The Sunlit Road is a captivating mountain route through Glacier National Park. Navigating this road will expose you to mountain panoramas, shimmering alpine lakes, and perhaps encounters with the diverse wildlife inhabiting the park.
Referred to as The Sunlit Road, this 50-mile stretch connects St. Mary and West Glacier enveloping the Continental Divide through Logan Pass, reaching its peak at 6,646 feet above sea level at its highest point.
However, it is not the facts and figures that will linger in your memory, but rather the scenic beauty that you witness during your journey.
Recommendations for RVing on the Sunlit Road
Despite being a visually stunning route and a must-see attraction at Glacier National Park, traveling on this road can present challenges. From park congestion to winding bends and inclement winter conditions, it is advisable to conduct thorough research before setting out on this adventure. Here are some pointers to make the most of your excursion.
1. Check if a reservation is necessary
During peak seasons at the park, a reservation is mandatory to traverse the road. For the duration of 2024, between May 24 and September 8, travelers must secure a reservation for the west side of The Sunlit Road and North Fork from 6 am to 3 pm. From July 1 to September 8, a vehicle reservation is compulsory for Many Glacier from 6 am to 3 pm. Outside these hours, reservations are not needed.
Individuals with accommodation, camping arrangements, a boat tour, or another pre-booked activity along the road are permitted to drive for the purpose of reaching their planned activity.
To make a vehicle reservation, visit recreation.gov.
2. Ensure your vehicle is suitable for the journey
The Sunlit Road is a two-lane mountain thoroughfare with sharp turns in certain sections. Vehicles cannot exceed 21 feet in length and 8 feet in width in the region between the Avalanche Creek and Rising Sun picnic areas. RVs taller than 10 feet may face clearance issues with the rock overhangs on the road segment from Logan Pass westward to the hairpin turn called the Loop.
The speed limit on the road is 45 mph in lower segments and 25 mph on steep, winding sections.
3. Stay informed about the weather
The Sunlit Road typically opens in early June and closes again in October, subject to weather conditions. Clearing the road of snow in spring can take up to 10 weeks, with progress sometimes as slow as 500 feet per day. Unusually heavy late snowfall can delay the road’s opening, while early snow in fall might prompt an earlier closure.
Ensure the road is accessible on your planned travel date. Check for road closures on the Glacier NPS website.
4. Explore alternative transportations
If your RV is unsuitable for the road or if you prefer to leisurely admire the scenery, various tours ply the Sunlit Road. Red Jammer buses, originally operational in the 1930s, have been modernized since 2001, offering guided tours. Shuttle buses and Blackfeet tour buses also provide tours of different road sections.
5. Ensure your vehicle is refueled
There are no gas stations within Glacier National Park. Refuel before entering the park and keep track of your fuel level to avoid running low. Towns outside the park, such as West Glacier, St. Mary, East Glacier Park Village, and Waterton Lakes, have gas stations for refilling.
6. Plan for road maintenance
The ideal period to drive The Sunlit Road coincides with maintenance work for optimal weather conditions. During the summer of 2024, multiple road construction projects are underway that may impede your journey.
The west side of the road is undergoing the final phase of a year-long construction project, expected to be completed in June.
Additionally, the upper McDonald Creek Bridge is being replaced, and construction along Glacier Drive in Polebridge is ongoing.
Several other construction projects are active around the park. For updates, check the road construction page on the Glacier NPS website.
7. Schedule stops at various points of interest
Although the Sunlit Road spans 50 miles, expect a two-hour drive without stops due to steep inclines and winding curves. Allocate extra time for your journey as there are numerous stopping points along the route, including Lake McDonald, Trail of the Cedars, Saint Mary Lake, and other viewpoints and scenic areas. Get a glimpse of these locations in advance by checking the multimedia page on the Glacier website, featuring videos of some of the most picturesque spots along the drive.
8. Consider the audio guide
If you prefer not to take a shuttle tour, opt for a self-guided audio tour. Glacier National Park offers a series of podcasts guiding you along the road. Learn more about the stopping points on the drive while listening. Remember to download the podcasts beforehand as cell service may be unreliable during the trip, even before entering the park.
Recreational Vehicle Rentals Nearby
There are numerous RV rental options near Glacier National Park, offering trailers and Class C campers for rent. Additionally, there are choices for Class A motorhomes and Class B campervans for those seeking more compact options.
If you plan to set up camp and then embark on a scenic drive on the Sunlit Road, consider a trailer if your vehicle can tow it. This way, you can establish camp and utilize your vehicle to explore the park. A campervan is a lighter alternative that eases size restrictions compared to a Class A motorhome.
Camping Close to the Sunlit Road
Several camping options are available near the Sunlit Road, within and outside Glacier National Park. Given the park’s vastness, consider travel time to and from your campsite each day. You can also spend a couple of days camping on the park’s eastern perimeter, offering a different perspective.and then dedicate additional time on the western flank (or vice versa).
Saint Mary Campground
Visit the Saint Mary Campground which is situated along the Going-to-the Sun Road. The area lacks abundant shade, yet is adorned with lovely aspen trees. You will also be treated to panoramic vistas of various nearby mountains like Singleshot and the Red Eagle Mountains. Not far from the campground lies St. Mary Lake – although too cold for swimming, it presents a breathtaking spectacle. This campground is positioned on the eastern side of the park and does not offer electric hookups.
Apgar Campground
Explore the Apgar Campground, one of the park’s largest and most favored camping spots. With 194 campsites, this campground is sprawling and features some areas shaded by trees. Certain sites also boast glimpses of Lake McDonald. While lacking hookups, the campground provides amenities such as flush toilets, showers, and a dump station. Apgar Campground is situated on the park’s west side.
Beargrass Lodging & RV Resort
The Beargrass Lodging & RV Resort offers an array of amenities not typically found in campgrounds within the national park. Located in West Glacier, it is just a short 10-minute drive away from the park. The resort boasts full hookups, WiFi, a pool, and a laundry facility. There are also RV sites capable of accommodating rigs up to 45 feet in length.
Important Information
If your journey leads you to Glacier National Park to traverse the Going-to-the-Sun Road, here is crucial information regarding the park.
Park Address: PO Box 128, West Glacier, MT 59936
Park Phone Number: (406) 888-7800
Park Facilities: Glacier National Park offers numerous accommodation and dining choices throughout its premises. There are also shops where visitors can purchase park memorabilia and camping essentials they may have overlooked. Guests can partake in boat tours, horseback riding, bus excursions, and guided hikes.
The drive through Going-to-the-Sun Road is an awe-inspiring journey past some of Glacier’s most renowned landmarks. Prior to embarking on this drive, it’s advisable to stay informed via the National Park Service updates on road closures and construction schedules. Rest assured, you will be treated to spectacular vistas and create enduring memories!
If you wish to embark on this scenic drive yourself and lodge within or near Glacier National Park, consider renting an RV with RVshare! Spend your days exploring the park, and conclude each day in the comfort of your own space with a cozy bed. Indeed, RV camping is an exceptional way to explore numerous national parks and scenic regions across the country.
