FAQ: Vehicle Reservations for Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park has announced a final decision and will require vehicle reservations in Summer 2023 to access Going-to-the-Sun Road via the West Entrance and the North Fork area of the park May 26-September 10, 2023, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Additionally, vehicle reservations will be required for Two Medicine and Many Glacier valleys and the St. Mary Entrance to Going-to-the-Sun Road on the east side of the park from July 1-September 10, 2023, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

We encourage you to check out Glacier National Park’s information and FAQ about Ticketed Entry. The most current info on Glacier is always on the Park’s website.

*Reservation Tip From The Folks at Recreation.Gov: Login to your Recreation.gov account, or create an account if you don’t have one, at least 10 minutes before tickets go on sale and make a plan to book online to avoid delays.* Tickets start going on sale February 1st, 2023.

For Glacier Guides and Montana Raft guests, you will typically meet us outside of Glacier National Park for our rafting, hiking, fishing, and biking guided tours, at our West Glacier office on Highway 2. You will not need an Vehicle Reservation Ticket to go on a guided activity with us, but you will need one to enter the park on your own. Read on!

#1 Do I need an Vehicle Reservation Ticket for guided adventures with Glacier Guides and Montana Raft?

NO. If you’re going on an adventure with us, you don’t need an Vehicle Reservation Ticket to go into Glacier WITH us. If you plan to enter Glacier National Park, with or without us, you still need to buy a park pass.

Park Pass Prices

$35/Vehicle (This is a entrance fee for all persons traveling in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle (car/truck/van). The pass is non-transferable. Visitors can enter the park at any time, if the entrance station is not staffed, a self-registration area is available for purchasing a 7-day park pass)

$30/Motorcycle (This is a per motorcycle entrance fee. The pass is non-transferable.)

$20/Individual (This is a per person entrance fee for a visitor traveling on foot, bicycle, or for individuals traveling together in a vehicle as a non-commercial, organized group. The pass is non-transferable.)

PLEASE REMEMBER: Reservations for our guided services do NOT equal an Vehicle Reservation Ticket for the Sun Road, because we meet you outside of Glacier, at our office on Highway 2. So, if you are going into the park WITHOUT us through the West Glacier, Camas Road or Polebridge from May 26th-September 10th, 6am-3pm or the St. Mary entrance by Rising Sun Campground, Two Medicine or Many Glacier beginning July 1st until September 10th from 6am-3pm, you will need an Vehicle Reservation. Specifically:

RAFTING – If you’re going rafting with us, your reservation does NOT equal an Vehicle Reservation Ticket. You will need an Vehicle Reservation if you plan to enter the park at West Glacier for Going-to-the-Sun Road, Camas Road and North Fork Polebridge Ranger Station from May 26th-September 10th between the hours of 6am and 3pm and at Two Medicine, Many Glacier and St. Mary from July 1st-September 10th between the hours of 6am and 3pm.

*Protip* If you don’t get a vehicle reservation, you will have plenty of time to head out on a half day trip (whitewater or scenic) OR spend all morning on the water with us on a full day raft trip before The Park opens at 3pm to all visitors! Take a look at our whitewater and scenic launch times and plan on some splashy rafting before you hit The Park.

HIKING/BACKPACKING/CHALET TOURS – If you’re going into the park WITH US you do not need a vehicle reservation. For example, if you’re joining us for hiking, backpacking or chalet trip, you’ll be driving into the park WITH us, so therefore you will NOT need a vehicle reservation. If you plan to visit the park WITHOUT us at West Glacier for Going-to-the-Sun Road, Camas Road and North Fork Polebridge Ranger Station from May 26th-September 10th between the hours of 6am and 3pm and at Two Medicine, Many Glacier and St. Mary from July 1st-September 10th between the hours of 6am and 3pm, you need a vehicle reservation.

FISHING – if you’re going fishing with us, your reservation does NOT equal an Vehicle Reservation Ticket. You will need an Vehicle Reservation if you plan to enter at West Glacier for Going-to-the-Sun Road, Camas Road and North Fork Polebridge Ranger Station from May 26th-September 10th between the hours of 6am and 3pm and at Two Medicine, Many Glacier and St. Mary from July 1st-September 10th between the hours of 6am and 3pm.

