Distance
1.5 Miles
Elevation Gain
100 Feet
Difficulty
Easy
Cost Per Person
$150
Hike Overview
Daily, July – September: This is your complete Going-to-the-Sun Road educational experience! Our day will begin at 8am as we head towards the park entrance in West Glacier. Along the road, we will have chances to stop and learn at such iconic sites like: Lake McDonald, Upper McDonald Creek, Trail of the Cedars, The Loop, Bird Woman Falls, Haystack Falls, Weeping Wall, Big Bend, Logan Pass, Big Drift, Jackson Glacier Overlook, Sun Point, and Rising Sun. This day program is the only one that will travel the complete Going-to-the-Sun road (and back), while taking the time to learn about geology, wildlife, and history. This experience is great for those who want less hiking, maximum sights, and prime photo opportunities.
Complete Going-to-the-Sun Road Guided Day Hike
Hike Overview Continued
Educational Guided Tour
Daily, July – September: This is your complete Going-to-the-Sun Road educational experience! The day will begin at 8am as we head towards the Glacier National Park entrance in West Glacier. Along the road, you will have chances to stop and learn at such iconic sites like: Lake McDonald, Upper McDonald Creek, Trail of the Cedars, The Loop, Bird Woman Falls, Haystack Falls, Weeping Wall, Big Bend, Logan Pass, Big Drift, Jackson Glacier Overlook, Sun Point, and Rising Sun. This day program is the only one that will travel the complete Going-to-the-Sun Road (and back), while taking the time to learn about geology, wildlife, and history. This experience is great for those who want less hiking, maximum sights, and prime photo opportunities.
Physical Requirements: Total Distance (roundtrip): Less than 1 mile / Total elevation gain: minimal
Meeting Place: Glacier Institute, 320 Nucleus Ave, Columbia Falls, MT 59912
Food:Please bring a trail lunch, plenty of water and snacks for the day.
Park Entrance Fees: Participants are responsible for purchasing their park entry passes prior to the course. These can be purchased online at: https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74280
Equipment:Most importantly, bring comfortable hiking shoes, at least 12-liter water bottle, backpack, rain gear, hat, and sunscreen. Weather can be varied, especially at the varying elevations of Logan Pass, so please be prepared with appropriate clothing, especially warm layers for potential snow and high winds. Binoculars are very useful, but optional, as well as field guides that interest you.
What to Expect On Your Complete Going to Sun Road | Day Excursion
This is your complete Going-to-the-Sun road educational experience! The hiking distance covers less than 1 mile and minimal elevation change.
Hike Details
- This Glacier Institute program meets at 320 Nucleus Ave, Columbia Falls.
- The program will begin 8:00 a.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
- Hiking distance covers less than 1 miles and minimal elevation change.
- On-site parking available.
- There is a maximum number of 14 hikers per trip.
- This program has a minimum guest count of 3 people. In the unlikely case we don’t reach that number, you will be notified prior to the event.
What to Bring
Please remember that weather in NW Montana during all seasons can change quickly from warm and sunny to freezing at any time of the year. We recommend checking the weather prior to your trip. Please also check your course information sheet for specific gear requirements in addition to those listed below.
- Lightweight hiking boots or a sturdy pair of hiking shoes
- 2 liter sized water bottle or Camelback
- Day Pack with plastic bag liner or cover
- Waterproof rain jacket and pants
- Sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellant & lip balm
- Camera (optional)
- Trekking poles, if you like to use them for hiking (optional)
- Binoculars (optional)
- Field Notebook notes and sketches