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Are you looking out for a list of the easiest stops on Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway in Glacier Nationwide Park?
As among the scenic drives in the entire world, this article will fill you in on the must-see stops on Going-to-the-Photo voltaic Freeway.
Whether or not or not or not it is stunning valleys, towering mountain tops, cascading waterfalls, or majestic wildlife sightings, this 50-mile scenic drive by means of Glacier Nationwide Park has all of it!
On this text, we embrace our itemizing of the easiest views, pull-offs, and stops, along with our excessive 10 options for driving Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway.
Moreover, you need to undoubtedly be taught our new half on Going-to-the-Photo voltaic Freeway tickets 2022 and reservation system updates that you just fully should know sooner than you go to.
This publish might comprise affiliate hyperlinks, which suggests that we might acquire a small charge, with out cost to you, for individuals who make a purchase order order by means of a hyperlink. For extra info, see disclosure.
Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway FAQs
Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway is a winding two-lane freeway that bisects Glacier Nationwide Park east and west by means of its cliffs, valleys, and mountainous terrain.
Consisting of paved, slender lanes, hairpin turns, steep drop-offs, and tight curves, Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway reaches a high of 6,646 toes when crossing the Continental Divide at Logan Go.
This engineering masterpiece will get company up shut and personal with towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, pretty valleys, and gigantic glaciers.
In addition to, anticipate potential wildlife sightings of grizzly bears, black bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, moose, elk, and white-tailed deer.
As a result of the crown jewel of scenic drives, Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway is admittedly the middle of Glacier Nationwide Park and is a must-do to any Glacier Nationwide Park itinerary.
- How prolonged is Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway? 50 miles prolonged.
- How prolonged does it take to drive Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway? It takes 2 hours, one-way, with out stops to drive Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway. (It takes for for much longer when together with in hikes, pullouts, and overlooks.)
- Can you drive Going-to-the-Photo voltaic Freeway at night? The road is open at all times, nonetheless, be terribly cautious when driving at night. Visibility is low and wildlife on the roadway may be fairly a number of.
- The place does Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway start and end? Nestled inside the Rocky Mountains, Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway runs from West Glacier (in jap Flathead County, Montana) to St. Mary (in Glacier County, Montana).
- When is Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway open? Lower elements of Going-to-the-Photo voltaic Freeway keep open all yr. The opening of the alpine portion varies, nonetheless, and relies on snowfall portions and plowing capabilities. Typically the road is completely open in late June or early July by means of the third Monday of October (nevertheless that will change attributable to local weather conditions at any stage).
That may assist you to plan, attempt earlier opening and shutting dates.
- Are there any guidelines on Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway? 45 MPH is the rate prohibit inside the lower elevations of the road and 25 MPH inside the alpine half. Autos, and car mixtures, longer than 21 toes (along with bumpers) or wider than 8 toes (along with mirrors), are prohibited between Avalanche Campground and the Rising Photo voltaic picnic area parking.
- Is there a map of Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway? After finding out this textual content, go to proper right here to find a map of Going-to-the-Photo voltaic Freeway, the current Going-to-the-Photo voltaic Freeway standing, along with the Going-to-the-Photo voltaic Freeway plowing standing.
- Is Going-to-the-Photo voltaic Freeway scary? Driving this road might be scary for individuals who discover themselves afraid of heights. You’ll attain necessary elevation and get very close to gigantic drop-offs. Learning regarding the road ahead of time will help what to anticipate.
- Does it worth money to drive the Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway? Along with shopping for a primary Nationwide Park Service entrance cross, whose worth varies by season and form of cross purchased, there is a $2 processing value to make a reservation to drive Going-to-the-Photo voltaic Freeway (see further beneath).
Oh, and psst…we love visiting Glacier Nationwide Park with youngsters loads that we’ve written numerous totally different guides that can assist you to plan your journey!
Going-to-the-Photo voltaic Freeway Tickets 2022
Visitation to Glacier Nationwide Park has surged all through the ultimate decade and has led to excessive crowding at many park places.
In an effort to administration the group stage and improve buyer experience, a car reservation is now required to entry the Going-to-the-Photo voltaic Freeway Corridor and North Fork Car Reservation areas of Glacier Nationwide Park.
Car reservations will be discovered prematurely on-line at Recreation.gov (Car Reservations), Recreation.gov app, or the Recreation.gov Title Center (Reservation Line: 877-444-6777) and require a $2 processing value.
They are not obtainable for purchase on the park.
Per the Nationwide Park Service website online:
A portion of the obtainable car reservations will most likely be launched 120 days prematurely of the environment friendly date (i.e., car reservations for July 1 will be discovered on March 3).
