How to get into Glacier National Park without Reservations

You’ve finally decided to go to Glacier, but then realize you missed the window for vehicle reservations. Don’t worry—this guide will show you how to get into Glacier National Park without reservations and still enjoy all this incredible park has to offer.

Whether you’re planning a last-minute family trip or just missed the reservation window, there’s still hope! Many find themselves in this same situation, and there are plenty of workarounds to enjoy your trip.

When we traveled to Glacier during July, we misunderstood the requirements and didn’t snag a reservation before they sold out. But with some research and the right tools, we were able to have a fantastic visit, including a chance to access the park with a reservation. After navigating Glacier during peak tourist season and researching all the options, I’ve compiled the best ways to still get access.

You might consider waiting until the late afternoon and entering without a reservation, focus your time in Two Medicine or Apgar where you don’t need reservations, or book a tour that provides access. There are so many choices and I’m sharing all of them!

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Why Glacier Uses a Vehicle Reservation System

Because of the popularity of the park combined with a relatively short warm season, Glacier has tried multiple versions of a reservation system over the last few years. The goal is to reduce congestion and have a better experience for guests. Not regulating entry could lead to long waits, lack of parking, and unsafe conditions.

While the system is mostly in the best interests of visitors, wildlife, and preserving the park, it can lead to disappointment and frustration for those unaware or unable to plan vacations months in advance.

There are different reservation windows and rules for different regions of the park, and they have changed from year to year. The information below is the most up-to-date and will be revised as soon as Glacier shares the 2025 reservation information. Remember, whether you have a reservation or not, there is plenty to see and do in Glacier.

Where is a Reservation Required?

First of all, reservations are NOT required in all areas of the park. The Apgar area, Fish Creek, and Two Medicine, and entrance from the east side (St. Mary) are all accessible without reservations and beautiful portions of the park.

Secondly, reservations are only required if you are driving a personal vehicle in a restricted region. Shuttle riders, visitors on private tours (Red Bus or Sun Tours), and those with rentals or lodging reservations in certain areas will not need one.

The following restrictions were in place in 2024:

Going to the Sun Road (Eastbound from West Glacier)

If you are visiting from the western side of the park (West Glacier, Apgar, Whitefish, Kalispell, Columbia Falls), the quickest access to the park is via Going-to-the-Sun Road. Popular trails off this road include Trail of the Cedars/Avalanche Lake, Hidden Lake, Highline Trail, and Sun Point Nature Trail.

This road is typically open in late June but could open as early as May or as late as July, and it closes around the third week of October (weather permitting). To access the road eastbound beyond the Apgar Visitor Center and Campground, you must have a vehicle reservation from May 24th to September 8th (2024 dates).

The road is open to all vehicles before 6 am or after 3 pm whether they hold a reservation or not. You do not need to display a special ticket if you come outside the required reservation window. Furthermore, in 2024 there were no required reservations if you were entering Going-to-the-Sun Road from the eastern entrance near St. Mary.

Many Glacier

Typically, the main road to Many Glacier opens sometime in May. Again, it all depends on snowfall and the ability to clear and safely maintain the road. Popular spots in the Many Glacier area include Grinnell Glacier, Apikuni Falls, and boat tours offered by Glacier Park Boat Company.

The 2024 reservation window for Many Glacier extended from July 1st – September 8th, with no reservations needed in May or June. Visitors were able to access the area without a reservation before 6:00 am and after 3:00 pm.

For those looking to plan a 2025 trip to Glacier, be aware that part of the Many Glacier road will be closed to all vehicles beyond Swiftcurrent Lake. Visitors will be able to park at the Many Glacier Hotel, and there will be no access for cars, bikes, or foot traffic past this location. Hikes such as Fishercap Lake and Red Rock Falls will most likely be unavailable.

It is likely that fewer cars will be admitted to the Many Glacier region throughout 2025 because of the road closure, so plan accordingly.

North Fork

The North Fork area is for visitors that don’t mind missing out on the modern comforts, in exchange for a more peaceful visit. While it can still get crowded, the unpaved road conditions coupled with the required vehicle reservation keep numbers to a minimum. This is definitely a region you want to be prepared for.

Visitors to this area enjoy the increased solitude, and there are several longer hikes like Bowman Lake Head Trail and the Numa Overlook Trail.

Reservations for cars in 2024 extended from May 24th – September 8th, with those entering before 6:00 am or after 3:00 pm not needing reservations (same limitations as Going-to-the-Sun Road).

Where Do I Go to Get a Reservation?

Create an account at recreation.gov prior to signing up for your reservation. Make sure to have your username and password safely stored so you aren’t overwhelmed or frustrated when you go to sign up.

