2026
Overview: Glacier National Park Bicycle Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable bicycle tour through the breathtaking landscapes of Glacier National Park and its surrounding gems in northwest Montana. Pedal through iconic routes, immerse yourself in pristine wilderness, and enjoy cozy stays at the Hampton Inn in Kalispell, Montana. This journey combines exhilarating rides, stunning vistas, and charming local towns, offering a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
- Iconic Routes: Cycle the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road, including exclusive car-free sections, with jaw-dropping views of glacier-carved valleys and peaks.
- Stunning Scenery: Marvel at Lake McDonald, Flathead Lake, and the North Fork Flathead River, surrounded by towering mountains and lush forests.
- Charming Towns: Explore the vibrant communities of Whitefish and Kalispell, known for their local culture, dining, and warm hospitality.
- Comfortable Stay: Relax each night at the Hampton Inn in Kalispell, your home base for rest and rejuvenation.
- Unique Highlights: Visit the Huckleberry Patch in Hungry Horse and enjoy a scenic van trip to Many Glacier for unparalleled views.
- Car-Free Cycling: Experience the thrill of biking on closed sections of Glacier’s roads, ensuring a peaceful and safe ride.
- Nature and Culture: Combine outdoor adventure with stops at natural trails, lookout points, and charming Montana towns.Start your adventure:
Pricing options:
✔️Lowest price
✔️Pay Now
✔️No changes
✔️Non-refundable
✔️Limited price availability
✔️Pay $200 deposit now
✔️Pay balance 45 days before trip start
✔️Full Credit for future trip for change or cancellation up to 60 days before trip start
✔️*This is the exclusive pricing way that Vacation Bicycling used for 18 years through 2024
✔️Pay with credit card or debit card
✔️Fully refundable/changeable up to 15 days before trip start
✔️No change fees
✔️Pay Now
Complete trip information:
Day 1, Saturday
Welcome Dinner
Enjoy the Kalispell area during the day and afternoon, then meet at the hotel at 4:00 pm for the Welcome meeting, followed by dinner with friends - new and old - to start your bicycling vacation!
Dinner:
Bella Italia
Evergreen, Montana
Entrée Choices include:
- Gnocchi Rose - This dish features fluffy gnocchi in a creamy red sauce, often praised for its rich and unique flavor. Reviewers have called it the best gnocchi they’ve ever had, with some noting its generous portion size, making it a standout choice for pasta lovers.
- Spaghetti Bolognese - A classic Italian dish, this is consistently well-received for its reliable taste and hearty meat sauce. Customers highlight it as a satisfying option, making it a delicious pick.
- Chicken Parmesan - Breaded chicken cutlet topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, served with a side of pasta. It’s a crowd-pleaser, noted for its tender chicken and well-balanced flavors, often highlighted in reviews for its authenticity.
- Lasagna - Layered pasta with rich meat sauce, béchamel, and cheese, baked to perfection. This dish is frequently mentioned for its comforting, homemade quality, appealing to those seeking a classic Italian entrée.
Lodging:
Hampton Inn - Kalispell
Kalispell, Montana
(Stay at the same hotel for the entire bicycle tour. Just unpack one time!)
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Internet
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Business Center
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HD TVs
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Fitness Center
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Coin Laundry
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Indoor Pool & Hot Tub
Day 2, Sunday
Sunday: Going-to-the-Sun Road – West Side (Lake McDonald to West Glacier)
Kick off your adventure with a spectacular ride along the west side of Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road, starting at the Trail of the Cedars parking lot. This iconic stretch is closed to car traffic, offering a serene cycling experience. Pedal toward Crystal Point, soaking in panoramic views of Lake McDonald’s turquoise waters, framed by rugged peaks like Bearhat Mountain. The lush cedar and hemlock forests along the route create a tranquil backdrop, with the sparkling lake reflecting the snow-capped mountains. End your day in the charming village of West Glacier, a gateway to the park, where you can relax and reflect on the stunning scenery before returning to the Hampton Inn in Kalispell.
Breakfast provided by the hotel each morning.
Bicycling Route:
0 miles, staying at the hotel; or 25 miles (with +1112 ft of total ascent and -1112 ft of total descent) riding from the ride start immediately joining the bicycle/pedestrian only gated Going to the Sun Road as far as the road is available and then returning to the starting point; or 37 miles (with +1277 ft of total ascent and -1270 ft of total descent) riding the the 25-mile route and then continuing on to West Glacier. [The first 25 miles is on the Going to the Sun Road is gated for only bicyclists and hikers and is a climb up to the top as far as the road has been plowed for snow (usually around Crystal Point) and then return downhill. The longer route continues after the downhill to the road by Lake McDonald with vehicular traffic.]
