The most scenic drive in the USA🤯
📍This is Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park, Montana.
🚗 It’s the only road that crosses Glacier National Park east to west, taking you from lush forest to alpine tundra in under 50 miles.
🌄The road climbs up to 6,646 feet at Logan Pass, with epic views of glacier-carved valleys, alpine lakes, waterfalls, and wildflower meadows. You also have a huge opportunity to see a variety of animals. We saw 2 bears, several mountain goats, bighorn sheep and deer.
🎟 If you are arriving in season between 7:00 am - 3:00 pm you will need a timed entry pass that you can secure online. However, if you arrive before 7 or after 3 you are free to just go! I highly recommend arriving earlier for sunrise - or even doing it for sunset.
⏰If you don’t plan on stopping, the drive will take about 2 hours from the west entrance to the east entrance, but I highly recommend getting out along the way to explore.
What are some other scenic drives you consider must drives in the US
Having taken the Going-to-the-Sun Road myself, I can attest to how unforgettable this drive truly is. Starting early in the morning not only helps avoid crowds but rewards you with the serene beauty of a sunrise lighting up the alpine tundra. Watching the light hit the wildflower meadows while spotting mountain goats in the distance is an experience unlike any other. One tip is to bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens—wildlife is abundant here, including bears, bighorn sheep, and deer, but often at a respectful distance. Coordinating your visit to avoid the busiest hours (7 am to 3 pm, when timed entry passes are required) can make a huge difference in your enjoyment and photo opportunities. Besides Logan Pass, where the altitude reaches 6,646 feet, I recommend stopping at some lesser-known pullouts along the drive. These spots offer peaceful moments to breathe in fresh mountain air and marvel at waterfalls cascading into crystal-clear lakes. The combination of lush forests transitioning quickly into rugged alpine landscapes within under 50 miles is what sets this drive apart from others. If you have time, extending your exploration with short hikes from various pullouts can make your trip even more rewarding. Trails vary from easy walks to challenging climbs, all featuring spectacular views and native flora. In comparison to other scenic drives in the USA, such as the Blue Ridge Parkway or California’s Pacific Coast Highway, the Going-to-the-Sun Road offers a unique blend of geological grandeur and wildlife observation opportunities, making it a must-drive for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.