The Going-to-the-Sun Road isn’t just an awe-inspiring drive through Glacier National Park; it’s a testament to the balance of nature, engineering, and design. Spanning 50 miles of rugged mountain terrain, the road is a masterpiece shaped by glaciers, visionary planning, and remarkable collaboration.

Carving the Vision

In 1925, as plans for the road advanced, the final route was chosen not for its economic feasibility but for its aesthetic and conservation merits—a decision that would define the character of the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Chief Engineer George Goodwin and National Park Service Landscape Architect Thomas Vint played pivotal roles in advocating for a design that prioritized natural beauty and minimized environmental impact.

The preferred route, proposed by engineer Frank Kittredge, featured:

  • A gentle 6% grade, ensuring accessibility without unnecessary strain on vehicles or the environment.
  • A layout that avoided extensive landscape disturbance, preserving the park’s beauty.
  • A more open exposure, allowing for views of the surrounding valleys and peaks.
  • A design that encouraged faster snowmelt, extending the road’s seasonal use.

The route also required just one major switchback—The Loop—a testament to the careful planning that balanced functionality and aesthetics. Vint’s sketches and Kittredge’s innovative use of a photographic mosaic to compare alternative routes became groundbreaking tools, setting a standard for roadway design for decades to come.

Collaboration and Challenges

In 1926, a cooperative agreement between the National Park Service (NPS) and the Bureau of Public Roads (BPR) formalized the partnership that would bring this vision to life. This agreement leveraged Kittredge’s visionary survey alongside the BPR’s engineering expertise. Despite internal disagreements—most notably Goodwin’s departure from the NPS following disputes over the project’s execution—the collaboration proved a resounding success.

The construction process was no less challenging. By August 1924, contracts for various sections of the road were underway, including a particularly costly stretch near Red Rock Point, notorious for frequent avalanches. Workers braved harsh conditions to bring the vision to fruition, inching closer to connecting Glacier’s east and west sides.

A Road Built for the Ages

When the Going-to-the-Sun Road officially opened in July 1933, it marked a turning point for Glacier National Park. Visitors could now traverse the park with ease, marveling at its glacial valleys, towering peaks, and pristine lakes. The road’s harmonious integration with the landscape earned it recognition as a National Historic Landmark and a National Civil Engineering Landmark.

Highlights of its design include:

  • The Loop Switchback: A scenic masterpiece offering dramatic views of the surrounding terrain.
  • Native Stone Features: Retaining walls, guardrails, and bridges constructed with local materials to blend seamlessly into the environment.
  • Red Rock Point and the Garden Wall: Sections showcasing both the road’s engineering ingenuity and Glacier’s breathtaking beauty.

Legacy of Conservation

Today, the Going-to-the-Sun Road remains a symbol of what can be achieved when preservation and accessibility are given equal weight. It continues to endure the ravages of time—harsh winters, avalanches, and erosion—thanks to ongoing restoration efforts.

This incredible roadway stands as a testament to the visionaries who insisted that aesthetics, conservation, and thoughtful design could coexist in harmony. Every twist and turn of the road tells a story of collaboration, determination, and respect for the natural world.

For visitors to Glacier National Park, driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road is more than a journey across the Continental Divide—it’s a trip through history, where nature’s forces and human ingenuity unite to create something truly extraordinary.

Plan your visit and discover more about this historic road at Glacier National Park’s website.

References: Distinctly Montana: Building a Miracle

National Park Service History:  https://npshistory.com/publications/glac/going-to-the-sun-rd-hist.pdf