Looking to visit Glacier National Park this summer? Read this simple guide to Glacier National Park reservations to find out who needs Glacier reservations, when you need them, where you need them, and how to make reservations in Glacier for a great summer trip.
Yep, the rumors are true. Glacier National Park now requires reservations to access any part of the park…at least, for the summer.
In the LAST 3 years, a vehicle reservation/permit was required to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The same system is now extending to the whole park.
Glacier National Park now requires a reservation permit in order to access ALL roads into the park including:
- Going-to-the-Sun road from the west side (Apgar entrance + Camas entrance),
- Going-to-the-Sun road from the east side (St Mary entrance),
- Many Glacier road,
- North Fork road,
- and Two Medicine road.
Whether you’re visiting Glacier on a Grand Teton to Glacier road trip, it’s your first time to visit Glacier, or you’re headed back to explore more of the 50 greatest hikes, we want to help you get reservations so you can visit this summer.
If you’re looking to visit Glacier National Park in 2023, the reservation system may seem overwhelming and confusing. Don’t worry, in this blog I’m going to share everything you need to know about making reservations in Glacier National Park without confusion!
Table of Contents
Do You Need Reservations in Glacier National Park
Each entrance road requires a separate reservation.
If you have trouble getting a permit, there are still a lot of great hikes to do around Glacier NP that don’t require a permit.
When Do You Need Reservations in Glacier National Park
Going-to-the-Sun Road from West Side (Apgar) Reservations
Reservations required from May 26 through September 10 from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservation good for 3 days.
During the period between May 26th and June 30th, you can drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road without a vehicle reservation from the St. Mary Entrance.
Going-to-the-Sun Road from East Side (St Mary) Reservations
Reservations required from July 1 – September 10, 2023. from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. starting at the Rising Sun Checkpoint. St Mary reservations are good for 3 days.
North Fork Road Reservations
Reservations required from May 26 through September 10 from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. North Fork reservations are good for 1 day.
Many Glacier Road Reservations
Reservation required from July 1 – September 10, 2023. Reservations are good for 1 day.
Two Medicine Road Reservations
Reservation required from July 1 – September 10, 2023. Reservations are good for 1 day.
Who Needs A Reservation Permit?
If you have lodging, camping, transportation, or commercial activity reservations, you do not need an additional reservation to access the region of the park you have a reservation in.
What If I Have Glacier National Park Camping or Lodging Reservations?
You may still need a reservation to access other areas of the park that you are not staying in.
For example, if you have a campground reserved in Many Glacier, you don’t need an additional vehicle reservation permit to drive Many Glacier Road. You DO still need a vehicle reservation permit if you want to visit other areas of the park like Going-to-the-Sun road or Two Medicine.
Your other reservations serve as vehicle reservations for the day or days of the service reservation. So if you’re camping for 1 night, you get both days of valid vehicle reservations. If you booked a boat tour, you have vehicle reservations for the 1 day your boat tour takes place.
Here’s an overview of services in the park that count as reservations.
- All Glacier National Park Campgrounds
- Boat tour with Glacier Park Boat Company
- Red Bus Tour Reservations
- Sun Tours Reservations
- Horseback Riding at Swan Mountain Outfitters
- Bike or watercraft rental reservations at Glacier Outfitters or Glacier Park Boat Company
- Wilderness camping permits for backpackers
Reservation Release Dates
In 2023, the reservation system will have two booking windows.
A percentage of reservations become available 120 days in advance with a block system.
- On February 1st, reservations for May 26th – June 30th are released
- On March 1st, reservations for July 1st – July 31st will be released
- On April 1st, reservations for August 1st – August 31st will be released
- On May 1st, reservations for September 1st – September 10th will be released
The remaining percentage of vehicle reservations will be released on a rolling 24 hour in-advance basis at 8 am. This begins on June 30th. So starting on June 30th, whatever remaining vehicle reservations are left will be released at 8am the day before on Recreation.Gov.
How To Make Reservations for Glacier N.P.
Log into your account at Recreation.gov. If you don’t have an existing Recreation.gov, make sure you set up your account before the day that permits are released. Visit the Glacier National Park Vehicle Reservations page.
Select your desired date/date range and select the number of vehicles. Click “Request Tickets” and follow the prompts to checkout.
Reservations are free but there is a $2 processing fee.
Tips For if You Can’t Get A Glacier National Park Reservation
- If you have trouble getting a permit, there are still a lot of stunning hikes to do around Glacier NP that don’t require a permit. Visit our blog about the best hikes outside Glacier.
- Ride the shuttle and no need for a vehicle reservation.
- From May 26 through September 10th, you can drive into the park without vehicle reservations before 6am and after at 3pm.
- Reservations sold out? Try making a service reservation for bike rentals, paddleboard rentals, a boat tour, etc
- Visitors who enter by bike (or by foot) don’t need reservations. Go for an adventurous bike ride!
FAQs
Yes, between July 1 and September 10, 2023, ALL access roads into Glacier National Park require reservations. In the spring between May 26th and June 30th, Going-to-the-Sun Road from the west and North Fork Road will require reservations as well.
Ideally, make reservations 4 months in advance. Reservations are released in blocks on the 1st of the month for 4 months in the future.
On February 1st, spring dates were released. On March 1st, July dates are released. On April 1st, August dates are released. On May 1st, September dates are released.
Yes. Your vehicle reservation does not provide any lodging or camping. It just allows you to enter the park for 1-3 days depending on the region you make reservations for.
No. If you have camping or lodging reservations within the National Park, these serve as vehicle reservations for the day/days of your reservations in the region of the park that your reservation is within. You will need additional vehicle reservations if you want to visit other areas of the park.
At the given entrance station, you’ll need to present proof of a valid reservation to the park staff.
You can print a copy of the reservation that is emailed to you, or, make things easier and present it digitally. Screenshot or save the information on your email to present to park staff (because you probably won’t have cell service in the park).
Yes. You permit does not include the entrance fee. You’ll need to buy a day or annual pass ($20-$80) online or at the window.
If you are planning on camping at an established first-come first-serve campground in the North Fork, the Ranger Station at the entrance will issue your site upon arrival, if there are sites available. If you get a campsite, a vehicle reservation will be included for the duration of your stay there.
Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments if you have any questions left unanswered! You can also check out the official National Park website for other details.
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