Regulations and Fees
A $20 fee is charged to individuals entering the park on a Bicycle. Bicycles are allowed on roadways, bike routes, and parking areas. They are not allowed on trails. Observe all traffic regulations. Keep to the right side of the road and ride in single file. Pullover if four or more vehicles stack up behind you. During periods of low visibility a white light or reflector, visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front, and a red light or reflector, visible from at least 200 feet to the rear, are required. Be visible! Attach a bright flag on a pole and wear light-colored clothing. Watch for falling rocks, drainage grates, and ice on the road.
Hiker/Biker Campsites
There are a limited number of sites at Sprague Creek, Avalanche, Apgar, Many Glacier, Fish Creek, Two Medicine, St. Mary, and Rising Sun. These sites are available for hikers and bicyclists. These sites are shared with a capacity of up to 8 people per site. If you have a larger group, you must split up or use other group sites where available.
There is a $5.00 per person per night fee for Avalanche, Apgar, Many Glacier, Sprague Creek, Rising Sun, and Two Medicine. The reservation campgrounds of St. Mary and Fish Creek charge a fee of $8.00 for the first person and $5.00 for every individual beyond the first. If hiker/biker sites are full or you do not wish to share a site, you must use regular unoccupied campsites and pay the appropriate fee. Read more about campgrounds on the Camping page.
Motorcyclists must use regular unoccupied campsites.
Summer Restrictions
Restrictions are in place on sections of the Going-to-the-Sun Road from June 15 through Labor Day to ease congestion and for added safety.
- Bicycles are prohibited from Apgar Campground to Sprague Creek Campground in both directions, between 11 am and 4 pm.
- Bicycle traffic from Logan Creek to Logan Pass eastbound (uphill) is prohibited between 11 am and 4 pm.
- Get an early start! The ride from Sprague Creek to Logan Creek takes about 45 minutes. From Logan Creek to Logan Pass takes about 3 hours.
NPS Graphic
Bike Trails
Bicycles are not permitted on trails with three exceptions:
- The Fish Creek Bike Path from Apgar Village to Fish Creek Campground
- The old Flathead Ranger Station trail.
- The paved path from Park Headquarters to Apgar Village
One other option is the Inside North Fork Road which is temporarily closed to vehicles between Camas Creek and Logging Creek. It provides an excellent, although unpaved, route for exploring the park by bicycle.
NPS Graphic
Spring Bicycling on Going-to-the-Sun Road
Shuttles
Portions of Going-to-the-Sun Road beyond the vehicle closure are open to biking and hiking in the Spring.
Shuttles are available during this time to transport bicyclists and their gear to the vehicle restriction boundary. As parking lots fill quickly during this time of year, the shuttle is a wise choice.
- There are typically no services beyond West Glacier this time of year. Bring enough water and food for the entire day.
- Bring extra layers of clothing for the end of your ride. While riding the upper elevations of GTS Road riders are likely to get wet from precipitation and snowmelt.
Hypothermia
Be aware that, although the heavy aerobic exercise riding uphill will allow you to wear t-shirts and shorts, the downhill run can require winter hats, coats, and gloves. Flying down the mountainside at high speed can cool you off rapidly. It is common for rangers to respond to bicyclists with cases of hypothermia during Spring and early Summer.
- Count on roads being extremely wet from snowmelt. The tire spray will get you wet.
- It can be much cooler the higher you climb. What seems like warm comfortable weather at the start of your trip can turn into cold wet weather at higher elevations.
- The weather in Glacier can change rapidly at higher elevations. Sudden rain, hail, graupel, and snow can come upon you unexpectedly. Before leaving check the weather at both low elevations and at Logan Pass.
- Neck gaiters and gloves can help retain warmth.
- Consider wearing a thin neoprene hat. It will keep your head warm and will fit under your helmet.
- A rain shell or windbreaker can be worn over a thin insulated jacket in the event of inclement weather.
- Pack additional dry and warm layers to wear after your ride.
Avalanche Danger
While avalanches do not pose a significant threat to lower areas, the park does monitor avalanche danger and may restrict access when necessary. Bicyclists have been caught in avalanches in years past. Be aware of conditions and areas of avalanche danger. Find more information on avalanches and avalanche danger at Flathead Avalanche.
Rocks and Rockfall
Large rocks can lead to a potential high-speed crash and severe injury as you are racing down the mountain. Smaller rocks can puncture a tire. Rocks of all sizes can be found on the road in the early season. It doesn't happen often, but rocks can fall from above and tumble with high velocity and force down the road. Be aware that you are biking in a natural, hazardous environment and doing so at your own risk.
Wildlife
Animal sightings on the road are common during the early "hiker-biker" season. You may encounter wildlife in an area with steep cliffs both above and below finding yourself at a standoff. Stop at a distance that allows the animal a clear route to avoid you. At lower elevations, you will encounter moose and deer. Higher up anticipate goats, sheep, and marmots. Bears are common anywhere.
People
Other bicyclists are a common risk. Use common sense while riding and stay to the right. Slower traffic should stay to the far right. Some riders will descend the mountain at extremely high speeds. Always be aware of what is ahead and watch out for blind curves. Be aware that hikers may also be on the road.
Ride Distances and Elevation Gain
From the road closure on the west side at the Lake McDonald Lodge:
- Avalanche Creek – 5.5 mi; 219 ft
- the West Tunnel – 12.7 mi; 1,030 ft
- the Loop – 13.3 mi; 1,100 ft
- Big Bend – 18 mi; 2,545 ft
- Logan Pass – 21 mi; 3,427 ft
From the road closure on the west side at Avalanche Creek:
- the West Tunnel – 7.2 mi; 811 ft
- the Loop – 7.8 mi; 881 ft
- Big Bend – 12.5 mi; 2,326 ft
- Logan Pass – 15.5 mi; 3,208 ft
From the road closure on the east side at Rising Sun:
- Sun Point – 3.5 mi; 181 ft
- Sunrift Gorge – 4.2 mi; 223 ft
- St. Mary Falls Trailhead – 4.7 mi; 295 ft
- Jackson Glacier Overlook – 6.9 mi; 846 ft
- Siyeh Bend – 8.9 mi; 1,421 ft
- Lunch Creek – 10.9 mi; 2,110 ft
- Logan Pass – 11.5 mi; 2,313 ft