Dinner:
Agave Cantina & Grill
Kalispell, Montana
Entrée Choices include:
- Agave Burrito - A large flour tortilla filled with your choice of meat (Carne Asada, Pollo Asado, Puerco Adobado or Carnitas), whole beans, rice, and pico de gallo, topped with a tequila-infused Agave sauce, queso cotija, and avocado slices. This dish showcases the restaurant’s signature agave flavor and fresh ingredients, making it a flavorful and hearty choice.
- Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp - Served on a hot skillet with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and melted cheese, accompanied by agave beans and rice. This dish combines the smoky richness of bacon with tender shrimp, offering a sizzling, indulgent option that highlights their seafood expertise.
- Carne Asada Plate - Grilled marinated steak served with rice, beans, guacamole, pico de gallo, and your choice of flour or corn tortillas. A classic Mexican dish, it’s a flavorful and satisfying option for steak lovers.
- Enchiladas Verdes - Three corn tortillas filled with your choice of chicken or cheese, topped with green tomatillo sauce, melted cheese, and sour cream, served with rice and beans. This dish highlights the tangy, vibrant flavors of their house-made verde sauce.
Day 3, Monday
Monday: Forest & Fire Trail to Hungry Horse
Begin your day at the Forest & Fire Nature Trail parking lot, cycling toward the scenic bridge overlooking the North Fork Flathead River. The river’s crystal-clear waters and surrounding pine forests set a peaceful tone for the ride. Continue along Camas Road, enjoying open meadows and glimpses of the park’s western boundary, before arriving in West Glacier. From there, pedal south to the Huckleberry Patch Souvenir Store and Café in Hungry Horse, Montana. This delightful stop offers local huckleberry treats and a quirky, welcoming vibe. The route features gentle rolling terrain, with views of the Flathead Valley’s expansive landscapes, making for a relaxed yet rewarding day. Return to the Hampton Inn in Kalispell for the night.
Breakfast provided by the hotel each morning
Bicycling Route:
0 miles, staying at the hotel; or 24 miles (with +1131 ft of total ascent and -1455 ft of total descent) riding from the furthest east side of the park from the Forest & Fire drop-off point and riding to Huckleberry [The route within the park is on the lightly traveled paved road to West Glacier and then from West Glacier to Huckleberry. The route follows a dedicated paved bicycle path with a few miles on secondary roads that connect the bike path.]
Dinner:
On your own
Day 4, Tuesday
Tuesday: Free Day. Or Going-to-the-Sun Road – East Side & Many Glacier
Today, you’ll conquer the east side of Going-to-the-Sun Road, starting on a car-free section that promises uninterrupted cycling bliss. Pedal toward the Wild Goose Island Lookout, where the iconic view of St. Mary Lake, with its tiny island dwarfed by towering peaks, will leave you in awe. The dramatic alpine scenery, including glacier-carved valleys and cascading waterfalls, makes this one of the most picturesque rides in the park. After turning around at the lookout, enjoy a van ride to Many Glacier, a stunning region known for its rugged peaks, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. Take time to soak in the views of Swiftcurrent Lake and Bearhat Mountain before heading back to the Hampton Inn in Kalispell for a well-earned rest.
Breakfast provided by the hotel each morning
Bicycling Route:
0 miles, staying at the hotel; or 22 miles (with +1684 ft of total ascent and -1888 ft of total descent) riding from the ride start immediately joining the bicycle/pedestrian only gated Going to the Sun Road as far as the road is available and then returning to the starting point and then continuing on to East Glacier Visitor Center. [The first 13 miles is on the Going to the Sun Road is gated for only bicyclists and hikers and is a climb up to the top as far as the road has been plowed for snow (usually around Siyeh Bend) and then return downhill. The route then continues from the drop-off point to the visitor center on the lightly traveled paved road by St. Mary Lake with vehicular traffic.]
Dinner:
On your own
Day 5, Wednesday
Wednesday: Whitefish Lake to Whitefish & Kalispell
Start your day cycling alongside the serene shores of Whitefish Lake, where calm waters reflect the surrounding evergreen forests and distant peaks. The flat, scenic route offers a peaceful ride, perfect for taking in the natural beauty. Arrive in the vibrant town of Whitefish, Montana, where you’ll have time to explore its charming downtown, filled with local shops, cafés, and a lively community spirit. After soaking in Whitefish’s charm, continue your ride to Kalispell, Montana, on a mix of quiet roads and bike paths. The journey offers views of the Flathead Valley’s rolling hills and distant mountains, ending at the Hampton Inn in Kalispell, where you’ll enjoy another comfortable night.
Breakfast provided by the hotel each morning.
Bicycling Route:
0 miles, staying at the hotel; or 10 miles (with +396 ft of total ascent and -459 ft of total descent) riding from the northern most point of Whitefish Lake to the city of Whitefish; or 31 miles (with +672 ft of total ascent and -805 ft of total descent) riding from the northern most point of Whitefish Lake through the city of Whitefish and continuing on to the hotel in Kalispell. [The route primarily is on the paved roads with a few miles of bicycle paths. The section from the starting point to Whitefish is a lightly traveled road; and from Whitefish to Kalispell is on a secondary road then joining bike paths within the city of Kalispell.]
