GTTS Road East to West

Question

My family is staying in the Summit Mountain Lodge for a few nights at the beginning of our trip in late July (July 23-25). I am thinking we will drive the GTTS Road from East to West starting at St Mary's entrance, to avoid having to get the admission pass going West to East. We are staying in a condo in Columbia Falls for the other 3 nights of our trip so we have to drive that direction anyone. I figured we should take the scenic route since we have to go that direction anyway. I have tried to find posts about stops or tips for doing the trip from East to West, but I can't find anything. Any suggestions on where to stop and get out and do some short hikes or see some sites. It will be my husband and I with 2 21 year olds.

Answer

Driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTTS Road) from East to West is a great choice! This direction offers breathtaking views as you head into the heart of Glacier National Park. While driving this route, there are several fantastic spots for short hikes, scenic stops, and photo opportunities. Below are some recommendations for places to stop and enjoy the park:

St. Mary's Lake: Start your journey with a view of St. Mary's Lake, which is especially beautiful in the morning light. The St. Mary Falls hike is a great short trail that takes you to a beautiful waterfall. It's about a 0.6-mile round trip.
Wild Goose Island Viewpoint: Just a little further along the road, you’ll find the iconic Wild Goose Island viewpoint. It offers stunning panoramic views of St. Mary Lake and the surrounding mountains, perfect for a photo stop.
Logan Pass: Logan Pass is the highest point on the Going-to-the-Sun Road and a must-stop. It’s a great place to stretch your legs and take a short hike. The Hidden Lake Trail (about 3 miles round trip) starts from here and offers fantastic views of alpine lakes and surrounding peaks. It’s one of the most popular hikes in the park!
Jackson Glacier Overlook: This scenic stop offers a fantastic view of Jackson Glacier. It’s a short walk from the parking area, and it gives you a great perspective of the glacier and surrounding terrain.
Bird Woman Falls: After Logan Pass, you’ll pass a pullout with views of Bird Woman Falls. It's a great stop for photos, and you can see the waterfall cascading down the cliffs of the cliffs on the opposite side of the road.
McDonald Falls: As you approach the West side of the park, you’ll find McDonald Falls, a beautiful set of cascading falls located just off the road. There’s a short trail that takes you to a great viewpoint of the falls.
Lake McDonald: At the end of the GTTS Road, Lake McDonald offers stunning views, especially in the early morning or evening when the water is calm. There are also several short hikes, including the Trail of the Cedars (about 0.7 miles) if you have the time.

While there are many great stops along the way, be sure to take it slow and enjoy the scenery. Also, be mindful of wildlife; the park is home to bears and other wildlife, so always stay a safe distance away and follow park guidelines.

This route will give you a fantastic introduction to Glacier National Park, offering plenty of scenic views and short hikes suitable for your family’s interests. Have a great time exploring!

GTTS Road East to West

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