Spring visitors to Glacier National Park are able to bike Going-to-the-Sun highway before it’s open to vehicle traffic. We’re going to break down the logistics so you can plan your perfect bike trip to Glacier.
How does it work?
Visitors can bike GTTS highway while it’s closed to cars. This means that you drive to the road closure, park your car, hop on your bike, and away-you-pedal. The road closure starts at Lake McDonald Lodge (early spring) and then opens to Avalanche Trailhead (6 miles up the road from Lake McDonald). There is a gate blocking cars from going any further.
What if we don’t have a car or a bike?
There are numerous bike rentals available in Whitefish. We rent pedal-assist electric bikes from our downtown shop. We have collapsible models that fit into the back of your vehicle, or we offer daily shuttles and tours to get you from Whitefish to Glacier.
Choose between a bike shuttle to Glacier, a group cycling tour, or a private tour on Going to the Sun highway.
What about the Entry Reservation Ticket for Glacier?
All our tours and shuttles include Glacier’s Entry Reservation Ticket for Going to the Sun Road. As a reminder- this ticket is required to enter the park from the West Entrance from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Need more clarification on that? Check out Recreation.gov or the park website.
When does the road open in Glacier?
Ah yes, this is one of those philosophical questions that no one can really answer. Generally, Going to the Sun opens to cars the 3rd week of June. However a cold spring, an above-average snowpack, or other weather considerations can delay the opening until after the 4th of July. If we were the betting type, we’d put money on the road opening the first week in July for vehicles in 2022.
Do I need to take a guided bike tour? What about bears?
All great questions- when you bike in Glacier, expect to see other people out there. You’ll never truly be “alone.”
That said- it is 100% necessary to carry bear spray with you while in Glacier National Park. We rent bear spray in Whitefish, make sure you get some before you head out. If you’re nervous about the trip- opt for our group e-bike tours or private e-bike tours from Whitefish. You’ll have an experienced guide with you and you’ll learn something along the way.
Mile by mile- what can you expect?
Going to the Sun highway, from Lake McDonald (mile 11) or Avalanche (mile 16), starts relatively flat and meanders along McDonald Creek. There are plenty of spots to pull off and check out the creek, waterfalls, and other viewpoints.
6-7 miles after Avalanche, you’ll reach the first tunnel- the West Side Tunnel. One mile after the West Side Tunnel is The Loop- the only switch back on Going to the Sun highway (you can’t miss it). The Loop is also the site of the upper road closure while plow crews are working. It’s a gorgeous spot to pull over for a picnic (please remember to pack it in and pack it out).
If the road is open past The Loop, you can continue to Logan Pass or to the next closure. Guests are usually able to bike to Logan Pass by mid to late June. The distance from the Loop to Logan Pass is roughly 7 miles.
As always- if you have questions about tours to Glacier, bike tours to Glacier, entry tickets for Going to the Sun Road, or anything in between- reach out to us. We’re happy to help you plan your trip to Glacier.
Happy Trails!
