This news story about the early closure of the Going-to-the-Sun Road is based on an October 13, 2021, National Park Service press release. You can read the original release here.
After Glacier National Park management implemented a temporary Going-to-the-Sun Road closure on October 10, forecasts of bad weather and significant snowfall made that decision a seasonal one. From today through its opening day sometime next summer, the Going-to-the-Sun Road’s alpine section will be closed.
Visitors can, however, still drive the sections from the West Entrance to Avalanche Creek (15.5 miles) and from the St. Mary Entrance to Jackson Glacier Overlook (13.5 miles).
Going-to-the-Sun Road Closed for the Season Due to Inclement Weather
In its press release, the National Park Service says that the “Going-to-the-Sun Road typically closes between Avalanche Creek and Jackson Glacier Overlook on or before the third Monday in October, depending on road and weather conditions.”
Since the temporary closure of the Going-to-the-Sun Road was implemented on Sunday, October 10, several inches of snow have accumulated at Logan Pass and the road remains icy.
On top of that—quite literally—the National Weather Service forecasts additional snowfall Wednesday October 13 and wind gusts up to 20 mph. As a result, the Going-to-the-Sun Road closure between Avalanche Creek and Jackson Glacier Overlook will continue for the remainder of the 2021-2022 winter season.
Visitors should be aware of road crews prepping for winter operations, which include removing guard rails, displays and signs, and installing snow poles along the road closure.
What’s Open in Glacier National Park?
Hiking and biking is permitted on most closed roads in the park as far as the hiker/biker closure signs. However, risks include falling ice or rocks, and ice-covered or snowy road conditions.
Closure points are determined by changing road crew activity and conditions. Bicycling is not permitted on snow-covered roads.
- The Many Glacier Entrance is closed at the boundary to all traffic due to construction. To stay up to date with changing road conditions, visit the park’s Current Road Status webpage.
- Highway 2 construction will continue into November along the southern border of Glacier National Park and you can find updates on the Montana Department of Transportation website.
- Camas Road remains under construction until the beginning of November causing 30-minute delays in both directions during the day.
By now, most visitor amenities in the park have closed for the season.
Two Medicine, Bowman Lake, Kintla Lake and one section of Apgar (Loop B) campgrounds, are open for primitive camping on a first come, first served basis until October 31, when they will move into winter camping and remain open as winter road conditions permit.
St. Mary Campground, on the other hand, opens to winter camping on November 1. You can check campground status here.
The Apgar Wilderness Permit Office and Aquatic Invasive Species Boat Inspection Station close October 31. No boating in the park is permitted after October 31. Free winter wilderness camping permits are available November 1 – April 30.
The Apgar Visitor Center is open on weekends through October 24, weather permitting, but Wi-Fi, restrooms and potable water remain available at this location year-round.
The park is open year-round and recreational opportunities can be found during all seasons. Learn more about winter operations at Glacier National Park on the park’s Visiting in Winter webpage.