There’s a lot of confusion about what the ‘Sun Point Nature Trail’ is and how long it goes. Most will tell you begins at the Sun Point parking lot and runs past Baring Falls ending at the Sunrift Gorge parking area. But according to the current park service website, it’s a 0.8-mile short walk to Sun Point and back to your car. However, we’re going to dive into all the ways these trails interconnect so you can select the best option for you! The ‘hike’ to your destination of Sun Point from the Sun Point parking area is basically a 10-minute stroll with a spectacular viewing area. This is a great option for families because this parking lot has a picnic area and bathroom facilities as well. So if you’re looking for something short, or a place to watch the sunrise or sunset, this is a great option if you’re in the area. The views over Saint Mary Lake with the surrounding mountains are truly stunning. From Sun Point, you can continue along the trail leading you around Saint Mary Lake towards Baring Falls. The trail passes through an area that burned in a wildfire in the 2015 Reynold’s Creek Fire. This has left the trail much more open with great lake views. Or if you’re up for a bit more, continue on to St Mary Falls which is glacially colored and incredibly beautiful. The trail is more treed and not as interesting in this section. But if you continue on to Virginia Falls, the trail passes by different ‘mini falls’ in the creek next to the trail which is really gorgeous. I definitely recommend doing the whole route if you’re able because it’s a stunning and varied trail overall. And it doesn’t hurt you get to see 3 separate waterfalls as well! Each one is a beautiful waterfall with its own unique characteristics.
What you need to know to hike Sun Point Nature Trail in Glacier National Park
Distance – 1.8 miles one way from Sun Point to Sunrift Gorge Elevation Gain – 213′ Difficulty Rating – easy to moderate depending on how far you go Trailhead – is located just over 9 miles from the Saint Mary’s entrance station at Sun Point parking area, (there will be signs). You can also get here from the west entrance by driving up to Logan’s Pass and about 10 miles down the other side as well. As a bonus, there is a large parking area for this hike compared to most areas in the park. Bathrooms – pit toilets are located at the Sun Point parking lot but not at the Saint Mary Falls parking area if you hike this as a thorough hike. There is another pit toilet located near Virginia Falls as well. Shuttles – check with the park service for the most up-to-date information. Normally you can park at Sun Point and hike past Baring Falls exiting on the Siyeh Pass trail to the Sunrift Gorge shuttle stop. But in the last couple of years they’re changing the shuttle schedule and stops all the time! ‘Know before you go’ so you don’t get in too far and end up doubling your hiking distance.
Clearing up the confusion
The reason there are so many different distances for this trail is because it connects to other short hikes. This creates a lot of confusion, so it’s best to know your options before going. Below I’m including 3 different ways to hike the Sun Point Nature Trail so you can choose which one is best for you.
How to hike the Sun Point Nature Trail 3 Ways
How to hike the ‘3 falls hike’ from Sun Point to Baring Falls, Saint Mary’s and Virginia Falls
Distance – 6.5 miles roundtrip Elevation Gain – 775′ Trailhead – start at the Sun Point parking area, hike to Sun Point, then follow the signs for Baring Falls. And finally from there follow the signs to St. Mary and Virginia Falls before returning the way you came.
This version of the Sun Point Nature Trail hike is referred to as the ‘3 falls hike’ because you get to see Baring Falls, Saint Mary’s Falls, and Virginia Falls. The grade is moderate and this hike is simply gorgeous from start to finish. Even as you make your way back from Virginia Falls to Sun Point where you started, you’ll find yourself stunned by the views. It’s very much like a whole new hike on the way back which makes this one extra enjoyable.
Tips to have the best hike on Sun Point Nature Trail in Glacier National Park
More amazing hikes in this area of Glacier National Park
I really hope you’ll find this helpful in planning your trip to Glacier National Park! If you have any questions, let me know below and I’d be glad to try and help.
