Going-to-the-Sun Road 2026: Full Opening Set for Monday, June 22
The National Park Service announced Thursday that the Going-to-the-Sun Road 2026 summer season will begin Monday, June 22, when the full 50-mile route opens to motorized vehicles. Officials caution that rockfalls or other natural events may delay the opening, as conditions in Glacier National Park can change quickly.
- Related: Big Drift, Buried Bathrooms, and Rockfall: The Real Story of Plowing Going-to-the-Sun Road in 2026
The road tops out at 6,646 feet above sea level at Logan Pass, the highest point on the Continental Divide accessible by paved road in the northern Rockies. Each spring, National Park Service crews spend weeks clearing the route of snow, working through nearly 40 avalanche paths. The most formidable obstacle is the Big Drift near Logan Pass, a wind-loaded snowbank that can stack to 80 feet deep even in below-average snow years.
Last Chance for Cyclists Before Vehicles Arrive
The road is currently fully open to bicyclists. Officials asked riders to be mindful of administrative vehicle traffic as crews finalize preparations for the June 22 opening.
Bicycle Restrictions in Effect from June 22 Through September 27
Once motorized vehicles are permitted, bicycle restrictions take effect. Starting June 22, cyclists are prohibited from traveling eastbound between Apgar and Logan Pass between noon and 6 p.m. and from traveling westbound between Logan Pass and Apgar between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Those restrictions remain in place through September 27.
Cyclists planning to make the most of the final car-free days should note that administrative traffic will be active along the upper road through Friday, June 19.
No Vehicle Reservations Required in 2026
This year marks a notable policy shift. Vehicle reservations are not required anywhere in Glacier National Park in 2026. In recent years, the park operated a timed-entry reservation system requiring booking to drive the road from the west side. Visitors can now drive in without a reservation, though parking remains limited and fills quickly at popular trailheads.
Going-to-the-Sun Road 2026: Logan Pass Shuttle, Parking, and Visitor Services
The Logan Pass Visitor Center will open June 22, along with visitor information services, the Glacier National Park Conservancy bookstore, a water bottle filling station, and restroom facilities. Visitors should pack their own food and water, as none is available for purchase at the pass.
Beginning July 1, weather permitting, parking at Logan Pass is limited to three hours. The park is also introducing a ticketed shuttle system to Logan Pass for visitors planning longer alpine hikes, including the Highline Trail. Shuttle tickets cost $1 and are available through Recreation.gov. A portion of tickets will be released 60 days in advance, with remaining tickets available at 7 p.m. MDT for next-day entry beginning June 30.
Parking at Avalanche, Apgar Village, and other popular areas may be congested or temporarily unavailable during peak periods.
Cycling Safety Reminders from the National Park Service
The park asks all cyclists using Going-to-the-Sun Road to follow these guidelines:
- Always wear a helmet and obey the same rules as motorized vehicles
- Maintain control of speed, particularly on descents
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it — never leave food unattended, including in panniers and backpacks
- Bring a headlamp for early morning or evening rides
- Check tire pressure and carry tools to change a tire before setting out
- Electric bicycles are permitted if the motor is under 750 watts and only engages while pedaling — note that added battery weight can increase a bike’s total weight by 20 or more pounds
How the Going-to-the-Sun Road 2026 Opening Compares to Previous Years
Going-to-the-Sun Road runs 50 miles across Glacier National Park, connecting West Glacier on the park’s western edge with St. Mary on the east. The route crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass and traverses some of the most dramatic alpine terrain in the Lower 48.
In 2025, the road opened to vehicles from St. Mary to Logan Pass on June 14, with the full length opening June 16. The 2026 opening on June 22 comes six days later than last year’s full opening.
Visitors are encouraged to check current road conditions at the National Park Service website before traveling. As the park noted, natural events can alter the timeline with little warning.