BIKING – If you’re going on a guided bike tour with us, you do not need a vehicle reservation, because you will be entering The Park WITH us. If you RENT a bike and plan to enter the park in your own vehicle WITHOUT us at West Glacier for Going-to-the-Sun Road, Camas Road and North Fork Polebridge Ranger Station from May 26th-September 10th between the hours of 6am and 3pm and at Two Medicine, Many Glacier and St. Mary from July 1st-September 10th between the hours of 6am and 3pm, you need a vehicle reservation.

*Please keep our bikes on Glacier’s paved roads — some of these are pretty rough, and that’s okay, but we do recommend you opt in for our damage insurance.*

If you are renting bikes from us, your rental does NOT equal an Vehicle Reservation Ticket, even if you plan on biking on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. You need an Vehicle Reservation Ticket, because you are not entering the park with us.

We run a bike shuttle, 7 days a week, until the road opens to vehicles. If you decide to use this shuttle, we will drive you INTO the park so you DO NOT need a vehicle reservation. Here’s more info about our bike shuttle.

GLACIER GUIDES LODGE/GLACIER GUIDES GUEST HOUSE – if you’re staying with us, your lodging reservation does NOT equal an Vehicle Reservation Ticket, as our accommodations are located outside of Glacier National Park. You will need an Vehicle Reservation if you plan to enter the park at West Glacier, Camas Road and North Fork area of the park May 26 – September 10, 6am – 3pm. Additionally, you will need a vehicle reservation for Two Medicine and Many Glacier Valleys and St. Mary for the east side of Going-to-the-Sun Road beginning July 1st until September 10th from 6am-3pm.

#2 What things can I do outside of The Park before 3pm?

We’re glad you asked, we have a few suggestions.

Go on a full day raft trip with us! This splashy adventure takes place between mid-June and early September every day, with a launch time of 9:45. Be prepared to get wet AND experience epic views into Glacier National Park and the surrounding area. This trip also includes a mostly organic and locally sourced lunch — come hungry and leave happy. This trip is the perfect amount of time to get you back to our office, in your car and on the way into Glacier National Park before 3pm!

We also have several launch times throughout the summer for our half day adventures, choose between a splashy whitewater and a relaxing scenic float before you head to The Park at 3pm!

Rent a bike! If you rent a bike from our office and ride into The Park OR take our shuttle into The Park, you don’t even need to worry about a vehicle reservation. Biking Going-to-the-Sun Road before it opens to traffic is a true bucket list adventure and perfect for that mid-June visit to Glacier National Park.

Go Fly Fishing With Us! Fly Fishing in Montana is an experience worth writing home about (or, at least posting to your social channels!) These trips are perfect for experts and novices alike and our friendly, knowledgeable guides will help you with your form, your approach and talk about the surrounding area and it’s history. There’s nothing better than bragging about all the trout you snagged while on The Flathead River in Montana.

#3 We have reservations for other — not Glacier Guides and Montana Raft — commercial services/campgrounds/guides/lodging/etc on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Will we have to just show proof of our reservation or will they send us Vehicle ReservationTickets?

You will need to show proof of your reservation, so have it downloaded to your phone for access without wifi/cell service, or printed out. No entry tickets will be sent from commercial services. When in doubt, check with the company your reservation is with. We cannot answer questions for other Glacier Park partners, such as the Glacier Park Boat Co.

#4 What is a Vehicle Reservation?

The vehicle reservation system in the park is designed to manage high traffic volumes within the park and avoid gridlock. To alleviate congestion, one ticket per vehicle will be required from May 26th-September 10th, 6am-3pm to enter the Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTSR) at the West Entrance, Camas Entrance, the Polebridge Ranger Station to visit the North Fork area of the park and beginning July 1st from 6am-3pm, Two Medicine and Many Glacier valleys as well as the east side of Going-to-the-Sun Road at St. Mary

First, let’s get familiar with the terms you need to know to make sense of Ticketed Entry, which from here on out should be called your Vehicle Reservation.

Your Vacation Date = the 1st day you would like to drive on the Going-to-the-Sun Road
Vehicle Reservation = Ticketed Entry = Online Reservation — all of these terms mean the same thing, and you may see them all over the place, but for consistency we will use Vehicle Reservation in the rest of this post, as requested by NPS.
Vehicle Reservations and Entrance Pass into Glacier National Park are NOT the same – these are two separate things and you’ll likely need both – read on!

