Best Scenic Drives Around Glacier National Park 2026

Best Scenic Drives in Glacier National Park. They call Glacier the “Crown of the Continent” for good reason. Here, among the jagged mountains piercing the sky and ancient glaciers in deep clefts of stone and the scent of pine and adventure on every breath of air , are over 700 miles of hiking trails waiting to reveal the very heart of this place.

We’re talking about the iconic Best Scenic Drives Around Glacier National Park. You won’t just be getting from one destination to the next on these roads. Each is a journey of breathtaking sights around every turn. Having spent days upon days navigating these roads, from the iconic cliff-hanging alpine highway to quiet, bumpy, gravel strewn byways, I understand why people make pilgrimage to this slice of Montana.

It can be quite overwhelming to plan with so many spectacular road trip options , so here is a quick list of the must do’s , how to’s and most amazing roads for a Glacier road trip! It is time to turn on the ignition . Whether you are an old timer or this is your first adventure to the ‘Crown of the Continent ,’ these routes will leave you feeling the magic of the Glacier.

The Reigning Champion: Going to the Sun Road

First up, the showstopper. When it comes to the most epic scenic drives within Glacier National Park, we have to begin with the classic of the classics. Going to the Sun Road is. Must. This road, officially designated as a National Historic Landmark, is a truly remarkable feat of engineering. This 50-mile, winding strip of asphalt weaves right through the middle of the park and cuts right across the Continental Divide at the high elevations of Logan Pass. Scenic Drives.

Going to the Sun Road is also the only road that passes fully through the park from one end to the other, running from the western entrance near West Glacier to the eastern entrance at St. Mary. Though lower portions are accessible throughout much of the year, the entire road is generally only accessible between early July and mid-October. In winter months, snow can pile as high as 80 feet! Scenic Drives.

Key Stops You Can’t Miss

One of the amazing things about Going to the Sun Road is the access to a plethora of park highlights. And even if you’re not out on the trail for hours, you get to stop at pullouts with absolutely awe inspiring scenery! Here are a few of my must-stops along Going to the Sun Road.

Lake McDonald : If you’re coming from the west entrance, this is the largest lake you’ll encounter in Glacier . Because its waters are incredibly clear (you can see the colorful pebbles in the lake) this makes for a magical sunrise photo op. Scenic Drives.
The Weeping Wall : As you’re making the ascent up the mountain , look to the left. You’ll notice that snow melt is literally oozing and streaming down a large rock face that is directly beside the road . “The Weeping Wall” is truly spectacular when it’s at its most active in the early summer months . Scenic Drives.
Logan Pass : Standing tall at 6,646 ft. Above sea level this is the highest point in Glacier and the highest point of the drive itself . If you’re going to see absolutely everything there is to see, this has to be one of them. Scenic Drives.
It also provides: the access points to two of the most incredible hikes within Glacier.
We have a list of a number of other short and long hikes at Logan Pass. There are mountain goats and bighorn sheep to be found around Logan Pass. Scenic Drives.
Jackson Glacier Overlook : For many people (including me), this is one of the very few and very easy ways that people are able to get a glimpse of one of the few glaciers that remain in Glacier. Take some binoculars with you to get a better look at some of the ice!

Tips for Driving Going to the Sun Road

Know the Rules to Driving GTSR : The most challenging aspect of driving the Going to the Sun Road is the popularity and resulting limitations. Scenic Drives.
If you’re looking to go for this drive : Leave the Beast Behind Vehicles greater than 21 feet long and 8 feet wide (including mirrors) are prohibited on the most narrow parts of GTSR from Avalanche Creek to Rising Sun. In other words, leave the behemoth RV in the campground. Scenic Drives.
Go Early The road gets super crowded! Scenic Drives.
I made the mistake of showing up at the Logan Pass visitor center around 9:30am one day and the lot was full by 7am to 8am. Go early to beat the crowds and enjoy the morning light. Have Plenty of Fuel There are no gas stations in the park or on GTSR. Plan on filling your tank before you get to Glacier in St. Scenic Drives.
Mary, West Glacier or another nearby town. Scenic Drives.
Reservations are Needed : You’ll need a timed entry reservation if you are driving on the west side of the park between 7am and 3pm during peak season (this is separate from your park entrance pass). You can, however, enter GTSR on the east side at St. Mary without a timed entry reservation. Scenic Drives.
Check the : NPS website for current regulations and reservations. Scenic Drives.

