Glacier National Park’s Going to the Sun Road is packed with views like this. Each corner brings a new sight. Whether it is rugged mountains, water cascading down rocks, or high mountain meadows, the road is guaranteed to create a sense of awe.
Peggy and I know a bit about scenic roads. Over past 25 years we have traveled over a quarter of a million miles exploring many of the most beautiful highways America and Canada have to offer. Some, several times. One thing that we have learned is that determining most scenic is incredibly hard. How does one compare driving through the desolate beauty of Death Valley with the rugged wilderness of the Yukon? We both agree, however, that the Going to the Sun Highway in Glacier National Park would be near the top of any list we might compose.
Note: All of the photos in this post were taken by either Peggy or me unless otherwise stated.
What’s not to love about water cascading over rocks…Or high mountain meadows.The narrow Going to the Sun Highway is a marvel in and of itself, working its way around steep curves and along cliffs with sheer drops, as shown in the photo above. Three Arches is on the right and Haystack Falls is on the left. Driving over it is not for the faint hearted! Neither is it for RVs.
By designing the road to have minimum impact on the surrounding environment, using local materials, and building it to feature some of the park’s most scenic views, the highway became a model for building roads in future national parks.First funded in 1921 by Congress, highway construction took place throughout the 20s. Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal Program took over in the 30s finishing the road. Here, Civil Conservation Corps members carry a telephone cable over Logan Pass in 1938. Both Peggy’s father and mine worked for the CCC during the 30s, giving them employment options they may not have had otherwise in the Great Depression. (This photo is from the National Archives.)We began our journey up the Going to the Sun Road on the western side of Glacier NP. We were camped about five miles away. The total length of the road is 48 miles. We drove up to Logan Pass, 30 miles from the entrance, and back. Entering from the west requires a permit between 6:00 AM and 3:00 PM in the summer to control numbers. It’s best to get your permits before heading to the park. They are offered 120 days in advance. Day of permits can be purchased the day before starting at 7 PM, but they go fast, often within minutes. Not having a permit, we opted for the after 3 PM entrance.The Going to the Sun Road makes a leisurely trip along the edge of Lake McDonald and McDonald Creek before beginning its climb up toward Logan Pass.We took this and the following photos along the lake and river.In our eagerness to get up the mountain we missed taking photos of McDonald Lake and Creek on our way up, but we did capture some rapids and McDonald Creek Falls on our way back to camp. It was close to sunset.Our first stop going up the road was to admire this mountain.As one might expect, glaciers are a key feature of a National Park named Glacier. Unfortunately, they are melting. Global warming has reduced their numbers from around 86 in 1850 to 26 today. The Loop, a major hairpin turn, and the narrow West Tunnel added more excitement to the already exciting drive up the western portion of Going to the Sun Highway.The Weeping Wall is one the Going to the Sun Road’s most well know features.People drive next to the Weeping Wall on their way down and stick out their hands. Peggy and I thought of driving next to it to give Iorek the pickup a well-needed bath. (But didn’t.)Pull offs above and below the Weeping Wall provided a number of scenic views including Haystack Falls.Haystack Falls above the road.And below the road.A smaller but colorful falls was a short walk away.The 490 feet tall Bird Woman Falls could be seen far across the canyon nestled in among the mountains.The mountains seen from the upper end of the Going to the Sun Road are magnificent.And finally the road (seen on the left) makes its way up to just before Logan Pass, which will be the subject of our next post.And, a final photo. We have been in St. Marys, Ohio the past few days wrapping up our trip by celebrating the 100th Birthday of Peggy’s namesake, Aunt Peggy. She is an incredible lady in the true sense of the word with a smile and a personality that light up a room. She’s shown here with water-color flowers she has painted. We attended the ceremony with Peggy’s brother John, his wife Frances plus 14 other relatives and at least 40 residents of Aunt Peggy’s Senior Living Center. The beautiful event was organized by Aunt Peggy’s daughter, Alice.
