Your Ultimate Guide to Biking in Glacier National Park

Welcome to Glacier National Park, where majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and lush forests create the perfect backdrop for biking adventures. While hiking might be the most popular way to explore the park, biking offers a unique perspective and an exhilarating experience. So, grab your helmet, saddle up, and let's dive into everything you need to know about biking in Glacier National Park!

Why Bike in Glacier National Park?

Picture yourself pedaling along Going-to-the-Sun Road, arguably one of the most scenic drives in the world. Now slow it down and get to take in exponentially more of your surroundings vs. when you are driving. As you glide through towering forests and past cascading waterfalls, you'll feel like you've been transported into a postcard-worthy scene. Plus, biking allows you to cover more ground than hiking, meaning you can explore more of the park in less time.

You will be hard pressed to find true mountain biking in the park, so we recommend checking out Whitefish Mountain Resort or Legacy Bike Park if you are searching for a more adrenaline-pumping experience of downhill mountain biking. 

Bikers enjoying the view on the Going-to-the-Sun Road

Top 4 Biking Trails in Glacier National Park

Bicycles are permitted on all paved and unpaved roads in the park. Here are some of the top biking routes in the park:

1. Going-to-the-Sun Road: This is an iconic bike route. The lower portion of the road from Apgar Village to the Avalanche Lake Trailhead offers scenic views of the towering mountains above and a relatively gentle grade. As soon as you continue past Avalanche Lake Trailhead, the road begins its climb up toward Logan Pass. Get ready to take in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, wildflowers, and waterfalls. The road climbs 3,200 feet up to Logan Pass, and isn’t for the faint of heart! (See note about seasonal regulations/limitations on the GTSR below)

2. Camas Road: Located on the park’s West side, Camas Road offers a quieter alternative to the Going-to-the-Sun Road. You can connect to the North Fork Road via Camas Road and continue on all the way to Polebridge, or even further to the Bowman Lake area.

3. Inside North Fork Road: This is a great spot to hit the saddle if you are looking for a car-free, less-trafficked spot to check out the views and see more wildlife. It is recommended to have more of a rugged hybrid/mountain bike for this road, as it is very steep and gravelly in some places.

4. Paved bike path from Park Headquarters to Apgar Village: This is a quick trail that you can pick up right at Park Headquarters and take all the way to Apgar village. It is paved the whole way and runs through lush forests of cedars and ferns!

Biker on the Inside North Fork Road in fall

When is the Best Time to Bike the Going-to-the-Sun Road?

Although biking in Glacier National Park is an incredible experience at any time of year, the best time to hop into the saddle what’s known as the “hiker biker season” in Glacier. This ideal biking season is before the full length of the Going-to-the-Sun Road is open to vehicle traffic in the spring, typically from mid-April through the first half of June. If you are interested in biking on roads/trails other than the Going-to-the-Sun Road, then autumn is a spectacular time to come to the park; a season when wildlife is abundant and crowds are not! You are still able to bike on Going-to-the-sun Road during peak summer season, however you will be limited to early mornings and evenings when the road is not as busy. Please take great caution as there is a very narrow shoulder with lots of vehicle traffic after the hiker biker season. 

Spring Biking on Going-to-the-Sun Road

During the early spring season while the road is still closed to vehicles due to snow pack and plowing efforts, biking the Going-to-the-Sun Road is very popular among both locals and tourists alike. If you get the timing right, you will have the road mostly to yourself, with just a few other avid bikers riding the road alongside you, free of vehicles. This time of year is also excellent for spotting wildlife along the road corridor. Note that road closures are in place Monday through Thursday for crews to plow the road. Bikers are prohibited from going past the closures put in place for the safety of both the visitors and the park staff. You can find closure information on the park’s Road Status Page, or by texting GNPROADS to 333111 to get in-the-moment alerts regarding road closures.

There is a hiker/biker shuttle service offered on weekends from May 11th until June 30th or until the Going-to-the-Sun Road fully opens, whichever comes first. Parking lots around Lake McDonald Lodge and Avalanche Lake Trailhead fill up quickly in the mornings, so taking the shuttle is a great idea to avoid the headache of parking. The shuttle system information for the park can be found here.

Bikers at the Loop along the Going-to-the-Sun Road in spring

Peak Season Biking Restrictions on Going-to-the-Sun Road

The Going-to-the-Sun Road is extremely busy in the late afternoon/early evening with a high volume of cars driving along the narrow lanes. This has caused a closure to be put in place on the Going-to-the-Sun Road between Apgar and Logan Pass between 3pm-6pm from May 24th-September 8th for bicycles traveling both east and westbound. This only applies to the portion of the road that is designated as open to motor vehicles. Please note that none of the roads in Glacier have shoulders or bike lanes. Be sure to pay attention to area closures and weather conditions. 

