12 Important Things to Know About Glacier National Park Reservations

Visiting Glacier National Park has become complicated, with some reservations for popular attractions being made 4 months (120 days) in advance. The best way to visit Glacier National Park requires a plan, and we're here to help.

Glacier National Park entrance passes are different than GNP vehicle reservations. You'll need BOTH for the most popular routes. Which entrance is the best? That totally depends on what you want to see in Glacier National Park.

Glacier is one of the largest National Parks in America. Montana's Glacier National Park covers 1,013,322 acres or 1,583 square miles - it's impossible to see everything in one day. Especially during tourist traffic season, and that requires more planning.

• Areas requiring reservations: Going-to-the-Sun Road (west side) and the North Fork area.
• Dates and times: June 13 through September 28, 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
• Reservation type: Timed entry vehicle reservations are required.
• Park pass: A park entrance pass is also required, in addition to the vehicle reservation.
• How to get a reservation: Reservations can be made online through Recreation.gov.

VISITING OUTSIDE OF GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

• Entering after 3:00 PM: If you arrive after 3:00 PM, you can enter without a reservation.
• Red Jammer Buses: These vintage buses are an excellent way to take a break from driving or hiking, but still getting the most out of your visit to Glacier National Park.
• Entering from the east: You can access the Going-to-the-Sun Road from the east side (St. Mary entrance) without a vehicle reservation.
• St. Mary is the main eastern entrance, providing 'quicker' access to Logan Pass and the eastern side of Going-to-the-Sun Road.
• Service reservations: Service reservations (for things like lodging, camping, etc.) do not replace the requirement for a vehicle reservation for entering the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor from the west.

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