Going-to-the-Sun Road Spring Biking Update: Big Bend is Open!
Spring is officially here, and for cyclists, that means the best window of the year to experience Going-to-the-Sun Road is open. Right now, you can experience the alpine beauty of the road completely free from vehicle traffic.
As of this week, we have some incredible new updates on how far you can ride, how the road crew schedules affect your trip, and how to score the absolute best views of the season.
Spring cycling on Going-to-the-Sun Road. Source: Glacier Park Collection
Current Road Status & Where to Start
The road is currently closed to vehicle traffic at the Avalanche Lake trailhead. This is the official launching pad for the spring biking season.
Because motorized vehicles can't go past this point, the pavement belongs entirely to hikers and bikers. Our daily shuttles and guided tours drop off and gear up right here, getting you straight to the action without the hassle of fighting for limited trailhead parking.
Knowing the Rules: Work Hours vs. The Weekend
How far you can pedal depends entirely on the hard-working National Park Service road crews. They are actively clearing snow and rockfall to prepare the road for the summer season, and their safety closures change based on the time of day:
Monday through Thursday (Before 3:00 PM)
During active work hours, the bike closure changes daily depending on where heavy equipment is operating. You can typically expect to ride anywhere from 8 to 11 miles one way from Avalanche before hitting the crew's hard turnaround point.
Weekends & Weekdays After 3:00 PM (The Game Changer!)
The road crews wrap up their work at 3:00 PM on weekdays and take the weekends off. As of yesterday, the park has officially opened the route all the way to Big Bend during non-work hours!
This means after 3:00 PM Monday–Thursday, and all day Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, you can pedal right past the iconic Weeping Wall and cruise all the way up to the massive, sweeping amphitheater of Big Bend.
The iconic Weeping Wall, now accessible after hours and on weekends. Source: Glacier National Park
Ditch the Crowds: Experience an Evening Sunset Tour
Because the weekends get incredibly busy with local traffic, riding the road on a weekday evening is the ultimate insider secret.
We are proud to be the only guiding company in the area to offer evening bike tours on Going-to-the-Sun Road.
By heading up after the road crews clock out, you get the perfect storm of conditions for an unforgettable ride:
Maximum Distance: You are guaranteed the opportunity to bike past the Weeping Wall all the way to Big Bend.
Zero Crowds: While daytime trailheads swell with visitors, the road quiets down drastically in the evening.
Active Wildlife: As the afternoon heat fades, wildlife like bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and deer frequently step closer to the corridor.
Golden Hour: There is absolutely nothing like watching the setting sun cast a deep, golden alpenglow over the snow-capped peaks while you coast back down the mountain.
Ready to Ride?
Whether you need a seat on our hiker-biker shuttle or want to join us for an exclusive evening sunset tour, we have everything you need—including premium e-bike rentals to make those alpine miles feel like a breeze. Spaces fill up fast during this limited spring window, so secure your spot today!
