October is larch season and the last chance of the year to ride the alpine road. The park says the alpine section of Going-to-the-Sun Road typically closes for the winter around the third Monday of October, and earlier if a storm arrives. The lower road near West Glacier stays open all year. Expect cold mornings and services closed for the season.
Updated October 22, 2026. Conditions change: check nps.gov before you ride.
October asks a little more of you.
The Road In October
The park says the alpine section of Going-to-the-Sun Road typically closes for the winter around the third Monday of October, but that wintry weather can close it earlier. In the park’s own table, Logan Pass closed on October 9 in 2020, October 13 in 2021 and October 16 in 2022, though in 2022 the west side closed October 1 for road work. Once the alpine section closes to cars, the park keeps the road open all year near the West Entrance, and it is a beautiful cold-weather ride with the leaves down.
Check the park’s road status before you leave and our status page for the park’s current alert. The road can close overnight.
The Larches
Western larch is the conifer that turns gold and drops its needles. The park says it turns golden yellow in mid to late October. The bike rule that limited afternoon riding in summer ended on September 27, so you can ride at any hour the road is open.
The Weather
The park says temperatures drop through fall and snow can fall at lower elevations from mid September on. Plan for frost in the morning, a warm layer and full-finger gloves, and a dry change of clothes in the car. Days are shorter.
Everything Else
By October most lodges and camp stores in and around the park have closed for the season; check the park’s pages for what is still open. There is no gasoline in the park at any time of year.
Book It
We rent through the fall. Call the shop for late season pickup hours, then rent an e-bike for Glacier. For a warmer plan, read the best time to visit Glacier.