Glacier National Park Bike Tour

Perpetual Motion Adventures
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Journey from Montana into Alberta, Canada

Glacier National Park was nicknamed the “Crown of the Continent” by conservationist George Bird Grinnel, with the glaciers being regarded as the “jewels” of this stunning natural wonder. This breathtaking park offers a true world-class experience, attracting adventure seekers and nature lovers alike from all walks of life. Each year, Glacier National Park, along with its Canadian sister, Waterton Lakes National Park, delivers among our highest guest satisfaction rates, drawing visitors from all corners of the globe. The majestic mountains are simply gorgeous, the exhilarating riding through the breathtaking terrain is invigorating, and the scenery is second to none, showcasing nature’s beauty at every turn. This is your year for Glacier, an unforgettable journey awaits!

Journey At a Glance

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At a glance

Day 1

Hungry Horse to Lake McDonald
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38 miles with up to 1,945 feet of climbing

We begin our Glacier National Park tour with a leisurely scenic ride from Hungry Horse, Montana, to the picturesque Apgar Picnic Area, where we’ll enjoy a delightful early lunch surrounded by nature. After savoring our meal, we’ll embark on an invigorating out-and-back journey to the stunning Apgar Mountains, taking in breathtaking vistas along the way. After our adventure, we will return to Apgar to conclude the day at our cozy lodging in the charming Apgar Village. As a perfect finale to our day, enjoy a relaxing stroll along the rocky beaches of Lake McDonald, where you’ll be treated to magnificent views of the high peaks of Glacier National Park rising majestically in the distance.

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Day 2

Going-to-the-Sun Road
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48 miles with up to 3,750 feet of climbing

Beginning at daybreak, we embark on an 18-mile ascent (at a gentle 4 to 6% grade) along The Going-to-the-Sun Road to the summit of Logan Pass (6,646 feet). Due to the daily road closure, cyclists must reach Logan Pass by noon. But don’t worry; you can take your time as there is plenty of it! The ascent follows McDonald Creek through old-growth forests, emerging above the tree line with stunning 360-degree views of alpine tundra and majestic mountains. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is truly one of the best cycling climbs in North America.

Put your KOM (King of the Mountain) dreams aside, as you’ll stop frequently to soak in the breathtaking views. A crescendo of scenery accompanies the gradual climb, unveiling alpine peaks, rushing streams, and glimpses of Birdwoman Falls, cascading over 500 feet below a snow-covered glacial cirque. After 16 miles tracing the contours of rugged terrain, the ride culminates at 6,646 feet at Logan Pass. Here, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a spectacular arrangement of mountains in all directions and views overlooking the east side of the continental divide. Of course, this assumes the plows get there first; intrepid crews must cut through walls of snow reaching well over 50 feet in places. Depending on the year, we typically reach the pass, sans cars, in May or June, with the road opening in late June or July.

Savor the exhilarating descent from Logan Pass as we glide beneath the bergschrunds and moraines of the surrounding glaciated peaks. Continue all the way down to the emerald-colored Upper and Lower Saint Mary Lakes. Our lodging for tonight will be in the fabled Many Glacier Valley at either the Many Glacier Hotel or Swiftcurrent Inn, nestled near the shores of the picturesque Swiftcurrent Lake.

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Day 3

Chief Mountain to Waterton National Park, Canada
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34 miles with up to 2,810 feet of climbing

Leaving the spectacular confines of the Many Glacier Valley, we shuttle a short distance then spin north on the Chief Mountain Highway towards the Canadian border. The terrain here involves three larger climbs, including a 4-mile ascent to Chief Mountain Overlook. The topography, outside the eastern boundary of Glacier National Park, comprises rolling ranch land and countless rivers sprinkled with aspen glades.

After crossing into Canada, the group enjoys a scenic picnic lunch with beautiful vistas of Waterton National Park, and then after lunch, descend to the Belly River, then make our way into the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. The Peace Park designation pays tribute to the long history of friendship between Canada and the United States.

Our lodging for these two days in Canada is at the Northland Lodge or the Bayshore Inn. The Northland Lodge was the personal home of architect Doug Oland, one of the principle designer of the Prince of Wales Hotel. The lodge has been privately owned and managed by the Hacking family since the 1940’s. We love the balconies and family atmosphere of the Northland, and it offers a relaxed setting for the home-cooked meal that is prepared for us.

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Day 4

Hiking, Cycling, Canoeing and Wild Swimming in Waterton
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World Class Hiking, Cycling, Canoeing and Wild Swimming | Optional Ride of 20 miles

Ahhh, a layover day to relish and do as one pleases in Canada!

Guests who are excited to do more cycling can ride to beautiful Cameron Lake for an invigorating walk around the lake or swim (20 miles roundtrip).

Alternatively, we highly recommend the unforgettable-world-class-all-time-amazing 12.5-mile hike on the Carthew Alderson Trail. While 12-miles may sound long, nearly everyone who has done this hike over the years has reported that it is the most amazing hike they have ever done — it is considered the most scenic hike in Waterton National Park! The route passes 4 or 5 alpine lakes, summits a stunning peak, traverses fields of wildflowers, and winds through all sorts of forest ecology and glacial landscapes! Plus, there is a very good chance of seeing mountain goats, and/or bears! What to bring: Sturdy athletic shoes, a sun hat, a small backpack or camelback to carry lunch and water, one hiking pole is a decent idea, but not necessary.