On recreation.gov, use the search bar to search for Glacier National Park Vehicle Reservations. Find the date you want to reserve and add it to your cart. You usually have about 15 minutes to complete the order before it is removed from your cart.

How Early Do I Need to Reserve?

In the 2024 season, reservations were made available 120 days ahead of time until they sold out. For peak travel dates (July and August, and weekends), expect reservations to go quickly. Passes are only good for one day, so you will need to purchase additional passes for each day you plan to access restricted areas of the park.

Additional passes were released each day at 7:00 pm Mountain Time for next day entrance.

Also know that a reservation does not guarantee the roads will be opened or grant you access to the park – you will need to pay an additional entrance fee or use your America the Beautiful Pass national park annual pass. If you have a 4th grade student, they can get their own pass for free that will provide entrance for your car. That pass is good from September 1st – August 31st.

Have a 4th grader? Learn all about getting a free park pass HERE

Options if I Don’t Get a Reservation

While securing a pass 120 days prior via recreation.gov will help you rest easy and feel more prepared for your upcoming trip, it’s not always feasible to get one. Let’s talk about how to still access a reservation even if you missed the reservation window and how to enjoy Glacier without a pass.

Start Earlier or Later

All the entrances are open to all visitors before 6:00 am and after 3:00 pm. In the summer months, it stays light quite late in Glacier. While you might not have enough time to hike the Highline Trail if you are entering at 3:00 pm, there are several hikes that would be lovely at that time, including Hidden Lake Overlook and Avalanche Lake. Just be prepared with headlamps and flashlights and get as early a start as you can.

When we first thought we wouldn’t be able to get a reservation, we started creating our backup plan. One option was to have a leisurely morning at the campground, kayak in the morning, grab lunch and play at Lake McDonald, and then access the road right at 3:00 pm

We then planned to get to the entrance early the next day. We prepped the kids that there would be a very early morning on one of our days to help them get used to the idea of a 5 am wake up call. I wasn’t thrilled with the idea, but knew we could do it if needs be.

Prepare for some congestion at the access points as well as some full parking lots still, but these early and late entrance times should help with reduced numbers.

Stay in the Park

We (incorrectly) assumed that because we had camping reservations, we did not need a vehicle reservation. If your campground or lodging is within the restricted area then, yes, you can access that area without the additional vehicle reservation. However, you cannot stay in one region of the park (Lake McDonald Lodge) and access other restricted areas (Many Glacier) without the necessary reservation. You only have access to your region of the park.

Campsites that include a vehicle reservation:

• Sprague Creek Campground: Western entrance Going-to-the-Sun Road
• Avalanche Creek Campground: Western entrance Going-to-the-Sun Road
• Bowman Lake Campground: North Fork
  • This site is only first come – first served, but if there are openings then you should be able to access the road if you claim a camping spot. Ask at the entrance station. This is a risky option, and remember that this region is unpaved roads.
• Logging Creek Campground: North Fork
  • First come-first served
• Kintla Lake Campground: North Fork
  • First come-first served
• Quartz Creek Campground: North Fork
  • First come-first served
• Many Glacier Campground: Many Glacier
• Backcountry Camping Permits
  • Glacier offers advanced wilderness camping reservations, as well as first come first served options. If you secure a wilderness permit, it will act as your vehicle reservation to access the trailhead. It will not grant you access to other reservation-only areas. For example, if your campsite is accessible via the North Fork entrance you will not be able to use it to access Many Glacier. Always check with the backcountry station to ensure you have all you need to ensure access.

Campsites that do NOT include a reservation:

These campgrounds are outside of the required vehicle reservation areas and therefore do not include access to the restricted areas. You will need to secure a vehicle reservation if you want to enter Going-to-the-Sun Road from the west, Many Glacier, or North Fork.

• Fish Creek
• Cut Bank
• Apgar
• St. Mary
• Rising Sun
• Two Medicine

Park Lodging that includes a vehicle reservation:

• Lake McDonald Lodge: Western entrance Going-to-the-Sun Road
• Motel Lake McDonald: Western entrance GTTSR
• Many Glacier Hotel: Many Glacier
• Granite Park Chalet: Western entrance GTTSR
  • It’s important to know that you have to hike to the Granite Park Chalet, with trail options ranging from 4-7+ miles (one way). It is a rustic hostel for hikers – not a luxury stay. Children are welcome.
• Sperry Chalet: Western entrance GTTSR
  • The Sperry Chalet is also only accessible by trail. The trails range from 6.7 miles (one way) to 13.5 miles. However, you are provided bedding and meals during your stay. Children are welcome.
• Swiftcurrent Motor Inn: Many Glacier
  • The Swiftcurrent Motor Inn will be closed for the 2025 season due to area construction and improvements.
• If you are staying at a private residence within the park that requires access through a restricted area. Make sure to get the correct details from the owners.

