Glacier Guides and Montana Raft

Biking FAQ

What if the Going-to-the-Sun Road is closed to hiker/biker traffic?

Keep in mind that around here, we joke that we have two seasons, winter and road construction.  When roads are closed or are in rough shape for guided biking, we may reroute our trip to another area of Glacier National Park.  This may be an area which is open to vehicle traffic, such as the Camas Road. Alternatively, it may involve involve a van shuttle to a road on Glacier’s stunning east side, which will be several hours long. We’ll always keep you aware of your options.

How far is spring biking in Glacier National Park on the Going-to-the-Sun Road?

It depends. Read more here.

What are the restrictions on biking in Glacier National Park?

Starting June 15, first 8 miles of the Going to the Sun Road are restricted to bicycles between 11am and 4pm, i.e. from Apgar to Sprague. As summer unfolds and the Going to the Sun Road opens fully to vehicle traffic, other restrictions go into effect. From June 15th until Labor Day, east-bound/uphill bike traffic is prohibited from Logan Creek to Logan Pass between 11am and 4pm. Check the park’s biking page for the latest rules and regulations here.

Do I need bear spray for biking in Glacier National Park?

If you’re on a guided biking tour with us, your guide will have bear spray. If you’re not with us, we recommend carrying a can in one of the water bottle carriers on your bike — it’s always best practice to keep it handy!

You should also bring water, food, and layers — just like you would if you were hiking. Click here for our Glacier National Park Day Trips Packing List – Biking. And speaking of hiking, there will likely be hikers on the road – share the road, please.

Can my dog go, too?

Sorry, no. During the spring, pets are not permitted past the road closure gates, which are typically at Lake McDonald Lodge or Avalanche on the West Side, and at Rising Sun on the east.

Are electric bikes permitted on the Going to the Sun Road?

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

Does renting a bike get me into the park without a vehicle reservation?

No! In order to get into the park WITHOUT a vehicle reservation, you need to be traveling into the park WITH us. For example, if you take our bike shuttle, you do not need a vehicle reservation. Another way to avoid a vehicle reservation is if you plan to ride a bike INTO the park. If you plan to drive yourself into the park, you MUST have a vehicle reservation for Going-To-The-Sun Road corridor (West Glacier, Camas, North Fork area) May 27th-September 10th between 6am-3pm and St. Mary at Rising Sun, Two Medicine and Many Glacier July 1st-September 10th, 6am-3pm. You will always need a park pass, this is not the same thing as a vehicle reservation.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

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  • Group Trip Testimonial

    Did a half day trip with 7 family members and had a fantastic time with our knowledgeable and talented guide Charlie! We had a variety of experience within our group, and Charlie guided us down the river without a hitch, sharing interesting facts along the way. Great experience for any age. Montana Raft is a top notch company, accommodating our group without any issue when booking the day before. Our group of 7 fit on one raft, and Montana Raft provided a variety of gear options for us to use, including wet suits, rain jackets, booties, helmets, and life jackets (highly recommend the wetsuit when going on a cool day, as you can expect to get thoroughly soaked on your journey down the river). We can be a tough group to please, but we thoroughly enjoyed our experience, and we highly recommend having Charlie as your guide!

    — DCioffi

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  • Chalet Testimonial

    Took the 3 day Granite Park Chalet hike with the Glacier Guides. It was a dream trip! The guide was fantastic. He is an avid hiker and could tell us all about the geology, as well as the flowers and animals in the park. We felt quite safe in his hands. He made all of our meals, which were delicious and not at all what we expected in a remote area. We hiked about 8 miles a day and saw parts of the park that we never would have seen otherwise. Glaciers, lakes, meadows, and views for miles and miles. This is my second trip with the Guides, and I will for sure book another one for next year (or maybe this year!)

    — Beth Schecher

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    Granite Park Chalet photo by guide Dre Cameron
  • Hiking Testimonial

    Went on a guided hike to Avalanche Trail yesterday with our guide Tom. Perfect way to experience the Park for the first time. I learned so much about the Park as Tom pointed out many interesting points that I would have not known if I went alone. Enjoyed the company of 5 other guests. Took a van ride about 16 miles in to access the Trail. Tom brought lunches for each and we ate halfway through on the shore of a beautiful lake. I enjoyed asking questions to learn and Tom had the answers. I would highly recommend taking a guided hike with Glacier Guides even if you’ve been to the Park before. Glad I did.

    — Peter Lemp

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    Glacier National Park Backpacking Trips
  • Group Trip Testimonial

    Our Tuesday half-day guided group hike on the Highline Trail at Logan’s Pass was exciting and literally breathtaking. Jen and Ryan were our guides and were excellent. Billed as a “moderate” hike, the 7-mile round trip hike had some steep inclines, but Jen set a steady pace and seemed to know exactly when the group needed a breather. Ryan gave her credit as the creative chef for the excellent lunch Glacier Guides provided. Be sure to follow the company’s recommendation to dress in layers. Our morning started out with rain and a chill in the air, but the skies eventually turned blue and warm. Bring your camera to capture the natural beauty of the area, including the wildlife. At one point, we were even sharing the trail with a bighorn sheep! We will definitely use Glacier Guides again on our next trip to Montana and will likely book a different day of the week to experience a different trail. Enjoy!

    — Allyn G

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  • Lodging Testimonial

    Thanks so much for allowing us to stay in your house! We had such a great time exploring West Glacier. Highly recommended for larger groups as there were lots of beds and plenty of rooms to spread out. Would come again!

    — VRBO Review

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    Lodging Glacier National Park
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