Going-to-the-Sun open at last
Published: July 13, 2011
Sarah Grieb, NPS)
After much anticipation, the Going-to-the-Sun Road (Sun Road) opened July 13 at 7:41 a.m. The entire length of the Sun Road, 50 miles, is open to vehicle, motorcycle, and bicycle traffic for the summer. This marks the latest opening on record for the scenic two-lane road that passes through the heart of Glacier National Park.
The Logan Pass Visitor Center opened to the public as well on July 13 and offers visitor information and book sales 9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. However, water won’t available for several weeks due to the restroom rehabilitation work, so visitors should be prepared to bring their own potable water.
“The opening of the Sun Road was extremely tough this year. We appreciate the hard work of our road crew, employees and the patience of the public,” said Park Superintendent Chas Cartwright, “We hope the visitors enjoy the snow, the scenery and the beauty the road has to offer.”
The Highline Trail is closed due to snow from Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet. The opening date of this trail is not yet determined.
The Hidden Lake Nature Trail is open, although the entire hike is on snow and hazards exist.
Bicyclists are reminded that bicycle restrictions are in effect on the Sun Road due to traffic congestion through Labor Day, Sept. 5. Bicycles are prohibited between Apgar Campground and Sprague Creek Campground between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
In addition, bicycles are prohibited eastbound (uphill) between Logan Creek and Logan Pass from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. For information on bicycle restrictions and average bicycle times, check the park newspaper, the Waterton-Glacier Guide.
Construction work on the Sun Road continues during the day and some nights. During the day, visitors can expect up to 40-minute delays on a one-way trip through the Sun Road.
Night work continues on the Sun Road in the Big Bend-to-Logan Pass construction segment, with the road closing at the Loop and Logan Pass from 9 p.m.-7 a.m. Mondays through Fridays, and opening briefly for travel from 2-2:15 a.m. nightly.
Logan Pass is accessible from St. Mary without closures every night, and the entire road is free of closures Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
For more on park access, visit www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm.
