Your Ultimate Guide to E-Biking Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park
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The #1 Resource for Hiker/Biker Season in Glacier — Powered by Montana E-Bikes
Few experiences in the United States compare to riding Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTTSR) on an e-bike during Glacier National Park’s Hiker/Biker Season. In our opinion—and in the opinion of thousands of riders—this is the most breathtaking bike ride in the lower 48. Many even call it “the best day of their life.”
Montana E-Bikes has become the most trusted local source for GTTSR conditions, tips, routes, and e-bike rentals. Our family rides this road every spring, summer, and fall, and we send thousands of riders each year—giving us real-time insight that no one else has. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned rider, this guide gives you everything you need for an unforgettable adventure.
What Is Hiker/Biker Season?
Hiker/Biker Season is the magical window each year before Going-to-the-Sun Road opens to cars, usually mid-March through late June (varies each year depending on snowpack and plowing progress). During this time:
Class 1 & Class 2 e-bikes ARE allowed
Riders can travel from the seasonal road closure up toward the snowplows or Logan Pass
You may ride 20–42 miles round-trip, depending on conditions
Wildlife viewing is at its absolute best
The road is peaceful, quiet, and virtually free of vehicle traffic
This is the ONLY time of year you can experience GTTSR like this—making it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Why This Ride Is So Special?
People travel from all over the world to ride Going-to-the-Sun Road, and once you experience it, you’ll understand why. Riding this route without cars is completely different from visiting in the summer. Instead of traffic, noise, and limited viewpoints, you get a road that is silent, wild, and absolutely breathtaking.
During Hiker/Biker Season, the entire mountainscape opens up just for cyclists. You’ll experience 360-degree alpine views, hear waterfalls echoing through the canyons, feel the cool mountain air, and stop whenever you want without worrying about pullouts or parking. In summer, the road is often crowded and busy, but in spring you get a peaceful, open, almost private version of one of America’s most iconic roads.
This is your chance to see Glacier National Park the way few people ever do—quiet, uncrowded, and unbelievably beautiful. Riding Going-to-the-Sun Road in Hiker/Biker Season isn’t just a bike ride… it’s one of the most memorable experiences you can have in a national park.Riders frequently see: Alpine views usually hidden by summer traffic | Waterfalls and cliffs up close | Black bears & grizzlies | Deer | Bighorn sheep | Mountain goats
We know people who have seen five major species in one ride. It’s truly a rare National Park experience.
Starting Points
Your starting location depends on where the National Park Service places the road closure. Typically:
1. Lake McDonald Lodge (Mile 11): A flat warm-up before the climb begins.
2. Avalanche Trailhead (Mile 16): Climbing begins almost immediately after Avalanche Creek.
Key Mile Marker Points of Interest
📍 Mile 11 – Lake McDonald Lodge
📍 Mile 12 – McDonald Falls, McDonald Creek
📍 Mile 16 – Avalanche Trailhead/Trail of the Cedars
📍 Mile 17 – Red Rock Point
📍 Mile 23 – West Side Tunnel
📍 Mile 24 – The Loop
📍 Mile 27 – Bird Woman Falls Overlook
📍 Mile 28 – Haystack Falls
📍 Mile 29 – Weeping Wall
📍 Mile 30 – Big Bend
📍 Mile 31 – Triple Arches
📍 Mile 32 – Logan Pass (6,646’ elevation)
Parking For Going To The Sun Road Ride
Parking is the one part of this ride that can feel challenging, but with a little patience, it always works out. Every single one of our guests—100%—has been able to find a parking spot, even on the busiest days. It may take a few extra minutes of waiting or circling, but you will get parked. Your parking location depends on where the National Park Service places the seasonal road closure:
If the ride starts at Lake McDonald Lodge:
You’ll park in one of the lots surrounding the lodge area.
If the ride starts at Avalanche:
You can park in the Avalanche parking area or in either of the two campgrounds next to Avalanche. (During Hiker/Biker Season, these campgrounds are closed to camping and open for parking only.)
