RIDING TYPE | ◆︎ Advanced

TRIP DURATION | N/A

SEASON | July – August

Glacier National Park Bike Tour: Advanced Going-to-the-Sun Road Cycling & Historic Lodge Stays

Embark on the Ultimate Glacier National Park Bike Tour

Dominating the Pacific Northwest skyline, Mount Rainier National Park is home to the most glaciated peak in the contiguous United States—an active, ice-clad volcano reaching an astounding 14,411 feet. This iconic Washington landscape is a temple of old-growth forests, thundering waterfalls, and subalpine meadows. Beyond the giant itself, the surrounding Cascade Range reveals a dramatic volcanic timeline, including the rugged vistas of Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, and Mount Hood. From the historic Nisqually Glacier to the lush Gifford Pinchot National Forest, this region offers a sense of vertical scale and geological power found nowhere else on Earth.

You can experience the sheer majesty of these volcanic giants and the beauty of the Pacific Northwest in Mount Rainier National Park

Known as the "Crown of the Continent," Glacier National Park in northern Montana is a world-class destination for road cyclists seeking jagged peaks, ancient cirques, and dramatic, U-shaped valleys. This pristine ecosystem preserves over one million acres of wilderness, featuring turquoise alpine lakes like Lake McDonald and the towering presence of the Continental Divide. Beyond the sheer vertical beauty, the park is famous for its "parkitecture"—historic, golden-age lodges that serve as grand monuments to the rugged landscape.

The park offers a sanctuary for rare wildlife, including grizzly bears and mountain goats, alongside engineering marvels that carve through the rock. The highlight of any visit is the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road, a challenging 3,000-foot ascent to Logan Pass that provides some of the most spectacular mountain vistas in North America. You can experience the ultimate high-alpine challenge and historic lodge immersion in Glacier National Park.

Prepare for an unparalleled Montana road cycling experience on our Glacier National Park Road Tour. Our meticulously crafted 5-day itinerary offers the absolute best way to experience Glacier National Park road biking, blending diverse, advanced terrain with the timeless charm of historic park lodges. Discover majestic glacial valleys, ancient cirques, and breathtaking vistas. You'll travel back in time to the grand hotels of the golden age as you pedal through jaw-dropping landscapes.

Since 1990, Western Spirit Cycling has been North America's premier outfitter for adventure cycling tours, specializing in expertly guided, fully supported expeditions. We understand the desires of experienced road cyclists: you seek hassle-free adventures where all logistics are expertly handled, from gourmet meals to comfortable lodge accommodations. Our decades of proven experience and unwavering reliability mean you can focus solely on conquering Glacier's legendary roads with confidence.

Why Choose Western Spirit for Your Glacier Road Cycling Adventure?

This guided Glacier cycling adventure is tailored for advanced riders who demand a unique blend of extreme challenge, iconic access, and unparalleled support:

  • Conquer Going-to-the-Sun Road: Experience the most iconic climb in the park—the Going-to-the-Sun Road bike tour—with an exclusive early morning start to ensure significantly less traffic and prime wildlife viewing during the 3,000-foot ascent to Logan Pass.
  • Historic Lodge Immersion: Elevate your experience with stays at legendary "parkitecture" lodges, including Lake McDonald Lodge, Glacier Park Lodge, and the majestic Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton, Canada (Passport Required).
  • International Cycling & Remote Peaks: Ride alongside Chief Mountain and traverse spectacular glacial cirques, lakes (St Mary, Waterton, Two Medicine), and the Continental Divide, showcasing the park's total geographical diversity.
  • Advanced Road Cycling Challenge: Designed for strong, advanced riders, this tour features sustained climbs, challenging descents, and high daily mileage (up to 67 miles), all fully supported by our expert guide team.

Planning Your Glacier Road Tour: Essential Details

This Glacier National Park road tour is rated Advanced. It involves challenging road biking with significant climbs and descents through varying altitudes. Participants should possess strong road cycling experience and excellent physical fitness. Itineraries and accommodations are subject to change due to availability, weather, road conditions, and rider safety.