The remaining car reservations will most likely be launched at 8 AM MDT the day sooner than the environment friendly date (i.e., remaining car reservations for July 1 will be discovered on June 30).
Make sure you remember that there is a restricted number of Going-to-the-Photo voltaic Freeway Corridor Car Reservations obtainable for day-after-day and demand will exceed present.
*In several phrases, mark your calendars and set a reminder alarm to information accordingly!
Moreover, remember that car reservations do not guarantee parking areas in frequent areas.
It is advisable to nonetheless rely on congested and busy conditions all via the park.
Further planning tip: The one exception to needing a car reservation are for company who’ve service reservations (lodging, tenting, industrial excursions, and so forth.) in areas positioned contained within the West Entrance, Camas Entrance, and St. Mary Entrance alongside the Going-to-the-Photo voltaic Freeway corridor.
On this case, proof of a sound service reservation will operate a car reservation for the day of the service reservation solely.
Biggest Stops on Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway
This textual content was researched and written by me upon driving and exploring the entire distance of Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway numerous cases.
With a pocket e book and pen in hand, I documented the mileage and particulars of each stop to have the ability to share exactly discover ways to execute this portion of your go to to Glacier Nationwide Park.
This info assumes you’re driving Going-to-the-Photo voltaic Freeway from west to east, starting in West Glacier and ending in St. Mary.
As essentially the most well-liked methodology to experience the Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway, we too chosen to find the environment from west to east as depicted by the order of the following stops that are listed.
In case you’re coming from the unsuitable approach, observe the itemizing of stops on our Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway info in reverse order.
1. West Glacier: Mile 0
West Glacier is a small metropolis that is positioned immediately sooner than you actually bear the West Entrance of the park.
Though it is congested with foot guests and totally different curious vacationers, West Glacier is an effective place to stop for gasoline, meals, and Glacier Nationwide Park souvenirs.
Moreover it’s home to {{Golfing}} to the Photo voltaic Mini Golf (18+ hole mini golf) and the possibility to information rafting or scenic floats by means of Glacier Raft, Good Nothern Resort, Montana raft, or Wild River Adventures.
2. Glacier Nationwide Park Sign: Mile 0.5
After driving by means of West Glacier you’ll cross a bridge over the Heart Fork Flathead River.
Immediately after the bridge, pull off to the right-hand aspect of the road to take an obligatory {photograph} subsequent to the Glacier Nationwide Park sign.
I level out this because of the pull-off comes up in a short while and is unquestionably missed for individuals who’re not able to tug off as rapidly as you cross the bridge.
3. West Entrance: Mile 1
There are an entire of 4 ticket-entry cubicles on the West Entrance to Glacier Nationwide Park (on the time of our go to, there was not a separate line for cross holders).
Choose to enter whichever line is shortest.
Your time spent in line will most likely be based on how quickly the autos in entrance of you pay and/or ask questions of the Park Rangers taking tickets.
Click on on proper right here to check on Glacier Nationwide Park’s required expenses and passes.
4. Apgar Village & Apgar Buyer Center: Mile 2
The first road indicators you see after stepping into the park will most likely be for every Apgar Village and Apgar Buyer Center (they’re not the an identical issue and I extraordinarily recommend visiting them every).
Apgar Village is rather like West Glacier in that it is a small recreation hub of cabins, current retailers, and consuming locations.
Higher of all, it gives you your first probability to experience Lake McDonald.
Proper right here you presumably can wade, swim, kayak, or SUP inside the pretty Lake McDonald, or simply experience the gorgeous views and mountainous backdrop from the shoreline.
Kayak and SUP leases will be discovered to lease on a first-come-first-served basis from Glacier Park Boat Agency or might be reserved ahead of time by means of Glacier Outfitters.
Every selections are extraordinarily standard, so do plan ahead.
Chances are you’ll each observe the road indicators and hope to hunt out parking inside the congested Apgar Village, otherwise you presumably can drive and park on the Apgar Buyer Center. (From the Apgar Buyer Center parking zone there is a 0.4-mile path that leads to Apgar Village.)
Apgar Buyer Center is 1 of the three buyer amenities alongside Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway and is an environment friendly place to talk to park rangers, retailer for souvenirs, views maps, and use the restroom.
5. Lake McDonald Lodge: Mile 11
Lake McDonald Lodge is an outstanding Swiss-chalet park lodge that is positioned instantly on Lake McDonald.
