Bike Rides & Routes According to NPS

Each year an increasing number of bicyclists visit Glacier. Most seek to ride portions of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, recognized as an engineering marvel, during the early season while cars are restricted due to plowing operations. Regardless of where you ride, be sure to gather seasonal information such as available services, bicycling restrictions, area closures, and road and weather conditions.

Only those experienced at riding with heavy vehicle traffic in two directions should consider bicycling on Going-to-the-Sun Road during peak summer season.

Regulations

  • A fee is charged when entering the park via bicycle.

  • Bicycles are allowed only on paved roads, unpaved roads, and multi-use paths (bike paths), unless otherwise posted.

  • During Spring Hiker/Biker Season, road crew closures are in place Monday through Thursday during plowing. Visitors may advance to the Avalanche Hazard Closure when road crews are not working. Avalanche Hazard Closures are in place at all times. Progressive closure locations are determined weekly on Thursdays. Visitors are prohibited from going past the hiker/biker closures. Violators are putting their safety and the safety of our park rangers at risk and could face up to a $5,000 fine and up to 6 months in jail. You can find closure information on our Road Status Page.

  • Bicycles are not allowed on any park hiking trails or in any backcountry areas.

  • Bicyclists in the park must obey the same rules and regulations that apply to motorized vehicles.

  • Electric bicycles (e-bikes) are allowed if the motor is less than 750 watts (1 hp) and engaged only while pedaling.

  • When roadways are open to vehicles, riding a bicycle abreast of another bicycle is prohibited. Keep well to the right in single file.

  • Bicyclists must use pull-outs to allow traffic to pass when they are available and must pull off the road, coming to a complete stop, when four or more cars have stacked up behind them.

  • During low visibility and between sunset and sunrise, bicyclists must display a white light or reflector on the front and a red light or reflector on the rear.

Safety

  • Drivers are often distracted by scenery in the park, so ride defensively.

  • Always wear a helmet.

  • Maintain control of your speed.

  • Bring a headlamp if biking in the early morning, late afternoon, or evening.

  • Use hand signals to communicate with drivers and other bicyclists.

  • Never leave food unattended, including in bicycle panniers and backpacks.

  • None of Glacier’s roads have bicycle lanes or shoulders. Wear high visibility clothing and protective equipment.

  • When riding an e-bike, mount and dismount carefully. The added weight of the battery and motor assist technology can add twenty or more pounds to the typical weight.

  • Make sure to carry and understand how to use bear spray and understand the dos and don’ts of a wildlife encounter. Maintain 25 yards (23 m) distance from all large animals, and 100 yards (91 m) from bears and wolves.

  • Always let an outside party know where you are going and check in when you get back safely. There are many hazards on bicycling routes, such as vehicle collisions, wildlife, rockfall, and avalanches.

  • Check tire pressure before you set out and make sure you have the necessary tools to change a tire. Check that your pump matches the valve on your tire.

Are There Bike Trails?

Bicycles are permitted on all paved and unpaved roads in the park.

There are also four multi-use trails on which bicycling is allowed:

  • The Fish Creek Bike Path from Grist Road to Fish Creek

  • The paved bike path from Park Headquarters to Apgar Village, Visitor Center, and Campground

  • The old Flathead Ranger Station trail accessed from Quarter Circle Bridge Road

  • The section of Inside North Fork Road, which is currently restricted to vehicles, between Camas Creek and Logging Creek

Other than on unpaved roads, true mountain biking opportunities will not be found in the park. The Flathead National Forest and other locations within the Flathead Valley have mountain biking trails with varying terrain and difficulty levels.

More Info at NPS

Overview

Each year an increasing number of bicyclists visit Glacier. Most seek to ride portions of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, recognized as an engineering marvel, during the early season while cars are restricted due to plowing operations. There are also four multi-use trails on which bicycling is allowed.

Rentals & Shuttle

Go Glacier Outfitters rental bikes, bear spray rentals to go with your bike rental, and also a bike shuttle to ride the “Going-To-The-Sun” road during riding/non-car season!

For more info visit this website: https://www.goglacieroutfitters.com/going-to-the-sun-road-bike-rentals/