A Road Hike on the Going To The Sun Road at Glacier National Park

June 5, 2025. Glacier National Park, Montana. Day 15 of 170

Today, we returned to Glacier National Park. We had planned a big hike, but upon arrival, we discovered that the Going-to-the-Sun Road—the access route to our trailhead—was closed due to dangerous conditions. Apparently, as the last snow melts, a few avalanches have occurred, and the road needs to be cleared before it can reopen to vehicle traffic.

Somewhat discouraged but not ready to give up, we learned that the road was still accessible by foot or bicycle. So, off we went on what we called a “Road Hike.”

We parked at the Avalanche Campground, which isn’t open for camping yet, and headed north. We hiked about six miles, stopping several times to play in and around McDonald Creek. Calling this body of water a “creek” feels like an understatement—millions of gallons of water rush down to feed the large Lake McDonald at the south end of the park.

The Going-to-the-Sun Road is an iconic 50-mile scenic mountain road that traverses Glacier National Park. It’s considered one of the most beautiful and ambitious engineering feats in any national park. It was the first road to be designated a National Historic Place, a National Historic Landmark, and a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. The road crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass, its highest point, at an elevation of 6,646 feet. But the Going-to-the-Sun Road is more than just a road—it’s an immersive journey through the heart of Glacier, offering unparalleled access to breathtaking scenery, diverse ecosystems, and countless opportunities for adventure.

Although we only experienced a fraction of it today, walking the road rather than viewing it through a windshield gave us a unique and intimate perspective. The weather was perfect, and the views were astonishing.

This day was a perfect example of what travel often teaches: despite all the planning, unexpected things happen. Veteran travelers learn to adapt and pivot, focusing not on “what could have been,” but on “what is.” And today, there was so much to appreciate on our Road Hike.