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Hey everyone,
Considering going to Glacier national Park this summer.....When is the best time to go and beat, at least some of the traffic?
Thinking late Aug. but not sure if that's to late.....hate to run in snow anytime we're there.
Thanks for your time and help,
P.W.
Snow can still be blocking the roads into July, so late August is a very good time. As far as beating the traffic; if you find out how, pass it on. It ain't gonna happen.
Lol.....ya I figured it would still be busy in late Aug. but MAYBE a little less......thought I would ask.
Take care,
P.W.
I agree with RICZ. I was unable to bicycle Going to the Sun Road in very late June because of heavy snow and avalanches that kept the road closed.
Any idea on what would be considered "to late" in the year to visit with a Spyder?? Trying to hit the "sweet spot" to visit since this will be a one time vaca trip.
Sorry for all the questions....but thanks for the help!
P.W.
Go right after Labor Day. A lot of the pressure will be off by then and most stuff will still open.
A group of us will be there aug 19 Will be staying in browning the night before temps should be around 74 for high 48 for low
We went during Memorial Day weekend last year (by car) and many roads and passes were closed. I think what pegasus recommended is spot on - after Labor day will get you great weather and less crowds.
After the kids go back to school there's less traffic and no snow.
I agree but accommodations for staying in the area start closing down right after Labor Day. We went in early July and got lucky, roads were open and weather was good. You will not out guess the traffic. We did it on our Spyder and just had to be careful. Just accept it. Whatever you do, make your reservations early.Quote:
Originally Posted by pegasus1300
Do you guy's think it's to late to make reservations for most places for week of Labor Day?....only 6 months out..... If so, we'll have to plan on 2021.
Take care and thanks for the input!!!
P.W.
You can give it a try. Some places don't allow reservations more than 3 months out, but that's rare.
Each Spring, the weather is a little different. Most years June and early July can have snow blocked roads and/or thunderstorms. August is prime time for tourists. I agree with previous comments. Go there early Fall right after school starts and before the snow flys. I've been there 4 times and it is truly one of the most beautiful parts of the country. The last time we went from east to west and stayed on the west side. The next day we had a planned extra day for sightseeing. We then retraced our steps and rode from west to east and made a circle down 89, 49, and 2 back to our motel. It was awesome. I highly recommend it. Have fun..... Jim
Late July, the weather is best, and its warmest, you can also check out Bear Tooth Pass, its incredible. And Yellowstone.
Thanks for the info about The Bear tooth Hwy.....Looks like were going to do it all....Bear tooth, Yellowstone, Glacier and Waterton .........Can you say 3 week vacation!Quote:
Originally Posted by krakum1967
Thanks,
P.W.
ill see your three and raise you one
Go when the glacier is there
Just be aware that "less crowds" is a relative term. I went in mid-September in 2013 and STILL couldn't find a parking space at Logan Pass. Sometimes it looks to me that nobody works or attends school anymore - They all just travel.Quote:
Originally Posted by Snakeyes
Some places in the area were already starting to close by mid-September as well.
We went in Mid July last year. It was wonderful. It rained a bit but not bad. DO NOT STAY IN BROWNING! I would highly recommend the "Historic Tamarack" lodge in Hungry Horse Montana. This place is awesome and just a few miles from the West entrance. Again whatever you do, DO NOT stay at the Glacier Peaks Hotel and Casino in Browning!
Keep us posted on this. I am planning a cross country trip, starting in NC and going southwestward until I hit the west coast. Then I intend on hitting all the places that you listed above. My time frame is a 6-8 week trip. Hoping to start in late May and end up back in NC sometimes in July.Quote:
Originally Posted by P.W.
@ P.W. - Great plan, you will love it, I was on a BMW 1200RS and I had to sit on that idling bike next to a HUGE male bison, he just snorted and kept walking, oh that was intense.....lol.....couldnt even think of reaching for a camera either, lol....there is a small town just outside the east gate of Yellowstone, I cant remember the name of it, lots of lodging, follow the map of Beartooth Hiway west until you see it, once you hit the east gate, you have gone too far., you will see it. Checks out the lodges there for accomodations, its a great stop start point for going into the East side of Yellowstone. That town has the BEST food and lodging, all of the lodges are a little high priced, but its cheaper than the larger towns north of Yellowstone, and it lets you go through the park first thing inthe morning, the Bison are slower in the cool morning dew....lol.....Bearooth Pass, I may be up there again this year yet, I have to see how another trip is going to pan out, some friends want to ride the PCH, but I am not a California fan in general. I was there a few years back is all, have no desire to go back. I would rather take the RSS up Beartooth. If you PM me, I can get you the data for the lodge we stayed at, they are GREAT hosts, and have awesome puppies too.
@ blacklightning, I live in Western Colorado ( we call it the west end). I live near Four Corners. Monuments Park, Mesa Verde National Park with the pueblos and ruins, and I know a lot of good western routes north and south of here. I primarily tour the western states. I would be happy to answer any questions you have, or if you ever come anywhere near Telluride, I know where they sell the good coffee. I think you will love riding the wide open spaces out here.....
I will be launching tour videos of the riding routes I have the fortune and luck to be able to ride in a few months after the weather warms some more. These videos are going to be basic 10 to 15 minute videos highlighting the local roads and attractions from the view point of the mounted Go Pro (on the bike not the helmet), and I will be serving them out on You Tube. I figured its a good way for potential visitors to take "tours" of our local routes without having to commit to lodging and travel. Its very remote where I live as well so its a good way for people to preview the area before coming here. And by remote, we seriously have Worse cell coverage the the State of Alaska, and there is only ONE cell carrier available to the local towns. There are vast areas of uncovered tracts of land where people can and do become lost and suffer consequences. These videos will let people look before they visit.
While rugged and remote, its also some of the most spectacular scenery I have ever been a part of. And I was raised in Haines, Alaska, so I know scenery....lol...Its also the remote nature of the place that captured me. I for one have grown tired of technology, and very much desire to escape it. After a long career, I have gladly walked away.