 2026, will introduce three-hour parking limits at Logan Pass, and will replace the Going-to-the-Sun Road Shuttle service with a ticketed Logan Pass Shuttle for hikers of the Highline Trail and visitors who want a longer stay at Logan Pass.

Both the Logan Pass Shuttle system and the three-hour timed parking at Logan Pass will begin on July 1, 2026.

Complete information on the Logan Pass Shuttle and the limited three-hour parking at Logan Pass can be found online at Visiting Logan Pass in 2026.

Visitor information services and the Glacier National Park Conservancy bookstore will be available at the Logan Pass Visitor Center starting June 22. Visitors are reminded to pack water and snacks as food and water are not available for purchase at the Logan Pass Visitor Center. There is a water bottle filling station and restrooms will be open.

Parking at Avalanche, Apgar Village, and other areas may be congested or temporarily unavailable.

#GlacierNationalPark #GoingToTheSunRoad

This sweeping landscape captures a deep, U-shaped glacial valley in Glacier National Park, framed by rugged peaks. In the distance, thick wildfire smoke heavily obscures the horizon as it fills the valleys of the park.

#GlacierNationalPark #GoingToTheSunRoad #Montana #USNationalParks #GlacierNPS #LandscapePhotography #NaturePhotography #MountainLandscape #EarthVisuals #GreatOutdoors #nationalparks

Days #647-652 of Our Epic Trip

Wow! Montana has a lot to offer. We beheld the most amazing views, including a rainbow and many sunsets, but also experienced misplaced aggression.

Happy Vegan Campers
Days #640-646 of Our Epic Trip

We traveled into Montana and explored the beautiful Glacier National Park. We also got to see the Green Power House – so neat!

Happy Vegan Campers
Inside the Decades-Long Partnership Keeping Iconic Glacier National Park Road Safe [incl. video]
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https://www.usgs.gov/programs/ecosystems-land-change-science-program/science/video-inside-decades-long-partnership <-- shared technical article / video
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[I have been fortunate to ride and drive up and down this road, although not in the winter; a truly great experience and an impressive piece of road construction, especially as an engineering geologist]
#USGS #AvalancheForecasting #GlacierNationalPark #ScienceInAction #Transportation #risk #hazard #avalanche #SunRoad #GoingToTheSunRoad #GlacierNationalPark #infrastructure #fedscience #publicsafety #transportation #engineeringeology #forecasting #commerce #USA #Montana #landslide #massmovement #snow #climate #IntermountainWest
#USGS #NPS #USFS
Video: Inside the Decades-Long Partnership Keeping Iconic Glacier National Park Road Safe

As the most popular attraction in Glacier National Park, Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTSR) traverses scenic alpine zones and crosses the Continental Divide. The park closes a section of GTSR each winter due to inclement weather, heavy snowfall, and avalanche hazards. Since 2003, efforts to open the road each spring rely on a USGS-National Park Service partnership based on the expertise of USGS avalanche scientists, who provide on-site avalanche forecasting. The applied research from ongoing USGS avalanche studies supports forecasting efforts that guide the safety of this hazardous road opening operation each year.

USGS
Bluesky

Bluesky Social

"From hidden lakes to iconic roads, our adventure in Glacier National Park was full of surprises. Montana is truly a land of contrasts! #GlacierNationalPark #MontanaAdventure #GoingToTheSunRoad"

https://boldexplorersworld.wordpress.com/2024/10/18/family-visit-to-glacier-national-park-from-hidden-lakes-to-the-going-to-the-sun-road/

Family Visit to Glacier National Park: From Hidden Lakes to the Going-to-the-Sun Road

Our adventure in Glacier National Park was a two-day journey filled with breathtaking landscapes, challenging hikes, and unexpected discoveries. Here we share our experience navigating this nationa…

Bold Explorers World

"Desde lagos escondidos hasta carreteras icónicas, nuestra aventura en el Glacier National Park estuvo llena de sorpresas. ¡Montana es verdaderamente una tierra de contrastes! #GlacierNationalPark #AventuraEnMontana #GoingToTheSunRoad"

https://boldexplorersworldes.wordpress.com/2024/10/18/visita-familiar-al-glacier-national-park-de-lagos-escondidos-a-la-carretera-going-to-the-sun/

Visita familiar al Glacier National Park: De Lagos Escondidos a la Carretera Going-to-the-Sun

Nuestra aventura en el Glacier National Park fue un viaje de dos días lleno de paisajes impresionantes, caminatas desafiantes y descubrimientos inesperados. Aquí os contamos nuestra experiencia nav…

Bold Explorers World
View of Going To The Sun Road From Highline Trail Glacier National Park by Wayne Moran

View of Going To The Sun Road From Highline Trail Glacier National Park Photograph by Wayne Moran

Fine Art America