Going-to-the-Sun Road Opens on July 13, 2011

Date: July 13, 2011
Contact: Ellen Blickhan, 406-888-5838

July 13, 2011
For Immediate Release
Ellen Blickhan 406 888-5838
NEWS11-50

Going-to-the-Sun Road Opens on July 13, 2011
The entire road is open for vehicle traffic for the summer

WEST GLACIER, MT. – After much anticipation, the Going-to-the-Sun Road (Sun Road) opened today, July 13, 2011 at 7:41 a.m. The entire length of the Sun Road, 50 miles, is open to vehicle, motorcycle, and bicycle traffic for the summer.

The Logan Pass Visitor Center opened to the public as well on July 13. Visitor Information and book sales are available 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Water will not be available at Logan Pass for several weeks due to the restroom rehabilitation work, so visitors should be prepared to bring their own potable water. The Highline Trail is closed due to snow hazard from Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet. The opening date of this trail is not yet determined. The Hidden Lake Nature Trail is open. The entire hike will be on snow and hazards do exist.

“The opening of the Sun Road was extremely tough this year. We appreciate the hard work of our road crew, employees and the patience of the public.,” said Park Superintendent Chas Cartwright, “We hope the visitors enjoy the snow, the scenery and the beauty the road has to offer.”
Bicyclists are reminded that bicycle restrictions are in effect on the Sun Road due to traffic congestion through Labor Day, September 5, 2011. Bicycles are prohibited between Apgar Campground and Sprague Creek Campground from 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. In addition, bicycles are prohibited eastbound (uphill) between Logan Creek and Logan Pass from 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. For information on bicycle restrictions and average bicycle times, check the park newspaper, the Waterton-Glacier Guide.
Construction work on the Sun Road continues during the day and some nights. During the day, visitors can expect up to 40 minute delays on a one way trip through the Sun Road. Night work continues on the Sun Road in the Big Bend to Logan Pass construction segment. Visitors should expect the Sun Road to close at the Loop and Logan Pass from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. Monday night through Friday morning. There will be a brief window to travel through the night closure from 2 a.m. to 2:15 a.m. nightly. Logan Pass will be accessible from St. Mary without closures every night. Travel on the Sun Road, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights, will be free of closures.

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

-NPS-