Sun Point
A stunning vista point in Glacier National Park offering breathtaking views of St. Mary Lake and surrounding mountains via an easy trail.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
For magical sunrise views
Sun Point
Best Time
For magical sunrise views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning vista point in Glacier National Park offering breathtaking views of St. Mary Lake and surrounding mountains via an easy trail.
"The most beautiful scenic view ever. It's well worth it!"
🌅 Catch the Sunrise
Arrive before dawn for the best chance to see the sun illuminate St. Mary Lake. It's worth the early start!
📸 Photo Safety First
While the views are stunning, be extremely cautious near edges when taking photos. Stay on marked paths.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunrise Over St. Mary Lake
Sun Point Vista
Witness a breathtaking sunrise painting St. Mary Lake with golden hues, framed by majestic glacier mountains.
Panoramic Glacier Views
Sun Point Vista
Soak in sweeping vistas of St. Mary Lake and the surrounding towering glacier mountains. A truly mesmerizing sight.
Easy Access to St. Mary Falls
Trail junction from Sun Point
Continue your short hike to discover the lovely St. Mary Falls, a beautiful and rewarding extension.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Sun Point Views
Trail Accessibility and Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Catch the Sunrise
Arrive before dawn for the best chance to see the sun illuminate St. Mary Lake. It's worth the early start!
📸 Photo Safety First
While the views are stunning, be extremely cautious near edges when taking photos. Stay on marked paths.
👟 Easy Trail Access
The hike from the parking lot is short and easy, making it accessible for most visitors.
💧 Extend to Baring Falls
If you have time, the trail easily connects to Baring Falls for an extended scenic walk.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Catch the Sunrise
Arrive before dawn for the best chance to see the sun illuminate St. Mary Lake. It's worth the early start!
📸 Photo Safety First
While the views are stunning, be extremely cautious near edges when taking photos. Stay on marked paths.
👟 Easy Trail Access
The hike from the parking lot is short and easy, making it accessible for most visitors.
💧 Extend to Baring Falls
If you have time, the trail easily connects to Baring Falls for an extended scenic walk.
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Parking fills up quickly, especially during peak times. Consider arriving early or visiting during the shoulder seasons.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Sun Point for its stunning, easily accessible views of St. Mary Lake and the surrounding mountains, making it a must-see in Glacier National Park. The short, easy trail is a major plus, though its popularity means it can get crowded, especially during peak times and sunset. Safety near the edges is a recurring reminder.
"Beautiful view of the sunrise on st mary lake if you get here early enough. The hike is easy and short. Even go to Baring Falls easily enough. Took us under an hour with little elevation from the sun Point parking lot"
Erik Covert
"One of the best and easier access Glacier National Park elopement locations along GTTSR! While it's easy access and that means more crowds, you can't beat the view and it's perfect for an intimate wedding with a few guests. Then later on, you can adventure to other areas in the park with fewer crowds!"
Sam Starns - Adventure Elopement Photographer
"Sun Point Nature Trail is a beautiful and scenic hike in Glacier National Park. The trail is conveniently short, starting from the parking lot and effortlessly leading to a viewpoint. The view of St. Mary Lake embraced by enormous glacier mountains is simply mesmerizing. To fully experience it, plan to spend a considerable amount of time at the viewpoint. However, be cautious when capturing pictures near the mountain edges, as there's a risk of falling into the river."
Krishna
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sun Point is located along the Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTTSR) in Glacier National Park. Access is typically via the main park entrance. The Sun Point Nature Trail starts directly from the parking lot.
Glacier National Park offers a free shuttle system during the operating season of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which may stop near Sun Point. Check the park's official website for current shuttle routes and schedules.
There isn't a specific street address for Sun Point. It's a designated viewpoint and trailhead along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Look for the signs for Sun Point parking area.
Yes, you can drive to Sun Point via the Going-to-the-Sun Road. However, this road has seasonal closures and may require a vehicle reservation during peak times.
Absolutely! Sun Point is a popular and beautiful location for intimate weddings and elopements due to its stunning views and relatively easy access. You'll need a special use permit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You need a standard entrance pass to enter Glacier National Park. During peak season, a separate vehicle reservation may be required for the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor, which includes Sun Point.
Sun Point itself is accessible whenever the Going-to-the-Sun Road is open. The parking area and trails are generally open from dawn to dusk.
The entrance fee is for Glacier National Park. Sun Point is a location within the park, so the park entrance fee applies.
Vehicle reservations for the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor are released in advance and can be booked on Recreation.gov. They sell out quickly, so book as soon as they become available.
If a vehicle reservation is required for the Going-to-the-Sun Road, you will need one to access Sun Point during those times. Check the park's official website for the most current information.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Sun Point Nature Trail is approximately 1.9 miles roundtrip, described as a short and easy hike from the parking lot.
Sun Point offers stunning panoramic views of St. Mary Lake and the surrounding glacier-carved mountains. It's a prime spot for sunrise and sunset photography.
No, the Sun Point hike is considered easy with little elevation gain, making it accessible for most visitors.
Restroom facilities are typically available at the Sun Point parking area.
From Sun Point, you can easily access trails leading to St. Mary Falls and Baring Falls, offering further scenic beauty.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning for sunrise and late afternoon for sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. 
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A tripod can be helpful for sunrise/sunset shots.
The main vista point overlooking St. Mary Lake is the primary photo spot. Be mindful of safety when getting close to the edges.
Drone usage is restricted in many national parks, including Glacier. Always check the park's official regulations regarding drone operation before flying.
Clear skies offer the best visibility, but even partly cloudy days can create dramatic skies. Golden hour light is unparalleled.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💍 Couples & Elopements
📸 Photographers
+1 The expansive views of St. Mary Lake and the surrounding peaks offer endless composition possibilities. A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the grandeur of the landscape. While the main viewpoint is popular, exploring the connected trails to St. Mary Falls can offer different perspectives. Be prepared for crowds during peak times and always prioritize safety when shooting near the water.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing Sun Point: Beyond the Vista
For those looking to extend their exploration, the trail conveniently connects to other beautiful spots like St. Mary Falls and Baring Falls.
When visiting, remember that its popularity means crowds can be significant, particularly during peak season and around sunset. Planning your visit for early morning or during the shoulder seasons can offer a more serene experience. Always prioritize safety, especially when taking photos near the lake's edges, as the terrain can be uneven.
Photography at Sun Point: Capturing the Light
+1 A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to encompass the vastness of the panorama, from the lake's surface to the towering peaks.While the main vista point is the star, don't overlook the smaller details. The textures of the rocks, the reflections on the water, and the changing colors of the sky all offer unique photographic opportunities. If you plan to capture the sunrise or sunset, a tripod will be invaluable for achieving sharp, well-exposed shots in lower light conditions. Remember to check the park's regulations regarding drone usage, as they are often restricted in sensitive natural areas.
Beyond the technical aspects, the most important tip is to be present and observe. Watch how the light shifts, how the clouds interact with the peaks, and how the lake changes color. These moments of observation often lead to the most compelling and personal photographs. And always, always be mindful of your footing and surroundings when composing your shots near the water's edge.
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