Arrive Early for the Easiest Parking: The earlier you arrive, the easier parking becomes. Arriving before 9:00 AM dramatically increases your chances of getting a great spot quickly.
Busy Parking Does NOT Mean a Crowded Road: This is very important! Many people drive to the Avalanche area just to hike Trail of the Cedars or the Avalanche Lake Trail, which are extremely popular. So even if the parking lot looks very busy, the road itself will still be quiet and perfect for e-biking.
Parking may require a few minutes of patience, but once you’re on the bike, the peacefulness and beauty of Going-to-the-Sun Road make it completely worth it.
What to Bring
Bear spray (required & must be accessible) | Breathable layers | Gloves | Sunglasses | Rain jacket | First aid kit | Shoes suitable for pedaling | Lunch/snacks | Plenty of water | Charged phone/camera
Weather at Logan Pass is often 10–20°F cooler than the lake area—dress accordingly.
Restrooms Along the Route
Apgar Education Center | Lake McDonald Boat Launch | The Loop | Logan Pass
There are no food, water, or service facilities between Lake McDonald and Logan Pass.
Entrance Fees & Vehicle Reservations
Entrance Fee: You must pay the park entrance fee or use a valid park pass.
Vehicle Reservations (Summer Only): From June 13 – September 28, 2026, a vehicle reservation is required from 7 AM to 3 PM.
No reservation needed if you arrive before 7AM or after 3PM. Vehicle Reservations are available on Recreation.gov.
Why Rent From Montana E-Bikes?
Premium E-Bikes – Brand New Every Year: We're proud to offer brand-new 2026 Aventon e-bikes-the best on the market! When you ride Going-to-the-Sun Road, you'll be glad you chose us. Our e-bikes feature powerful motors, long-range batteries, and multiple levels of assistance to make your ride smooth and enjoyable. We invest in new bikes every year to ensure you have the highest quality experience.
Choose from 4 styles of e-bikes, all perfect for Going to the Sun Road: Fat Tire E-Bike - Stable on any terrain | Cruiser E-Bike - Comfortable and smooth for a great ride | Foldable E-Bike - Convenient for easy transport | Mountain E-Bike- Class 1 mountain bike
Reserve Now - Pay Later - Cancel Anytime: Reserve now and pay when you pick up your bikes or when you have them delivered. Need to cancel? No problem; you can cancel or make changes at no charge at any time.
5-Star Rated Experience: Don't just take our word for it-see what our customers are saying! Check out our 350+ 5-star reviews here!
Price: No one give you a better value for your money!
Getting Your E-Bikes to Going to the Sun Road: Located in the heart of Whitefish, we offer multiple ways to transport your e-bikes to Glacier National Park:
Hitch Racks For 2 E-Bikes - Perfect for cars and trucks with a hitch receiver
Bike Pads - Easy transport 4 bikes in truck beds
Foldable E-Bikes - Compact and convenient for loading into your vehicle
Shuttle - Need a ride to Going-to-the-Sun Road? We have you covered! A partner company offers a shuttle service from our shop to Going to the Sun Road. Separate reservations are required. Learn more here
App-Based Navigation- Every rental includes a phone holder and access to our custom app with turn-by-turn navigation. Just follow the route—no guesswork needed! Explore our favorite local rides with ease!
You love having fun! Our guests often tell us that riding with us was the most fun thing they did in Whitefish, Montana.
Family-Owned. Montana-Loved: We’re a family business that takes pride in helping visitors and locals make the most of their time outdoors. Whether you’re here for a day, a full vacation or a lifetime, we’re here to help make it unforgettable. Learn more about us →
Important Links
Montana E-Bikes Going To The Sun Road Updates
GNP Directions & Road Conditions
Vehicle Reservation Infro from GNP
Vehicle Reservations @ Recreation.gov
Ready To Ride?
We’ve helped thousands of riders experience Going-to-the-Sun Road—and we’d love to help you too.
Reserve your e-bike online or call/text us anytime at (406) 200-8495.
Our team is here to help your group have the best ride of your life.