Biking Regulations in the Park

Before you hit the trails, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the park's biking regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:

Passes/Fees: A fee is charged when entering the park via bike (this can be purchased ahead of time here or as you enter through the park gates).

Stay on Designated Trails: Bikes are allowed only on paved roads, unpaved roads, and multi-use paths (they are not permitted on hiking trails). Off-trail biking can damage fragile ecosystems and disturb wildlife, so please respect the designated routes. Bikes are not allowed in any backcountry areas.

Road Closures: During spring hiker/biker season, road crew closures are in place Monday through Thursday for plowing. Visitors are prohibited from going past the hiker/biker closures. You can find closure information on the park’s Road Status Page.

Electric Bicycles: e-bikes are allowed if the motor is less than 750 watts (1 hp) and engaged only while pedaling (see our recommendations for e-bike rentals below)

Safety Equipment: Between sunset and sunrise, bicyclists must display a white light or reflector on the front and a red light or reflector on the rear for safety.

Share the Trail: Many trails in Glacier National Park are multi-use, meaning you'll encounter hikers, equestrians, and other bikers. Be courteous and yield to other trail users, especially on narrow sections or blind corners.

Wildlife Etiquette: Glacier is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and moose. Make noise while biking to alert animals of your presence and always carry bear spray in case of an encounter.

Leave No Trace: Practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash, staying on designated trails, and avoiding sensitive habitats.

Biker in front of waterfall and tunnel on Going-to-the-Sun Road in spring

Bike Rentals in Glacier National Park 

If you aren’t traveling with your own bike and need a rental, here are some of our most popular bike rental options and local suggestions:

• Glacier Park E-bike Rental: Conveniently located at Eddy’s Cafe in Apgar Village inside the park. They have full-day e-bike rentals, as well as hitch and trunk rack rentals to attach to your vehicle for easy transport of bikes. You can take a weekend shuttle from the rental shop to the Avalanche Lake Trailhead to bike the Going-to-the-Sun Road. While it is not the cheapest option, the convenience and service is unbeatable. 

• Whitefish E-bike Rental: This is your ticket to the most affordable e-bikes around. Located in Whitefish, right at the base of the Whitefish Trails System for easy access right out the doors of the shop! They offer half and full day e-bike rentals, with the option to get bikes delivered around Whitefish, Kalispell, Columbia Falls, or West Glacier Village. They also have hitch and trunk rack rentals to attach to your vehicle for ease of transport.

• Whitefish Mountain/Gravel Bike Rental: If you are looking to rent a good old fashioned non-electric bike, this shop has both full-suspension mountain bikes and gravel bikes to rent. They offer single day and multi-day rentals, right out of downtown Whitefish.

We recommend renting an e-bike if you are feeling like you need a little extra umph to get you up the Going-to-the-Sun Road, or if you are wanting to zip around the Whitefish trail system. If you feel super confident in your riding, then renting a non-electric gravel bike is a spectacular way to earn your views! 

Local Tips For Biking In Glacier

Here are some additional tips and things to know before embarking on your biking adventure in Glacier National Park:

• Weather Preparedness: Glacier's weather can be unpredictable, even in the summer months. Be sure to pack layers, including a waterproof jacket, to stay comfortable in changing conditions during the uphill and downhill portions of your ride.

• Early Bird Gets the Trail: Popular trails like Going-to-the-Sun Road can get crowded, especially during peak season. Consider starting your ride early in the day to beat the crowds and enjoy quieter trails.

• Trail Snacks: Don't forget to pack plenty of snacks and water for your ride. Energy bars, trail mix, and hydration packs are essential for staying fueled and hydrated on the trail.

• Map and Navigation: While some trails are well-marked, it's always a good idea to carry a map or GPS device to navigate the park's extensive trail system.

• Trail Maintenance: Be prepared for trail conditions to vary, from smooth pavement to rocky terrain. Carry a basic bike repair kit with tools and spare tubes in case of mechanical issues.

• Sun Protection: The sun at high altitudes can be intense, so don't forget to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from UV rays.

• Hiker/Biker Campsites: A limited number of sites at Apgar, Fish Creek, Sprague Creek, Avalanche, Rising Sun, St. Mary, Many Glacier, and Two Medicine campgrounds are set aside for those arriving by bicycle or on foot. Sites may be shared, with a total capacity of up to eight people per site. Prices for all hiker/biker sites are $8 per person.

Bikers shedding some layers as they start the climb up the Going-to-the-Sun Road

By keeping these tips in mind, you'll be well-prepared for an unforgettable biking adventure! Biking in Glacier National Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore one of America's most breathtaking landscapes. From epic mountain vistas to tranquil lakeside trails, there's something for every cyclist to enjoy. Remember to respect the park's regulations, share the trails courteously, and leave no trace of your visit. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your bike and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime in Glacier National Park!