West Side of Going-to-the-Sun Reopens to Private Vehicles

News and Adventure from Glacier National Park

The Going-to-the-Sun Road has reopened to private vehicle travel between Apgar and Logan Pass. It is now possible to drive the entire length of the road.

The west side of the road was closed on August 12 when the Howe Ridge Fire grew significantly, burning structures and threatening the road corridor.

Drivers will not be able to stop along the road between Lake McDonald Lodge and the Avalanche Creek developed area. Avalanche is open for day use recreation, including day use areas, restrooms, the Trail of the Cedars, and the Avalanche Lake Trail. Flattop Trail and The Loop Trail are also reopening.

Winter weather has begun in some areas of the park. Intermittent snow has fallen at Logan Pass. While most trails remain open, visitors should come prepared for changing conditions and pack extra layers in the event that they encounter cold conditions as they travel throughout the park.

Access to Logan Pass will close on or before the third Monday in October for the winter season, weather conditions dependent. This year, that date is October 15th, meaning that October 14th is the last day to drive the entire length of the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

A culvert project near the Apgar area is scheduled to begin on October 15th, which will necessitate a temporary road closure at the foot of Lake McDonald from October 15-19 before the road reopens to Avalanche, as is customary for the fall season.

Jeff
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