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Bike Going-to-the-Sun Road

Glacier National Park, Montana · July 1, 2022

I biked the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park. Every year, while plow crews are still clearing snow at higher elevations, the park road opens exclusively to bikers and hikers from late June to early July. My ride clocked in at 23.22 miles with 1,827 ft of elevation gain.

A ride summary screen showing distance and elevation gain — Stats from Strava.

A small wooden lodging cabin among trees — Cozy cabin at Lake McDonald Lodge.

Mountain scenery seen from the park road — A beautiful view from the road.

Water running down the rock beside the road — Fresh snowmelt.

The road starting to tilt upward toward higher ground — The climb begins.

An early morning parking lot at the start of the second day — Day 2—arriving at the parking lot.

Breakfast and gear laid out before setting off — Getting ready and eating some breakfast.

A road bike leaning at the roadside — My trusty road bike.

A bear on the hillside above the road — I spotted a young bear coming down the mountain.

A zoomed-in shot of the same bear — A closer look at Mr. Bear.

The bike stopped at a pullout during a rest stop — Taking a break.

A steep rocky peak rising above the road — Mt. Reynolds.

A tighter view of the same rocky summit — A closer look at Mt. Reynolds.

Another roadside stop with the bike parked — Taking a break again.

Deep snowbanks still lining the road in midsummer — An incredible amount of snow, even in July.

The far end of the ride, where the closed section stops — I made it to the end.

A self-portrait at the high point of the ride — A selfie at the top.

Sitting above a wide drop-off with mountains all around — On top of the world.

Me with the bike after finishing the climb — Mission complete.

Looking out across the valley from the highest point reached — The view from the top.

One more wide mountain scene along the road — Another incredible view.