Trip Overview: What to Expect from This Advanced Tour

  • Riding Difficulty: Challenging road biking. Requires strong physical fitness and road cycling experience for sustained climbs and descents.
  • Road Surface: Primarily paved roads.
  • Overall Rating: Advanced
  • Physical Difficulty: Moderate to Advanced (due to significant elevation changes and longer days).
  • Altitude Range: 4,500 - 6,800 feet.
  • Support: Fully supported with sag wagon and expert guides.
  • Mileage: 26-67 miles per day

MEETING PLACE AND TIME

Whitefish, MT
This trip will meet at 9:30 AM MST at Best Western Rocky Mountain Lodge 6510 Hwy 93 S, Whitefish, Montana, 406-862-2569. You will need to spend the
night before in Whitefish.

ENDING TIME

We will return to Whitefish between 2:00-3:00 PM on the last day.

GETTING TO WHITEFISH, MT

Driving
Whitefish is 15 miles north of Kalispell on Hwy 13.

Flying into Kalispell, MT
Airport Code: FCA
To get to Whitefish, MT you actually fly into Kalispell, MT and either take Flathead-Glacier Transport or use the airport shuttle if you are staying at the Best Western Rocky Mountain Lodge (you need to call them in advance to have them meet your flight).

TAXI SERVICE

Flathead-Glacier Transport: 406-892-3390
This is the best taxi company we have found in the area. Please call them at least one day in advance to make a reservation.

LODGING BEFORE YOUR TRIP

Whitefish is a popular summer vacation spot. It is a good idea to book your rooms several months in advance if possible; here are a few recommendations:

Best Western Rocky Mountain Lodge
406-862-2569
This is where the trip meets. They have an airport shuttle, just call them in advance to set this up.

Big Mountain Lodge
406-862-4020

Grouse Mountain Lodge
406-862-3000

ACCOMMODATIONS DURING YOUR TRIP

Prices are based on double occupancy. If you are traveling alone, we will pair you with another guest. If you prefer your own room, ask about the single
supplement and we will accommodate if available.

Be sure to bring everything on this list. We have carefully developed this list to insure your comfort on the tour regardless of the weather. If you are prepared for extreme weather, it is an adventure. If you are not prepared it can be a serious problem. We recommend the layering system, including a wicking or long underwear layer, an insulating layer and a weather barrier for wind and rain. This list reflects that philosophy. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable so be sure to bring all the warm clothing and rain gear listed! You will need to bring your passport for this trip.

HOW TO PACK: The bulk of your gear and clothing will ride in the Western Spirit support vehicle (preferably in a large duffle bag) and will not be accessible during the day. While this trip is vehicle supported, there will be extended times when you are away from the vehicle. For this trip, you will need to be able to carry some extra clothing while riding. You can either bring a riding pack or carry these items in your jersey.

A small day bag is optional and may be used to store things you’d rather not ride with, but would like to have access to during the day. This daypack will remain with the support vehicle and will be available periodically throughout the day.

WHAT WE PROVIDE:
✓ meals, snacks, water, electrolyte drinks, non-alcoholic drinks
✓ camp mugs, all kitchen and dining ware
✓ 2 large cycling water bottles
✓ sunscreen & bug spray
✓ bike stand and lube
✓ guides bring their own tools
✓ first aid kit with basic medications

BRINGING OR RENTING

o road bike (Our rentals come with flat pedals. You are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.)
o helmet (gratis w/rental bike)

CYCLING CLOTHING

o cycling or hiking shoes
o 3 - 5 pair cycling shorts
o 3 - 5 cycling jerseys
o long sleeve jersey
o cycling socks
o windbreaker
o tights/knee warmers
o cycling gloves (including warm gloves)
o booties
o rain jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
o rain pants (Gore-Tex or similar)

CAMP CLOTHING

o camp shorts
o shirts
o warm socks
o long underwear, top and bottom (wicking layer, not cotton)
o 2 pair warm long pants
o long sleeve fleece or sweater
o pile or down jacket (insulating layer)
o warm gloves and hat
o brimmed hat or visor
o bathing suit (for solar showers on the trip and at the hotel before/after your trip)
o hiking shoes
o sandals
o cheap PVC rain gear (to wear in camp)

CASUAL CLOTHING

o casual shorts
o casual long pants
o shirts (long and short sleeve)
o one nice dinner outfit
o socks
o jammies
o pile or fleece jacket
o warm gloves and hat
o swim suit
o comfortable walking shoes
o sandals

PERSONAL

o toiletries
o medication (daily and emergency)
o towel
o biodegradable soap
o wet-wipes
o flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
o sunglasses
o optional day bag
o stuff sacks or reusable grocery bags (or separate compartments for your dry bag)
o cash for tipping guides: your guides work as a team and share all of their gratuities. A tip of 10-20% of the price of your trip given to either one of your guides when you return to civilization is a great way to say thanks for a job well done.

