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Places (POIs) visited during this tour

Place #1
Distance: 0.21mi , Attraction : Entrance to the Park
Map Pin
12555 US-2, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA
POI 1 Tour Image
West Glacier Entrance
West Glacier, often referred to as the "Gateway to Glacier National Park," is the western entrance to this stunning wilderness. It serves as a hub for visitors arriving at the park, offering access to the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road and many of Glacier's iconic landmarks and activities. So no wonder this is where we will begin our journey!

  https://smokybear.com/glacier-national-park-entrances/
Place #2
Distance: 1.98mi , Attraction : Iconic Drive
Map Pin
230-110 Glacier Rte 1 Rd, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA
POI 2 Tour Image
Going-to-the-Sun Road
Our entire drive today is along the iconic Going to the Sun Road, a 50-mile scenic mountain highway that spans Glacier National Park from west to east, crossing the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. This engineering marvel is a must-see for visitors, offering some of the most spectacular views in the park.

Built between 1921 and 1932, the road was designed to blend into the natural landscape and minimize environmental impact. Named for Going-to-the-Sun Mountain, a prominent peak visible along the route, it was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1997 for its architectural and engineering significance. But it’s extremely important to also recognize that this land is the historic area to the Blackfeet, Salish, kootenai, and Pend d’Oreille tribes. These Native peoples hold deep spiritual and cultural ties to the area, which they refer to as the "Backbone of the World." The Blackfeet controlled much of the land east of the mountains, while the Salish and Kootenai inhabited the western regions. According to Blackfeet tribal lore, the name comes from a mythical figure, Napi, or Old Man, a hero who descended from the Sun to teach the Blackfeet people. After completing his teachings, he ascended back to the heavens from a mountain now known as Going-to-the-Sun Mountain, which the road skirts.

When construction began in 1921, many engineers doubted whether a road could even be built through Glacier National Park’s rugged terrain. Workers faced treacherous conditions, from blasting through sheer rock cliffs to enduring harsh weather. One particularly challenging section was the Garden Wall, a narrow ledge where builders had to carve the road into the mountainside. The effort required extreme precision and courage, often with workers suspended by ropes over sheer drop-offs. Despite these challenges, the road was completed in 1932, celebrated as a feat of engineering.

The Going-to-the-Sun Road is more than just a scenic drive. With so much history winding through the lanes, it’s the only road that spans the park, offering access to its diverse ecosystems, towering peaks, and pristine valleys. Our drive today is going to be one to remember, I promise!

Read More

  https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/gtsrinfo.htm
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour

Map Pin Place 1 West Glacier Entrance
Map Pin Place 2 Going-to-the-Sun Road
Map Pin Place 3 Glacier Red Jammer Buses
Map Pin Place 4 Lake McDonald
Map Pin Place 5 Lake McDonald Lodge
Map Pin Place 6 Trail of the Cedars
Map Pin Place 7 The 6 Ecological Zones
Map Pin Place 8 The Loop
Map Pin Place 9 Grinnell Glacier
Map Pin Place 10 Triple Arches
Map Pin Place 11 Logan Pass
Map Pin Place 12 Jackson Glacier Overlook
Map Pin Place 13 Saint Mary Falls
Map Pin Place 14 Saint Mary Lake & Goose Island Lookout



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