Glacier National Park

[cota95]

My friend Scorpa (Bill) and I will be heading to the Pacific Northwest in mid May. Will the park be open by this time? Any roads to avoid because of snow? I will post up our route over the next couple of days.

Thanks, George

 

[bikerskier]

That's pretty early for "Going to the Sun" road. every year is different, tho, and this years light snowfall may mean an earlier opening. Go to the parks website and there will be information there.

 

[Top_Speed1]

I remember when I plotted for my upcoming trip there in July, it stated "Going to the Sun Rd" CLOSED DURING WINTER!.

With that said, Winter is officially over in a few days (Mar 21st). Whether they adhere to this or not could be another story.

Have a great trip George! RR when you're back!

 

[Fly Bye]

May might just be a bit too early for the opening of the road to the sun.

Keep your fingers crossed and good luck.

 

[SunRider]

The northern end of 'Going to the Sun' road has 8 miles of construction they said was to be completed in '15.

During our visit last summer, they were continuously watering that unpaved stretch, so our bikes got embedded with a clayish mud.

Did not stop us from three passes thru the park, but the crud was bad and it got into the brakes and radiators.

Going to the Sun was fabulous. We hiked Hidden Lake Nature Trail at Logan Pass. Wonderful !

 

[Pterodactyl]

The road seldom opens before early June.

 

[Top_Speed1]

The road seldom opens before early June.

Dang, hope it's earlier for Geo's sake. Guess it's a short season way up there.

 

[bikerskier]

I guess those who have never been thru high mountain passes have no idea how much snow accumulates and how difficult and dangerous for for road crews to clear. This road has many cliff side drop offs with little or no barriers. A sequence of photos a year or two ago of the road crews clearing progress was very interesting. Maybe someone can find it and post it. I've been lucky enough to have ridden this road in both directions dozens of times going back into the 70's and I never tire of it. You do have to ride very early in the AM, before the tourists start to jam it up. Don't miss it.

 

[cota95]

I guess those who have never been thru high mountain passes have no idea how much snow accumulates and how difficult and dangerous for for road crews to clear. This road has many cliff side drop offs with little or no barriers. A sequence of photos a year or two ago of the road crews clearing progress was very interesting. Maybe someone can find it and post it. I've been lucky enough to have ridden this road in both directions dozens of times going back into the 70's and I never tire of it. You do have to ride very early in the AM, before the tourists start to jam it up. Don't miss it.

This is why I asked. In the same time frame in 12', I went from Durango up the Million Dollar Hwy and had to turn around in Silverton because of high winds and snow. That ride scared the crap out of me so I never take the passes for granted after that experience.

 

[Pterodactyl]

I live within 30 miles of five Continental Divide passes. You never know what to expect. The climb up to Flesher Pass starts 8 miles from my house. I've seen snow in the pass at freezing temps while it is in the 70s at our place. We rode Flesher 3 days ago and there was no snow, lots of gravel tho.

 

[Harald]

I'm usually near Flathead lake around Father's Day weekend (toward end of June) and have wanted to ride the Going to the Sun road, but have not succeeded because it's always still closed. One year it opened on the Sunday I headed back to Seattle and that was the closest I ever got.

That said, the lack of snowfall and warmer temps is giving me hope this year. Your May trip may still be out of the question though.

Keep checking the website for updates on anticipated opening days.

 

[BigOgre]

I guess those who have never been thru high mountain passes have no idea how much snow accumulates and how difficult and dangerous for for road crews to clear. This road has many cliff side drop offs with little or no barriers.

And that's in today's world. I was always amazed at what and how the railroad companies did to originally lay their tracks.

 

[Fred W]

George,

Even if the pass is not open to go thru yet, it is well worth the small extra effort to ride up as far as you can get before you have to turn around, on either, or both, side(s). Then use US Rte 2 to go around to the other side. It is a very special place. I'm going to go back some day, when the Idaho forest fires aren't clouding things up so much.

Maybe with the dry winter this year you'll get lucky?

 

[08FJR4ME]

George is use to cold weather. He rides in November around thanksgiving time here in New England. Have a great trip George and we are looking forward to your RR.

Safe travels,

Dave

 

[cota95]

Thanks guys! How is route 12 south of Glacier to Great Falls, then 87 to 200 then back to 2?

 

[Pterodactyl]

As mentioned before try to ride the road mid-week and as close to sunrise as possible. If you hit it when it is full of creeping tourists then it is not worth it in my opinion.

 

[escapefjrtist]

If you make it this far west...

With our lack of snow, SR 20, North Cascades Highway will be open much sooner than normal this year. Worth the ride and views if you're in the zip code!

--G

 

[SacramentoMike]

This winter has been one of the driest in history in the west; I think there's a real good chance that the road will not still be closed in mid-May. Of course that's no guarantee a spring storm couldn't close it temporarily. I rode it in mid-September and there was barely any water going over the most major waterfalls along the way, most were bone dry, and there's been little enough rain anywhere out here to make me think it's much different now (although I did pick up a good thick coat of SunRider's mud from the construction).

Highway 2 goes along the boundary of the park to the south and is pretty darn scenic if the pass is closed. It's much lower and would be open even if Logan Pass is closed tight. If you can only go part way up, I suggest taking 2 to the west entrance (West Glacier) and go as high up the GTTS as you can. It gets gorgeous right away. I think the ride up from the east entrance isn't as pretty. Don't be put off even if GTTS is closed. Even part way up is still great, and there's PLENTY of great riding in the area.

In fact, whether GTTS is open or closed, find St. Mary on Hwy 89 (east park entrance) but continue north on 89 less than 10 miles to Babb. Then west on 3 about the same distance. You'll find yourself in Many Glacier. I thought it was the very most beautiful place in the park, and there are no passes to go over. Most people miss it. Don't be one of them. The Many Glacier Hotel is one of those great National Park hotels, kind of like the Ahwahnee or the Old Faithful Inn. Have a great trip.

 

[cota95]

In fact, whether GTTS is open or closed, find St. Mary on Hwy 89 (east park entrance) but continue north on 89 less than 10 miles to Babb. Then west on 3 about the same distance. You'll find yourself in Many Glacier. I thought it was the very most beautiful place in the park, and there are no passes to go over. Most people miss it. Don't be one of them. The Many Glacier Hotel is one of those great National Park hotels, kind of like the Ahwahnee or the Old Faithful Inn. Have a great trip.

WOW!...