Driving the Sun Road in Glacier National Park had been high on our wish list for our 2021 “go west” road trip. Stretching 50 miles from the west side at Lake McDonald to the east side at St. Mary Lake, it promised our first true glimpse of glaciers, and the kind of scenery that lingers long after the journey ends.
From June through September, reservations were required to enter from the west between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. On the advice of a local, we took a different approach. We drove around to the east side and entered after 3:00 p.m., bypassing the reservation requirement. It turned out to be one of the best decisions of the trip.
On the way, we made a memorable stop at Two Sisters Restaurant on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation near Babb, Montana. Known for its legendary huckleberry pie, this was a must. (Montana folks love anything huckleberry which is endemic to Montana.) We ordered a slice to go and stepped outside to enjoy it in the fresh mountain air. Sweet, tart, and unmistakably Montana, it was the perfect introduction to the region.
Soon after, we began our ascent along the Sun Road, a marvel carved into the mountainside. This iconic roadway winds through the heart of the Rockies, offering sweeping views of glacial valleys, alpine meadows, and shimmering lakes that reflect the sky like glass.
On the west side, Lake McDonald stretches long and serene, its crystal-clear waters revealing colorful stones beneath the surface. As the road climbs higher, smaller alpine lakes begin to appear like hidden gems tucked between rugged peaks.
On the east side, St. Mary Lake unfolds in dramatic fashion, framed by jagged mountain silhouettes. Nearby, Rising Sun offers access to quieter shoreline views and peaceful moments.
Built between 1921 and 1932, the road stands as both a historical treasure and an engineering achievement, recognized as a National Historic Landmark and a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. It’s not just a road; it’s a journey through time and terrain.
In July, snowmelt cascaded down steep rock faces, creating waterfalls that splashed across the roadway. There’s a craggy 100-foot rock face alongside the road where snowmelt run-off rushes down the mountain creating a chilly torrent that splashes onto the roadway. With the windows open, we could feel the sudden chill. A refreshing reminder of the lingering snow above.
The highest point along the drive is at Logan Pass Visitors center, sitting at 6,647 feet along the Continental Divide. The views seem to stretch endlessly with mountains, valleys, and distant lakes layered into the horizon. Trails branch out from the center, inviting exploration.
It was near the entrance to the trails that we spotted one of the park’s smallest and most fascinating residents, the American pika. These are tiny, rabbit-like creatures. American pikas are believed to have evolved from Siberian ancestors that crossed the former land bridge between Asia and Alaska. They once lived across North America but have been retreating upslope over the past 12,000 years. American pikas now live on high-elevation cool mountains west of the Rocky Mountains. They live in colonies among the rocks so if you see one there are likely more nearby.
If you’re planning your own drive along Going-to-the-Sun Road, a bit of preparation goes a long way. Due to narrow lanes, sharp turns, and rock overhangs, vehicles must be under 21 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 10 feet high. Larger vehicles can be parked at the entrance, where shuttle services run the length of the road.
Be sure to come prepared. There are no gas stations within the park, and cell service is limited or nonexistent. I did not have cell service in the park. Download maps ahead of time or bring a paper version. Pack water, snacks, or even a picnic. There are countless scenic spots along the lakes to stop and linger.
The drive can be completed in two hours without stops, but if you want to truly experience it plan for much longer. With scenic pullouts, lakeside views, and breathtaking overlooks, it’s worthwhile to spend an entire day.
To travel along the outer edge of the road with unobstructed vistas of valleys and glacial lakes below and easiest access to pullouts, drive west to east. We drove east to west.
For information on seasonal road conditions and alerts before driving through Glacier National Park visit their website: https://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm
Two Sisters Restaurant is open seasonally: https://www.twosistersofmontana.com/
For more pictures from Debra’s visit to Glacier National Park visit: https://beautifuldaytraveler.wordpress.com/2026/04/08/driving-the-sun-road-in-glacier-national-park/
Debra enjoys writing military romantic suspense and making sure her veteran heroes have a happy ever after that will last.
She also writes historical romance, contemporary romance, dystopian romance, urban fantasy romance, fairytale romance, holiday romance, poetry, and nonfiction. In her Tales from the Trailer articles for Fresh Fiction, she shares the RV lifestyle and travel adventures in the U.S. from the point of view of a working author. As Debra Bishop, she writes fairytales and children’s stories.
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