I agree Going to the Sun Road is definitely at the top of the list as most scenic roads. GLP offers some incredible beauty. And a very happy birthday to the aunt. Such a milestone.
Which is more majestic? Aunt Peggy or the mountains! And her art is so lovely! How amazing that many people are living up to 100 years old! Not sure if I will do that but I do admire those that have and still live a wonderful life.
Your pictures of all mountains, falls, sky…the world is truly a wonder isn’t it? My amazing moment this morning is watching a raven on top of one of the tallest trees in the neighborhood preening and getting ready for the day. I keep an eye on that tree each morning as I take my blood pressure…I think I lower it by watching! Ah! Such is life!
Aunt Peggy is certainly an amazing woman. And her art has always been fun and impressive. The cards she sent us for years, each came with a unique painting. Treasures.
Anything that lowers the blood pressure is good. Beyond meds, nature has to be one of the best options. It’s good for what ails you, Wendy. It’s always been my go-to solution.
Peggy and I spent a lot of time on our trip up the coast watching and photographing birds preening. I’m a great fan of nature in the backyard as well as nature in National Parks and other wild and scenic areas. Thanks. –Curt
Curt, I agree that Going to the Sun Road is one of the most scenic drives we have done. Thanks for taking us on a tour with your beautiful images. I love the waterfalls. Happy birthday to Aunt Peggy!
The road is spectacular. Your post makes me want to return [last there in 1979]. Due to crowds and summer heat, almost all our travel now is in the spring and fall, however, and when we were out that way, Going to the Sun was snowed in.
There are some wonderful drives all around the country. I am a believer that Americans should “see America first” as the old car commercial said, but my favorite drive in North America is between Banff and Jasper in Canada.
Totally agree on spring and fall travel, Ray. And the Going to the Sun Road opens late and closes early. “See the USA, in your Chevrolet.” Was that it. We like the Jasper to Banff drive as well. I’ve backpacked up there a couple of times as well.
I was right about the slogan. See America First was a campaign started in 1906 and active in the 1930s. But I am not quite that old, so I don’t know where I first heard it. 😊
Well, one thing is for sure, Ray, one can spend a lifetime doing it. Not that I’ve minded seeing many of the other things the world has to offer…
Hi Steve! Where are you guys? Peggy and I included Yoho on one of our trips coming back from Alaska. And pre-Peggy, I actually backpacked into there once with a geologist friend helping him carry out rocks. How dumb is that! –Curt
we are in Satan’s armpit currently but going to Australia soon!
Satan’s armpit, eh. Pushing a hundred I’ll bet! No hurricanes in sight though, at least for now. Peggy and I have been doing everything we can to avoid the worst of the weather. In fact, we are hanging out in Ohio a few days longer to avoid the remnants of Debby as she sweeps through the DC area.
Australia should be looking pretty good!
Peggy and I just signed up for our next trip, down the Danube from Vienna to Bucharest starting in late September. Suspect you and Carol have done that one.
It is one of our favourite highways too – really enjoyed a trip down memory lane with your photos!
We have often said we would drive that highway again, but in a convertible! It is an awesome trip on a motorcycle, but our biking days are over.
Either a convertible or a motorcycle would be incredible. Or a bicycle. 😳I came close when I did my 10,000 mile solo tour around North America and actually bicycled through the central and southern part of Montana, but I was running out of time and had to get back to work in California.
I love the Going to the Sun road and I’m glad you mentioned the permits because that is new since I was there last. It’s good that so many of us are now appreciating our great parks, but there are distinct down sides as well. Gosh your photos highlight so well the magnificence of the area. ❤
Happy Birthday Aunt Peggy! That is an excellent portrait of her that you included.
There weren’t any requirements last time we did it either, Crystal. Several National Parks are now using a similar system. Some, like Zion, require you use a shuttle service during peak season. Traveling offseason always helps.
Thanks on the photos. Hard to take a bad one. 😄
Aunt Peggy’s birthday was a blast.
