Going to the Sun Road - Size Limit?

[Ranger_Tim]

After traversing the Going to the Sun Road in Glacier in a car, I wonder how hair-raising it would be for me in our TC. I have a 22 foot F350 with an 11.5 feet tall clearance with camper, and I don't think I would like to try it. It would seem to me to be a bit too big for comfort, especially during peak season. It's dealing with oncoming traffic that would seem to be the problem.

Any response from those who have tackled it? Will the Park Service tag me for being a foot longer than their rule? I want to know before I try to go there again someday.

[zb39]

I have done it a few times in different cars. Not a big deal. Just take your time. I saw class c on it and plenty of DRW trucks. I would drive my truck over it without the camper. I think I'm to tall with the camper.

[monkey44]

We did it last year in our 2500HD and Lance ... we're 22 ft. Was no big deal, a few tight rock ledge corners, but plenty open visually for passing. No one said anything to us, and we saw others larger RV's ... I think it's more the long trailer combo that has a tougher time.

It takes a few hours to cross, then a few hours back - then some fun hours while you do it. So, we had no issue camping on one side, then spending the day crossing over, and then didn't have to return to camp. Crossing and returning the same day because you drop your unit is a long day. We just took our time and camped on each side.

[narcodog]

Make life easy on yourself, pay for the evening Jammer ride. It's a very informative ride and no worries.

[delosholly]

enblethen wrote:
Instead of renting a car, how about the free shuttles?
Shuttles

X2 Highly recommend the shuttles.

[enblethen]

Instead of renting a car, how about the free shuttles?
Shuttles

[pulsar]

In 1992, Sarah and I made our first trip to Glacier National Park. We stayed at Rising Sun, on the east side, in a 24-foot Class C. We were not towing a car, so we drove the Going to the Sun Road in the Class C. That was the last year 24 feet was legal. It should not have been legal, ever!

Going up the east side was a piece of cake. Going down the west side was a terror. When we got to West Glacier, we had to decide whether to drive the 50 miles back over the Going to the Sun Road, or to drive the 100 miles around on US 2 and US 89. It was a no brainer. We even stopped at Goat Lick on the way back.

Tom

[thedavidzoo]

We drove this 2 years ago in an empty Toyota Tundra (19', I think). We had to occasionally pull in the tow mirrors for passing cars, but I would in no way call this a white knuckle road! This was in the middle of the summer season...and there was tons of road construction!
I highly recommend it in a SRW vehicle within the NPS limits. Just take it slow, stop at the lookouts, enjoy the awesome scenery! I wish we could do it again, but with a DRW 22' truck empty, we are already over limits.

[naturist]

I would agree, really bad idea. Don't attempt it. When we were there they were working on the road and were using some single axle dump trucks. Those truck drivers were serving in hell. Too wide, too long. And yes indeed, the traffic was the problem. Those trucks needed the entire roadway in spots and traffic made that really hard. If you go again, leave the truck and camper and take the bus. It's free and you will enjoy the trip a LOT more.

[moebedick]

Bad idea! I did it in 2013 in a B Touring Cruiser (mh)22' long,11'5" high and 9+ feet wide at the mirrors. During the initial ascent,from west to east,we were a little disappointed in the views because we had seen better in the Canadian Rockies. Then we took a tight right turn and really started up. I suddenly realized where the term "white knuckle driving" originated. It happens when your bones actually pop through the skin. I don't recall how many times I had to fold my mirrors in for approaching vans and pickups,but I can still hear the shrieks from my nagivator...something about edges and drops and death. It was hard to hear over the drivers screams. I can tell you that the views are breath-taking,but only because I've seen photos. It's hard to appreciate the view through tears.
Since then I've driven on much worse roads (Moki Dugway,Devils Backbone ,etc),but with far less traffic and no milling crowds of tourists,a third of whom feel the necessity to walk backwards while staring at a view finder. I now drive a TC and feel generally much more secure and in control.

[Old-Biscuit]

21' length restriction
10' height restriction
8' width restriction

Vehicle Size Restrictions

Vehicles, and vehicle combinations, longer than 21 feet (including bumpers) or wider than 8 feet (including mirrors), are prohibited between Avalanche Campground and the Rising Sun picnic area parking. Vehicle and vehicle combinations over 10 feet in height may have difficulty driving west from Logan Pass to the Loop, due to rock overhangs. Stock trucks and trailers are able to access Packers Roost on the west, and Siyeh Bend on the east.


Length and width restrictions are enforced
Height.....that is a 'warning'

[CSG]

Did it once (1992) in our old regular cab long bed 2500 with a 9 1/2' Lance. They let us through but I still have nightmares. Tried it again 15 years later with the truck in my signature (we left the 5th wheel behind) and ended up turning around midway. Too old to drive roads like that anymore.

[jimh406]

I can't really think of any reason to do it. I think it would make sense to drop your TC. Go have fun, and then come back at the end of the day. I believe my truck is too long even without the TC.

Another possibility is to rent a car for the day. We thought about that as well.