Going to the Sun Road is a scenic mountain road in the Rocky Mountains , on the Western part of the United States. It connects the eastern and western part of Glacier National Park in Montana, U.S.A.
Our road trip started at St. Mary’s Lodge where we stayed. This hotel is located at US 89 Route, Montana. And right outside the eastern entrance of the park. Their restaurant has really good food. But I’ll write about that when I review the hotels we stayed at , sometime in the future.
Going to the sun road is about 52 miles. Portions of the road hug the mountainside. Hence, there are tight curves. Scary? Yes! ha ha. The truth is that , I thought of not going there anymore because I’m afraid of heights. And this is pretty high. The road continuously goes up and reaches at least 6,000 feet. A two way lane is small when there’s a steep drop off on one side of the road. Yes, one mistake could kill you. So one needs to be very careful. And not be stupid. 🙂 I’ve been to higher elevation roads. The difference is that those roads are wider than this one. So this one really worried me. I am glad that I tried it though because the view on top is fantastic. Plus I got to see the receding glaciers, before they’re gone. Yes, they will be gone within our lifetime. So try to visit this place before the glaciers become a history. 😦
This is St. Mary’s Lake. It is right beside the road. When we were there, it was so windy. Geee… it was difficult to take pictures outside the vehicle because the wind was so strong I felt like it was going to blow me away.
It’s beautiful right? I love the road! There’s an overlook up ahead. We stopped for a few minutes only because of the strong wind.
I couldn’t believe I got this picture. The small island looks cute in the middle of the lake. So I wanted to take a better photo of it. But like I said, that’s difficult when you’re trying not to be blown away by the wind. 🙂 I’m just glad I got one that seems to be okay.
This portion of the park was affected with the recent fire. Despite that fact , it still looks beautiful . Even on an overcast day.
Most of the glacier in this mountain melted already. 😦
A small water falls beside the road.
We found the thick fog as we went higher…
Check the mountain tunnel. 🙂
When I said there are switchbacks, I wasn’t kidding… See for yourselves! 🙂
The mountain below was covered with glacier in the past. Since it’s been receding over the years, what you see in the pictures are what’s left this time. I took these photos at the Logan Pass Visitor Center.
Thick fog again at the Continental Divide area.
Fall colors definitely brighten an overcast day. I loved it…
This rock mountain is called The Weeping Wall. Water is spilling off the rocks.
More switchbacks as we continued…
The road seemed so tiny for all of us. ha ha
You see what I mean? ha ha
This wouldn’t have been an issue, if not for the ravine beside the road. Uh-huh, yes it’s at least 6,000 feet down. So yeah, that was frightening to me. 🙂
Small glacier.
Glacier and waterfalls, from a distant view.
Found this creek at the bottom. I love the rocky canyon and the colorful reflection on its waters.
And this is us… 🙂
This creek water goes to Lake McDonald.
Lake McDonald is found a few minutes away from Apgar Visitor Center, on the eastern part of Glacier National Park.
This is Apgar Visitor Center. Details about the park, maps and other souvenir items are available here.
Coming from the west gate of the park, this is a very good stop. They have clean restrooms, big parking space and really helpful staff. This visitor center, like any others in the U.S. and Canada for that matter, are tax dollars put to good work. How I wish we have the same in my country. Sigh….
Honestly, I am glad that I took the chance to do this road trip. Seeing the disappearing glaciers certainly added some perspective as to our planet’s changing climate. And to realize that this will be gone within our lifetime is sad. My only consolation is that I’ve seen it now , before it’s too late.
So I urge you, if you have the opportunity, grab it. You will congratulate yourself for having done it, as this will definitely be one of the prettiest drives you will ever make. With the rocky mountains, glacier fed lakes, alpine tundra, waterfalls and glaciers – what else can one ask for…. 🙂
Lea C. Walker
http://www.davaoproperties.com
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