Biking Glacier National Parks Going-To-The-Sun Road (Before it Opens to Cars): Tips, Rentals, & What to Expect
Curious about biking Going-to-the-Sun Road before it opens to vehicles?
This guide covers everything from the best time to ride, where to start, how to rent an e-bike, safety tips, and a full recap of our unforgettable ride through Glacier National Park.
OVERVIEW
In Glacier National Park, peak summer season typically doesn’t start until the end of June (sometimes as late as July) and wraps up around October. Peak season is defined by accessibility into the park and getting to the highest drivable point via Going-to-the-Sun Road: Logan Pass, sitting at 6,647 feet.
Going-to-the-Sun road connects from the West Entrance of Glacier National Park to the St. Mary Entrance, but is only fully open when the road is plowed. The road is a staple of the park and a world renowned scenic drive in North America. It’s approximately 50 miles long with jaw dropping panoramic views you won’t forget.
Arriving ahead of peak season has it’s rewards, my favorite being the chance to bike Going-to-the-Sun Road while it’s closed to vehicles and only open to hikers and bikers. I usually opt for an electric bike, but if you’re using a regular one, be prepared to climb 800-3,000 feet of elevation depending on the west-side road closure location.
Where & when can we bike it?
From the West Entrance, drive as far into the park as allowed and start your ride from there. This will usually be at Lake McDonald Lodge or the Avalanche Lake trailhead. Typically, on Mother’s Day weekend, the park opens the road as far as Avalanche Lake trailhead and campground (at least that’s been the case in 2024 and 2025). Parking fills up around 730am so be sure to arrive early to secure a parking spot. You can always park at an earlier pull out or the lodge, but you will be biking on a drivable road until you get to the trailhead.
Construction crews usually close the roads for hikers and bikers on weekdays during regular business hours, but check the road status with the National Park Service ahead of your ride. Friday-Sunday are typically open for hiking and biking.
Last year, we saw Logan Pass close in August for a day due to snow! It’s really important to maintain flexibility in your plans as weather conditions, wildlife encounters, and park staffing or construction may shift your itinerary last minute.
You can also bike in from the east starting at Rising Sun, but I haven’t done that yet. Prepare for a version two of this post when I get to that next!
How do we rent bikes?
I’ve rented twice now from Montana E-Bikes. While there are several rental shops in town, but I’ve found their service to be the most accommodating and their service is top-notch. They are located in Whitefish and make renting super easy.
Bikes are about $99 per day and can be taken out with a shuttle or picked up with an additional rental of a hitch, bike pads for a truck bed, and they offer foldable e-bikes for rent and purchase.
I have used the Aventon Pace and now the Aventon Sinch (foldable bike). Both are excellent options and I would select the option that best fits your vehicle.
Accessories including helmet, bike lock, and charging cable (if needed) are provided with the bike rental. I recommend making a reservation ahead of time!
What about the risks?
As with any adventure, there are risks. Beyond ‘The Loop,’ you may encounter avalanche or rockfall hazards, steep descents, potential collisions, and wildlife. Rangers have responded to hypothermia with riders not prepared for the temperature drops when you get up in higher elevation. The descent can be chilly, especially if you’re riding in wet or windy conditions.
Keep reading for how I pack for the ride.
Can I bike in the summer time when the road is open to cars?
Yes, experienced cyclists can still ride Going-to-the-Sun Road during summer with the exception of the bicycle closure between the hours of 3pm and 6pm. However, you won’t catch me riding when it’s open to cars considering narrow winding roads filled with distracted drivers enjoying the view. I do not recommend this.
Recap of my biking experience in 2025
We started the day gearing up in the Avalanche Lake trailhead parking area over a quick breakfast with coffee and pedaled out around 830am. Initially, there was a little bit of drizzling rain and moody low lying clouds. The morning conditions gradually cleared up into blue skies with big puffy clouds and made for an excellent day to ride despite the forecast looking a little grim.
We stopped at every opportunity for photo ops, breathtaking river views, and scenic mountain overlooks.
As you continue climbing elevation, you’ll hit waterfalls directly onto the road, pass through man-made tunnels, and fresh mountain air that kept me smiling the entire ride.
The closure stopped about two miles beyond ‘The Loop,’ where we stopped to have snacks and sparkling water. We watched as a herd of deer came incredibly close to people stopped at the closure before turning back.
After snacks, we noticed the deer making a run for it and a black bear charged them into the road about 40 feet away from our snack spot. With laid out camera gear, I slightly panicked because of course that would happen when I didn’t have my bear spray on my hip. The bear ran back into the bushes quickly and we decided it was time for us to start our ride back.
We wrapped up our ride at about 1pm. I decided it was time to get back to my dog, Zoë, but otherwise, would have opted to hike Avalanche Lake as the final stop to this incredible day.
Each day in the park is pure magic and I’m so glad I was able to share this with a dear friend, Anne, and her partner, Jason. Let me know what you think of our journey & the captures from the day in the comment section!
What’d you pack?
Bear Spray & holster to keep on your hip or chest strap (yes, you need it). Remember you can’t fly with bear spray.
Backpack (I use an Osprey 40L travel bag to carry camera gear and all my essentials)
Lots of snacks & water! You can load up at local grocery stores like Super One, Albertsons, or Marcus Community Market the day before
Rain gear (jacket & pants), hiking boots (waterproof), winter hat, gloves, & warm socks
Helmet (the shop will also provide this, but I carry my own as I travel)
First aid kit (just in case)
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Discover Glacier National Park and the surrounding area with an in-depth insider guide. Packed with personal tips, detailed itineraries, customized map for ease of use during your trip, and unique perspectives from months of exploration. This guide is your ultimate companion for planning an unforgettable trip to Montana.
A portion of proceeds from this guide goes directly to preserving and protecting Glacier National Park. For every guide sold, $2 will be donated to Glacier National Park Conservancy & $2 will be donated to the Piikani Lodge Health Institute