#5 When do I need a Vehicle Reservation?

If you’re driving a vehicle or a motorcycle, you need an Vehicle Reservation from from May 26th- September 10th, 6am-3pm at the West Glacier, Camas Road or Polebridge entrances of the park. You will need a vehicle reservation for Two Medicine, Many Glacier and St. Mary beginning July 1st until September 10th, 6am-3pm.

The Going-to-the-Sun Road Corridor, North Fork, Two Medicine and Many Glacier will all be separate reservations. Visitors will need to set up an account on Recreation.gov to obtain tickets. Although the park does not charge for the tickets, Recreation.gov charges a $2 nonrefundable service fee.

Visitors arriving on foot or bicycle do not require a day-use Vehicle reservation. Day-use reservations are included with any overnight lodging and service reservations along the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor between the West and St. Mary Entrance Stations. This includes visitors with overnight accommodations and activity reservation IN the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor, such as:

Again, these service reservations must be for lodging/activities offered between the West and St. Mary entrances of the park, i.e. the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor. For example, if you’re going on a boat ride in Many Glacier, that service reservation ticket will NOT provide you an Vehicle Reservation Ticket to the Sun Road, as Many Glacier is not located in the Sun Road corridor. Another example: service reservation tickets for activities outside of the park, such as rafting, will NOT provide you an Vehicle Reservation Ticket to the Sun Road, as rafting is located outside of the park.

#6 How do I get a Vehicle Reservation?

First, go ahead and set up an account on recreation.gov. There is an app for recreation.gov, too. And you can call, too –Call centers are open every day of the week from 8am MDT to 10pm MDT. The following lines are available for callers:
- Reservation line (Toll-Free) – (877) 444-6777;
- Reservation line (International) – (606) 515-6777;
- Reservation line (TDD) – (877) 833-6777.
Next, figure out which day you’d like to drive the Sun Road or the North Fork area of the park, and determine when to put in for your Entry Reservation Ticket, i.e. 120 days prior. Count carefully. Make yourself a reminder!

New for 2023, Vehicle reservations will be available through two types of booking windows. A portion of reservations will be available approximately four months or 120-days in advance, using a block-release system. The first block of advanced reservations will be available through Recreation.gov at 8 a.m. Mountain Time on February 1, 2023. This round of reservations will be available to enter Going-to-the-Sun Road or the North Fork for May 26 through June 30. The next release will occur on March 1, 2023, for July 1 through July 31, including the reservation areas for Going-to-the-Sun Road, North Fork, Two Medicine, and Many Glacier. On April 1, 2023, reservations will be available for all areas for August 1 through August 31. On May 1, 2023, reservations will be available for all areas for September 1 through September 10. A portion of reservations for all areas of the park will be available on a rolling basis at 8 a.m. 24-hours in advance.

And while you’re at it, might as well go ahead and get your GNP Entrance Pass (this is DIFFERENT than the vehicle reservation ticket.) More on that below.
If you receive an Vehicle Reservation, it will be in your email account. Download/print it so it will be available to you even without Wi-Fi/cell service.
If you do not receive a ticket, then 24 hours prior to the day you would like to drive the Sun Road, same process — go to recreation.gov to put in for your Vehicle Reservation Ticket.
Note: recreation.gov is not accepting Vehicle Reservation Tickets submissions until sometime in early March.

#7 Other than the Vehicle Reservation Ticket, what else do I need?

You need your photo ID, i.e. the person applying for the Vehicle Reservation Ticket for the Sun Road or the North Fork area should be in the vehicle with their photo I.D. You also need your Entrance Pass for Glacier National Park.

A Vehicle Reservation and a Park Entrance Pass into Glacier are not the same thing.
We recommend purchasing your Entrance Pass in advance, here on recreation.gov.
If you’re renting a car, don’t panic when you get to the screen requesting your license plate info. Click on the drop down menu and change personal car to rental car, and that requirement goes away.
You’ll need your Entrance Pass to access any Glacier entrances, too.
Seven-day, annual, or lifetime Entrance Passes can be purchased online or at park entrance stations with a credit card.
Note: you do not need an Entrance Pass or an Vehicle Reservation Ticket to enter the park on U.S. Highway 2, along its southern border.

