The Magic of Glacier in May: Why Biking the Going-to-the-Sun Road is a Must-Do
May is arguably the most "local" secret in Northwest Montana. As the snow begins to recede and the valley greens up, Glacier National Park enters a unique shoulder season. While much of the higher elevations remain under a blanket of white, the lower sections of the Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTSR) open up for a world-class experience that you simply can't get in the middle of summer: car-free biking.
If you are visiting Columbia Falls or West Glacier this May, here is everything you need to know about exploring the park on two wheels with Glacier Hikes and Bikes.
The Best Way to See the Park: E-Bike Tours & Rentals
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is world-famous for its views, but in May, the real magic happens when the road is closed to vehicle traffic but open to hikers and bikers.
At Glacier Hikes and Bikes, we specialize in making this bucket-list experience accessible to everyone. We offer:
Guided E-Bike Tours: Let our local experts lead the way. We handle the logistics and the timing so you can focus entirely on the views of Lake McDonald and the surrounding peaks.
E-Bike Rentals: Prefer to go at your own pace? Our fleet of high-performance e-bikes is perfect for a self-guided adventure.
Shuttle Services: Don't worry about the hassle of transporting your bike or parking at the park entrance. We offer shuttle services to get you and your gear exactly where you need to be.
Adventure for Every Generation
One of the most common questions we get is, "Is biking the Sun Road okay for kids or seniors?" The answer is a resounding yes! E-bikes level the playing field, turning daunting inclines into easy glides. We believe the park should be accessible to all groups, regardless of fitness level. This season, we are thrilled to announce some new additions to our fleet:
Aventon Abound Cargo Bikes: These brand-new e-bikes are game-changers for families. They are designed to safely hold kids on the back, allowing the whole family to stick together.
Toddler Trailers: For the littlest adventurers, we have trailers available so toddlers can nap or enjoy the breeze while you pedal through the pines.
The May Logistics: Road Closures and Avalanche Lake
Navigating Glacier in the spring requires a little bit of "know-before-you-go."
Currently, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is typically closed to vehicles at Lake McDonald Lodge. This creates a beautiful, quiet stretch of pavement perfect for cycling. From the lodge, it is roughly a 6-mile ride to the Avalanche Lake trailhead.
Biking to Avalanche is the perfect May itinerary. You get a scenic ride along the lake and through the cedar forests, followed by a classic hike to one of the most photographed lakes in the park.
Pro Tip: While the road is currently closed at the lodge, we anticipate that the Park Service will open the road to vehicles as far as Avalanche Lake in early May. Once that happens, the "hiker-biker" section moves even further up the road toward the alpine section, offering even more dramatic views of the rising peaks.
Book Your May Adventure in Columbia Falls
Whether you want a guided experience or just need the right gear to head out on your own, Glacier Hikes and Bikes is your local headquarters for spring adventure.
Located right here in Columbia Falls, MT, we are just a short drive from the West Entrance of Glacier National Park. Our team is ready to help you plan the perfect May outing.
