Well party people, it’s official. The Going-to-the-Sun Road (that little curvy number that laces its way through the park on 52 miles of asphalt) is officially open for the 2010 summer season.
And we couldn’t be more tickled about it!!
The road opens up much of the interior of the park and gives all that drive it an insider peak at some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
Opening day, summer 2009.
A few tidbits about the Going-to-the-Sun Road:
-It is the only American roadway designated both as a National Historic Landmark and a National Civic Engineering Landmark.
-The name of the road is borrowed from nearby Going-to-the-Sun Mountain. Local legend tells the story of the deity, Sour Spirit, who came down from the sun to teach Blackfeet braves the rudiments of the hunt. On his way back to the sun, Sour Spirit had his images reproduced on the top of the mountain for inspiration to the Blackfeet.
-The road crews and park service work very hard to ensure the road is open and safe for travel. A tip of the hat to all of them.
-It’s currently undergoing a multi-year rehabilitation project, so you may experience a few delays when driving the road (no more than 40 minutes from 7 AM – 9 PM).
-There are a few ways to travel the road.
Option #1: Drive it yourself.
Option #2: Take the Sun Road transit system for free (July 1 – Sept. 6).
Option #3: Take the east side hiker shuttle (fee).
Option #4: Hob aboard a jammer (red bus) for an interpretive tour of the park.
Option #5: Take a Sun Tour and learn about the park from the Blackfeet perspective.
Whatever way you choose to explore the Going-to-the-Sun Road, be sure to take your camera. Because the views are going to knock your socks off.
Waterfalls in the mountain valleys below the road.
TT