Escape the Crowds : The “Secret” South Side (Highway 2)

While Going to the Sun Road gets all the glory, there’s a quieter, more rugged side of the park that most visitors miss. The U.S. Highway 2 South Corridor runs along the park’s southern boundary for about 56 miles, connecting West Glacier and East Glacier Park. This route offers a completely different, ground-level perspective of the park’s wild heart .

This is where you go if you want to see the real Montana, the one with wide-open spaces and far fewer people. It’s the only paved road crossing the Rocky Mountains for about 200 miles in either direction, threading you through one of the last great wild areas in the lower 48 .

What You’ll Find on the South Side

Real Local Flavor : This route passes through small communities like Essex, where you can grab a bite at a local ranch and get a feel for life in this remote corner of the state .
Sweeping Views of the Great Plains : As you approach the east side, the landscape dramatically opens up into the vast expanse of the Great Plains. The mountains seem to rise like a wall at your back a truly humbling sight . Scenic Drives.
Access to Two Medicine Valley : East Glacier Park is the jumping-off point for the Two Medicine Valley, one of the park’s quieter, most beautiful corners. It sees a fraction of the visitors that crowd Going to the Sun Road . Scenic Drives.
Historic Charm : Stop in at the Glacier Park Lodge in East Glacier. Built in 1913 by the Great Northern Railway , its lobby is built with massive Douglas fir timbers and feels like a mountain cathedral . Scenic Drives.

For the Adventurer : The Untamed North Fork

If you’re looking for true solitude and don’t mind a bumpy ride, the North Fork area is for you. Located in the park’s northwestern corner, this region is accessed by long, dusty gravel roads that most rental car companies would rather you avoid . But for those who make the trek, the reward is an experience of pristine wilderness that few other visitors get to see. Scenic Drives.

The gateway to the North Fork is the tiny, off grid community of Polebride . The main attraction here is the Polebridge Mercantile and Bakery, famous for its fresh baked pastries and huckleberry bear claws . It’s the perfect place to stock up on supplies before heading deeper into the backcountry.

Bowman and Kintla Lakes

Past Polebridge the roads get even rougher , leading to two of the park’s most stunning and serene lakes : Bowman and Kintla .

Bowman Lake : This is the third-largest lake in the park but because of its remote location, it feels like a world away from the crowds. You can paddle its crystal clear waters, hike the Bowman Lake Trail or just sit in awe of the quiet beauty and listen for the howl of a wolf at dusk .
Kintla Lake : Even farther and more remote than Bowman , Kintla Lake is the least visited of the two. The drive is long and rough but you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of jagged peaks reflecting in the lake’s clear water , often with the place all to yourself .

A Word of Caution : The roads to these lakes are unpaved , narrow and full of potholes. A high-clearance vehicle is highly recommended and you should be prepared for a slow drive. Most rental car agreements prohibit driving on these roads , so proceed at your own risk .

Crafting Your Perfect Scenic Drive Itinerary

So, how do you combine all of these incredible routes into one epic trip? Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Option 1: The Classic Loop

If you have 1-2 days, the best way to experience the park is by driving the famous Going to the Sun Road in one direction and completing the loop back via the south side.

Day 1 : Start on the west side and tackle Going to the Sun Road from West Glacier to St. Mary. Make a whole day of it. Stop at every pullout, take a short hike (like the Trail of the Cedars to Avalanche Lake) and soak it all in.
Day 2 : Drive the South Corridor (Highway 2) back to West Glacier. This gives you a completely different perspective and a chance to explore the less-visited side of the park. Stop for breakfast at a local diner and check out the historic Glacier Park Lodge.

