One Day in Glacier National Park: Stops and Hikes Along the Going-To-The-Sun Road
Glacier was the very first National Park I ever visited (over 12 years ago!) So, when I found myself 2 hours away for a family reunion, I knew I had to make the detour to return. Driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is by far one of the (if not THE) most scenic roads in all of the United States. Towering mountains, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and jaw-dropping vistas around every curve…we honestly found ourselves pulling over more times than I planned just to soak it all in.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning fan of Glacier, this epic stretch of road is the park’s crown jewel. It spans roughly 50 miles from West Glacier to St. Mary and crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. With only one day to explore, you’ll want to make the most of every scenic stop, trailhead, and photo opportunity along the way.
Let me walk you through exactly how to plan and spend one unforgettable day in Glacier National Park on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
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Table of Contents
Things To Know Before You Go
Before we get into the hour-by-hour itinerary, here are a few key tips to help your day go smoothly!
1. Vehicle Reservations Required
From early June to the end of September, you’ll need a (timed) vehicle reservation to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. These often sell out in advance, so set a reminder to book yours through Recreation.gov. You can get these permits either 120 days in advance or try your luck the night before at 7 pm.
These permits have a $2 fee, and you only need one per car.
2. Park Entrance Fee
In addition to your timed Going to the Sun Road permit, you will also need a separate park entry fee or annual pass (like the America the Beautiful pass) is also required. You can do this upon entry to the park. A standard pass costs $35 per car (for 7 days) while The America The Beautiful Pass costs $80 (& is good for an entire year and provides entrance to all US parks!)
3. Road Conditions and Closures
Snowfall often keeps parts of the road closed into late June or early July. Check the official park website for updates before your visit. We visited on a Tuesday in mid-June and by the following Sunday, the road was once again closed for heavy snowfall!
4. Start Early
Trust me… the earlier you begin your day, the better. Parking lots fill up fast, especially at Logan Pass and Avalanche Lake. We had a bit of a late start and had to circle the parking lot at the Avalanche trailhead several times.
5. Pack the Essentials
Bring layers (it can be chilly at high elevations), snacks, water, sunscreen, bear spray (if you plan to hike), and of course, your camera!
Going-to-the-Sun Road Itinerary At a Glance
I’ll go into all the details below, but if you are short on time, here’s the one-day Glacier itinerary at a glance! This itinerary starts from West Glacier with options as to how you want to end it. If you were to drive straight through, the drive would take around 2 hours. HOWEVER, with the stops, make sure you block your entire day.
| Time | Stop |
|---|---|
| 6:30 AM | Enter at West Glacier – Beat the crowds and start your journey early. |
| 7:00 AM | Hike Avalanche Lake via Trail of the Cedars (4.4 miles RT, 2–2.5 hrs). |
| 9:30 AM | Begin scenic drive toward Logan Pass. Stop at… |
| – Bird Woman Falls Overlook | |
| 11:00 AM | Logan Pass Visitor Center – Hike to Hidden Lake Overlook (2.7 miles RT). |
| 12:30 PM | Picnic Lunch at Logan Pass. Restrooms and picnic tables available. |
| 1:15 PM | Continue eastbound with stops at: |
| – Lunch Creek | |
| – Jackson Glacier Overlook | |
| – Optional hikes: St. Mary Falls or Baring Falls | |
| 2:30 PM | Arrive at Wild Goose Island Overlook – Iconic photo stop on St. Mary Lake. |
| 3:00 PM | Stop in St. Mary for snacks, souvenirs, or a cold treat. |
| After 5:00 PM | Exit through St. Mary or return west for sunset at Lake McDonald. Optional detour to Many Glacier if staying on the east side. |
One-Day Itinerary for the Going-to-the-Sun Road (West to East)
Here’s the super detailed itinerary that maximizes your limited time. Let’s dive into exactly how I would recommend spending one day in Glacier National Park!
6:30 AM – Start at West Glacier Entrance
Get an early start to beat the crowds. If you’re staying in West Glacier or Apgar Village, you’re just minutes from the entrance. Grab a coffee and hit the road!
