Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Login or Signup

Routes
Cycling routes
United States
Montana
Flathead County

Whitefish

The best cycling routes around Whitefish

144

riders

14

rides

Touring cycling around Whitefish, Montana, offers routes through diverse landscapes in the Northern Rocky Mountains. The region features a blend of rugged wilderness, including access to Glacier National Park, and extensive trail systems like the Whitefish Trail. Terrain varies from paved roads and multi-use paths to forest trails, with routes often including elevation gains and scenic views of mountains and lakes.

Best touring cycling routes around Whitefish

  • The most popular touring cycling route is Great Divide Mountain Bike Route,…

Last updated: May 10, 2026

26

riders

#1.

Great Divide Mountain Bike Route

31.5km

02:00

250m

250m

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate with device

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

8

riders

Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
guide_signup
Let us show you the way with the komoot mobile app
With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

Sign up for free

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
Sign up for free to see 10 more rides around Whitefish.

Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around Whitefish

Hiking around Whitefish

MTB Trails around Whitefish

Road Cycling Routes around Whitefish

Running Trails around Whitefish

Gravel biking around Whitefish

Tips from the Community

Andrus
September 12, 2025, Whitefish, Montana

Whitefish blends small-town charm with big-mountain adventure. Perched on the shore of Whitefish Lake and near the entrance of Glacier National Park, this year-round destination is built around a love for the outdoors, winter brings skiing and snowboarding, summer brings hiking, biking, scenic lift rides, zip lines, and watersports. Downtown is packed with locally owned restaurants, cozy cafés, breweries, and shops, with plenty lodging and live music as well.

0

0

Despite this lake's glacier-fed nature, the area gets warm enough for there to be a designated swimming area at this little sandy beach. There's also a shade area, gazebos, picnic tables and docks.

0

0

Alex
December 5, 2023, Woods Lake

Woods Lake is 19.8 acres in size, has Redside Shiner, a native fish, and also has Rainbow Trout, which were introduced to this lake. The lake can be completely circumnavigated by the Woods Lake Loop Trail.

0

0

Alex
November 4, 2023, Whitefish City Beach

Whitefish Lake is seven miles in length, and the water is glacial water. Whitefish City Beach is near the lake's outflow and a very popular access point to the lake, being near the town. There is a sandy beach, a grassy area with shade, a designated swimming area, gazebos, picnic tables, and a boat dock with a fee to launch. In the summer, you can find kayak rentals, paddle board rentals, and refreshment stands.

0

0

As you pedal down the quiet East Shore Lake road you will find your way to Lee Mason State Park. It is situated on shores of Whitefish Lake. With 585 feet of sandy lakeshore, it's an ideal spot for swimming and relaxation. Picnic tables nearby offer a perfect setting for a leisurely outdoor meal.

0

0

Step back in time at the Whitefish Montana Depot, a historic train station and home to the Whitefish Museum. It's a significant stop on the Amtrak route between Seattle and Minneapolis, and its Tudor revival architecture adds to uniqueness.

0

0

Downtown Whitefish, offers a charming and historic western town experience. You'll find a variety of local shops, restaurants, and cozy bars to enjoy.

0

0

Alex
November 4, 2023, Fish Trails Bike Path

The Fish Trails Bike and Pedestrian Path is a paved bike and pedestrian trail network that goes throughout the town of Whitefish. This path connects different parks to Whitefish City Beach as well as to downtown.

0

0

Frequently Asked Questions

How many touring cycling routes are available in Whitefish?

There are 15 touring cycling routes around Whitefish, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. You'll find 2 easy routes, 4 moderate routes, and 9 difficult routes to explore.

What are the difficulty levels of touring cycling routes in Whitefish?

Touring cycling routes in Whitefish range from easy to difficult. You can find 2 easy routes, 4 moderate routes, and 9 challenging routes, ensuring options for various fitness levels and preferences.

Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?

Yes, Whitefish offers easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. One such option is a section of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, which covers 16.5 km with minimal elevation gain.

What kind of terrain can I expect on Whitefish touring cycling routes?

The terrain around Whitefish is diverse, ranging from paved roads and multi-use paths to forest trails. Routes often include elevation gains, offering scenic views of mountains and lakes. The region blends rugged wilderness with accessible trail systems like the Whitefish Trail.

What are some scenic viewpoints or natural features along the touring cycling routes?

Many routes offer stunning natural features. For instance, the Great Northern Railway Depot – Whitefish Lake loop from Whitefish provides views of Whitefish Lake and surrounding forests. You can also find highlights like the Whitefish River at Birch Crossing and the Fish Trails Bike Path.

What is the best time of year for touring cycling in Whitefish?

The best time for touring cycling in Whitefish is generally from spring through fall. Notably, Glacier National Park's iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road offers a special 'hiker-biker season' from mid-April through early June, when it's open exclusively to cyclists and pedestrians before vehicle traffic begins.

Are there any circular touring cycling routes around Whitefish?

Yes, there are several circular routes. A challenging option is the Great Northern Railway Depot – Whitefish City Beach loop from Whitefish, which spans 61 km. For a moderate ride, consider the Great Northern Railway Depot – Historic Whitefish loop from Whitefish, a 30.9 km route through historic areas.

Where can I park my car when starting a touring cycling route in Whitefish?

Whitefish offers various parking options, especially near popular trailheads and downtown areas. Many routes, like those starting from the Great Northern Railway Depot, are easily accessible from town, where parking facilities are available.

What attractions can I see near the touring cycling routes?

Beyond the routes themselves, you can explore several attractions. Whitefish Lake is perfect for water activities, and the Whitefish River at Birch Crossing offers picturesque views. For a unique experience, the Summit House on Whitefish Mountain Resort provides panoramic views.

Are there any routes that offer significant elevation gain for a challenge?

Absolutely. For a significant challenge, the Great Northern Railway Depot – Whitefish Lake loop from Whitefish is a difficult 47.1 km path with substantial elevation gain, offering rewarding views. Glacier National Park's Going-to-the-Sun Road also features dramatic elevation gains up to Logan Pass.

How long are the touring cycling routes typically?

The touring cycling routes around Whitefish vary in length. You can find shorter routes, such as the 16.5 km easy section of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, to longer, more challenging loops like the 61 km Great Northern Railway Depot – Whitefish City Beach loop from Whitefish.

What do other cyclists say about touring cycling in Whitefish?

The touring cycling routes in Whitefish are popular among the komoot community, with over 150 touring cyclists having explored the area. Users frequently praise the diverse terrain, scenic views of mountains and lakes, and the blend of rugged wilderness with accessible trails.

Are there specific permits required for cycling in certain areas, like Glacier National Park?

While bicycles are permitted on all paved and unpaved roads within Glacier National Park, it's always advisable to check the latest regulations. For detailed information on bicycling within the park, including any specific rules or seasonal restrictions, you can visit the official National Park Service website: nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/bicycling.htm.

Most popular routes around Whitefish

Hiking around Whitefish

Most popular attractions around Whitefish

Places to see

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

Browse the best Cycling routes in other regions.

Glacier National ParkLewis RangeWhitefish RangeGreat Bear WildernessFlathead RangeWest GlacierFlathead National ForestCoramBigforkForest Hill VillageKalispellBataviaEvergreenHelena Flats

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Columbia Falls

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy