Triple Arches
An engineering marvel on Glacier's Going-to-the-Sun Road, offering breathtaking vistas and a unique architectural spectacle.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Triple Arches
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An engineering marvel on Glacier's Going-to-the-Sun Road, offering breathtaking vistas and a unique architectural spectacle.
"This semi hidden design and engineering marvel is a great spot to take a break on the going to the sun road."
🚗 Park Shuttle is Key
Utilize the free park shuttle to avoid parking hassles on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
📅 Check Road Status
The Going-to-the-Sun Road opens late June/early July. Always check park alerts!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Triple Arches Viaduct
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park
An incredible feat of engineering, this side-hill bridge offers stunning views and a unique architectural marvel.
Panoramic Park Vistas
Near Triple Arches viewpoint
Gaze upon sweeping views of Glacier National Park, stretching all the way down to Lake McDonald.
Engineering Marvel
Triple Arches
Appreciate the ingenuity required to build this section of the road, a true testament to early 20th-century construction.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Triple Arches
Navigating the Going-to-the-Sun Road
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Park Shuttle is Key
Utilize the free park shuttle to avoid parking hassles on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
📅 Check Road Status
The Going-to-the-Sun Road opens late June/early July. Always check park alerts!
📸 Drive Both Ways
See different perspectives and sights by driving the road east and west.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Limited services on the road; come prepared for your adventure.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Park Shuttle is Key
Utilize the free park shuttle to avoid parking hassles on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
📅 Check Road Status
The Going-to-the-Sun Road opens late June/early July. Always check park alerts!
📸 Drive Both Ways
See different perspectives and sights by driving the road east and west.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Limited services on the road; come prepared for your adventure.
🥾 Explore Nearby Trails
Combine your visit with short hikes for more stunning Glacier views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Triple Arches as an amazing feat of engineering and a highlight of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, offering spectacular vistas of Glacier National Park. While parking is limited and the arches themselves are best viewed from specific points, the overall experience of driving this iconic road and witnessing the viaduct's grandeur is highly recommended.
"This area is probably the best place to see the full vista of the park. You can see right down to Lake McDonald. To see the actual archtes you need to stop much arther down and look up the pass. Really amazing feat of engineering."
Andy Smith
"This semi hidden design and engineering marvel is a great spot to take a break on the going to the sun road if there is room to park. When the road was built, this section need a side-hill bridge called a viaduct to span this section of cliff."
Craig Philpott
"Awesome little bridge. I didn't realize the arches untill we came back from the other way. I reccomend going both ways on the sun road. You see completely different things both ways."
Jillian Schmidt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Triple Arches is located on the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park. Access is typically via the west entrance from Lake McDonald or the east entrance from St. Mary. Due to its popularity and limited parking, using the park's free shuttle system is highly recommended.
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is a seasonal road and usually opens in late June or early July, depending on snowpack. It's crucial to check the official Glacier National Park website for the most up-to-date opening and closing dates before your visit.
Parking at Triple Arches is very limited and can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Many visitors opt to stop at designated pull-offs along the road or utilize the park shuttle to access the area.
Yes, biking the Going-to-the-Sun Road is a popular activity, and you can certainly see Triple Arches this way. Some Redditors prefer biking from the east side (St. Mary) for its views, while others enjoy the west side (Avalanche). Be aware of traffic and road conditions.
The best way to experience Triple Arches is by driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road and stopping at the designated viewpoints. Many visitors find it beneficial to drive the road in both directions to appreciate the different perspectives and scenery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a valid entrance pass is required for Glacier National Park. You can purchase passes online in advance or at park entrance stations. During peak season, a vehicle reservation may also be required for the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor.
There are no separate fees for Triple Arches itself. Your Glacier National Park entrance pass covers access to all areas within the park, including the Going-to-the-Sun Road and its viewpoints.
Triple Arches is accessible whenever the Going-to-the-Sun Road is open. The road's hours are dictated by weather conditions and maintenance, typically from late June/early July through mid-October.
Yes, the Glacier National Park shuttle system provides access to many points along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, including areas near Triple Arches. This is a great option to avoid parking issues.
Vehicle reservation systems can change annually. It's essential to check the official Glacier National Park website for the most current information regarding reservations for the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor.
📸 📸 Photography
For photography, early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light. Golden hour light can create dramatic shadows and highlight the engineering of the arches, while mornings often have fewer crowds.
A wide-angle lens is excellent for capturing the scale of the arches and the surrounding mountain vistas. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant wildlife or specific architectural details.
The main viewpoint for Triple Arches offers a direct look at the viaduct. However, many visitors find that pulling over at various points along the road before and after the arches provides unique angles and perspectives.
Drone usage is restricted in Glacier National Park to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check the park's official regulations regarding drone operation before your visit.
The most photogenic aspects include the unique curved structure of the viaduct against the dramatic mountain backdrop, the sweeping views down to Lake McDonald, and the sheer scale of the engineering.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider short, easy walks near the Triple Arches viewpoint to let kids stretch their legs. The panoramic views offer great opportunities for spotting wildlife from a distance, which is always a hit with younger visitors. Ensure everyone has comfortable shoes for any short explorations.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Be prepared for slow-moving traffic and frequent stops for photos. Consider an e-bike if you want a more active way to experience the road and its sights, allowing for more flexibility and closer interaction with nature.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel of Triple Arches
Constructed in the 1930s, the Triple Arches were a vital part of completing the Going-to-the-Sun Road, one of the most scenic drives in the United States. The design had to account for the challenging terrain and the desire to preserve the natural beauty of the park. The resulting structure is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, blending seamlessly with the rugged landscape. Visitors often marvel at the scale and precision involved in its creation.
When you visit, take a moment to appreciate the feat of engineering that the Triple Arches represent. It's a testament to human ambition and the ability to overcome natural obstacles. The views from this point are also spectacular, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it a must-see stop on your journey through Glacier National Park.
Experiencing Glacier National Park's Going-to-the-Sun Road
Navigating the Going-to-the-Sun Road can be an adventure in itself. Due to its narrowness and popularity, parking is extremely limited, especially at popular viewpoints like the Triple Arches. To make the most of your visit and avoid the stress of finding a parking spot, the park's free shuttle system is highly recommended. The shuttle operates on a regular schedule and stops at key locations, allowing you to hop on and off at your leisure.
Beyond the Triple Arches, the Going-to-the-Sun Road offers numerous other attractions, including hiking trails, waterfalls, and breathtaking overlooks. Popular stops include Lake McDonald, Logan Pass, and the Many Glacier area. Remember to check the road's status before your trip, as it is subject to closures due to snow and weather conditions, typically opening fully from late June or early July through mid-October.
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