Going-to-the-Sun Road Shuttle Service

A fare-free shuttle is available along Going-to-the-Sun Road on a first-come, first-served basis.

Shuttles are wheelchair-accessible. Smoking, pets, and open alcohol containers are prohibited. Bear spray must be safely secured to prevent accidental discharge. Most shuttles have bike racks.

 

Summer Shuttle Service

Summer shuttle service begins when Going-to-the-Sun Road opens fully and continues through Labor Day. Before Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully opened to vehicles, shuttles will service all active stops. Reduced services may also be offered through late September.

   Express Shuttle Service

• West side of the park – Provides non-stop shuttle service from Apgar Visitor Center to Logan Pass.
  • First shuttle departs at 7 am
  • Last shuttle departs at 8:30 am
  • Shuttles arrive approximately every 15 to 30 minutes    
• East side of the park – Provides non-stop shuttle service from St. Mary Visitor Center to Logan Pass.
  • First shuttle departs at 8 am
  • Last shuttle departs at 8:45 am
  • Shuttles arrive approximately every 15 to 30 minutes
• Express shuttles are small buses (Sprinters) and board ~ 15 passengers.

   Full Shuttle Service

• West side of the park – 7 am to 7 pm, 7 days a week
• East side of the park – 8 am to 7 pm, 7 days a week
• Shuttles service all active shuttle stops on Going-to-the-Sun Road
• Shuttles provide services from Apgar Visitor Center to St. Mary Visitor Center with required shuttle transfers at Avalanche Creek, Logan Pass, and Sun Point.
• Traveling the entirety of Going-to-the-Sun Road can be accomplished in four legs.
  • Shuttles operating between Apgar Visitor Center and Avalanche Creek run approximately every 30 minutes. Travel time is an estimated 45 minutes. Shuttle buses are 28-passenger buses.
  • Shuttles operating between Avalanche Creek and Logan Pass run approximately every 15 minutes. Travel time is an estimated 50 minutes. Shuttle buses are small 12-15-passenger buses (Sprinters).
  • Shuttles operating between Logan Pass and Sun Point run approximately every 10 to 20 minutes. Travel time is an estimated 30 minutes. Shuttle buses are 12-15-passenger buses (Sprinters).
  • Shuttles operating between Sun Point and St. Mary Visitor Center run approximately every 30 to 40 minutes. Travel time is an estimated 20 minutes. Shuttle buses are 28-passenger buses.
• Last shuttle departures  
  • Last departure from Apgar Visitor Center with connections to St. Mary Visitor Center is at approximately 4:15 pm.
  • Last departure from the St. Mary Visitor Center with connections to Apgar Visitor Center is at approximately 5:30 pm.
  • Last departure from Logan Pass is at 7 pm.
    • Visitors are encouraged to not wait until the last departure of the day
  • Shuttles will make additional runs to pick up passengers who are at the shuttle stops at the time of the last departure.

   Fall Reduced Service (9/6-9/18)

• From September 6, 2022 to September 18,2022, shuttles will operate from 9 am - 5 pm.
• No Express Shuttle Service available.
• Shuttles arrive approximately every 40 minutes between Apgar Visitor Center and Avalanche Creek, approximately every 15 minutes between Avalanche Creek and Logan Pass, and approximately every 25 minutes between St. Mary Visitor Center and Logan Pass.
• Last departures
  • Last departure from Logan Pass to Apgar Visitor Center is 5:00 pm.
  • Last departure from Logan Pass to St. Mary Visitor Center is 5:00 pm.
  • Last shuttle service from The Loop to Logan Pass departs at 4:20 pm.

 

Hiker-Biker Shuttle Service

The hiker-biker season allows recreational access for hikers and bikers beyond vehicle gate closures on Going-to-the-Sun Road prior to the road opening for the season. Hiker-biker shuttle service is offered on weekends from May 7 until the day that GTSR fully opens.

   Hiker-Biker Shuttle

• 9 am to 5 pm on weekends only during hiker-biker season.
• Shuttles arrive at designated stops approximately every 30 minutes.
• On the west side, the hiker-biker shuttle stops at Apgar Visitor Center, Lake McDonald Lodge, and Avalanche Creek only.
• On the east side, a hiker biker shuttle will stop at St. Mary Visitor Center and Rising Sun.
• Shuttles operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Shuttles board ~15 passengers and are equipped with bike trailers.
  • Note: Shuttles are unable to accommodate bikes with tires wider than three inches.
• Hiker/Biker Season 2022 handout with map and shuttle times.

 

2022 Going-to-the-Sun Road Shuttle Map
The map highlights the shuttle stops, trails, and other points of interest along Going-to-the-Sun Road. Download the map for offline use. (PDF 256 KB)

 

Shuttle Stops

   Apgar Visitor Center

The Apgar Visitor Center is the main hub for transit functions on the west side of the park. At the Apgar Visitor Center, you will be able to find park rangers to assist you in planning your day in the park. If you are visiting for the day, park your car here and hop on the shuttle to access different locations on Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Specific Location:
Under the shuttle shelter in the Apgar Visitor Center Plaza.