Additional activity options include: fishing, kayaking, a cruise on Waterton Lake, shopping, or simply enjoying a day of bird watching.

No matter what you decide, the breathtaking mountains and numerous lakes of Waterton National Park surround your experience.

Day 5

Ride to Cameron Lake and Redrock Parkway
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40 miles with up to 2,910 feet of climbing

After an early breakfast, the group gets rolling along a beautiful and quiet road to Cameron Lake. We then turn back and meet the support vehicle at the base of Red Rock Parkway for an aid station. Riders then continue from the aid station for part two of today’s riding to Red Rock and then back. At the end of the ride, guides will have set-up another amazing gourmet lunch and then from here, we shuttle south to our lodging in East Glacier.

Our lodging this evening is the historic Glacier Park Lodge. Built in 1913 the hotel is a classic structure of the National Park system with a lobby supported by colossal 40-foot tall Douglas fir pillars.

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Day 6

Ride to Kiowa, Two Medicine Lake, and Rafting
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26 miles with up to 2,650 feet of climbing

On this last day, from the Glacier Park Lodge we will ride north over Looking Glass Hill and to the small village of Kiowa where we will take a break at the Kyiyo Mercantile & Bakery for coffee and perhaps partake in the some of the freshly baked goods. We turn around, ride back over Looking Glass Hill, and then turn west onto Two Medicine Road, a lesser-visited road up to Lower and then Upper Two Medicine Lakes.

Upon reaching the lake, we have an opportunity to take a short hike to view Running Eagle Falls and to enjoy a lakeside picnic. For those who wish to head out onto the lake itself, there is an opportunity to rent stand up paddleboards (SUP’s), kayaks, and/or canoes for our guests. After this final opportunity soaking in Glacier National Park’s refreshing waters and mountains, we then shuttle back to Whitefish and Kalispell to end the tour. Well Done!

PLEASE NOTE: On this final day, whitewater rafting is offered when the water levels are high enough, which is generally through the month of July. When water levels drop, we enjoy the day at Two Medicine Lake.

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Bike Rentals

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Mountain Bike Rental

The Scott Spark 930 is a lightweight, full-suspension trail bike built for both climbing and descending with confidence. Fast, capable, and fun on any terrain.

Specs:

  • Carbon/alloy frame

  • FOX 34 Float 130mm fork + FOX Nude EVOL 120mm rear shock (TwinLoc)

  • Shimano XT/SLX 12-speed drivetrain

  • Shimano Deore hydraulic disc brakes

  • Maxxis Rekon tires + dropper post

  • Approx. weight: 28.9 lbs (13.1 kg)

Included:

  • Saddle bag (tube, levers, pump)

  • 1 bottle cage + 1 bottle (please bring another)

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Road E-Bike

Drop Bar

The Scott Addict eRIDE is a lightweight drop-bar road e-bike designed to make climbing easier and keep you comfortable over long distances. In Eco mode, it offers an estimated range of 40–55 miles. An optional battery extender may be available upon request, adding approximately 20–30 additional miles in Eco mode.

Flat Bar

The Scott E-Sub Tour features flat handlebars and is powered by a Bosch motor with a 500Wh battery. Equipped with a rear rack, it’s built for reliable, worry-free riding over long distances and comes with an additional battery included for extended range.

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Road Bike Rental

The Scott Addict 10 Disc is designed for long, comfortable days in the saddle, the Scott Addict 10 Disc features endurance geometry and premium components.

Specs:

  • Carbon frame & fork

  • Shimano Ultegra 50/34 with 11–32 cassette

  • 30mm tires

  • Hydraulic disc brakes

  • Approx. weight: 16.9 lbs (7.66 kg)

Included:

  • Saddle bag (tube, levers, pump)

  • 2 bottle cages + 1 bottle (please bring a second)

  • Flat pedals (upgrades available)

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Loading Map…

Map

1. Hungry Horse

Hungry Horse, MT 59919, USA

2. Apgar Village / Lake McDonald

Apgar Village, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA

3. Logan Pass (Going-to-the-Sun Road)

Logan Pass, Glacier National Park, MT 59936, USA

4. Many Glacier Hotel / Swiftcurrent Lake

Many Glacier Hotel, 1 Rte 3, Babb, MT 59411, USA

5. Chief Mountain Overlook

Chief Mountain Overlook, Chief Mountain Hwy, Babb, MT 59411, USA

6. Waterton Townsite / Northland Lodge

Northland Lodge, 408 Evergreen Ave, Waterton Park, AB T0K 2M0, Canada

7. Cameron Lake

Cameron Lake, Waterton Park, AB T0K 2M0, Canada

8. Red Rock Parkway

Red Rock Parkway, Waterton Park, AB T0K 2M0, Canada

9. Glacier Park Lodge

Glacier Park Lodge, 499 MT-49, East Glacier Park, MT 59434, USA

10. Kiowa

Kiowa, MT 59434, USA

11. Two Medicine Lake

Two Medicine Lake, Glacier National Park, MT 59434, USA

12. Running Eagle Falls

Running Eagle Falls, Glacier National Park, MT 59434, USA

About Us

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Love riding bikes and seeing the world?

So do we!

Perpetual Motion Adventures offers unforgettable cycling adventures for riders of all levels—in some of the most breathtaking places on the planet.

My mission is simple: to make planning your next (or first!) cycling adventure effortless and unforgettable.

You just show up — we’ll handle the rest.

LET'S RIDE!