Find the Best Motorcycle Roads and Trips in the USA - MotorcycleRoads.com
Add a motorcycle road in any state such as: Ohio, Texas, California, Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, Colorado, and more!
Learn about MotorcycleRoads.com and how it’s the Internet's best guide to Motorcycle Roads and Trips in the USA
Discover Motorcycle Roads.com's guide to great links covering motorcycle safety,  motorcycle clubs & events, and other items of interest to motorcycle riders
Tell a friend how MotorcycleRoads.com is the Internet's best guide to Motorcycle Roads and Trips in the USA
Add to your browser's list of favorite sites so you will be able to quickly return to MotorcycleRoads.com and find the Internet's best guide to Motorcycle Roads and Trips in the USA
   



 



 








 

Motorcycle Roads Home > Montana Motorcycle Roads
 
 
Title: Going-To-The-Sun Road
State: Montana

Submitted By: Chet Lang

Date Submitted: Jul 01

Motorcycle Type: 92 Gold Wing

Motorcycle Road Length: 50 Miles

Motorcycle Road Scenery:
      For mountain climbers, reaching Mt Everest is the ultimate claim to fame. It is in a remote area and very difficult to get to, its known for its cold and snow, and it provides some of the most challenging climbing in the world. For motorcycle riders, this route, Going-To-The-Sun Road is the MT Everest of continental US motorcycle-routes. It lies in a distant remote part of the United States near the Canadian border. It takes crews two months in the late spring/early summer to simply clear the road for travel. Snow banks up to 8 feet can line the road at certain points as late as July and August. And it has some of the twistiest turns and steepest elevation changes of any paved road in the US. You won't be disappointed by driving this road!!! This route goes from one end of Glacier National Park to the other end crossing through a magnificent section of the Rocky Mountains.  The scenery as you can imagine is among the best in the WORLD.  You will see jagged peaks, crystal mountain lakes, immense glaciers, unbelievable valley views, waterfalls, alpine wildflowers, meadows, streams and possibly alpine wildlife (mountain goats, elk, deer, squirrels, gopher, hawks).   



one of the countless incredible scenes you will see
Motorcycle Road Quality:
      Much of the road quality depends on the crowds. If you don't mind the traffic then you'll enjoy the turns and elevation climbs and falls. Also, keep in mind that the weather is a major factor up here and if you plan on making the trip in all but the middle of summer you would be very foolish not to make a few phone calls and make sure the roads aren’t under snow.  Overall the roads are in good shape and well maintained. 



tons of places to pull over and sit and watch or explore the surroundings
Motorcycle Roadside Amenities:


      On this trip you’ll want to make sure to bring plenty of film, warm clothing, and your hiking boots. The ride is only 50 miles but there are endless numbers of places to stop and stretch your legs as you take in views that are breathtaking. This route covers a remote area of Montana and if your looking for urban amenities (such as restaurants, craft shops, etc) you will not have much luck. Because of this we had to give the route a 3 in terms of its roadside-amenities … it just wasn’t balanced as well as some other routes in the Rockies. The below list of amenities are highlights of a few the stops that standout. 

Start out at St Mary Lake and take in the incredible 4,500 ft peaks that raise above the surface of the lake into that “big sky” that Montana is famous for.

Perhaps the your favorite picture will be taken from the Wild Goose Island Turnout.  Chances are you have seen a picture taken of this lake and island in a magazine or on a book cover.  A helpless looking little island with its few trees sits in the middle of Wild Goose Lake and is surrounded by giant mountain peaks.  You may want to try to time your photo for a sunrise or sunset here.

There are many short hiking trails (between 1 to 3 miles) at the various pullout areas such as Sun Point, St. Mary Falls (a fantastic looking cascading mountain waterfall), and Virginia Falls.

You will drive along a section known as Logan Pass and notice that next to the road are some sheer cliffs that demand you keep track of the road despite the magnetic scenery.  A waterfall will actually come down off the uphill side and flow down onto the river and over the edge … don’t go with it over the edge with it!  The pass is known for its patches of wildflowers and mountain peaks.  Shortly after this you will want to stop at the visitor center and may even want to take a short 1.5 mile hike on the boardwalk-covered trail to the Hidden Lake Overlook. 