#8 Is Glacier National Park doing the fare free hiker/biker shuttle this year?

As far as we know, yes! Here are more details on the fare free shuttle should it follow the same schedule as 2022. We will update you, this page and our social channels once we learn more regarding shuttles in 2023.

Express Shuttle
West side of the park – Provides non-stop shuttle service from Apgar Visitor Center to Logan Pass.
First shuttle departs at 7 am
Last shuttle departs at 8:30 amShuttles arrive approximately every 15 to 30 minutes
East side of the park – Provides non-stop shuttle service from St. Mary Visitor Center to Logan Pass.
First shuttle departs at 8 am
Last shuttle departs at 8:45 am
Shuttles arrive approximately every 15 to 30 minutes
Express shuttles are small buses (Sprinters) and board ~ 15 passengers.

Full Shuttle Service
West side of the park – 7 am to 7 pm, 7 days a week
East side of the park – 8 am to 7 pm, 7 days a week
Shuttles service all active shuttle stops on Going-to-the-Sun Road
Shuttles provide services from Apgar Visitor Center to St. Mary Visitor Center with required shuttle transfers at Avalanche Creek, Logan Pass, and Sun Point.
Traveling the entirety of Going-to-the-Sun Road can be accomplished in four legs.
- Shuttles operating between Apgar Visitor Center and Avalanche Creek run approximately every 30 minutes. Travel time is an estimated 45 minutes. Shuttle buses are 28-passenger buses.
- Shuttles operating between Avalanche Creek and Logan Pass run approximately every 15 minutes. Travel time is an estimated 50 minutes. Shuttle buses are small 12-15-passenger buses (Sprinters).
- Shuttles operating between Logan Pass and Sun Point run approximately every 10 to 20 minutes. Travel time is an estimated 30 minutes. Shuttle buses are 12-15-passenger buses (Sprinters).
- Shuttles operating between Sun Point and St. Mary Visitor Center run approximately every 30 to 40 minutes. Travel time is an estimated 20 minutes. Shuttle buses are 28-passenger buses.
Last shuttle departures
- Last departure from Apgar Visitor Center with connections to St. Mary Visitor Center is at approximately 4:15 pm.
- Last departure from the St. Mary Visitor Center with connections to Apgar Visitor Center is at approximately 5:30 pm.
- Last departure from Logan Pass is at 7 pm.
  - Visitors are encouraged to not wait until the last departure of the day
- Shuttles will make additional runs to pick up passengers who are at the shuttle stops at the time of the last departure.
Fall Reduced Shuttle
From September 6, 2022 to September 18,2022, shuttles will operate from 9 am – 5 pm.
No Express Shuttle Service available.
Shuttles arrive approximately every 40 minutes between Apgar Visitor Center and Avalanche Creek, approximately every 15 minutes between Avalanche Creek and Logan Pass, and approximately every 25 minutes between St. Mary Visitor Center and Logan Pass.
Last departures
- Last departure from Logan Pass to Apgar Visitor Center is 5:00 pm.
- Last departure from Logan Pass to St. Mary Visitor Center is 5:00 pm.
- Last shuttle service from The Loop to Logan Pass departs at 4:20 pm.
Visit Glacier National Park’s biking and shuttle pages for more info and helpful maps!

#9 How much is an Entrance Pass?

The entrance fee for Glacier National Park is $35.00 per vehicle ($30 for motorcycles) and is good for seven days.
The nonrefundable $2.00 GTSR vehicle reservation is in addition to the entrance fee and is also valid for 3 days for the Going to the Sun Road. The park will offer one-day tickets for the North Fork area of the park, Two Medicine and Many Glacier.
If you hold a valid Interagency Annual/Lifetime Pass or a Glacier National Park Annual Pass, you will only have to purchase the $2.00 nonrefundable GTSR/Polebridge vehicle reservation ticket.

#10 Do I have to purchase my Entrance Pass at recreation.gov?

No, you don’t, but we recommend saving time and purchasing online before your trip. Again, if you’re renting a car, don’t panic when you get to the screen requesting your license plate info. Click on the drop down menu and change personal car to rental car, and that requirement goes away.

