Sun Road shuttles start running July 1
<p>A Glacier Park road crew member sets markers on the Big Drift - a huge drift of snow just below Logan Pass. This year the drift is far larger than usual for this time of the year, as Glacier saw record snowpack and an unsually cold and wet spring. The abundant snow has delayed the plowing effort on the road.</p>
The Going-to-the-Sun Road shuttles will begin daily operations on Friday, July 1, with runs between the Apgar Transit Center and Avalanche Creek every hour from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with stops along the route at Apgar, Sprague Creek Campground and Lake McDonald Lodge.
On the east side, shuttles will service all regular stops on the Sun Road between the St. Mary Visitor Center and Sun Point at 30 minute intervals from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Starting Saturday, July 2, shuttles will run past the Sun Road closure at Avalanche Creek to The Loop every 10 to 15 minutes. The last bus to The Loop from Avalanche Creek will depart at 4 p.m.
The last bus from the Apgar Transit Center that will make it to Avalanche Creek in time for the 4 p.m. departure to The Loop will leave the transit center at 3 p.m. The last return bus will be at 5 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to park at the Apgar Transit Center, as parking at Avalanche Creek is extremely limited.
Hikers and bikers may still enjoy the lower section of the Sun Road past Avalanche Creek. Construction vehicles and shuttles may also be using that section of the road so caution is advised.
On Friday, July 1, the hiker/biker closure will be located about three miles beyond the vehicle closure at Avalanche Creek. Starting Saturday, July 2, the hiker/biker closure will be 11 miles beyond Avalanche Creek near Bird Woman Falls Overlook. Adjustments to these closures may be prompted by changing weather and road conditions.
For Going-to-the-Sun Road Transit System information, visit online at www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/shuttles.htm. For backcountry camping and trail status, visit online at www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm. For more information, call 888-7800.