The photo of the guys carrying the cable was interesting. I saw some workers carrying cable exactly that way not long ago, except the cable probably was internet cable coming into a semi-rural area for the first time. All of the waterfalls are lovely, although the thought of cruising (or puttering) through the area in a line of cars isn’t particularly appealing. On the other hand, that photo of Peggy’s aunt Peggy is utterly appealing — as is her art!
Interesting on your cable viewing, Linda. I thought it would be more sophisticated and done with machines, now.
The line was fast. Nobody stopped and too much hesitation would have earned a honk.
Aunt Peggy is amazing, a lovely person.
I’d like to say Going to the Sun is one of the most scenic roads I’ve ever seen, but unfortunately the day I was there it was socked in, with a steady rain. I didn’t stick around. So I can’t say I’ve truly seen it. (Except for your teasers here…)
I took one look at the 3 arches bridge and thought of the New Deal, so was not surprised to learn it was in part funded by that. What a truly fabulous journey. I can see why you wanted to do it. I can just hear you both saying Wow! over and over. Gorgeous!
Alison
We loved every day of it, Alison. But that wasn’t surprising. Having been to them all in the past, I knew we were in for a treat. But putting them altogether at once… Wow!!!
Curt
Wandering through Time and Place 
All your postings are well done, Curt, but this one I thought was especially excellent. Thanks.
Thanks, John. Appreciated.
I agree Going to the Sun Road is definitely at the top of the list as most scenic roads. GLP offers some incredible beauty. And a very happy birthday to the aunt. Such a milestone.
Thanks, Ingrid.
I’m thinking we haven’t spent nearly enough time at Glacier compared to many other national parks we have visited several times.
Which is more majestic? Aunt Peggy or the mountains! And her art is so lovely! How amazing that many people are living up to 100 years old! Not sure if I will do that but I do admire those that have and still live a wonderful life.
Your pictures of all mountains, falls, sky…the world is truly a wonder isn’t it? My amazing moment this morning is watching a raven on top of one of the tallest trees in the neighborhood preening and getting ready for the day. I keep an eye on that tree each morning as I take my blood pressure…I think I lower it by watching! Ah! Such is life!
Travel safely you two!
Wendy
Aunt Peggy is certainly an amazing woman. And her art has always been fun and impressive. The cards she sent us for years, each came with a unique painting. Treasures.
Anything that lowers the blood pressure is good. Beyond meds, nature has to be one of the best options. It’s good for what ails you, Wendy. It’s always been my go-to solution.
Peggy and I spent a lot of time on our trip up the coast watching and photographing birds preening. I’m a great fan of nature in the backyard as well as nature in National Parks and other wild and scenic areas. Thanks. –Curt
Curt, I agree that Going to the Sun Road is one of the most scenic drives we have done. Thanks for taking us on a tour with your beautiful images. I love the waterfalls. Happy birthday to Aunt Peggy!
Glad you were along so you could relive your visit, Beth. And thanks on Aunt Peggy.
The road is spectacular. Your post makes me want to return [last there in 1979]. Due to crowds and summer heat, almost all our travel now is in the spring and fall, however, and when we were out that way, Going to the Sun was snowed in.
There are some wonderful drives all around the country. I am a believer that Americans should “see America first” as the old car commercial said, but my favorite drive in North America is between Banff and Jasper in Canada.
Totally agree on spring and fall travel, Ray. And the Going to the Sun Road opens late and closes early. “See the USA, in your Chevrolet.” Was that it. We like the Jasper to Banff drive as well. I’ve backpacked up there a couple of times as well.
I was right about the slogan. See America First was a campaign started in 1906 and active in the 1930s. But I am not quite that old, so I don’t know where I first heard it. 😊
Well, one thing is for sure, Ray, one can spend a lifetime doing it. Not that I’ve minded seeing many of the other things the world has to offer…
Oh, wow!!
😁Definitely worth a wow, G!
Absolutely beautiful! I’d love to visit there sometime!
