The best cycling routes in Glacier County

Glacier County offers a diverse selection of touring cycling routes. Our guide features 7 curated routes, ranging from easy lakeside paths to challenging mountain ascents. In total, there are numerous options to explore, with over 300 touring cyclists having used komoot to discover the area's varied terrain.

The ideal time for touring cycling in Glacier County is typically from mid-April through the first half of June, during the 'hiker/biker season' on the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road. This period allows cyclists to experience the road before it fully opens to vehicle traffic, offering a less crowded and more serene ride. Summer months also provide excellent conditions, though popular areas will be busier.

Yes, Glacier County has easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners and families. One such option is the Saint Mary's Lake via Going-to-the-Sun Road, an easy 14.9-mile trail offering beautiful views of Saint Mary Lake. Additionally, a paved bike path from the Park Headquarters to Apgar Village provides a family-friendly ride through lush forests.

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Glacier County offers routes with significant climbs. The Trail of the Cedars – Red Rock Point loop from Glacier Wall is a difficult 25.6-mile trail leading through dense forests and past glacial features, with over 800 meters of elevation gain. The Going-to-the-Sun Road itself, when fully open, features a challenging climb of 3,200 feet up to Logan Pass.

Touring cycling routes in Glacier County offer breathtaking scenic landmarks. You can expect to see pristine alpine lakes like Lake McDonald, St. Mary Lake, and Two Medicine Lake. Notable viewpoints include Jackson Glacier Overlook and Logan Pass, which offers panoramic mountain vistas. You might also encounter stunning waterfalls such as St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls.

Yes, Glacier County features several circular touring cycling routes. The Jackson Glacier Overlook – Saint Mary Lake loop from Saint Mary Visitor Center is a moderate 41.9-kilometer loop. Another option is the Crandell Lake loop from Hill Spring, a moderate 23.3-kilometer ride. These loops allow you to experience diverse scenery without retracing your path.

Absolutely. Routes like Jackson Glacier Overlook via Saint Mary's Lake provide opportunities to see glaciers. This moderate route includes climbs towards the Jackson Glacier Overlook, offering direct views of one of the park's prominent glaciers.

The touring cycling experience in Glacier County is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 9 reviews. Reviewers often praise the region's stunning glacial-carved terrain, pristine alpine lakes, and dense forests. The variety of routes, from easy lakeside paths to challenging mountain ascents, is also frequently highlighted.

Glacier County is renowned for its abundant wildlife. While cycling, especially on quieter roads like the Inside North Fork Road or scenic drives such as Looking Glass Road, you have a chance to spot animals like grizzly bears, moose, black bears, and wolves. Always maintain a safe distance and carry bear spray when cycling in the region.

Many routes in Glacier County feature stunning lakes. The Saint Mary's Lake via Going-to-the-Sun Road offers direct views of Saint Mary Lake. Another route, Maskinonge Overlook – Middle Waterton Lake loop from Waterton Park, takes you around Middle Waterton Lake. You can also explore the area around Lake McDonald, the park's largest lake, for leisurely rides.

The terrain in Glacier County is highly varied, shaped by glaciers. You'll encounter everything from smooth paved roads, like sections of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, to gravel paths such as the Inside North Fork Road. Routes can range from relatively flat lakeside trails to challenging mountain passes with significant elevation changes, offering diverse experiences for all skill levels.

Yes, several campgrounds within Glacier National Park offer dedicated sites for those arriving by bicycle or on foot. Routes like Two Medicine Lake & campground – Two Medicine General Camp Store loop from East Glacier Park can bring you close to such facilities. Campgrounds like Apgar, Fish Creek, and St. Mary are known to accommodate hiker/biker campers.