Park Lodging that does NOT include a reservation:

• Village Inn at Apgar Village
• Apgar Village Lodge and Cabins

Use the Free Glacier Shuttle System

Glacier offers a free shuttle service for guests who are unable to secure a vehicle pass for Going-to-the-Sun Road (but not Many Glacier or North Fork). While the shuttle is free, you’ll still need to pay the park entrance fee, as the shuttle doesn’t cover that.

The beginning and end points of the service are at the Apgar Visitor Center (west entrance) and St. Mary Visitor Center (east entrance).

There are two types of shuttles:

• Express Shuttle: A morning shuttle takes you straight to the Logan Pass stop without any stops along the way. This provides a faster way to the Logan Pass Visitor Center, Highline Tail, and Hidden Lake Overlook hike. The shuttle from Apgar to Logan Pass runs each morning from 7-8:30 am and from St. Mary to Logan Pass from 8-8:45 am.
• Regular Shuttle: Has multiple stops along Going-to-the-Sun Road, including those for Trail for the Cedars and Avalanche Lake, Logan Pass, St. Mary Falls, and Sun Point. It is important to note that transfers will be required at the following stops to continue along GTTSR: Avalanche Creek, Logan Pass, and Sun Point.

Both shuttles typically run from July 1st through Labor Day, with services starting at 8 am and ending at 7 pm. Shuttles run about every 15-30 minutes, but it can vary depending on the day and crowds, so plan for some wait time. There is a reduced service shuttle that continues to run through the first two or so weeks of September.

When traveling with kids, consider the time spent waiting, the potential for crowded shuttles, and be sure to pack snacks and activities for downtime. Waiting is a great time to work on Junior Ranger activities. When we first thought we would be without a reservation, we didn’t explore the shuttle option in depth because we didn’t feel like it would be a great fit for our kids, but each family is different.

For the most up-to-date information on shuttle stops and schedules, visit the official Glacier National Park shuttle page – it details all the stops, what hikes or sites are found at each, and amenities (water, restrooms, etc.) that are available.

Alternative Destinations

There are still plenty of ways to enjoy the park, even if you find yourself unable to access the reservation-required areas.

East Entrance

Reservations are not required to access Going-to-the-Sun Road if you are entering via the eastern end of the park. If you enter via St. Mary you are good to go! The Logan Pass Visitor Center, where you can begin the popular Highline and Hidden Lake Overlook Trails, is about 18 miles from St. Mary and it should take 30-45 minutes to get there. Even closer, is the Sun Point nature trail with stunning views of St. Mary’s Lake. This stop is only 15-25 minutes from the St. Mary Visitor Center.

You can drive the entire road (50 miles) in about 2 hours – but be aware if you exit the road past the Apgar checkpoint, you will not be able to access the road again until after 3:00 pm. There is so much to do along Going-to-the-Sun Road, I wouldn’t worry too much! If you do find yourself “stuck” explore the Apgar area until the road is open to all.

Apgar

Speaking of the Apgar area – if you find yourself without a reservation, consider spending a slow morning exploring this region of the park. Start at the Apgar Visitor Center, just a few minutes from West Glacier and the national park entrance, and speak with a ranger. Ask for suggested hikes and activities and check out any exhibits in the center. Grab a junior range book (all ages can participate), and start working on earning your badge.

Next, you can walk to Apgar Village via the Apgar Bike Trail and explore. Here you can enjoy the many amenities of this mini town – rent kayaks from Glacier Outfitters, grab a bite at Eddie’s, do a little shopping, stop in at the Apgar Nature Center, and relax by Lake McDonald. Soon enough, the road will open and you can spend the afternoon and evening exploring the park.

Two Medicine

A visit to Two Medicine, located on the eastern side of the park about 45 minutes south of St. Mary, offers beautiful lakes and a variety of hiking options. Here you can chase waterfalls like Aster Falls, Rockwell Falls, or Appistoki Falls, take a scenic boat ride, and explore Upper Two Medicine Lake.

You can easily spend an entire day, or more, in this region – and you don’t need any vehicle reservations! (But you do need a park entrance pass.)

Services for Securing Access

Campnab

There are several sites you can use to be alerted about camping, tour, and/or reservation openings. Some include Campflare (free), recreation.gov, and Campnab (paid). I have used Campflare and Campnab for several campsite reservation alerts and both work great.

However, Campnab was our only option to alert for road reservations, but it worked beautifully.

We secured a spot at Fish Creek Campground far in advance but didn’t pay attention to the fact that although we did indeed secure a campsite in the park, we did not get a reservation to Going-to-the-Sun Road because it was before the checkpoint.

