Planning a trip to Glacier National Park this year? A few things have changed to allow for greater flexibility, better driving conditions and a more streamlined Montana getaway.
The National Park Service has eliminated the timed-entry vehicle reservation system, so you can now drive into Glacier National Park at any time, from any entrance. Park rangers will enforce temporary parking lot closures and time limits to help ease congestion. Want to skip the driving and parking altogether? Visitors can now make reservations on the Going-to-the-Sun Road shuttles, too.
Here's everything you need to know to make the most of your visit this summer.
Vehicle reservations are not required to enter the park this year. That means no more planning way in advance — you can drive into Glacier when it fits your schedule. More flexibility for drivers also means less early-morning and late-night traffic, allowing for a safer, more relaxed driving experience.
And, whether you’re staying in West Glacier, East Glacier, St. Mary or nearby Whitefish, you’ll have some extra time to sit down for breakfast and a cup of coffee before venturing into the park.
Don’t forget to fill both your water bottle and your gas tank before leaving. Fully charged phones and cameras will come in handy, too — Going-to-the-Sun Road provides photo opportunities at every turn.
NOTE: An entrance pass, such as a Standard, Annual or America the Beautiful Pass, is still required to enter Glacier National Park. Get yours at the gate or purchase in advance on the National Park Service website.
Beginning July 1*, private vehicles can park at Logan Pass for a maximum of three hours. This turnover will allow more guests to experience the visitor center, join ranger-led activities and visit the bookstore.
Atop the Continental Divide (6,646 feet), the Logan Pass Visitor Center has public restrooms, drinking water and a short boardwalk that makes stretching your legs both simple and scenic.
Great news for hikers — three hours is plenty of time for the Hidden Lake Overlook trail. This easy out-and-back three-mile hike is a popular spot to see wildlife, wildflowers and incredible views of Glacier’s famous Garden Wall.
The Highline Trail and Mount Oberlin, two other iconic hikes with trailheads at Logan Pass, are a little longer with higher degrees of difficulty. Consider booking a shuttle if these hikes are on your bucket list.
*The Going-to-the-Sun Road’s opening and closing dates are weather-dependent. Stay up to date on the National Park Service website.
Tip: Looking for other Glacier hikes? Read about four of our favorites here!
Sit back, relax and catch a ride. Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road shuttles are scheduled to operate July through September*, weather permitting.
Shuttle tickets will be released during two booking windows:
Tickets are available on a first-come, first served basis through recreation.gov or by calling 877.444.6777.
There is a $1 processing fee per ticket. Route details, boarding times and shuttle stops will be updated throughout the season by the National Park Service.
*Weather-dependent. Condition updates are available on the National Park Service website.
Every season in Glacier National Park has its own kind of magic. Experience the trip of a lifetime with us this summer.
An entrance pass is required to enter the park. Fees vary for US residents, non-US residents, seniors, military and visitors with permanent disabilities. Find out all of your options on the National Park Service website.
Maybe! Pre-purchases are dependent on what you’re planning to do in Glacier National Park:
Several popular hikes either require a shuttle or are better with a shuttle (so you can take your time on the trail). Parking at trailheads is limited, and the parking lot at Logan Pass has a three-hour limit.
Any Logan Pass hike other than Hidden Lake Overlook will require a shuttle. Other popular trailheads along the shuttle route are Gunsight Pass, Piegan Pass, Siyeh Pass, Mt. Oberlin, Highline Trail, Cracker Lake, Iceberg Lake and Ptarmigan Trail — just to name a few.
Find out more information on shuttle reservations on the National Park Service website. And as always, be sure to check trail conditions before heading out.
Please note: Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Lake will not be accessible by park shuttles in 2026.
No. The National Park Service has discontinued the timed-entry vehicle reservation system. Drive into the park whenever it fits your schedule.
About the Author
Sarah Ericson is a writer based in northwest Montana, where you’ll often find her walking, biking or skiing in the woods, floating down rivers or sitting in her garden. She is an associate editor for Whitefish Review and she’s always looking for new places to explore — both on the page and in real life.
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