Hikers, bikers welcome on Sun Road
Published: November 5, 2008
Hikers and bicyclists may now venture the entire 16 miles between Avalanche Creek and Logan Pass, as well as between Jackson Glacier Overlook and Siyeh Bend, amid vibrant fall colors from ground level through the treetops.
Western larch (aka Tamarack), a needle-bearing deciduous tree found in abundance in and around the park west of the Continental Divide, turns golden yellow in mid-to-late October and is currently at its peak fall color.
Winterization is now completed along the 16-mile alpine portion of the Going-to-the-Sun Road between Avalanche Creek and Logan Pass. Despite the alpine section’s vehicle closure from Avalanche Creek to Jackson Glacier Overlook, weather permitting, 30 miles of the Sun Road remain open for vehicular traffic. This includes 16 miles from the West Glacier entrance to Avalanche Creek on the west side and 14 miles from St. Mary to Jackson Glacier Overlook on the east side.
All other park roads remain open for motorized vehicle travel except for the road into Cut Bank Valley, the Chief Mountain Road and a small portion of the Inside North Fork Road. Motorists are urged to be alert for patches of ice on roads, especially in shaded areas.
Throughout the fall, Sun Road work continues as weather permits; therefore, hikers and bicyclists may experience short delays at work sites. Work zones will be posted as necessary. Hikers and bicyclists should also be alert for gravel and rocks on the roadway.
Lodging facilities within the park are now closed for the season; however, lodging and other visitor services are available in gateway communities adjacent to the park. Primitive camping (must bring own water and vault toilets only) is currently available at the following park campgrounds: Kintla, Bowman, Apgar Picnic Area, and St. Mary. Many Glacier and Two Medicine Campgrounds close for the season on Oct. 31. Bowman and Kintla Campgrounds will remain open for primitive camping as long as road and weather conditions permit this fall.
Throughout the fall and winter seasons, the entrance station at West Glacier is staffed on weekends. Visitors are reminded that valid park entry is required year round. Beginning Oct. 27, the Apgar Visitor Center will be open weekends only from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. During weekdays, visitors can stop at park headquarters in West Glacier for information and assistance, or call 406-888-7800 for general park information, including the specific location of hiker/biker closures.
Current road conditions, updated as conditions change, and additional details are available at the park’s website, www.nps.gov/glac, or by calling 406-888-7800.
Road conditions are also available by calling 511, the Montana Department of Transportation Traveler Information System.
