Full length of Sun Road opens Friday

Starting Friday, visitors to Glacier National Park will be able to drive the entire 50 miles of Going-to-the-Sun Road, the world-renowned scenic drive that cuts through the heart of the park’s glacier-hewn landscape.

Denise Germann, the park’s spokeswoman, said the road will open at 7 a.m. to through traffic over Logan Pass.

The drive typically takes about two hours between the west and east entrances to the park, but road paving east of Logan Pass will resume Monday, resulting in delays of up to 30 minutes.

Friday also marks the opening of the Logan Pass Visitor Center. Shuttle service will begin July 1.

Since the snow was cleared, construction crews have been working on a 16-mile stretch of Sun Road on the east side.

Recycled asphalt removed up from the road earlier has been laid down as a base, and the top layer will be applied throughout the rest of this year, resulting in one-lane closures.

Because construction activity will move along the road, some trailheads will be closed while crews are working.

Those planning to use trailheads on the east side of Sun Road should check their status by calling 406-888-7800 or going to the park’s website at nps.gov/glac.

The west-side construction delay near Triple Arches will wrap up by the end of today.

Visitors to the park are reminded that not all vehicles are welcome between Avalanche Campground on the west side and Rising Sun on the east side. Vehicle combinations longer than 21 feet, wider than 8 feet (including mirrors) or taller than 10 feet are prohibited on that stretch of road.

Most other roads in Glacier Park are open.

One road that won’t fully open this year is the Inside North Fork Road, which in the past has been rebuilt every year due to seasonal washouts and road damage.

The park was denied a permit to maintain the road this year and has closed a portion indefinitely while officials pursue a permanent fix.

The Inside North Fork Road is closed between Camas Creek and Logging Creek Ranger Station.