The lodge has ample parking and permits company to walk by means of and admire its pretty lobby, along with head out once more to view the panoramic views of Lake McDonald from its dock.
The Lake McDonald Lodge dock may also be the launch stage for Glacier Park Boat Agency’s scenic boat excursions along with has a spot to lease paddleboards, kayaks, rowboats, or an 8hp motorboat.
6. McDonald Falls Overlook: Mile 13
Merely earlier Lake McDonald Lodge is a pull-off to view McDonald Falls.
After taking a few stairs down in the direction of the creek you’ll uncover an enormous comment deck that allows you to experience the extremely efficient McDonald Falls and its blue-green water.
That’s the major of many cascading waterfalls that you could possibly experience on the Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway.
7. Sacred Dancing Cascade: Mile 13.5
As the best stops on Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway, the Sacred Dancing Cascade pull-off is a photogenic area the place you presumably can view dashing waterfalls cascading over McDonald Creek.
There is no strenuous strolling required to see these pretty waterfalls and rapids, in its place, a quick path takes you on to the viewing area that includes a sturdy footbridge that goes over the creek.
It is from the bridge that you could possibly get a clear upstream view of the Sacred Dancing Cascade.
8. Avalanche Creek: Mile 17
Avalanche Creek is among the many hottest and congested spots on Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway for its campground, picnicking areas, and mountaineering trails.
This pull-off is the place you park to entry the trailheads for the favored Path of the Cedars (a 1-mile loop path on a boardwalk; handicap-accessible), and our favorite hike, Avalanche Lake Path (4.5 miles).
Take regardless of parking spot you could possibly discover proper right here and observe the symptoms to get on the trail of your various.
(A full article on Avalanche Creek Path and what to anticipate: Coming rapidly!)
9 Redrock: Mile 18
Redrock is a hidden gem on the Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway.
It is a lesser-talked-about location to experience pretty views along with cascading rapids that flow into right into a peaceable and pristine watering hole with turquoise-blue water.
We positively embrace Redrock as a must-see stop on Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway and wish we would have allotted further time to spend proper right here.
After a quick hike on a well-manicured path, you’ll uncover an comment deck, along with gigantic rocks to take a seat down and take into consideration the surrounding area on.
You’ll uncover many people picnicking and swimming inside the calm water proper right here.
10. West Tunnel: Mile 24
As you proceed east, you may start to accumulate elevation as you come all through the first of two tunnels positioned on Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway.
Achieved in 1927, that’s an iconic spot full with window ports that overlook Heaven’s Peak & the Larger McDonald Creek Valley.
Immediately earlier the West Tunnel, there is a pullout to stop and take inside the views and/or park to have the ability to stroll once more by means of the tunnel to see out of its window ports.
11. The Loop & Heaven’s Peak: Mile 24.5
An necessary part of Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway’s preliminary design, The Loop is a large hairpin-shaped switchback that allows the roadway to appreciate necessary elevation up the mountain.
As a result of the road’s solely switchback, the problem in maneuvering by means of The Loop is the first trigger that prolonged autos and RVs mustn’t allowed on the alpine portion of Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway.
This prolonged regular loop blends correctly into the panorama nonetheless and permits for epic views of Glacier Nationwide Park.
Most notable is Heaven’s Peak, the easiest peak inside the park which may be thought-about from the massive park lot found there.
Heaven’s Peak is among the many most photographed spots inside the park and yields Instagram-worthy pics!
Park proper right here to hike to Granite Park Chalet (8.4 miles) or to begin the Highline Path – historically that’s the “end” nevertheless you presumably can choose to go the other course too (11.8 miles).
12. Haystack Falls and Hen Woman Falls: Mile 27
Signage will mark a pull-out the place you presumably can view every Haystack Falls and Hen Woman Falls, two of the tallest and most recognizable waterfalls thought-about instantly from Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway.
Every choices are the outcomes of glaciers and are notably dramatic in early summer time season in the middle of essentially the most snow melt-off.
These two falls areas symbolize numerous the best views in Glacier Nationwide Park!
12. Logan Go Viewpoint: Mile 28
After maneuvering spherical The Loop, you’ll as quickly as as soon as extra purchase necessary elevation and navigate alongside sheer drop-offs.
3.5 miles earlier The Loop is an enormous pull-off referred to as Logan Go Viewpoint the place you’ll uncover possibly primarily essentially the most stunning views of the mountains and valleys of Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway.
The panoramic views listed below are every pretty and breathtaking, along with put the grandeur of the park into full perspective.
It’s a great place for the driving drive of your car to actually get out and be succesful to learn from the views (along with take a break from clenching the steering wheel).
