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I’ve had a trip to Whitefish, Montana in my sights for some time. I didn’t have specific plans other than to see what sort of outdoor adventures one could do in the area. And then I found out that hiking and biking Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park was available to hikers and cyclists in the spring.
The road remains closed to cars until sometime in June but for two glorious months you can be biking Going to the Sun Road without the threat of being smushed into a rock wall. That was our goal one late April weekend.
John and I made the five hour drive from Calgary down to Whitefish on a Friday night. After a leisurely start the next morning – as we had no clue what we were really getting ourselves into, we made our way to the west entrance of Glacier National Park.
We parked about a mile outside the park by the Travel Alberta information booth. In hindsight, one should drive into the park as it costs $US15 per cyclist for a seven day park pass (winter rate from November 1 – April 30), and only $25 per car if you get the winter rate.
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Going to the Sun Road – a National Historic Landmark
The Going to the Sun Road, now a National Historic Landmark, cuts a 53 mile swath through the Rocky Mountains, across Glacier National Park. The narrow, winding road is only open seasonally.
Typically it takes about ten weeks to plow the length of the road. In big snow years, up to 80 feet of snow has been reported at Logan Pass. According to the website, the earliest the full road will be open this year is June 15th. September 20th will be the last day to drive the entire road in 2015, though some sections west of Logan Pass will be open into October.
Right now the road is plowed for approximately 12 miles PAST Avalanche Creek and this part of the road is only open to hikers and cyclists. There is a parking lot at Avalanche Creek if you don’t want to ride the 17 miles from the Visitor Centre at the west entrance.
We chose to ride all the way in from the park entrance, thinking that the exercise would be great. And it was, but because neither of us had done a serious ride this year, we were both tired and sore by the time we got back to our car (at 6 PM).
It’s an easy ride to Avalanche Creek and it’s not until you round the bend and head northwest for the loop that the grade increases.
The experience of biking the Going to the Sun Road
As you can see from the photos, the road is very narrow and there are some big drop-offs. I’d rather be on a bike than in a car any day. Plus the views you get at the edge are sublime. And you can stop and go as you please. But don’t linger by the avalanche chutes that are still packed with snow.
The Going to the Sun Road ranks up there as one of the top bike rides of my life. I’d love to come back another time and cycle all the way to St. Mary’s. Right now the road in from St. Mary’s is completely inaccessible.
You can check the real time status of the road here. Plan to cycle on weekends and when the road crews call it a day.
Once the road opens to cars (beware the length restrictions) then bicycles will only be permitted on the road before 11 AM and after 4 PM.
Enjoy the bike ride
How far we cycled
John and I figured we cycled about 90 kilometres in total and climbed at least a few thousand feet – though it felt like more. I highly recommend this bike ride!! But go prepared with extra food, water, gloves and a warm jacket for the descent.
A new option for overnight and rentals
Roam Beyond is a newer company offering a selection of products that are perfect for biking the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Need to rent an e-bike? They’ve got you covered. Want to stay in a cool cabin close to to the bike ride? Again they’d be perfect. And if a weekend of catered, chef-prepared meals with bikes and accommodation sounds like a fun way to kick-start your summer, then check out their options – only available on weekends.
Where to stay in nearby Whitefish
There are lots of options in Whitefish from staying on the ski slopes, to in town to on the lake.
Top rated properties include the Lodge at Whitefish Lake, The Farmhouse Inn & Kitchen and The Firebrand Hotel.
Location map of the Going to the Sun Road
Further reading about things to do in Montana
- A Summer Visit to Flathead Lake in Montana
- 10 Things to Do in Glacier National Park, Montana
- A Scenic Road Trip to East Glacier & St. Mary, Montana
- The Iceberg Lake Hike in Glacier National Park
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