Western Montana’ Glacier Country offers a wide variety of outdoor adventures suited for all skill levels and abilities. From hiking and horseback riding to whitewater rafting and fly-fishing, the options are endless. One of the most unique and rewarding experiences is cycling the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park. For those concerned about the challenge, e-bikes are available, making this adventure accessible to even more visitors.

Before the seasonal opening of the Going-to-the-Sun Road to vehicular traffic, the road is exclusively open to hikers and cyclists. The plowed portions of the road remain open to bike and hiker traffic until mid to late June, offering a peaceful and unique experience. Cycling this stretch is not only an adventure—it’s an immersive sensory journey. As you pedal, you can hear the birds chirping, breathe in the fresh mountain air scented with hemlock and pine, and listen to McDonald Creek rushing alongside. The temperature shifts as you climb in elevation and waterfalls cascade down the mountainside, fueled by the melting snowpack from winter.

Check out these stylish e-bike cruisers.

Visitors can bring their own bikes or rent from several vendors in Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls and West Glacier, including e-bikes. If you’re not familiar with pedal-assist technology, e-bikes feature an electric motor that provides varying levels of assistance, making it easier to navigate the park’s challenging inclines. While pedaling is still required to engage the assist, e-bikes make this adventure more approachable for a wider range of riders—including those with less cycling experience or varying levels of endurance.  

E-biking offers an excellent addition to any group tour itinerary. It’s also an ideal option to recommend for international visitors looking to explore the natural beauty of the region in a fun and immersive way. Whether as part of a larger itinerary or a standalone experience, e-biking in Glacier National Park is sure to be a memorable highlight for your clients.

To make the experience even easier, Glacier Guides and Montana Raft offers bike rentals and guided biking tours (in addition to their scenic floating, whitewater rafting, hiking and backcountry packing trips). These tours provide visitors with all necessary equipment, including a bike, helmet, backpack, lunch and a knowledgeable guide to share insights on the park’s history and natural wonders.

Here are the highlights of what you can expect on an e-biking adventure in Glacier National Park.

First stop in and grab your e-bike rentals.

There are several options for starting your biking adventure. For our trip, we chose to rack our bikes and drive into Glacier National Park, parking at the Avalanche Creek trailhead before biking from there. Alternatively, you can also start your ride from West Glacier, Apgar or Lake McDonald Lodge, each offering unique access to the park.

We secured our bikes on our truck, but there are also bike shuttles available.

As you explore bear country, it’s important to remain bear aware. While most bears tend to avoid human contact, we always recommend carrying bear spray for your protection and knowing and know to use it.

Make sure your bear spray is not in a pack on your back, but readily available if needed.

The road begins with a gentle, scenic route, allowing riders to take in the sights, sounds and smells of the surroundings as they navigate each bend.

Riding along McDonald Creek on the lower portion of the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

The absence of vehicle traffic makes for a peaceful ride, though it’s important to remain mindful of hikers and other cyclists along the road.

It’s a great time to hike the road, as well.

One notable feature along the route is the west side tunnel, one of approximately 17 concrete and masonry structures, which is a testament to the unique engineering achievements of the late 1920s and early 1930s.

Riding through the west side tunnel.
Tunnel views looking out at Heaven’s Peak and over the McDonald Creek Valley.
Waterfalls emerge from the rocks above and make great photo ops.

“The Loop” was as far as we could go on our adventure and a great place to stop and have some lunch with others out on this gorgeous day’s adventure.

Other e-bikers at The Loop.
Hello, Mr. Bear. No need for our bear spray as he was just passing through. But good thing we had it.
The ride down was exhilarating, and the views are really this beautiful.

Click here for more biking FAQs. And for more information on things to do in the spring, we’ve got you covered here. If you need additional tour itinerary assistance, feel free to drop me a line; I’m always here to help.

Happy Adventuring!

DP

April 24, 2025

Related: Cycling Tours, FIT, Glacier National Park, Group Tours, Kalispell, Outdoor Adventure, Student tours, Tour Operator, West Glacier, Whitefish

Comments