OPTIONAL

o passport
o sunscreen & lip balm
o medication (epi pen, inhaler)
o personal items and toiletries
o toothbrush/paste
o brush/comb
o cash for souvenirs
o cash for tipping guides: your guides work as a team and share all of their gratuities. A tip of 5-10% of the price of your trip given to either one of your guides when you return to civilization is a great way to say thanks for a job well done.

GEAR

o sunglasses
o hat or visor
o 2 large water bottles (provided by WSC)
o riding hydration pack
o day pack (see HOW TO PACK, above)

OPTIONAL

o camera, extra batteries
o binoculars
o alcoholic beverages (your guides will pack these)
o books or maps

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Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732 

Glacier National Park Road Tour

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A Day With Western Spirit

Rise & Shine
How do you like to start your day? If you like waking up to hot coffee and unforgettable sunrises you’re in luck. Delicious cowboy coffee, fresh fruit salad, pancakes, bacon, granola, yogurt and more.

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Hit The Trail
Whether your trip includes: riding
the Rainbow Rim Trail; enjoying breathtaking views of the
Grand Canyon; leading your
friends on the White Rim Road in Canyonlands; or ripping down.

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Apres
We base our itineraries around the trails that we love to ride, but also around great camp locations. We love to find the perfect place next to rivers or lakes , or by vistas
and sunset spots.

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BIKE TRIP TESTIMONIALS

“Warmth, humor, seriously good people skills,professionalism, competence. They execute their very serious responsibilities with confidence-inspiring grace.”

~ David

“Very accommodating of me being vegan, very cheerful and nice.”

~ Jason
“I was worried riding and camping with a group… could I keep up?… would I “fit in”? I was able to keep up and push myself and was challenged by the terrain, I loved it! The group was great I had nothing to worry about, everyone was friendly and supportive.”
~ Robin

“Normally I do self supported but having someone else make excellent food makes me want to do it again”

~ Christl

“This was our 3rd trip with Western Spirit, so we knew what to expect from the guides and the support they’d provide. The trip itself was spectacular – the scenery was unbeatable and the weather was perfect.”

~ Jennifer

“To begin with the landscape and scenery was majestic and awesome. The guides were all instrumental in enhancing the experience with their knowledge, skills, and out of the goodness of their character.”

~ Edward

Great salads at lunch, a lot of variety, they guides had food specially prepared for those of us with food issues. Plus, they set up our chairs in the best spots!

~ Teri

The guides made the trip totally beyond awesome. They were fun, the food was WAY better than I expected, the rides could be were tailored, guiding was superb, trails were a blast, our campsite was sweet. I have zero complaints.

~ Wendy

“Food was WAY better than I expected. I like to eat healthy and was worried about “camping food.” The guides prepared amazing food. The trip was a blast in general with gorgeous scenery and good campsites. Guides were very friendly, patient and helpful”

~ Erika

“The trip was one of the most incredible experiences of my life… the scenery, the views, the guides, and the food! I loved how great the meals were!!! The guides were unbelievable cooks! After biking all day, to be able to sit down and eat a great meal & drink a beer …man, it was great!”

~ Gary

“Great salads at lunch, a lot of variety, they guides had food specially prepared for those of us with food issues. Plus, they set up our chairs in the best spots!”

~ Teri

“I was tired at the end of each day and to have everything taken care of as far as dinner and cleanup, it was so nice to have that not be my issue. The guides were amazing, simply amazing….the food was always excellent, their personalities are different but blended with everyone perfectly!”

~ Pam

“I had been to Canyonlands two years prior so knew scenery was outstanding but it takes on even more magnificence when seen from seat of bike. The guides were awesome and supportive. Food was better than in most restaurants and more than you could eat.”

~ Michael

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been on any organized event and this one was simply amazing. My skill and fitness level were not up to those as others in the group but never once did I feel intimidated…”

~ Nick

Your guides are your ambassadors, they are fun, energetic and very knowledgeable. I would not do anything different.

~ Paul

The food was fantastic! I didn’t expect such meals. The guides were so friendly, helpful, and entertaining. They really worked well together. Also, they made sure that everyone in their various skill levels enjoyed the rides and that there was enough for everyone.

~ Nichole

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