Going-to-the-Sun road is the famous, insanely picturesque, 51 mile, 2-lane, road that cuts directly through Glacier National Park, passing over the continental divide at Logan Pass. Driving this road is a top thing to do for all visitors of the park, but the absolute best way to take in the views along this incredible road is to bike it. On a bike you are not restricted to car window views, but are instead completely surrounded by the grandeur of the mountain peaks. This blog post is dedicated to one of our favorite things to do in Glacier National Park every spring – when the road is open exclusively for bikers.

When to Go

Going-to-the-Sun Road is open exclusively for bikers late spring to early summer while plow crews work to clear the upper portions of the road. This is typically April/May through mid-June. The exact dates vary depending on the amount of snow accumulated at upper elevations over the winter months. You can see the exact date Going-to-the-Sun road has opened to vehicles every year dating back to 1933 HERE for reference. It is usually open to bikers about a month and half prior to that. Check current road status HERE.

What to expect

Enter the West Entrance of Glacier National Park. Going-to-the-Sun road will be open for vehicles up to Lake McDonald Lodge where you can park your car. As it gets later in the season the road will open farther for vehicle traffic, typically to Avalanche Campground. If it’s already open till there you can park at the campground or at any of the pull offs along GTTSR close to it. From Lake McDonald Lodge (3,153ft elevation) you will reach the following landmarks along the ride:

• 1mile: McDonald Falls, beautiful waterfall right along the road
• 5miles: Avalanche Trailhead/campground, access to hike to Avalanche Lake and lots of additional parking here
• 6miles: Red Rock Point, one of our favorite spots to have a snack break – you can walk down to the river and out onto the big red rocks
• 12 miles: West Side Tunnel
• 13 miles: The Loop (4,400ft elevation), a hairpin turn with public bathrooms and your first glimpse at the higher elevation views
• 16 miles: Bird Woman Falls Overlook
• 18 miles: Weeping Wall, snow runoff crashes onto the road creating an extended waterfall that you can ride your bike through
• 19 miles: Big Bend, one of the best photo spots along the ride – this valley is filled with little paths to walk out on away from the road and enjoy a peaceful lunch break
• 21 miles: Logan Pass (6,646 ft elevation), you’ve reached the continental divide and highest point on the ride. From here most people turn around to head back to where they parked, but you can continue a few miles farther for more expansive mountain views. Jackson Glacier Overlook (the 7th largest glacier in the park) is another 4 miles past Logan Pass.

Bike Rental Options

We highly recommend renting an electric assist bike to make this experience more enjoyable. You will be gaining 3,493 ft in a steady uphill climb if you make it to Logan Pass. If you’re an avid road biker or cardio enthusiast there are plenty of people who do it on a regular road bike for the thigh burning workout. Below are some great local bike rental options:

• Glacier Outfitters: https://www.goglacieroutfitters.com/going-to-the-sun-road-bike-rentals/
• Glacier Guides: https://glacierguides.com/bike/biking-trips/bike-rentals/
• SkyEco Rentals: www.skyecorentals.com
• Columbia Mtn Outfitters: www.columbiamountain.com
• The Pedal Company: http://thepedalcompanyatglacier.com/
• Glacier E-bikes: https://www.glacierebikes.co

What to Pack

The weather can change drastically along this ride so its best to be prepared for anything from summer heat to rain to freezing cold. Even with an e-bike you’ll be getting a workout in on the way up, but may want to add a layer on for the cruise downhill. Here’s our list of packing essentials:

• Bear Spray – this time of years bears are often seen at lower elevations and it is very common to see them on the road. Keep your Bear spray out and ready!
• Wear padded bike shorts like these ones that are affordable, have good padding, and have a handy cellphone pocket. After 42 miles on a bike your bum will thank you!
• Camelback filled with water – This is a great smaller option for biking or just add this bladder to any backpack you already have. It’s worth investing in a true Camelbak – they are the best quality.
• Light rain jacket, like this NorthFace one that comes in so many fun colors
• Gloves
• Snacks, Cold Beverage
• Lightweight picnic blanket
• Tire repair kit (most bike rentals come with one – its best to be prepared so you don’t get stranded)
• Camera

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Where to stay

If visiting Glacier National Park is the main purpose of your trip we recommend staying somewhere along the Hwy 2 corridor between Columbia Falls and the West Glacier Entrance. This provides the easiest access to the park as well as plenty of food options and accessibility to the airport (FCA).

We always recommend staying at AirBnB’s for the most authentic Montana experience and to ensure you have the comforts of home and space to enjoy to yourself after long days of adventure. Below are two perfectly located AirBnBs right off hwy 2 near Columbia Falls, less then 20min to the West Glacier Entrance.

Grizzly Bear Lodge

Ideal for large groups, this house with a glorious back deck, hot tub, and private fire pit area, comfortably sleeps up to 12 in 3 large bedrooms & 3 full bathrooms. It features an entertainment room with pool table, dartboard, ping pong table topper, and a large open kitchen and dining area great for serving large groups. Book here today!

Columbia Mountain Cabin

Ideal for couples, friends or a family this quaint cabin with a large patio and beautiful backyard overlooking Columbia Mountain sleeps 4 with 1 bedroom, an upstairs loft, and 1 full bathroom. Enjoy all the amenities of home in this fully remodeled old forest service cabin with its full kitchen, dining room, washer/dryer, bbq grill and living area. Book your stay today!

Downtown Whitefish is another great option if you are looking to experience more of a lively downtown after your adventures. Whitefish is located 25 miles (about 35min drive time) from the West Glacier Entrance and is a charming, walkable downtown with restaurants, shops, and bars. These two condos are perfectly situated in the heart of downtown and have an attached garage for easy parking and bike storage.

Big Mountain Bungalow & Packers Roost Condos

Each condo has one bedroom and one bath with a large open living, kitchen and dining area. The couch pulls out in to a comfortable queen size bed and both units have a pack n play and small fold up kids bed for littles. They also each have a large private balcony with views of Big Mountain and downtown. Two shared bikes (not electric) are provided for guest to take around town – we recommend biking to city beach which is a short ride (less then 1 mile) along a bike path right outside the condos. Book HERE or HERE today!

We are local adventurer enthusiast here to help with all your Montana travel planning needs – leave a comment with any questions!