The Garden Wall is a length of rocky cliffs that rise 1,000 feet and make up part of the continental divide.  From here you will see an area that suffered from a 1967 lightning caused forest fire that scorched the area.  After over thirty years the area is just recovering with young trees and shrubs. 

At the Trail of Cedars you can you can walk along an elevated board walk through an ancient forest and see the blanket of alpine mosses and ferns that cover the forest floor. 

Towards the end of the route, you may want to consider staying at the impressive Lake McDonald Lodge (602-207-6000).  This is a famous rustic looking yet prestigious lodge that has a huge stone and log lobby complete with large dinning room.  This is considered the “Ritz in the Rockies.” 

The end of the drive takes you into West Glacier, MT ... a town that has a lot of tourist traps (restaruants, gift shops, gas stations). ... A couple of tourist attractions that you really should check out are as follows:
- Head west on Hwy 2 about 13 miles and you'll see the "House of Mystery" on the right ... its a place where supposedly there is some vortex (whatever that is) that causes things like marbles to role up hill and brooms to stand on their own. I saw that and more with my own eyes and I can't explain it but it was real.
- Down the road there is a place with a huge wooden maze for humans to try to get through
- Also, the town of Whitefish has a great lake with public beach if you want to hang out and enjoy a swim



scenes like this are everywhere you look



Photo contributed by visitor in Mar 09 - "Taken at the parking lot of Logan Pass in September 2008. It had snowed higher up as you can see and the weather was very chilly. Thank goodness for a warm jacket, but the sleeping bag wasn't warm enough"


Photo contributed by visitor in May 09 - "Taking a break on going to the sun road in Glacier August 2008"


Photo contributed by visitor in Sep 09 - "This was taken about 9:30am on my way of the park. The glass like water was so calm. "


Photo contributed by visitor in Oct 09 - "Heading West from Logan's Pass. Amazing road to ride, with spectacular views. "


Photo contributed by visitor in Jan 10 - "The famous "Goose Island."

Directions:
      Start your route in St. Mary, MT and head west on Going-to-the-Sun Road all the way through Glacier National Park to the town of West Glacier. 
 
Additional Information:
      - View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather.
Untitled Document
 
 Visitor contributed pictures or videos
 Click here to add a picture or video
  Do you have any pictures of this area? Contribute a photo and show other riders what they’ll see along the way.
 
  Have you ever filmed video along this ride or in the area? Contribute the video and show riders what the area looks like.
 

