Biking Going-to-the-Sun Road: East vs. West
Which Side Should You Ride?
Biking Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is a bucket-list experience, and e-bikes make it even more accessible. Whether you start from the West Glacier Entrance or the St. Mary Entrance, each side offers a unique adventure with stunning views, wildlife encounters, and exciting climbs.
Not sure which route is best for you? Here’s a comparison of biking Going-to-the-Sun Road from the east side vs. the west side to help you decide!
West Side: West Glacier to Logan Pass
The West Glacier Entrance is the most popular starting point for Going-to-the-Sun Road e-bike rides, offering a scenic and gradual climb up to Logan Pass.
What to Expect:
🚲 Distance: ~32 miles one way to Logan Pass
⛰ Elevation Gain: ~3,200 feet
🌲 Scenic Highlights:
Lake McDonald – Glacier’s largest lake with breathtaking views
McDonald Falls – A stunning waterfall just off the road
The Loop – A famous switchback with panoramic mountain views
Bird Woman Falls – A spectacular waterfall visible from the road
Pros of Biking from the West Side:
✔ Gentler climb – More gradual ascent compared to the east side
🐻 More wildlife sightings – Best chance to see grizzly bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep
📸 Beautiful sunrise views – Mornings offer stunning light on Lake McDonald and the peaks
Things to Consider:
More vehicle traffic once the road opens for the season
Longer but more gradual climb than the east side
Avalanche risk in spring beyond the plowed section
East Side: Biking Going-to-the-Sun Road from St. Mary Entrance
The St. Mary Entrance provides another incredible way to bike Going-to-the-Sun Road, with stunning views of alpine peaks, waterfalls, and glaciers.
What to Expect:
🚲 Distance: ~21 miles one way to Logan Pass
⛰ Elevation Gain: ~2,300 feet
🌄 Scenic Highlights:
St. Mary Lake – Iconic Wild Goose Island viewpoint
Jackson Glacier Overlook – Best place to see a glacier from the road
Weeping Wall & Weeping Rock – Dramatic waterfalls along the route
Pros of Biking from the East Side:
🚴 Shorter ride to Logan Pass – Only 21 miles, compared to 32 miles from the west side.
🌲 Alpine scenery right away – You’ll be surrounded by stunning mountain views from the start.
🐻 Less traffic in early summer – Before the road fully opens, this side tends to be quieter.
Things to Consider:
Steeper climbs – While shorter, this side has steeper inclines leading to Logan Pass.
Fewer services available – Compared to West Glacier, there are fewer amenities like shops and restaurants.
Stronger winds – The east side is generally windier and can feel much colder in the spring.
Which Side is Best for You?
Choose the West Side (West Glacier Entrance) if you want a longer ride, more gradual climbs, and better chances to see wildlife. It’s also great if you want to start near Lake McDonald and enjoy forest scenery before climbing into the alpine terrain.
Choose the East Side (St. Mary Entrance) if you want a shorter, steeper ride that starts with epic mountain views right away. This side also has fewer crowds once you pass the limited parking areas.
Book an E-Bike Tour & Shuttle for a Hassle-Free Ride!
Getting to Going-to-the-Sun Road can be tricky in early summer due to limited vehicle access and parking restrictions. We offer e-bike shuttles from Whitefish to Glacier, making it easy for you to start your ride stress-free!
Want a guided experience? Our Going-to-the-Sun Road E-Bike Tours include:
✅ E-bike rental for an effortless ride
✅ Pick-up & drop-off from Whitefish—no need to worry about parking!
✅ Expert guides to lead the way and share park history
✅ Best chance to see grizzly bears and wildlife
