RT Sun Point

Scenic lakeside viewpoint offering panoramic mountain vistas, rocky shoreline access, and a peaceful setting along a glacially carved lake.

General Information

Hours:

Open year-round with seasonal access depending on Going-to-the-Sun Road conditions
Typically accessible from late June through early fall

Fees:

Private vehicle: $35 (valid for 7 days)
Motorcycle: $30
Individual (walk/bike): $20
Children under 16: Free

Pet Policy:

Pets are not allowed on trails in Glacier National Park

Closest cities with hotels:

St. Mary, MT (approx. 12 miles)
Columbia Falls, MT (approx. 40 miles)

Seasons:

Summer through early fall for full access

Location:

Sun Point, Glacier National Park, MT

Website:

nps.gov/glac

How to Get There

From St. Mary (12 mi): Enter the park and drive west along Going-to-the-Sun Road for approximately 12 miles to the clearly marked Sun Point parking area overlooking St. Mary Lake.

Overview

The Sun Point area offers one of the most spectacular viewpoints along Going-to-the-Sun Road, where visitors are greeted with sweeping vistas of St. Mary Lake framed by towering peaks. A short walk leads to rocky outcrops and shoreline access, providing unobstructed views of the lake’s vivid blue waters and the surrounding glacial landscape. The contrast of rugged cliffs, forested slopes, and open water creates a scene that changes dramatically with shifting light throughout the day.

Beyond the main viewpoint, the area connects to short trails that wind along the lakeshore toward nearby waterfalls and quiet coves, offering opportunities to explore beyond the roadside stop. The exposed rock formations tell the story of ancient geologic forces that shaped the region, while the calm waters below reflect the immense scale of the surrounding mountains. Whether stopping briefly or lingering to explore, this location captures the iconic beauty that defines Glacier National Park.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Glacier National Park, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.