derf36

Depending on the winter snow load the plowing usually beings sometime around May. As the plowing progresses they begin to allow hikers and cyclists progressively farther up the mountain.

When I rode up on Thursday, the road was essentially clear but there was still some debris here and there. The crew was still working at the top but the road was open to bikes all the way to the top. It seemed that they we're doing the final prep before it is fully opened.

Apparently the next day, Friday, the last few km was closed even to cyclists as they we're working right at the top. It seems a bit of hit and miss depending on what the plowing and road crew are up to each day. I understand that it'll be completely open to cars any day now.

madscot13

I was able to bike up from the east side to the top of Logan pass around the second week of June a few yrs back. There were a few feet of snow that they had to get through that closed off traffic to cars but hikers or bikers could walk across. Having both lanes to meander and take pictures was wonderful. I never noticed poor road conditions but once again this was a few yrs ago. The road opened up to cars soon after so I was lucky to hit glacier w my bike when I did.

Definitely bring a wind shell and insulating layer for the top.

spinnaker

This is where I wanted clarification.

1. Where there any cars on any parts of the road? I understand they also make more and more of the road available to cars as plowing progresses but there is still a section open just to bikes. If there were cars were there a lot?

2. Could you have gone down the other side if it was not for that closed section?


3. Does the 11am to 4pm rule apply during the time the road is "closed"? (referenced to last question in #1).


I am rethinking going in June. I might do it as a hub and spoke / touring ride. Maybe spend a day or two in the east riding that side. And a day or two in the west riding that side. Then there is no pressure to get somewhere and I could ride just as far as I am capable and / or permitted.

spinnaker

Found this:


A number of really scary spots with no guard rail. It might be best to go when there are no cars.

Glacier John

I live 40 miles from the park, hence my call name.

1) On the west side the gate is closed to cars at Avalanche Creek Campground until the road is completely ready, probably July 1st this year, middle of June most years.

2) Yes, except for dodging workers near the top. Weekends it's open to bikes all the way once the snow is cleared, no workers on weekends.

3) The 11-4 rule only applies to roads with car traffic during the busy summer season, July-September. This time of year we drive to the Avalanche, then mount up on the bike to ride up Going To The Sun.

Glacier John

My wife and I rode up to The Loop last Tuesday. We're a bit out of shape and that's a good place to rest before turning around.

spinnaker

So I am freaking out with the videos. Some of those drop offs with no guard rail...... Now I assume you suggest going all the way to Logan Pass but how far do I really need to go to make it a great ride?

My plan would be to stay in West Glacier for a couple of days and ride up as far as I am capable physically I am 57, decent shape but never bicycled above 3,500 feet. A bit concerned I can't hack it. Also not real cool with heights. Some of those places with no guard rail scare the heck out of me. That is why I am thinking better to do this with no cars.

Toured all over. Traffic doesn't phase me but being so close to a several thousand foot drop scares the heck out of me. Of course you really only need to worry about the first 50 feet. After that there is no difference, if you go over. .

Never phased me being on a wall in 100s of fathoms SCUBA diving. It would freak other people out, even though we were just diving to 30 feet or so. I would tell them if it is over your head when you stand up then you are already too deep, so don't worry about anything deeper than that.


Is the East side worth it? I figure spend a couple of days in St Mary. Then either take the train over to West Glacier or just ride the main road.

Glacier John

I'll be 68 next week and like I said, not in peak shape, The Loop is a good goal for me with fantastic scenery. Are you here now? I think Going To The Sun is still closed this week, you definitely want to go with no cars. The first section from Avalanche to The Loop isn't at all scary, but the scenery is unbelievable. Above the Loop the grade isn't overly steep, but relentless. There is a steep drop off the whole way, but lots of room on the road to stay away from the edge. Your brakes will get hot though.

Glacier John

The east side is beautiful, more open than the west side. Lots of animals and views of craggy peaks.

Doug64

I'd encourage you to go as far up as you are comfortable doing. IMO the scenery gets more spectacular as you go up toward the top of the pass.

The drivers are great and they are usually not in any rush.

I know what you mean; I'm one of those people who get claustrophobic just snorkeling

spinnaker

No plans for next year.

Did you have disc brakes or rim brakes?

spinnaker

Aside from being crammed into an elevator or bus with a lot of people I have no issue at all with tight spaces.

It is heights that get me. But other if there is a chance of me falling. For example, I can stand right at the window of the tallest building and feel very comfortable. But if I needed to stand on the ledge that would be a different matter.

Glacier John

Rim brakes. It's really no big deal, it's just that the only possible way you could go over the edge would be if you went crazy fast on the downhill return. I've never had my brakes get too hot, I let her roll pretty fast but brake enough to keep things under control. You always just stop, take in the scenery and let em cool every mile or so.

jamesdak 

LOL, sounds a bit like me. Was airborne in the Army and loved it. But if I stand on a chair I get nervous and standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon scared the crap out of me.

The Going To The Sun Road on the east side doesn't bug me at all. But that section after Logan Pass heading west is where I have issues some times. Especially driving up from the west side which puts you on the edge. Still Glacier is my favorite place out west to visit. Especially when the huckleberries are ripe and there's not any little furballs like the guy below to lose out too.