#11 Do I have to purchase my Vehicle Reservation at recreation.gov?

Yes, you do.

Reservations will NOT be available at park entrance stations or park offices. If a visitor arrives at the West Glacier, Camas, St. Mary or Polebridge entrance without an vehicle reservation, they will be turned away but can go online at www.Recreation.gov to see if an vehicle reservation ticket is available for that day. This may be possible if vehicle reservation are not sold out.

Note: cell service in and around Glacier National Park is limited. Visitors are encouraged to secure day-use vehicle reservations prior to arriving at the park. Limited cell service is available in West Glacier and St. Mary. Wi-Fi may be available in surrounding communities. Many public libraries and hotels provide free computer access.

#12 What about camping? Do I need a reservation?

Campgrounds in Going-to-the-Sun Road Corridor:

Apgar Campground: Beginning April 1 advance camping reservations will be required.
- April 1 Loop B will transition to primitive* camping.
- April 24 Loops A and C will open.
- May 5 Loops B and D will open.
- May 19 Loop E will open.
Avalanche Campground: Opens July 17 with potential to open earlier depending on when Going-to-the-Sun Road fully opens for the season and requires advance camping reservations.
Fish Creek Campground: Opens May 26 and will require an advance camping reservation.
Rising Sun Campground: Opens June 5 on a first come, first served basis. Visitors without a vehicle reservation will have access to the first come, first served campground.
Sprague Creek Campground: Opens May 26 and will require an advance camping reservation.
St. Mary Campground: Beginning May 26 advance camping reservations will be required.
- April 15 Loop C will transition to primitive* camping and will be available on a first come, first served basis.
- Beginning May 26 all loops will open.

Vehicle Reservations are required for Going-to-the-Sun Road at the West Entrance and Camas Road May 26 through September 10, 2023, and at the Rising Sun checkpoint inside the St. Mary entrance beginning July 1, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors with camping reservations within Going-to-the-Sun Road Corridor can use their camping reservation for entry in lieu of a vehicle reservation to gain access to the portion of the park for which they have a reservation.

Campgrounds in the North Fork Area:

Bowman Lake Campground: Opens May 16 on a first come, first serve basis.
Kintla Lake Campground: Opens May 26 on a first come, first serve basis.
Quartz Creek Campground: Opens June 26 to primitive* camping on a first come, first serve basis.
Logging Creek Campground: Opens June 26 to primitive* camping on a first come, first serve basis.

Vehicle Reservations are required for the North Fork Area May 26 through September 10, 2023, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Campgrounds in the North Fork area will be assigned first come, first served at the Polebridge Entrance Station.

Two Medicine Campground: Opens June 5 and will require an advance reservation.

Many Glacier Campground: Opens June 9 and will require an advance camping reservation.

#13 Is there anything changing about backpacking permits in Glacier for 2023?

*PRO TIP* Avoid worrying about a permit when you book a backpacking trip with us. We have the best Glacier National Park backpacking permits and we take care all of the nitty gritty so you don’t have to. We offer beautiful backcountry guided adventures lasting 3, 4, and 6 days as well as private backpacking trips. Visit our backpacking page for more information

PERMIT INFO: Glacier National Park has announced a new advanced reservation system for backpacking permits and wilderness camping. On March 15, 2023, at 8:00 am MDT, permits will be released for advance reservations on Recreation.gov.

A Recreation.gov account is necessary to make reservations. Visit the Recreation.gov website to create an account or to log in to an already existing account.

Backpackers are encouraged to secure a reservation early because of high demand. The most efficient way to book your wilderness backpacking trip is online via Recreation.gov. Reservations can also be made by contacting the Recreation.gov call center at 877-444-6777.

The new online reservation system will only accommodate groups of 1-4 campers per permit. To make advance reservations for groups larger than four on Recreation.gov, backpackers need to be aware of the following permitting requirements:

• Groups of 5-8 campers will require two separate permits and two separate group leaders.

• Groups of 9-12 campers will require three separate permits and three separate group leaders.

To provide an alternative way of obtaining a permit for groups larger than four, the park will retain the use of the Pay.gov site for a one-day application period for mid-size and large group permits. The application period for permits via Pay.gov will occur on March 1 from 12:01 am MST and close at 11:59 pm MST.