About 6 weeks before our trip I set up a Campnab scene for the dates we would be in the park, with the hope that we could still get a vehicle spot. It then periodically scanned the reservation site for any cancellations/openings and alerted me via text and email when a vehicle reservation opened up.

I was then able to click a link that brought me to recreation.gov where I could snag the new opening and secure our pass. It was simple, effective, and is how we were able to enter the road without having to use additional workarounds.

If it’s in your budget and you want the peace of mind of securing your reservation, it can be a great way of snatching an opening. Please note, getting a reservation is NOT guaranteed and you do not get a refund if no results are found.

Learn more about Campnab and set up a scan HERE.

Tours and Reservations that Provide Access

Several Glacier-sanctioned tour companies are allowed to work within the official boundaries. These official tour options offer a stress-free way to explore the park and either provide vehicle reservations or take you to the park boundaries using their transportation.

Glacier Park Boat Company

With Glacier Park Boat Company you can take a boat tour or rent your own kayak, canoe, or paddleboard (depending on the location).

Boat tours are available in Lake McDonald, Two Medicine, Many Glacier, and St. Mary Lake. You will only receive vehicle reservations to access your specific destination (Lake McDonald = Going-to-the-Sun Road, Many Glacier = Many Glacier area).

Tours typically last 1-2 hours and range from $24 to $40 per adult, while rentals start around $20 an hour. Make sure to check the specific schedules and physical requirements for each tour, as they vary.

Tours and reservations are now open for 2025. Many Glacier will have significant road closures (past Many Glacier Hotel), but the boat tour is still available.

Red Bus Tours

A very popular Glacier experience is taking one of the iconic open-top Red Bus Tours. There are a variety of tour options and pick-up destinations. While you do not get a vehicle reservation with the tour, you will be able to sit back and relax without having to navigate the steep and windy roads or fight for parking. Each bus holds four rows of four people.

Tours range from 3.5-9.5 hours, with prices ranging from $56 to $124 per adult depending on tour length. These fill up fast, so booking in advance is highly encouraged.

Sun Tours

Sun Tours are led by Blackfeet tribal members who share their experience with their homeland. Tours are usually offered starting on either entrance of Going-to-the-Sun Road and offer insights into the Blackfeet Nation’s history and traditions, as well as incredible views.

Expect a 4-8 hour tour priced between $100 to $140 per adult and both half-day and full-day tours are available. This is a great way to combine a scenic tour with engaging and enlightening narration.

Glacier Guides

If you are more active, consider a guided hiking or biking tour from Glacier Guides. Guided hikes range from half-day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips, giving you plenty of options to fit your schedule, interests, ages, and abilities. You will not receive a vehicle reservation but will be transported by the company to the various trailheads and stops.

If you are visiting Glacier in the early season, before Going-to-the-Sun Road opens, consider a guided biking tour of the road. Availability dates usually range from early May to mid-June (whenever the road opens). Prices start at $199 (standard bike) and go up to $290 (e-bike), and riders must be at least 14 years old.

Glacier National Park tours for 2025 are now available, so start planning ASAP.

Glacier Institute

This nonprofit provides tours and programs for a range of ages and abilities, with a big emphasis on education. If you are one with lots of questions, this is the tour for you!

Most day tours are about $150 and include transportation to and from the Glacier Institute in Columbia Falls and your guide. You will still need to pay the park entrance fee, which is the case for most (if not all) tours within the park.

Tours include Going-to-the-Sun Road highlights, Avalanche Lake, Hidden Lake Overlook, Highline Trail, and more.

Swan Mountain Outfitters

Saddle up and explore Glacier by horseback with Swan Mountain Outfitters, offering horseback rides through Many Glacier, Lake McDonald, Apgar, and West Glacier.

A reservation at the Lake McDonald location will grant you access to Going-to-the-Sun Road for the day, and a scheduled ride from Many Glacier provides a reservation for Many Glacier that day.

When planning, please note that Many Glacier will have significant closures and construction in 2025 which may impact some of the rides in the area.

Rides start at 1 hour for $95, with additional hours and prices from there. Riders must be 7 years or older and weigh 225 pounds or less.

Conclusion

Whether you can secure a vehicle reservation or not, Glacier has so much to offer. Be flexible and have a Plan B, C, and D. While I am so excited about the increasing popularity of our national parks, that also means you might need to do a little more in-depth research and planning. Consider joining the Family Travel Framework where you get detailed lessons, workbook, and real-life examples of all things travel planning. This course will help you transform your travel prep with less stress and more confidence. Not quite ready for a full course? Grab my Free To-Do List Templates to get started on the right foot today!

Happy Travels!

Learn all about the
Family Travel Framework HERE.