Going-to-the-Sun-Road, MT

Overview: On July 15,1933, this marvel of engineering wonder was officially dedicated and renamed from the "Transmountain Road" to "Going-to-the-Sun-Road" and has been described ever since as one of the most beautiful fifty (~50) mile pieces of mountain road in the world!


It is estimated that 98% of the visitors to Glacier NP see the park from the Going-to-the-Sun-Road or other roads within the park. Early park naturalist George C. Ruhle, who named this new highway in 1933 stated:
"At first this was primarily a walking and horseback riding park.. Now they skim through it in an automobile and they cling to it like a shipwrecked sailor to a raft."Warning: Because you really won't be keeping your eyes on the road as you drive, the safest and most preferred mode of transportation is the Glacier NP "shuttle service vans" which operate each year from ~July 3rd to September 1st. You can also drive "your own vehicle" or you can also "bike-it"(limited to certain hours of the day).

History: Construction began in 1924 and was completed in 1932 (eight long years to complete). On July 15,2008, the Going-to-the-Sun-Road celebrated its 75th anniversary.

Drive: On the Going-to-the-Sun-Road there are at least 17 stops which include: scenic viewpoints, visitor centers, hotels, shops, bathrooms, campgrounds, boat rides, and day hiking or backpacking trail heads for at least 12 different connecting trail hikes.

Water Sources: Not a problem..

2013-07-16 Grasshopper