#14 How much does the Vehicle Reservation cost?

Reservations are free but require a $2 nonrefundable reservation processing fee.

#15 What is the process to purchase an Vehicle Reservation like?

Register for an account on recreation.gov
Visitors who purchase an vehicle reservation will receive an email confirmation from recreation.gov with an attached vehicle reservation.
Print out a copy of your vehicle reservation or download on your mobile device or on the www.Recreation.gov mobile app prior to arriving at the park.

#16 What if I decide I don’t need my Vehicle Reservation? Can I sell it?

No. Vehicle Reservations are non-transferable and resale or auction of reservations is prohibited.

You are encouraged to turn your reservation back in on recreation.gov so that it can be re-allocated!

#17 How many Vehicle Reservation will there be?

No news on how many vehicle reservations will be released for 2023, but based on past years, NPS stated that the maximum daily capacity is estimated to be 4,600 vehicles per day once the road is open all the way over Logan Pass.
The date for the Sun Road opening is unknown at this time and subject to weather and plowing progress.
The park plans to start plowing the Sun Road on April 5. Track plow progress here.

#18 How long is the Vehicle Reservation good for?

West Entrance for Going-to-the-Sun Road: 3 days

Camas Road: 3 days

North Fork area at Polebridge Ranger station: 1 day

Two Medicine and Many Glacier Valleys: 1 day

St. Mary entrance for East side of Going-to-the-Sun Road: 3 days

#19 Do I need an Vehicle Reservation for other roads or areas in the park?

Yes. You need a vehicle reservation to access the Sun Road at St. Mary (the eastern entrance), the Camas Road, and West Glacier (the western entrance) and at the Polebridge Ranger Station from May 26th-September 10th, 6am-3pm. New in 2023, Many Glacier and Two Medicine Valleys will require vehicle reservations beginning July 1st until September 10th from 6am-3pm.

You need an Park Pass, but NOT an vehicle reservation, to enter The Park at Cutbank.

#20 I’m walking, hiking, or riding my bicycle into the park. Do I need an Vehicle Reservation?

No, you do not. So, if you get here and you don’t have a reservation, we recommend renting a bike!

Additionally, if you rent a bike and would still like a ride into The Park, take a look at our bike shuttle. This shuttle books fast in the early summer, so we suggest booking sooner rather than later.

If you plan to walk or hike into The Park, remember the Fare Free Shuttle! The summer shuttle service begins when Going-to-the-Sun Road opens fully and continues through Labor Day. Before Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully opened to vehicles, shuttles will service all active stops. Reduced services may also be offered through late September. Similarly, The Park offers a Hiker/Biker shuttle service, which allows recreational access for hikers and bikers beyond vehicle gate closures on Going-to-the-Sun Road prior to the road opening for the season. Hiker-biker shuttle service is offered on weekends from May 7 until the day that GTSR fully opens. Here’s a helpful map of shuttle stops, trails and other points of interest

You need an park pass, of course, anytime you’re in the park.

#21 Do I need a separate online Vehicle Reservation for each day I visit the park?

No. Vehicle reservations for the GTTSR are valid for three days and you can enter and exit the park at any point during this time. You will need a second vehicle reservation if you visit for more than three days or return for another visit later in the summer. The park will offer one-day tickets for the North Fork area of the park, Two Medicine and Many Glacier.

#22 Does my Vehicle Reservation guarantee me a parking spot?

No. Parking will continue to be in demand at popular locations such as Avalanche, Logan Pass and St. Mary Falls areas.

#23 Why is the online reservation system being implemented?

Glacier National Park has experienced record visitation and congestion issues in recent years. This will be the third year of the reservation system in the park, designed to manage high traffic volumes within the park and avoid gridlock. This management tool will continue to improve traffic flow along the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor, Two Medicine & Many Glacier Valleys and the North Fork area of Glacier, reduce crowding and congestion, and improve visitor experiences and safety.

#24 Why did they decide to require vehicle reservations for Two Medicine and Many Glacier?

