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:

  1. Fish Creek Bike Path – from Grist Road to Fish Creek.
  2. Paved Path from Park HQ to Apgar – connects to the Visitor Center and Campground.
  3. Flathead Ranger Station Trail – access from Quarter Circle Bridge Road.
  4. 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)
HIGHLIGHT

Explore the ride
of your life