Biking in Glacier National Park – Rules, Routes & Safety
Regulations to Know Before You Ride
- Entry Fee: Bicyclists must pay a park entrance fee.
- Where You Can Ride: Bicycles are only allowed on paved and unpaved roads and designated multi-use paths—not on hiking trails or in backcountry areas.
- Spring Hiker/Biker Season (May):
- During weekdays (Mon–Thurs), plowing crews may be working and hiker/biker access is limited to marked closure points.
- On weekends (Fri–Sun), you may ride up to the Avalanche Hazard Closure.
- Do not ride past hiker/biker closures—violations could result in a fine up to $5,000 or 6 months in jail.
- Electric Bikes (E-Bikes): Allowed only if:
- The motor is 750 watts or less.
- The motor assists only while pedaling—throttle-only operation is not permitted.
- Ride Single File: When roads are open to vehicles, you must ride in a single file and stay as far to the right as possible.
- Let Traffic Pass: Use pull-outs and stop if four or more vehicles are behind you.
- Lighting Requirements: Use a front white light and rear red light or reflector between sunset and sunrise or during low visibility.
Seasonal Restrictions – Going-to-the-Sun Road (June–September)
To protect cyclists and drivers:
- June 13–September 28:
- Eastbound (Apgar to Logan Pass): No biking from 12 pm to 6 pm.
- Westbound (Logan Pass to Apgar): No biking from 3 pm to 6 pm.
- These rules apply only to sections open to motor vehicles.
Where You Can Ride
Glacier has a few designated multi-use paths perfect for exploring by bike:
- Fish Creek Bike Path – from Grist Road to Fish Creek.
- Paved Path from Park HQ to Apgar – connects to the Visitor Center and Campground.
- Flathead Ranger Station Trail – access from Quarter Circle Bridge Road.
- Inside North Fork Road – open to bikes between Camas Creek and Logging Creek.
🚫 Mountain biking is not permitted on trails. For more adventurous terrain, visit trail systems in the Flathead National Forest or around Whitefish and Kalispell.
Safety Tips
- Always wear a helmet and ride defensively—drivers may be distracted by the scenery.
- Use hand signals and maintain a safe speed.
- Bring a headlamp if riding early or late.
- No bike lanes or shoulders exist—wear bright or reflective clothing.
- Check tire pressure and bring a repair kit.
- Use caution with e-bikes—they are heavier and require more control.
- Carry bear spray and maintain proper distances:
- 25 yards from wildlife
- 100 yards from bears and wolves
- Let someone know your route and check in when you return.
Hiker/Biker Campsites
Prefer to stay overnight? These campgrounds have special sites for cyclists and hikers:
- Apgar, Fish Creek, Sprague Creek, Avalanche, Rising Sun, St. Mary, Many Glacier, Two Medicine
- $8 per person per night
- Shared sites (up to 8 people); reservations required if full
- No motorized users (motorcycles must use standard campsites)