A trip that is definitely worthwhile MB. Good to hear from you. -Curt
Peggy looks wonderful and I am sure she enjoyed her party!
That road is amazing. One of our favorites also. Have you been to Yoho NP a little north of there? Clearly one of our favorite parks.
Hi Steve! Where are you guys? Peggy and I included Yoho on one of our trips coming back from Alaska. And pre-Peggy, I actually backpacked into there once with a geologist friend helping him carry out rocks. How dumb is that! –Curt
we are in Satan’s armpit currently but going to Australia soon!
Satan’s armpit, eh. Pushing a hundred I’ll bet! No hurricanes in sight though, at least for now. Peggy and I have been doing everything we can to avoid the worst of the weather. In fact, we are hanging out in Ohio a few days longer to avoid the remnants of Debby as she sweeps through the DC area.
Australia should be looking pretty good!
Peggy and I just signed up for our next trip, down the Danube from Vienna to Bucharest starting in late September. Suspect you and Carol have done that one.
It is one of our favourite highways too – really enjoyed a trip down memory lane with your photos!
We have often said we would drive that highway again, but in a convertible! It is an awesome trip on a motorcycle, but our biking days are over.
Either a convertible or a motorcycle would be incredible. Or a bicycle. 😳I came close when I did my 10,000 mile solo tour around North America and actually bicycled through the central and southern part of Montana, but I was running out of time and had to get back to work in California.
Love Glacier! Beautiful Pics and happy birthday Aunt Peggy!
Thanks, T! Appreciated. –Curt
The scenery is amazing, but the Going to the Sun Highway really captured my imagination. And from one Peggy to another, Happy 100th Birthday.
The road is an experience within itself, Lauren! And thanks on Aunt Peggy. The BD party was a delight.
Great photos of one of my favorite places!
Hard not to be, eh. Thanks. –Curt
I love the Going to the Sun road and I’m glad you mentioned the permits because that is new since I was there last. It’s good that so many of us are now appreciating our great parks, but there are distinct down sides as well. Gosh your photos highlight so well the magnificence of the area. ❤
Happy Birthday Aunt Peggy! That is an excellent portrait of her that you included.
There weren’t any requirements last time we did it either, Crystal. Several National Parks are now using a similar system. Some, like Zion, require you use a shuttle service during peak season. Traveling offseason always helps.
Thanks on the photos. Hard to take a bad one. 😄
Aunt Peggy’s birthday was a blast.
The photo of the guys carrying the cable was interesting. I saw some workers carrying cable exactly that way not long ago, except the cable probably was internet cable coming into a semi-rural area for the first time. All of the waterfalls are lovely, although the thought of cruising (or puttering) through the area in a line of cars isn’t particularly appealing. On the other hand, that photo of Peggy’s aunt Peggy is utterly appealing — as is her art!
Interesting on your cable viewing, Linda. I thought it would be more sophisticated and done with machines, now.
The line was fast. Nobody stopped and too much hesitation would have earned a honk.
Aunt Peggy is amazing, a lovely person.
Amazing photos and waterfalls, Curt, and the photo of Peggy is wonderful with her paintings in the background. Living to 100 is incredible!
Thanks, Lauren. And Aunt Peggy was marvelous.
I’d like to say Going to the Sun is one of the most scenic roads I’ve ever seen, but unfortunately the day I was there it was socked in, with a steady rain. I didn’t stick around. So I can’t say I’ve truly seen it. (Except for your teasers here…)
Add it to you bucket list, Dave. And may the weather treat you better!
I took one look at the 3 arches bridge and thought of the New Deal, so was not surprised to learn it was in part funded by that. What a truly fabulous journey. I can see why you wanted to do it. I can just hear you both saying Wow! over and over. Gorgeous!
Alison
We loved every day of it, Alison. But that wasn’t surprising. Having been to them all in the past, I knew we were in for a treat. But putting them altogether at once… Wow!!!
Curt