Shuttle Service on the Going-to-the-Sun Road to Start Friday, July 1

Date: June 30, 2011
Contact: Bill Hayden, 406-888-7927

WEST GLACIER, MT – Park Officials announce the Going-to-the-Sun Road Transit System will begin operations on July 1. On the west side of the park a modified shuttle schedule will operate daily, from 7:00am to 5:00pm, until the entire Going-to-the-Sun Road is open to vehicles and the full transit schedule can begin. On the east side of the park, shuttles will service all regular stops between the St. Mary Visitor Center and Sun Point at 30 minute intervals from 7:00am to 7:00pm.

Starting Friday, shuttles will operate between the Apgar Transit Center and Avalanche Creek every hour, with stops along the route in Apgar, Sprague Creek Campground, and Lake McDonald Lodge.

Starting Saturday, enhanced visitor access to the Going-to-the-Sun Road, beyond the vehicle closure at Avalanche Creek, will be provided through an expansion of the shuttle operation. In addition to the shuttles operating between the Apgar Transit Center and Avalanche Creek, shuttles will depart from Avalanche Creek to “The Loop,” every 10 to 15 minutes.

During this modified schedule the last bus to “The Loop” from Avalanche Creek will depart at 4:00pm. The last bus from the Apgar Transit Center, that will make it to Avalanche Creek in time for the 4:00pm departure to “The Loop,” leaves the transit center at 3:00pm. The last return bus will be at 5:00pm.

Visitors are encouraged to park at the Apgar Transit Center, as parking at Avalanche Creek is extremely limited.

Also, hikers and bikers may still enjoy the lower section of the Going-to-the-Sun Road past Avalanche Creek. Construction vehicles and shuttles may also be using that section of the road so caution is advised. On Friday, July 1 the hiker/biker closure will be located 3½ miles beyond the vehicle closure at Avalanche Creek. Starting Saturday the hiker/biker closure will be located 11 miles beyond Avalanche Creek, near Bird Woman Falls Overlook. Adjustments to these closures may be prompted by changing weather and road conditions.

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Links for photos, video clips, road conditions, plowing status, and ranger led activities can be found on the park's home page of our web site.
https://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm.
For backcountry camping and trail status, visit the park’s backcountry web page
https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm.
For the free Going-to-the-Sun Road Transit System information, please visit our shuttle web page,
https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/shuttles.htm
Visitors may also call park headquarters at 406-888-7800 for current conditions.