Restrooms:
Yes

Drinking Water:
Yes

Trip Planning Information:
Apgar Visitor Center - self-guided park and shuttle information.

   Sprague Creek Campground

Sprague Creek Campground is a small campground located on the northeast shore of Lake McDonald, just off Going-to-the-Sun Road approximately 9 miles from the West Entrance of the park. There is a picnic area in the campground. 

Specific Location: 
Along Going-to-the-Sun Road at the entrance of the campground. 

Restrooms:
Yes

Drinking Water:
Yes

Activities: 
Camping - 25 sites
Picnic area 

   Lake McDonald Lodge

Lake McDonald Lodge is a great destination for numerous activities. The Lodge itself is an attraction and built to resemble a hunting lodge with Swiss influence. Come and enjoy all that this historic location has to offer. Parking is often limited, so it might be a good idea to park your car at the Apgar Visitor Center and hop on a shuttle to reach Lake McDonald Lodge. 
 
Specific Location: 
Across from the camp store.
 
Restrooms: 
Yes 
 
Drinking Water: 
Yes 
 
Day Hikes (one-way): 
Avalanche Creek - 6.5 mi. 
Fish Lake - 2.9 mi. 
Gunsight Pass Trailhead - 21.4 mi. 
Mt. Brown Lookout - 5.3 mi. 
Snyder Lakes - 4.4 mi. 
Sperry Chalet - 6.4 mi. 
 
Campstore/Gift Shops: 
Lodge camp store 
Lodge gift shop 
 
Lodging: 
Lake McDonald Lodge 
 
Food Service: 
Russell's Fireside Dining Room 
Jammer Joe's Grill and Pizzeria 
Lucke's Lounge 
 
Activities: 
Scenic Boat Tours & Rentals - Glacier Park Boat Co. 
Horseback Rides - Swan Mountain Outfitters at the Lake McDonald Corral 
Road Tours - Sun Tours & Glacier National Park Lodges 

   Avalanche Creek Transfer Location

Avalanche Creek is one of the most popular destinations in the park. The area includes 2 of the more popular hiking trails, a picnic area, and restrooms. Avalanche Campground is also located here, making this a popular base camp for journeys along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. 
 
Specific Location: 
Part of the picnic area near the main parking lot and restrooms. 
 
Restrooms: 
Yes - in campground loops and in the picnic area. 
 
Drinking Water: 
Yes - spigots are located in campground loops. 
 
Day Hikes (one-way): 
Avalanche Lake - 2 mi. 
Lake McDonald Lodge - 6.5 mi. Catch another shuttle at Lake McDonald Lodge. 
Trail of the Cedars - 0.7 mi. 
 
Activities: 
Camping - 86 sites 
Picnic area 

   The Loop

The Loop represents a very significant location on Going-to-the-Sun Road. This is the only switchback on the Going-to-the-Sun Road and contains many architectural features. The Trapper Fire of 2003 swept through this area and opened up vistas of distant mountains. Heavens Peak dominates the landscape and a hiking trail at this spot maps the course to the historic Granite Park Chalet. 
 
Specific Location: 
Next to the restrooms.
 
Restrooms: 
Yes 
 
Drinking Water: 
No - please plan accordingly and bring plenty of water with you to this destination. 
 
Day Hikes (one-way): 
Granite Park Chalet - 4.0 mi. (one-way). 
Logan Pass via The Loop and Highline Trails - 11.6 mi. Catch another shuttle at Logan Pass. 

   Logan Pass Transfer Location

Logan Pass sits along the Continental Divide at 6,646 feet (2,026 m) and treats visitors to sweeping vistas of mountains and alpine meadows. Wildlife such as Bighorn sheep, Mountain goats, and occasional bears may be seen. Rangers at the Logan Pass Visitor Center will be on hand to answer questions about the area and nearby day hikes. A bookstore is also located in the visitor center. 

Because the parking lot at Logan Pass often fills early in the day, riding the shuttle to this location ensures that you will be able to take in all the splendor Logan Pass has to offer. 
 
Specific Location: 
There are two queuing areas (westbound & eastbound) near the front of the Logan Pass Visitor Center. 
 
Restrooms: 
Yes - at the Logan Pass Visitor Center.

Drinking Water: 
Yes - a water bottle fill station is located next to the restrooms.  
 

Day Hikes (one-way): 
Granite Park Chalet - 7.6 mi. 
Hidden Lake Overlook - 1.5 mi. 
Hidden Lake - 3.0 mi. 
The Loop via the Highline and The Loop trails - 11.6 mi. 
 
Trip Planning Information: 
Logan Pass Visitor Center - general park information and bookstore. 

   Siyeh Bend

Located on a prominent bend on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, the Siyeh Bend Shuttle Stop marks the transition point between the higher elevation sub-alpine vegetation and the forest of the East Side. Two popular day hikes depart from this location, Piegan Pass and Siyeh Pass.

Specific Location:
There are two queuing areas (westbound & eastbound). 