💡Tip: Download offline maps before you go. Service is spotty to nonexistent in many parts of the park. I’ve created a map of this exact itinerary for you to use at the end of this post!
7:00 AM – Avalanche Lake Hike via Trail of the Cedars
Kick off your day with one of Glacier’s most rewarding moderate hikes. Start on the Trail of the Cedars, which quickly leads into the Avalanche Lake Trail. The entire round-trip is about 4.4 miles and takes around 2 to 2.5 hours.
The trail follows Avalanche Creek past Avalanche Falls, a beautiful cascade tumbling through a gorge, before reaching the stunning alpine lake, surrounded by cliffs and waterfalls. This is a great time to spot wildlife and enjoy the peace before crowds arrive. We saw a deer right next to the trail along the way!
9:30 AM – Drive to Logan Pass with Scenic Stops
Back in the car, continue your drive up the Going-to-the-Sun Road. This is where the scenery shifts into high gear (so get your camera ready). Along the way, make sure to:
- Stop at The Loop for a quick view of the road’s dramatic switchbacks
- Pull off at the Bird Woman Falls Overlook, a roadside cliff where water streams down the rocks, especially beautiful in late spring and early summer
11:00 AM – Arrive at Logan Pass & Hike to Hidden Lake Overlook
Aim to arrive before 11 a.m. to snag a parking spot. Then stretch your legs on the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail (2.7 miles round-trip), where you may spot mountain goats, marmots, and wildflowers.
🥾Trail Tip: Snow can remain on the trail even in July, so waterproof shoes and poles can help. We visited in mid-June and the entire trail was covered in snow. This made it a bit more challenging and people where slipping all over the place!
12:30 PM – Picnic Lunch at Logan Pass
Bring your own lunch and enjoy it at one of the picnic areas near the Logan Pass Visitor Center. The views make for a perfect lunch setting.
1:15 PM – Head East Toward St. Mary with More Scenic Stops
Continue driving eastbound. Highlights include:
- Lunch Creek: a quiet stream with stepping stones and wildflowers. Big horn sheep often hang out in this area!
- Jackson Glacier Overlook: one of the few spots you can still see a glacier from the road
- Sunrift Gorge: A short walk takes you to a deep, narrow canyon carved by water
- Optional: Stop for a quick waterfall hike to Baring Falls (1/4 mile one way) or a longer one to St. Mary Falls (3.1 miles)
2:30 PM – St. Mary Lake & Wild Goose Island Overlook
This is one of Glacier’s most iconic scenes. Wild Goose Island sits peacefully in the lake, framed by rugged peaks. It’s a great place to reflect on your day (and take a few dozen photos).
3:00 PM – Ice Cream Break or Gift Shopping in St. Mary
Celebrate your one-day Glacier adventure with a cold treat or browse the shops for souvenirs. The St. Mary Visitor Center is also a good stop for maps and educational displays.
Optional: Return Drive or Exit Through St. Mary
Depending on where you’re staying, you can:
- Drive back along the Going-to-the-Sun Road for a different view with late afternoon light (if you do this, be sure to stop at McDonald Lake for sunset).
- Continue on to Many Glacier or Two Medicine if you have more time
- Exit the park from the St. Mary Entrance and loop back to West Glacier via Highway 2
Optional Bonus Stop: Sunset at Lake McDonald
If you’re looping back to West Glacier, make time for a relaxing evening stop at Lake McDonald or Apgar Village. The lake’s still waters and glowing sunset are the perfect way to cap your adventure.
Where to Stay Near the Going-to-the-Sun Road
To make the most of your one-day adventure, it’s best to stay close to either end of the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Here are a few great options depending on your travel style and which side of the park you’re entering from:
West Glacier Area (Best for Starting Early)
- Lake McDonald Lodge – Historic lodge right on the lake; perfect for a classic national park experience (but definitely a splurge)
- Glacier Guides Lodge – Charming and eco-conscious, just minutes from the park entrance.