Comments page 1 of 0
Click here to add a rating and/or comment
Don Schieman - 2006 Harley-Davidson
Posted 897 days ago
The road is everything people say it is. Don't take the weather lightly. Always ask for a weather report from the top when you pass through the gate. The traffic slows you down so you forced to really enjoy the sights. The whole area is worth the trip.
Was this comment helpful? Yes | No
Owisopsi - 2001 Harley-Davidson
This user rated the route: 10 out of 10     Posted 429 days ago
I have lived 40 mi from Glacier National Park... Having these scenes at your backdoor. A person takes for granted how lucky you are to have such splendors whenever you want. I will say this. The very first time I seen Going to the Sun tour I was in total awe. If you are traveling a long ways to see these wonders. Make sure and take a cpl 2 or three days to appreciate all .. Enjoy your putt
Was this comment helpful? Yes | No
Ron/Keiko - 2005 Harley-Davidson
Posted 737 days ago
We took the ride West - East in early August. Some of the most breathe taking views we have ever seen. Because Glacier is located in such a remote area of Montana, we would strongly recommend getting a place to stay early in the day. We ended up taking the 250 mile late night ride to Helena by way of Great Falls before we found rooms. In spite of the protracted late night ride, it was worth it to see the grander
Was this comment helpful? Yes | No
Doug - 2002 Honda
Posted 935 days ago
I visited GTTSR last summer (2007) and was disappointed by the traffic -- it was literally bumper-to-bumper the entire trip. For a park as far off the beaten path as Glacier is, this place sure gets like Grand Central Station. If you prefer a more open road, I'd suggest the Beartooth Pass in southern Montana.
Was this comment helpful? Yes | No
jim - 2008 Suzuki
This user rated the route: 8 out of 10     Posted 253 days ago
Having lived not more than 75 miles from this road I had riden it many times. The first was through the snow at the sumit at night, not fun. But last year my wife and I rode from Edmonton down to Montana taking the pass and on down to hyw 12 the (Lolo). These are 2 of the best roads to ride. I recommend these to any rider who wants scenery and twisties.
Was this comment helpful? Yes | No
Phil - 1995 Yamaha
Posted 760 days ago
Beautiful ride. We stopped at the visitor center above the snow line near dusk. The park rangers were on foot and unsuccessfully trying to chase the bighorn sheep who were trying to drink antifreeze that had leaked from a vehicle parked there earlier. They asked if we could help chase them off the parking lot. For the next few minutes we had a motorcycle rodeo roundup. We had a ball and commented on how chasing the animals would normally get you into a lot of trouble.
Was this comment helpful? Yes | No
Dave - 1987 Yamaha
Posted 359 days ago
My wife and I had booked a room at the "Prince-of-Wales" on the Canadian side in early July with the intent of riding the "Going-to-the-Sun highway the next morning. Heed the aforementioned roadway conditions warnings. I mean...July!? We won't have to worry about snow-blocked roads. Right? T'was under 12 feet of snow. Still have never ridden the "Going-to-the-Sun." But, someday.
Was this comment helpful? Yes | No
DeDe - 2008 Yamaha
This user rated the route: 9 out of 10     Posted 385 days ago
Aug 2009 - Road construction continues with large sections of gravel road; where the road is finished it is wonderful. That being said Going to the Sun has some of the most spectacular views you'll find anywhere. Expect to putt along this road and take your time. I recommend seeing two medicine and many glaciers as well. To truely appreciate GNP get off the bike and put on your hiking boots, try the garden wall or avalanche lake for an amazing experience
Was this comment helpful? Yes | No
Norm & Chris - 2005 Harley-Davidson
This user rated the route: 8 out of 10     Posted 137 days ago
Some of the best scenery around. I visited here the 3rd week of June. The weather was awesome, but be careful as it can change drastically anytime of the year. I'm not to good with heights, so I was a little nervous. There was some traffic, but not too bad. A definite ride if you are ever in the area. Construction was heavy in '06. Bikers should get in front of the traffic, if at all possible.
Was this comment helpful? Yes | No
Mike - 1998 Honda
This user rated the route: 9 out of 10     Posted 185 days ago
The GTTSR will be under permanent construction forever due to the yearly damage from avalanches and slides. You will be able to take advantage of the stops to change your undies as you may s**t yourself when you see how beautiful the area is! I used to live 2200 miles away and would come out every 2 years and ride the Sun hiway. Now I live in the area and still go up at least twice a season. LOTS of traffic but still worth it. The Pass is rarely open before the last week of June/ first week of July as it takes that long to clear the snow. Plan accordingly. Also dress accordingly: Logan pass is generally 15-20 degrees colder than the valley (west side) , so pack an extra sweatshirt. Enjoy!
Was this comment helpful? Yes | No
Ross wakelen - 2008 Honda
This user rated the route: 1 out of 10     Posted 24 days ago
Stay away !!!! Took a trip August 2010 and to say the lest this road sucks until they finish construction. Lots of mud long waits groves in the road just no fun !!!
Was this comment helpful? Yes | No
Ron Moore - 1998 Yamaha
Posted 536 days ago
West to East Sep 08. Road up and down from pass - Construction!!! Workers, say 2-3 years of work. Long stretchs of gravel, ruts, washboard. Bikers be first!
Beautiful scenery top of pass. Downright chilly at top and at campground. If deer hanging around tent, watch out for large predator, always lock food away .
I'm definitely going again when the construction is completed.
Was this comment helpful? Yes | No
Dennis A Daw - 2007 Kawasaki
This user rated the route: 10 out of 10     Posted 368 days ago
I was at Glacier National Park and Go-in-to-the Sun Highway in Jul 09. The weather and scenery were outstanding. I can't wait to go back. I stayed at The Izaak Walton Inn in Essex,Mt near the park.
Was this comment helpful? Yes | No
DL Buck - 1996 BMW
Posted 328 days ago
Road construction makes this a slow, stop & go trip. Park says this is a 10 yr project. Plan on dirt & extra time for construction zones.
Was this comment helpful? Yes | No
 

 
 
Home | Add-a-Road | About-Us | Links | Tell-a-Friend | Add-to-Favorites

©1999-2010 MotorcycleRoads.com