Going to the Sun Road? (NGC)

[Motormike]

Has anyone here ridden the Going-to-the-Sun road in Glacier NP?  I'm hoping to ride through the park in 2022 and am trying to decide what is the best time of year to go.  It looks like, on average, the road isn't fully open till mid June to late June.  I'd go in late June but would love to avoid the crowds (and heat) of summer.  The other problem (and why I'm trying to plan so far ahead) is finding accommodations.  Looking today, everything is sold out through the end of the season.  So it looks to me like you really need to book a year in advance to have any chance of finding accomidations in the park or even near by.  September is a possibility.  But what I've read says everybody closes up shop by Labor Day.  Anyone care to comment on their experiences or toss out ideas?

[Testarossa]

I did it in July. Bear in mind the elevation -- it can be cold up there. It's GLACIER National Park. Start at dawn to avoid RV traffic and dress properly.

[LongRanger]

I’ve ridden it several times, in both directions. It’s a nice pass but don’t expect to have the road to yourself. It sees a lot of slow tourist traffic.

[JJ]

Glacier National Park - - A small group of us rode through there years ago...."Breathtaking and awesome" is simply an understatement...

[Motormike]

I'm not worried about the temperature on the pass itself.  It's riding there and back.  Look at the temperatures the northwest has been experiencing already!    Crazy hot.  When I rode to the west coast and back last month, the heat crossing Nevada and Utah damn near killed me.  90's is one thing, but riding in triple digits...forget it.

[Chuck in Indiana]

We went in early July. At one point, the ranger said where we were standing was 10 feet deep in snow 2 weeks ago. (!) It is an unbelievably gorgeous scenic ride, and not to be missed. There is way too much traffic to "enjoy" the riding. For that, go to Beartooth.

[guzzimatic]

I did a lap ‘O the west back in 2011, left central Illinois and rode north-west to Grand Forks North Dakota,835mi! Then hung a left on Route 2and another765mi to Cut Bank Montana. I then slowed down,lots of road repair,and enjoyed Going to the Sun highway! At the top of the pass I did the usual walk around then headed west,the traffic was steady but slow so I rode all the way down in neutral,engine off,coasting for about 10 miles! I did it to honor an old friend from Tahoe who has passed now…forever Dave!!!

[Scott of the Sahara]

I just went through Glacier 2 weeks ago. I didn't ride the road to the sun. I think the park is requiring advaced tickets to go in. Worth checking out. 11 Years ago we did a group ride to Glacier and 4 Bikes went on that road I did not. It was horrible. The riders were complaining of having to slip the clutch all the way up to keep with the slow and plentiful traffic.
Glacier weather is unpredictable, I have heard of snow in August.

[Motormike]

Traffic?  Everything I've read said plan an early start to have any chance of beating the tourists.  Like dawn!

[Tom]

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to go there.  I've been near there frequently but tales of the traffic have dissuaded me.  One other factor to throw into the mix.  You have to "drive" your bike in the National Park system.  You can't ride and take advantage of a motorcycle's ability to pass on man. roads.  The Park Rangers can and have issued traffic violation tickets.  Those tickets go to the nearest Federal court. 

[Motormike]

I'd be going there to sightsee, not strafe the corners.  Still...bumper to bumper traffic I could do without.  When I rode through Zion last month, that's all it was.  Pretty miserable, really.

[Tom]

Sounds like the National Parks are being taxed to their limits for the summer.  I'd avoid.

[PeteS]

I have been there a few times though last time was probably 20 years ago. Early September would be best. It was slow but not stop and go. Temps are not bad. The big parks have always been slow. Glacier, Yellowstone, Zion. Accept it and just enjoy the views.

Pete

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

I've been thru several times on bike, in car, and bicycle.

Dont worry about the heat, it will be in the 60's in july

LEAVE EARLY. gates at dawn is a good call. You can do one pass and then loop around. GTTS road to 89 to Choteau, then 200 thru ovando, turn up to run by seely lake... back up to whitefish/west glacier run is very nice.

As for accommodation, look at Airbnb in Columbia falls. There are a bunch, my best friend runs two off his property about 20min from the gate.  There isn't jack on the St Mary Lake side except for that one hotel with the teepees, but there are a ton of little cabins tucked on the rim of the lake (Lower st.mary on the way to Babb MT), tons of those are bound to be rentals. There is also a good campground at Duck Lake.


You will be poking along, it's not a sporty ride, too much traffic. Go slow, check out the views and make plenty of stops!
If you want to crank it open after you come off, hwy 17 there north of the lake is a nice deserted road (goes to the CDN border with beautiful views of big chief mtn.

If you find yourself over near Great Falls, two attractions that always warrant a visit are the ULM PISHKUN (First People's Buffalo Jump State Park) <bout :45min south of GF> and THE SHONKIN SAG <bout 1hr or 1:15 NE of GF> 

Those are ny 2 favorite places in MT so I always feel they deserve a mention.

[LongRanger]

US 83 is a solid recommendation. If you go, stop in Seeley Lake and have dinner at Lindey’s Prime Steak House. I’ve been a few times — probably the finest steaks I’ve ever had.

[Texas Turnip]

Been there, done that and never again, but I'm glad I did as pictures can never show the beauty of the road.

Still recommend you make the ride.

Tex

[Wayne Orwig]

I have done it a number of times. I love that ride. Camped at Johnsons in Lake Mary.

This year, they are requiring you to get advanced tickets. I'm not going, but it is something to be aware of.

When I was there last in 2014(?), I headed west from Georgia, and Going to the Sun was still blocked by snow. I first went to Yellowstone. We left Yellowstone on July 4th heading north, They finally got the snow off and the road opened on July 6th. So keep an eye out for that if you are early in the year.