The decision to add Many Glacier and Two Medicine valleys to the reservation system was based on review of data collected during the two previous years. Patterns show an increased need to restrict traffic when parking capacity was surpassed. Park officials held meetings with businesses and stakeholders this fall to share the data and solicit input. Based on feedback, park officials chose to limit the reservation time period at Two Medicine, Many Glacier, and the St. Mary Entrance to Going-to-the-Sun Road to July 1 through September 10 and to limit the hours of the reservation period to 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors to the east side of the park without a reservation will still be able to visit Two Medicine and Many Glacier before 6 a.m. and after 3 p.m. and will be able to visit the St. Mary visitor center for access to free shuttles to Going-to-the-Sun Road.

#25 Will road construction from Apgar to Lake McDonald be completed this year?

No, visitors should anticipate up to a 30-minute wait due to construction on Going-to-the-Sun Road along Lake McDonald starting in June. Additional details about construction will be posted on the park website as they become available. Entry to Going-to-the-Sun Road from the West Entrance before the 6 a.m. reservation period will not be possible due to construction activities. To avoid congestion-related delays, visitors are encouraged to use the St. Mary Entrance to access Going-to-the-Sun Road, including popular attractions such as Logan Pass and Avalanche.

#26 Should I stress about vehicle reservations into Glacier Park?

Don’t stress! The decision to implement vehicle reservations into Glacier Park, specifically on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, is NOT the end of your vacation. It’s also not going to forever ruin your life if you’re a local. Get organized, get your plan together, and get ready to get your Vehicle Reservation!

We hope that our collective experiences on the Sun Road and the North Fork of Glacier will be richer than they have been in recent years. We hope there will be more spaces to park in, less people on trails located off the Sun Road, less pressure on wildlife and sensitive vegetation, and in general more room to fully explore this stunning area of Glacier National Park. Let’s be open minded and see what happens.

#27 What about face masks in Glacier National Park?

The NPS updates its masking guidance based on the CDC’s COVID-19 Community Levels tool, which helps communities decide what prevention steps to take. Masking requirements will vary by park based on local conditions. In areas CDC identifies as high COVID-19 community level, masks are required for everyone in all NPS buildings, regardless of vaccination status. In most low and medium COVID-19 community level areas, masks are optional, and you are welcome to wear a mask if it makes you more comfortable. Additional details are available at www.nps.gov/coronavirus

#28 Will Two Medicine and Many Glacier still experience closures due to congestion?

Yes, when the reservation requirements begin, the park anticipates congestion at Two Medicine and Many Glacier valleys. As in past years, entry will be temporarily restricted if these areas reach capacity. Visitors are encouraged to plan their visit outside of peak hours (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Visitors with service reservations (e.g., boat tours, lodging, horseback ride, guided hikes) in these valleys will be permitted entry during temporary restrictions.

Even More Info About Vehicle Reservations For Glacier Park

Read all about Glacier National Park vehicle reservations straight from the NPS.
Glacier National Park is updating their Vehicle Reservation FAQ here.
Read more about the Going-to-the-Sun Road here.

Still Have Questions?

We'd love to answer them.

More FAQs Contact Us

Rafting Testimonial

I highly recommend booking with Glacier Guides. We booked white water rafting for 3 guys and had a blast. We felt like the guides did a really great job of demonstrating their expertise on the water and sharing history about the local area. Joe in particular was a great dude. If you’re in town, these guys are the best!

— David Williamson
Read More Reviews
Fishing Testimonial

Husband and I took the guided fly-fishing trip. AJ was a great teacher and patient guide. Scenery is spectacular! Totally would recommend.

— Rhonda Thompson
Read More Reviews
Our Guides

Shout out to our guides Jared, Jacob, and Sage!! They were funny, entertaining, energetic, knowledgeable, and kept the vibe high! My family came with a huge party of about 30 people which included adults and children. The Lee and Yang family had a great time and highly recommend this rafting company!

— Chewy Yang
Read More Reviews
Hiking Testimonial

We did the 3 day backpacking trip with Tom a few weeks ago. It was the BEST experience we could have asked for! We will book again if we get the chance. Unforgettable views and experience. Not to mention the food Tom made with just one little burner was perfect.

— Ashley Marie
Read More Reviews
Group Trip Testimonial

Our group went on a 4 day, 3 night backpacking trip. Jordan, our guide, made sure we knew about the foliage, animals, how to stay safe, were well fed and that we stayed hydrated. It truly went perfect, we will be visiting again.

— Cjgarcia52
Read More Reviews