Glacier Park plows begin clearing some roads

Glacier National Park plow crews started clearing some roads on the east side of the park last week.

Crews were plowing the Two Medicine and Chief Mountain roads and were expected to start plowing the Camas Road this week.

Plowed roads are typically gated until the ice and snow completely melts off. The Park Service also keeps roads gated until later in the spring for wildlife security reasons.

The Camas Road, for example, typically opens to vehicles in late April.

The Going-to-the-Sun Road will be closed to hikers and bikers until May 5 this year due to ongoing utility work. After that, visitors can drive to Lake McDonald Lodge and then hike and bike beyond the gate. Once Avalanche opens, visitors are generally allowed to hike and bike beyond the gate there until the road opens completely for the season.

On the east side, the Sun Road opens to vehicles later in the spring to Rising Sun, then oftentimes to Jackson Glacier overlook before opening fully for the season. There are no set dates — it just depends on the weather, wildlife activity and road conditions.

Visitors are reminded that closed roads are treated as trails, so no pets are allowed, even on leashes. Some closed roads on the east side, like the Many Glacier Road, often stay closed to bicycles as well during the early spring for wildlife security.

Grizzly bears and black bears are beginning to awaken from their dens, and folks should carry bear spray and be alert of their presence.