By Joanna Beugnon
Our adventure in Glacier National Park was one of the highlights of our cross-country journey. The air was crisp and scented with pine, while towering mountain peaks surrounded us in every direction, and wildlife was abundant throughout the park.
Our Northern Tier group spent two nights at Apgar Campground, giving us the opportunity to explore one of America’s most spectacular national parks. The highlight of our rest day was experiencing the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile engineering marvel that cuts through the heart of Glacier National Park and climbs to Logan Pass at an elevation of 6,646 feet.
Cyclists often dream of riding Going-to-the-Sun Road in the spring, when sections are open exclusively to hikers and cyclists while park crews work to clear winter snow. When we arrived on June 13, a 13-mile stretch was open to cyclists up to an avalanche barrier farther up the mountain. Motorized traffic was stopped at the Avalanche Campground parking area, creating a rare opportunity to enjoy part of the climb and descent without cars.
Making the Day Our Own
One of the best parts of the day was that everyone could customize the adventure to match their interests and energy levels.
Two riders set out directly from camp, tackling an impressive 60-mile round-trip ride. Four riders chose a lift to the Avalanche Campground parking area so they could begin from the vehicle-free section of the road. Five of us pedaled all the way to the avalanche barrier before turning around and heading back.
For me, the day became a memorable solo adventure.
Starting from the Avalanche parking area, I rode 26 miles round trip, climbing 2,398 feet to the avalanche barrier and back, where our support vehicle picked me up. Riding alone allowed me to settle into my own rhythm and fully appreciate the magnificent mountain views, cascading streams, and dramatic valleys that make Glacier National Park so special.
I took 317 photos & videos during my ride on Going-to-the-Sun Road. Around every bend was another breathtaking view that I wanted to capture. The climb was challenging, but each turn revealed scenery more spectacular than the last. And, of course, the reward of the descent made every pedal stroke worthwhile.
A very special treat was encountering two black bears. They were leisurely strolling down the middle of the road, bringing bicycle traffic to a complete stop in both directions. Cyclists gathered at a safe distance, watching and wondering what the bears might do next. It was quite a scene—and a memorable reminder that we were visitors in their wilderness home!
Meanwhile, the rest of the group embraced the rest day in their own ways. Some explored nearby hiking trails, others enjoyed a slower day around camp, and a few visited the Glacier National Park gift shop. Our driver, Paul, spent part of the afternoon searching for wild mushrooms. Our chore team leader, “M0”, opted for a true outdoor experience and spent the night sleeping under a tree.
We also said goodbye to Adrianne, our wonderful support volunteer, who had been with us for the first two weeks of the trip. We are grateful for everything she did to support our team and look forward to reconnecting with her later this summer as we make our way closer to the East Coast.
After an unforgettable time in Glacier National Park, we packed up camp and continued eastward on our cross-country journey—carrying with us memories of soaring mountains, glacier-carved valleys, wildlife encounters, and one truly remarkable day on two wheels.
“The mountains are calling, and I must go.” — John Muir
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