13. Weeping Wall: Mile 29
Though there’s not a pull-off positioned proper right here, the Weeping Wall is a Glacier Nationwide Park experience that you just don’t want to miss!
This roadside waterfall attributable to snow runoff (which dries as a lot as a trickle by August) splashes its clear, chilly mountain water onto the road.
It is really so close to the road that for individuals who’re westbound, you presumably can open your automotive dwelling home windows to actually really feel its splash.
All people will most likely be smiling as you are feeling the spray from the Weeping Wall!
14. Huge Bend & A View of the Triple Arches: Mile 29.5
Immediately following the Weeping Wall, there is a large pull-off inside Huge Bend, the big U-shaped flip the place the Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway bends once more on itself.
Huge Bend is known to provide every the easiest view on Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway, along with the easiest spot to take a look at the sunset in Glacier.
Along with phenomenal views of the valley, it’s possible you’ll get a tremendous view of Triple Arches up ahead.
Triple Arches is a bridge with three foundational arches that help help the Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway over this area of gaping, rocky terrain.
15. Logan Go Buyer Center: Mile 32
Located on the very best stage alongside Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway (6,646 toes), Logan Go Buyer Center is definitely the best stops on Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway.
Making it this far up the mountain seems to be like an unlimited accomplishment while you lastly attain the parking zone, nonetheless, parking is awfully troublesome to return by.
Be able to drive spherical for a while prepared for someone to go away. I prefer to suggest slowly cruising the parking zone and following guests who appear like leaving to aim to snag their spot.
It is value it. Merely be affected particular person.
Everytime you do uncover a spot, stop into the client coronary heart, use the restrooms, and take the great, extraordinarily advisable 2-hour Hidden Lake Overlook Path (2.7 miles), or the additional vigorous Highline Path (11.8 miles).
You’ll attainable meet mountain goats and Bighorn sheep whereas exploring Logan Go.
Further planning tip: Because you’re extra more likely to come all through snow on this area, mountaineering footwear, and possibly traction cleats, are a extra good selection than tennis footwear or mountaineering sandals.
Moreover, don’t overlook mountaineering poles!
16. Lunch Creek: Mile 33
Lunch Creek is a historic resting spot and the best stops on Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway.
Located .8 miles earlier the Logan Go Buyer Center, Lunch Creek will get its determine from the reality that it was a most popular lunch spot for early company to the park.
No formal trails exist proper right here, so company ought to have the benefit of this intimate spot from the paved parking area or the rock-block safety obstacles found proper right here.
Take remember that Lunch Creek is a popular place to determine Huge Horn Sheep, because it’s correct in the middle of a observe that they use to cross over the creek and once more.
Crossings occur further normally inside the early mornings and evenings.
17. Siyeh Bend & Siyeh Creek: Mile 35
Located after passing by means of the East Tunnel (the 2nd of two tunnels found on Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway), you’ll come all through a excellent bend inside the Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway.
This bend marks the seen transition stage between high-elevation alpine vegetation, to the forest of St. Mary and the east aspect of Glacier Nationwide Park.
Pull off proper right here to view Siyeh Creek and the surrounding mountain peaks.
In addition to, two frequent day hikes depart from this location, Piegan Go (9.2 miles) and Siyeh Go (8.9 miles).
18. Jackson Glacier Overlook: Mile 38
Jackson Glacier is the one glacier seen from Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway, making the Jackson Glacier Overlook the best places to stop for {a photograph} op.
Often cases there is a park ranger stationed at this overlook to help educate and reply questions regarding the glacier.
Take a second to be taught the symptoms proper right here that debate native climate change’s impression on the shrinking glaciers.
19. St. Mary’s Falls Trailhead: Mile 39
One different very congested stop of the Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway, the St. Mary’s Falls Trailhead, gives entry to essentially the most well-liked waterfalls in Glacier Nationwide Park: St. Mary and Virginia Falls.
The 2.4-mile roundtrip hike to St Mary’s Falls hike might be extended to 3.6-miles to have the ability to moreover experience Virginia Falls.
In case you’re considerably eager on waterfalls, that’s the place for you!
(Chances are you’ll’t help nevertheless uncover the quite a few wildfire damage to the bushes on this area. The damage is a outcomes of the 2015 Reynolds Creek Fire that burned large an enormous area of the Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway vegetation.)
20. Photo voltaic Degree: Mile 40
One different hidden gem, and the best stops on Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway is Photo voltaic Degree and Photo voltaic Degree Nature Path.
To find Photo voltaic Degree a sign will direct you to actually veer off of Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway onto a driveway that leads to the massive Photo voltaic Degree parking area.
