Bike Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park

West Glacier, Montana

5.0/5

based on 3 reviews

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Details

Distance

50.65 miles

Elevation Gain

5036 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Kelley Dodge

One of Glacier's best kept secrets - challenging ride with incredible views!

Every Spring (May - June) Going-to-the-Sun road remains closed to cars long after the snow has been plowed and melted. However, just past the Lake McDonald Lodge a sign declares the road open to Hikers and Bikers, providing one of Montana's best adventures.

Follow Going-to-the-Sun Road in from West Glacier and drive as far as you can before hitting the road closure fence. Then, park in the nearest lot and begin your journey upwards.

While the road is moderate to begin with, once the climb begins there is little relief. Most bikers ride up to Logan Pass (6,646'), which was about 16 miles from the closure past Lake McDonald where we began.

For 10 miles before the road reaches Logan Pass there is a constant ascent, with a gradient incline of roughly 5.7%. This ride is TOUGH. Be sure to bring twice as much food as you expect to eat as well as plenty of water. Bikes with plenty of gears are necessary.

While you may feel like quitting, views at the Pass are unbeatable and you can coast the entire way down without touching the pedals.

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Features

Cycling

Mountain Biking

Easy Parking

Lake

River

Scenic

Reviews

Dominic Pascucci

Bike Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park

11/04/22

We planned a trip to glacier with the sole purpose of doing this bike ride from west glacier. It was absolutely amazing!! If you can, get an e-bike it will be godsend as the first half is pretty much all uphill. The e-bike will allow you to see more of your scenery since you won’t be huffing and puffing. Besides the amazing mountain landscape we also road by a bear or more so the bear waited for us to pass before it darted out of the trees. Definitely a great experience! Be sure to read the reports as the road is opened to cars later in the summer.

5.0

Hannah Perkins

Bike Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park

10/06/17

Such a great ride! It is up hill but not steep. It's the best way to see the park without thousands of others people and cars. The closer to summer the more crowded so if you go on a weekend, get there early to find parking. You can bike up to the plow line during weekends all day and during the week, after the work hours.

5.0

Explorer

Sarah Horn

Explorer

Bike Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park

06/24/17

I would plan a trip to Glacier when Going to the Sun Road is still closed to cars just so you can do this ride. It's really special since you can only do it for a short time and during the weekends.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Bike Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park

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Leave No Trace

Nearby

Hike to Comeau Pass

Sperry Glacier Basin, Glacier NP

Snyder Lakes, Glacier NP

Hike to the Mt. Brown Lookout

Climb Stanton Mountain

Camp at Sprague Creek Campground on Lake McDonald

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