Dinner:
On your own
Day 6, Thursday
Thursday: Somers, Flathead Lake, Kila, and Back to Kalispell
Your final day takes you on a scenic loop starting with a ride to Somers, Montana, overlooking the expansive Flathead Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes west of the Mississippi. The shimmering lake, backed by the Mission Mountains, creates a stunning backdrop as you pedal along quiet roads. From Somers, follow dedicated bicycle paths to the small community of Kila, Montana, passing through pastoral landscapes with rolling hills and open farmland. The bike paths offer a smooth, car-free ride, allowing you to fully appreciate the serene surroundings. Complete your journey by returning to Kalispell, where you’ll wrap up your adventure with a final night at the Hampton Inn, reflecting on an incredible week of cycling and scenery.
Breakfast provided by the hotel each morning.
Bicycling Route:
0 miles, staying at the hotel; or 11 miles (with +198 ft of total ascent and -148 ft of total descent) riding from Somers to Kalispell; or 32 miles (with +598 ft of total ascent and -548 ft of total descent) riding from Somers to Kalispell and then to Kila and back to Kalispell. [The route primarily is on paved bicycle paths.]
Dinner:
MacKenzie River
Kalispell, Montana
Dinner choices include:
- Willow Creek Sandwich - A fan favorite, this sandwich features roasted turkey, bacon, Havarti cheese, avocado, lettuce, tomato, and mayo on grilled jalapeño cornbread (960 cal). Its bold flavors and unique bread make it a standout choice for a hearty, flavorful meal.
- Mackenzie River Pizza - This signature pizza combines pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, onions, black olives, and mozzarella over a red sauce base. Known for its loaded toppings and robust flavor, it’s a classic choice, available in original, thin, or gluten-free crust.
- Fish & Chips - A pub-style entree, this dish features cod fillets in a crispy beer batter, served with fries, coleslaw, and tartar sauce. It’s a satisfying, traditional option that pairs well with the restaurant’s craft beer selection.
- Bison Burger - A Montana-inspired dish, this burger showcases a juicy bison patty with regional flair, served with standard fixings and a choice of side. It’s a hearty, local favorite that highlights the restaurant’s commitment to bold, regional flavors.
Day 7, Friday
Bicycle one last time on your own before departing for home.
Breakfast provided by hotel each morning
Please note all trip information is based on previous trips and/or contracted lodging and restaurants and is subject to change based on availability or specific trip needs. All elevation ascent or descent and mileage is based on information from Google and/or Garmin.
Riding difficulty:
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Riders who are comfortable riding at least 10 miles per hour should have an enjoyable trip. The primary routes are planned for a combinational of vehicle prohibited roads, bicycle paths and bicycle friendly roads almost all on paved surfaces. Please see the daily routes descriptions for additional information. Of course, if a rider is tired or does not feel like riding, the SAG vehicle will transport the rider. All riders may ride at their own pace, slow or fast or anything in-between. To provide the optimum SAG support, the vans will drop-off the riders for the longest routes first.
Arriving by Automobile:
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Drive to the starting hotel: Hampton Inn - Kalispell, 1140 2nd St W, Kalispell, MT 59901
Arriving by Plane:
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Fly into the Kalispell Airport (FCA) and rent a car or take the Hampton Inn shuttle or take an Uber/Lyft for the 10 mile (about 19 minute) drive to the hotel.
Deposit:
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$200 to reserve your spot and the remainder due 45 days before the trip start.
What is Included:
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Hotel lodging
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Ride Packets with Cue Sheets (directions)
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Garmin/GPS routes to download
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Google Maps routes for your iPhone or Android Phone
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Fully sagged including van transportation and rider assistance.
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Breakfast each morning
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Happy Hours (BYOB) on selected evenings
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Dinner with the group three evenings (see above)
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Great riding, scenery, fun and enjoyment!
Bicycles:
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Most participants bring their own bicycles
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To ship your bike, we would suggest using shipbikes.com or bikeflight.com for shipping. To ship your bike to the hotel: Hampton Inn - Kalispell, 1140 2nd St W, Kalispell, MT 59901
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If you fly, many major airlines including now waive the oversize fee for bicycles (sporting equipment) and just the standard luggage fee applies. Please contact your airline for all the details.
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Bike Rental: Bikes are available for rent in the Kalispell area, including Flathead Outdoors with e-bike rentals. We suggest conducting a Google search in Kalispell to find the best place to accommodate your needs.
Weather in the Kalispell area at the time of trip:
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Average Historical High: 72° (temperatures within Glacier National Park are historically cooler than in Kalispell)
Vacation Bicycling, LLC
1860 Barnett Shoals Rd, Ste 103-514
Athens, GA 30605
Athens, GA 30605