GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, Mont. — Glacier National Park will close the alpine section of Going-to-the-Sun Road at 7 p.m. Friday, October 9, as an approaching winter storm threatens to bring snow, powerful winds and freezing temperatures to northwest Montana.
The closure will extend from Avalanche Creek on the west side of the park to Jackson Glacier Overlook on the east side, cutting off vehicle access to Logan Pass from both directions. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the East Glacier Park region from 6 p.m. Saturday through 6 a.m. Monday. Forecasters are warning of accumulating snow, strong winds and rapidly deteriorating travel conditions across the mountains.
Winter Storm Expected To Bring Snow And Powerful Winds
The National Weather Service forecast for the East Glacier Park region, which includes Logan Pass, calls for a sharp change in conditions beginning Friday evening.
Temperatures are expected to fall into the 20s Friday night, with snow developing across the higher elevations Saturday. Conditions could become particularly hazardous Saturday night and Sunday, when forecasters expect periods of heavy snow, blowing snow and strong northeast winds. Wind gusts could reach 65 mph Saturday night, with visibility occasionally dropping to a quarter-mile or less.
The National Weather Service also warns that the storm could create dangerous conditions for backcountry travelers, including hikers and hunters venturing into the mountains. A widespread hard freeze is possible Monday morning, with temperatures across western Montana falling into the upper teens and lower 20s.
Is Going-to-the-Sun Road Closing For The Season?
The timing of the closure comes as Glacier National Park approaches the end of its normal high-elevation driving season.
The Going-to-the-Sun Road typically closes its alpine section for the winter around the third Monday of October. This year, that date falls on October 19, although snow and hazardous weather can force earlier closures.
It remains unclear whether Friday’s closure will become permanent for the 2026 season or whether improving conditions could allow another reopening.
The scenic 50-mile highway crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass, which sits at an elevation of 6,646 feet. The route provides access to some of Glacier National Park’s most popular destinations, including the Highline Trail, Hidden Lake Overlook and numerous alpine viewpoints.
The road has already experienced weather-related interruptions this year. In September, heavy rainfall temporarily forced the closure of its alpine sections, and another closure followed after snowfall and freezing temperatures created hazardous conditions near Logan Pass.
What Visitors Need To Know
Although the alpine section will close Friday evening, lower-elevation portions of Going-to-the-Sun Road will remain accessible, conditions permitting. The road near Glacier’s West Entrance generally stays open throughout the year, providing access to the Lake McDonald area.
Visitors should not expect to travel between the park’s eastern and western entrances using Going-to-the-Sun Road while the alpine closure is in effect.
Park officials encourage travelers to check the current road conditions and closure information before visiting. Visitors can also receive road-status alerts by texting GNPROADS to 333111.
With winter weather arriving in Montana’s mountains and Going-to-the-Sun Road approaching its typical seasonal closing date, this weekend’s storm could mark the end of vehicle access to Logan Pass for the year.