- West Glacier KOA Resort – Family-friendly with cabins and tent sites.
East Side: St. Mary
- St. Mary Village – A convenient base with a range of lodging options and on-site dining.
- Glacier Peaks RV Park & Campground – Great for RVers or those looking to camp with amenities.
- Many Glacier Hotel – A stunning Swiss-style lodge nestled beside Swiftcurrent Lake. It’s only an 18 min walk from the Grinell Glacier trailhead if you have more than one day in the park!
Other Nearby Towns
If park lodging is full (which happens quickly!), consider:
- Columbia Falls or Whitefish (about 30–40 minutes from West Glacier) – Lots of hotels, restaurants, and services.
- Babb or East Glacier Park Village – Quieter spots on the east side, ideal for accessing Two Medicine or Many Glacier.
🛏️ Pro Tip: Book lodging as early as possible, especially if you’re traveling in July or August. Glacier accommodations fill fast and get spendy REAL QUICK.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Glacier & Driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road
1. When does the Going-to-the-Sun Road open for the season?
The full road usually opens late June to early July and remains open until mid to late October, depending on snowfall. The exact date changes each year, check the National Park Service website for up-to-date info.
2. Do I need a reservation to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road?
Yes, during peak summer season (mid-June through mid-September), a vehicle reservation is required from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is separate from your park entry pass. You can book the reservation on Recreation.gov. You can get these permits either 120 days in advance or try your luck the night before at 7pm.
These permits have a $2 fee, and you only need one per car.
3. How long does it take to drive the full Going-to-the-Sun Road?
If you drove it straight through without stopping, it would take about 2 hours. But with scenic stops, photo ops, and hikes, most people spend at least 6–12 hours exploring.
4. What kind of vehicle can drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road?
Vehicles must be less than 21 feet long and under 10 feet tall due to tight curves and overhangs. RVs, trailers, and large trucks are not allowed on the full road.
5. Are there shuttle options if I don’t have a reservation or prefer not to drive?
Yes! The park operates a free shuttle service (on a limited schedule) that runs between Apgar, Logan Pass, and St. Mary Visitor Center. This is a great alternative if you can’t snag a vehicle reservation.
6. Are there restrooms and food stops along the way?
There are restrooms at major stops like Apgar, Avalanche, Logan Pass, and St. Mary. Food options are limited so be sure to pack a lunch and plenty of snacks, as dining facilities are sparse and seasonal.
7. What are the best short hikes along the road?
Some popular, easy hikes along the Going to the Sun road are (each one was mentioned in the above one day itinerary!)
- Avalanche Lake (4.4 miles roundtrip)
- Hidden Lake Overlook (2.7 miles roundtrip)
- Baring Falls (0.6 miles roundtrip)
- Sun Point to St. Mary Falls (3.2 miles roundtrip with waterfall views)
8. Can I see wildlife from the road?
Yes! Common sightings include mountain goats, bighorn sheep, marmots, and even bears. Always observe from a distance and never feed or approach wildlife. We saw mountain goats, bighord sheep, and deer, BUT no bears!
9. Is the road safe for people afraid of heights?
Some parts of the road, especially around Logan Pass, are narrow with steep drop-offs and no guardrails. If you’re nervous about heights, consider sitting on the mountain-facing side of the car, or taking the shuttle instead.
10. What should I bring for a day on the road
- Offline maps (no cell service)
- Park pass + vehicle reservation
- Water & snacks or lunch
- Camera or phone with storage space
- Layers (weather can change quickly)
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
- Bear spray (if hiking)
Final Thoughts: One Day in Glacier National Park Map
Even in just one day, the Going-to-the-Sun Road delivers a lifetime’s worth of beauty and memories. With an early start, a good plan, and a sense of adventure, you can see waterfalls, glaciers, wild animals, and panoramic mountain views all in a single unforgettable day. Here’s a map to help you find your way around once in the park!
This is one road trip you’ll be dreaming about long after you’ve left Glacier.
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