Option 2: The Solitude Seeker

If you have more time and a spirit of adventure add the North Fork to your trip.

Day 1 : Drive the Going to the Sun Road to see the classic highlights.
Day 2 : Head to the North Fork. Take it slow on the gravel roads, visit the Polebridge Mercantile and spend the day relaxing or paddling on the shores of Bowman or Kintla Lake. Plan for a long day or consider camping in the area.

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Need a Place to Rest Your Head?

After a long day of driving, you’ll need a comfortable place to recharge. The park and the surrounding communities offer a range of options.

Inside the Park : For an unforgettable experience, stay at the historic Lake McDonald Lodge or the Glacier Park Lodge in East Glacier. Book well in advance, as they fill up quickly .
Outside the Park : The gateway towns of West Glacier and St. Mary have numerous hotels, motels, and cabins. West Glacier KOA Resort is a fantastic option for RVers and glampers, offering everything from RV sites to deluxe cabins, and it’s just minutes from the West Entrance .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best-known scenic driving road in Glacier National Park?

The Going to the Sun Road. A feat of engineering, the 50-mile road splits the park’s wilderness as it traverses the continental divide at Logan Pass. The Going to the Sun Road. A feat of engineering, the 50-mile road splits the park’s wilderness as it traverses the continental divide at Logan Pass.

How long does it take to drive the Going to the Sun Road?

If you’re driving straight through with no stops, the ride will take just two hours. My recommendation: make the most of it and plan for four to six hours to accommodate the many stops you will want to make.

When is the Going to the Sun Road open?

The entire 50 miles are normally accessible after the plows clear it (usually in early July) and remain open until the snow hits (typically mid-October). Keep an eye on the National Park Service Web site for conditions before heading out.

Is a reservation needed to get onto the Going to the Sun Road?

Most vehicles are required to obtain a timed-entry vehicle reservation to enter from the west side of the park between 7 am and 3 pm. There is no reservation required for access from the east side via St. Mary.

Are there vehicle restrictions for the road?

Vehicles exceeding 21 feet in length or 8 feet in width mirrors included-are not allowed in particularly narrow sections between Avalanche Creek and Rising Sun.

Is there a less travelled, “secret” scenic road?

The US Highway 2 South Corridor stretches the entire length of the park’s southern border, between West Glacier and East Glacier, and is a slower, more rural alternative with a lot of great views.

Are there other drives near the park that are worthwhile?

The rough, unpaved roads that branch off toward the North Fork of the park (to the areas around Polebridge Bowman and Kintla Lakes) are magnificent but high clearance vehicles are necessary to traverse the rough gravel.

Will I see wildlife while driving these roads?

You may very well do so. Mountain goats and bighorn sheep hang out near Logan Pass and you could spot bears, moose, deer or elk near the roadway at almost any location in the park.

What is the ideal time of day to take your drive?

Before 7 am. Not only will you miss the crowds at parking and viewing areas, but wildlife tends to be the most active during those cool morning hours.

Where should I gas up before setting out and grab something to eat?

There are no gas stations within the park. Fill up your vehicle prior to setting off , whether that’s West Glacier , St. Mary or one of the other communities in the surrounding area. (The park has a water fill-up at Logan Pass but nothing else.)

Time to Hit the Road

From the mind-bending views of Going to the Sun Road to the rugged solitude of the North Fork , the scenic drives around Glacier National Park are a journey you will never forget . It’s a land of epic peaks , wild rivers and endless skies that calls to the adventurer in all of us .

I hope this guide has helped you plan your Montana road trip . The best part of a journey like this isn’t just the destination it’s the stories you collect along the way . The awe at the top of Logan Pass , the taste of a fresh huckleberry bear claw in Polebridge , the sound of silence at Bowman Lake.

I’d love to hear from you! Which of these drives are you most excited to experience ? Or if you’ve been to Glacier before, what’s your favorite memory ? Drop a comment below and let’s chat . And if you found this guide helpful , don’t forget to share it with your fellow travel enthusiasts! Safe travels and we’ll see you on the road.

Best Scenic Drives Around Glacier National Park 2026