The west side of Logan Pass climbs 10.8 miles (17.4 km) at an average of 5.5% on Going-to-the-Sun Road, from the McDonald Creek valley (3,579 ft / 1,091 m) to the pass at 6,647 ft (2,026 m), on the Continental Divide. That’s 3,146 ft (959 m) of climbing on one of the most spectacular roads in North America, carved into the mountainside of Glacier National Park, near the Canadian border.
What the climb is like
The grade is never hard: almost everything is between 0 and 10%, with 1 mile (1.6 km) above 10% and a hardest mile (1.5 km) at 7%. The first part climbs through the valley forest; the second, a little steeper, hangs off the rock wall with the valley on one side. Near the pass the grade eases. Leaving out the short dips, the average while climbing is around 6%.
PJAMM measures from 10.8 miles (17.4 km) below the pass (3,146 ft / 959 m of climbing). Climbfinder starts a little higher and gives 10.4 miles (16.8 km) and 3,068 ft (935 m). The steepest ramp is 9.3% over 1,312 ft (400 m) according to PJAMM and 7.9% over 330 ft (100 m) according to Climbfinder.
Hours, fees and season
The most important thing if you go in summer: from June 15 to Labor Day, bikes are not allowed to ride uphill between Logan Creek and Logan Pass from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., or to ride between Apgar and Sprague Creek during those hours. If you’re staying by Lake McDonald, leave at dawn: you’ll also avoid the traffic, which can be heavy from 8 a.m. Check the dates on the park website, since they can change.
Every cyclist 16 or older pays the individual pass: $20 in season, valid for 7 days. Glacier is one of the eleven parks where, from 2026, non-US residents pay an extra $100 per person, unless they have the annual non-resident pass. In 2026 no vehicle reservation was required.
The full road only opens in summer, once snow removal is finished; snow piles up here in huge amounts. There’s no water or food along the way; there may be water at the visitor center at the pass. Bring warm clothes: it’s much colder at the top than at the lake.
What gearing to use
On these grades a 34x28 is enough. At 3 W/kg and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll ride about 8.7 mph (14 km/h) on 6%. Check your combinations in the gear calculator. The east side, from St. Mary, is shorter (about 6.8 miles / 11 km at 5.3%), and you can do an out-and-back over both sides.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to bike up Logan Pass?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 1 h 10 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 1 h 22 min at 2.5 W/kg and 55 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
What hours can you bike up Logan Pass?
From June 15 to Labor Day, bikes can't ride uphill between Logan Creek and Logan Pass from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., or ride between Apgar and Sprague Creek during those hours. Start very early so you're at the top before 11.
How much does it cost to enter Glacier National Park on a bike?
The individual pass costs $20 ($15 from November 15 through April) and is valid for 7 days. From 2026, non-US residents 16 and older also pay an extra $100.