Restrooms:
No 

Drinking Water:
No - please plan accordingly and bring plenty of water with you to this destination.

Day Hikes (one-way):
Piegan Pass - 4.5 mi.
Siyeh Pass - 4.6 mi.
Sunrift Gorge via Siyeh Pass - 10.1. Catch another shuttle at Sunrift Gorge. 

   Jackson Glacier Overlook

Jackson Glacier Overlook provides visitors with the opportunity to see a glacier from Going-to-the-Sun Road. 
 
Also, a short walk from here is the Gunsight Pass Trailhead. This location is popular with backpackers taking extended trips into the backcountry on the Gunsight Pass trail and exiting at Lake McDonald Lodge. The shuttle helps facilitate this if you have only one car and need to shuttle back to it. 
 
Specific Location: 
There are two queuing areas (westbound & eastbound). 
 
Restrooms: 
No 
 
Drinking Water: 
No - please plan accordingly and bring plenty of water with you to this destination. 
 
Day Hikes (one-way): 
Deadwood Falls - 1.3 mi. 
Florence Falls - 4.9 mi.
Gunsight Lake - 6.2 mi. 
Lake McDonald Lodge - 21.4 mi. 
St. Mary Falls - 3.2 mi. 
Virginia Falls - 3.9 mi. 
Baring Falls - 3.9 mi. 

   St. Mary Falls

St. Mary Falls is one of the most popular short hikes in the St. Mary Valley. Two other beautiful waterfalls, Virginia Falls and Baring Falls, can also be added to your hike from this location. The Reynolds Creek Fire burned this area in 2015 and opened up vistas of mountains in the St. Mary Valley. 

Parking can often be very limited throughout the day, riding the shuttle to this location ensures that you will be able to enjoy hiking in this beautiful area. 

Specific Location: 
Pullout along the south side of Going-to-the-Sun Road. 

Restrooms: 
Yes
 
Drinking Water: 
No - please plan accordingly and bring plenty of water with you to this destination. 
 
Day Hikes (one-way): 
St. Mary Falls - .8 mi. 
Virginia Falls - 1.6 mi. 
Baring Falls - 1 mi. 

   Sunrift Gorge

Sunrift Gorge Shuttle Stop is another popular location along the eastern portion of Going-to-the-Sun road. There are a variety of both short and long hikes that can be accessed from this location. An impressive architectural feature of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, the Baring Creek Bridge can also be seen here. 

Specific Location: 
Along Going-to-the-Sun Road just passed the Baring Creek Bridge. 
 
Restrooms: 
No
 
Drinking Water: 
No - please plan accordingly and bring plenty of water with you to this destination.
 
Day Hikes (one-way): 
Baring Falls - 0.3 mi. 
St. Mary Falls - 1.7 mi. 
Sunrift Gorge - 200 ft. 
Virginia Falls 2.5 mi. 

   Sun Point Transfer Location

Sun Point is one of the premier spots to view the mountains that tower above St. Mary Lake. In the early part of the 1900s the promontory jutting out into the lake was the site of the Going-to-the-Sun Chalet. The buildings were removed, after falling into disrepair during World War II. The site now boasts a short nature trail, picnic area, and trailhead to three spectacular waterfalls.

Specific Location:
Near the restroom in the Sun Point parking area.

Restrooms:
Yes

Drinking Water:
Yes

Day Hikes (one-way):
Baring Falls - 0.7 mi. 
St. Mary Falls - 2.2 mi. 
Virginia Falls 2.9 mi. 

   Rising Sun Boat Dock

Take a boat tour on St. Mary Lake and if you choose, disembark at the Baring Falls boat dock and hike to a variety of destinations. Catch another shuttle at shuttle stops along Going-to-the-Sun Road to get back. 
 
Specific Location: 
Near Glacier Park Boat Co.'s reservation booth. 
 
Restrooms: 
Yes - in the picnic area.
 
Drinking Water: 
Yes - at the restroom.
 
Day Hikes (one-way): 
From the tour boat that unloads at the Baring Falls boat dock: 
St. Mary Falls - 1.5 mi. 
Virginia Falls - 2.2 mi. 
Sunrift Gorge - 0.3 mi.
 
Activities: 
Scenic Boat Tours - Glacier Park Boat Co. 
Picnic area 

   St. Mary Visitor Center

St. Mary Visitor Center is the main hub for transit functions and park information on the east side of the park. Rangers are on hand to answer questions, and educational and interpretive exhibits and a park movie may be available to read and watch. Backcountry information and permits are located in St. Mary Visitor Center for those looking to get off the beaten path. St. Mary Visitor Center also has a bookstore inside. 
 
Specific Location: 
Next to St. Mary Visitor Center.  
 
Restrooms: 
Yes - at St. Mary Visitor Center. 
 
Drinking Water: 
Yes - a water bottle fill station is next to the restrooms. 

Planning Information: 
St. Mary Visitor Center - general park and shuttle information, exhibits, movie and bookstore. 
St. Mary Backcountry Office - backcountry information and permits. 
 

Activities: 
Road Tours - Sun Tours & Glacier National Park Lodges.