Oddly, there are only some individuals who uncover this area (which suggests you presumably can always uncover parking), despite the fact that the easiest panoramic view of St. Mary’s Lake is found proper right here solely a quick distance from the parking zone.
Likewise, Photo voltaic Degree is the trailhead for the short 0.6-mile roundtrip hike to Baring Falls, or the full 6.4-mile hike to view Baring, St. Mary Falls, and Virginia Falls.
21. Wild Goose Island Overlook: Mile 43
Wild Goose Island Overlook is a widely known overlook inside the park that is featured inside the movie, The Shining.
Moreover it’s the best stops on Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway because of the view proper right here has been photographed and revealed in numerous books, magazines, calendars, brochures, and journey guides (which suggests it is worthwhile to get in on the pleasant!).
The attitude affords splendid, panoramic views of the magnificent peaks encircling Saint Mary Lake with Wild Goose Island being the centerpiece.
22. St. Mary Buyer Center
On the end of Going-to-the-Photo voltaic Freeway when driving west to east, you’ll uncover St. Mary Buyer Center positioned correct sooner than the park exit.
As one among many 3 buyer amenities on Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway, proper right here you presumably can view shows, watch a 15-minute park film, use the restroom, or participate in ranger-led packages.
Prime 10 Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway Solutions
- I’d recommend driving the road from west to east, as you’ll be on the outer fringe of primarily essentially the most scenic elements of the carved road. I felt that in driving this course, the views have been further spectacular and the pull-offs have been less complicated to entry.
- The instances in Glacier Nationwide Park are prolonged in summer time season which suggests with the photo voltaic models as late as 10:00 PM. This leaves a great deal of time to find Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway all through daylight. In several phrases, don’t be too concerned for individuals who get a late start.
- One issue we regret not having after we toured Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway is a pair of journey binoculars. Recognizing wildlife isn’t as easy and close-up as one other Nationwide Parks, and in addition you clearly want to protect a protected distance when viewing bears.
- Moreover, you need to undoubtedly pack a reliable cooler. There are restricted selections to grab meals alongside the road, and any of the obtainable selections are terribly expensive. I like to recommend loading your cooler with bottled water, fruit, sandwiches, cheese sticks, and each different easy to pack meals and snacks.
- There might be giant temperature modifications when going from the West Entrance to Logan Go. Even when it is a warmth day, you need to undoubtedly pack layers.
- Gas is simply not obtainable anyplace on the Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway so you need to undoubtedly refill ahead of time.
- WiFii is awfully spotty (or nonexistant) on Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway. Make sure you print off or screenshot any compulsory maps or knowledge to have helpful in your phone ahead of time.
- 5 of the 13 campgrounds in Glacier Nationwide park are positioned alongside Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway. They’re: Apgar, Sprague Creek, Avalanche, Rising Photo voltaic, and St. Mary. Take remember that not one of many 5 campground accept reservations, and in its place, operate on a major come, first served basis.
- Meals and lodging can solely be found alongside the Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway at Apgar Village, Lake McDonald Lodge, and Rising Photo voltaic. Lodging all through the park begins taking reservations 13 months prematurely and fills-up quickly, so do plan ahead.
- There are transportation selections for individuals who need to go away the driving to a different particular person whereas exploring Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway. This consists of Glacier’s Shuttle System and narrated Going-to-the-Photo voltaic Freeway excursions via Glacier Bus Excursions. You’ll uncover the the Purple Bus Excursions are terribly frequent.
Remaining Concepts on Going to the Photo voltaic Freeway
I like to recommend marking your calendar along with setting an alarm to have the ability to be on-line correct on the time of the opening window for Car Reservations.
Likewise, know what the marketed time means remodeled to your native time.
You would possibly get a message that states the system is overloaded, nevertheless protect refreshing your show for about 5 minutes.
By then you definately’ll know when you have got secured a ticket, or if Going-to-the-Photo voltaic Freeway tickets are purchased out.
Keep in mind, for individuals who aren’t ready to get a ticketed entry reservation, try reserving a ship tour or reserving a shuttle ticket in its place.
In case you most popular finding out about the easiest stops on Going-to-the-Photo voltaic Freeway, enable us to indicate you plan your getaway to Whitefish, Montana and Glacier Nationwide Park:
Whitefish, Montana
Glacier Nationwide Park
Journey Solutions
*Sooner than leaving, you need to undoubtedly check our Journey Belongings Internet web page to hunt out distinctive journey reductions and to information resorts, rental autos, and guided excursions.*
