If you've been waiting to take your summer adventure at Glacier National Park, you can start planning now.
To the excitement of visitors, the Going-to-the-Sun Road has finally opened for the 2017 season.
The road, which extends from the West Glacier entrance to the St. Mary's entrance on the east side, crosses the continental divide at Logan Pass. The road is roughly 50 miles long and takes the average traveler two hours to drive. It is arguably the most scenic drive in the park, and the only one to connect an entrance on both sides. Up until this point, visitors have had to take the three-hour drive on Highway 2 around the park to access both entrances.
GlacierNPS
Despite the road being open to vehicles, travelers should be aware of changing conditions. Trails along the Going-to-the-Sun Road will still be snow covered and visitors should still expect icy roadways and occasional snow.
Road opening varies per year, depending on the snowfall. Snowfall at Logan Pass can sometimes be upward of 80 ft, making the snow removal process a long and diligent one. To the disappointment of many visitors, making the trek before the road is fully opened means missing some of the most spectacular scenery the park has to offer. Others who choose to come earlier make the trek by foot.
The June 28 opening date is later than average, but it's not a record. The latest the road has ever opened was July 13, 2011. The earliest was May 16, 1986. It is expected to stay open until October 8 of this year.
The Logan Pass visitor center will now be opened from 9 A.M. to 7 P.M. for travelers. Additional Trail and Park updates can be found at the National Park Service Glacier website.
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