Cycling Destination Review: Glacier National Park!

Avalanche Lake

Glacier NP contains some of the finest scenery in the US. Located in a northern Monata, the park still gets 1.6 million visitors per year - a testament to its beauty. Only one road, Going-to-the-Sun road, penetrates the interior of the park (and extends the entire way through). On this road you can climb 3500 ft. up to Logan Pass at 6646 ft. elevation. Usually at least one section of the road is under construction so expect delays.

Be careful of the red touring cars full of visitors - they have knocked a few people off their bikes and drivers behave in a cavalier fashion. Don't be afraid to take the lane if passing isn't safe; traffic can come to standstill anyways because of heavy congestion. Due to this gridlock, cyclists are required to have ascended to the pass by noon. The earlier your start the better: less traffic means more time spent looking out into the valley. Most cyclists climb from the West - if you have the energy descend the other side and climb back up. The east side is a shorter climb (10 vs 7.5 miles, both at 5%). Dropping back back down to Lake McDonald (the west side) in the afternoon can be frustrating; traffic tends to travel more slowly than a fast cyclist descends. I probably passed around 20 cars on the way down but a slightly more cautious approach is recommended (I had a scary moment slipping between two cars).

Avalanche Creek running through a gorge

Glacier Park requires an 7-day entry permit that costs $25 per car, $12 if on bike. Going-to-the-Sun road only opens in mid summer: see this link for an idea of how much snow needs plowing. Sections of the road also close mid September so plan your trip accordingly if you want to ride this fabulous climb. You can get more water at the visitor center atop Logan Pass.

I suggest starting from the southwest end of Lake McDonald and enjoying the flat 10 mile stretch along the lake. Follow the road as it begins to slowly climb along McDonald Creek. As you part ways with the creek (mile 20), the climb begins immediately and climbs steadily at 5% to the top for 10 miles. Continuing down the other side is just as nice a road if you have the energy. The return descent can be skipped if you're soaked in freezing rain, as I was, by taking a free shuttle back down. I was even allowed to put take my bike inside the uncrowded shuttle bus. There aren't too many miles of riding but the hiking is also amazing.

I don't suggest going to Glacier without a bike, this is a can't-miss road. Here are gps files of my two days in the park:
Day One a: Logan Pass Ascent from West in cold, cold rain
Day One b: small side road from the park station
Day Two: Logan Pass from West, then East and return descent - best day of biking of my life