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Glacier Biking

Glacier Biking

Are you up for a remarkable vacation that takes you along soaring mountain passes in the shadow of the Continental Divide? Then join Backroads to bike through two national parks - Glacier and Waterton Lakes. See for yourself why Montana, with vast blue skies and an endless horizon, is called "Big Sky Country." Cross the Canadian border to explore Waterton Lakes National Park, a spellbinding tableau of saw-edged mountain ranges, broad lakes and rugged glacial valleys. Each day keep your eyes peeled for Rockies wildlife - moose, bear and elk - as we journey from one welcoming mountain lodge to the next.

Day 1 lake mcdonald

Meet in Whitefish On our first ride, take in stunning views of Lake McDonald and the surrounding valley.

Day 2 many glacier valley

Ascend the breathtaking Going-to-the-Sun Road, a sensational route that offers some of the world's most spectacular mountain scenery: sparkling waterfalls, expansive virgin forests, sculpted valleys and towering peaks glazed with ice Relish vistas of the Continental Divide at the top of Logan Pass before descending to Upper St. Mary Lake and the Many Glacier Valley.

Days 3-4 waterton lakes

Ride to Waterton Lakes National Park, which along with Glacier comprises an international peace park commemorating the long friendship between the United States and Canada Enjoy a picnic on the shore of Belly River before riding into Waterton What are you in the mood for? Optional activities include hiking, biking, horseback riding and a boat cruise.

Days 5-6 East Glacier

Pedal the roller-coaster route along the eastern perimeter of Glacier National Park against a spectacular backdrop of meadows, forests and mountains A fun-filled morning of rafting awaits on the Flathead River with expert guides who provide a unique perspective on the flora and fauna along the way Refuel during a riverside picnic lunch.

big map

MOUNTAIN LODGES: Casual Inns

Lake McDonald Lodge (1 night): Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this lodge features a large stone fireplace in the lobby and a terrace overlooking the lake.

Many Glacier Hotel (1 night): An early-1900s Swiss chalet-style hotel set on the shore of Swiftcurrent Lake amid the peaks of the Many Glacier Valley.

Prince of Wales Hotel (2 nights): This historic green-gabled hotel offers vistas of the mountains reflected in glacier-fed lakes.

Glacier Park Lodge (1 night): Located on the park's eastern edge in Blackfeet country; immense timbers hold aloft its expansive lobby ceiling.

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6

Routes For All Abilities

Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.

Activity Level Average Time Biking Average Walking Average
Level 1 2-3 hours 10-20 mile 2-5 miles
Level 2 2-4 hours 21-30 miles 5-7 miles
Level 3 3-5 hours 31-40 miles 7-9 miles
Level 4 4-6 hours 41-55 miles 9-11 miles
Level 5 5-7+ hours 56-75+ miles 11-13+ miles
2010 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS

Guest Trip Reviews

Another wonderful Backroads experience. Your service is first-rate and the trips well thought out and planned. The scenery was the star on this trip and the biking extraordinary. The challenge is determining when and where to go next with you!
Sarah Carothers - Cambridge, MA

Once again, your company and superb staff have made our active travel everything we have dreamed of. The trip itinerary and set-up was perfect. The biking, van support and scenery beyond compare. The people we met are already planning our next Backroads trip together. We can't wait for out next vacation!
Lorraine Shoaf-Kadish - Salt Lake City, UT