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.
For the LAST 4 years, a vehicle reservation/permit was required to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The same system is now extending to the majority of the park.
For summer 2025, Glacier National Park required a reservation permit … but for 2026, the park announced plans to drop the timed entry vehicle reservation system for Going-to-the-Sun Road. Check official NPS updates before travel.
Important 2026 Update: Glacier National Park has suspended its timed entry vehicle reservation system for summer 2026. Unlike recent years, visitors may no longer need a vehicle reservation to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road or access other major park corridors. However, entrance passes, campground reservations, and backcountry permits are still required. Parking limits and temporary closures may still occur during peak times, so always check official NPS updates before visiting.
Note: Each entrance road requires a separate reservation.
Important: A reservation is not required for the Two Medicine area, the Going to the Sun Road from the east entrance (St Mary entrance), or to just access the Apgar Village area.
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 2024, 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
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
For 2026, Glacier National Park no longer uses a timed entry vehicle reservation system for most park roads. While this simplifies access compared to recent summers, visitors still need to plan ahead for entrance passes, campground reservations, and backcountry permits — especially during peak season.
Going-to-the-Sun Road from West Side (Apgar) Reservations
For 2025, timed entry vehicle reservations were required June 13–Sept 28. For 2026, Glacier National Park has announced plans to drop this requirement; visitors may be able to drive in without pre-booked entry reservations, though crowd management measures could still affect access.
Visitors will be able to access Apgar Village amenities, including the Apgar Visitor Center, without a vehicle reservation this year.
Remember that you can drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road without a vehicle reservation from the Apgar Entrance before 7am or after 3pm.
Going-to-the-Sun Road from East Side (St Mary) Reservations
No vehicle reservations are required to access Going-to-the-Sun Road from the east side in 2026. As with the rest of the park, access may be temporarily limited during peak congestion, especially near Logan Pass.
North Fork Road Reservations
North Fork Road does not require a timed vehicle reservation in 2026. That said, this remote area may still experience temporary access limits or closures due to road conditions, congestion, or weather.
Many Glacier Road Reservations
2026 Update: Many Glacier Road does not require a timed vehicle reservation in 2026. However, access rules may change due to construction, parking limitations, or crowd management. Visitors should check current conditions on the official NPS site or Recreation.gov before their trip.
This 2025 construction-related suspension may not apply in 2026 – verify latest NPS alerts or Recreation.gov before publication
Two Medicine Road Reservations
No reservations are required. This may be your best bet for getting less crowded, but still very impressive, hikes and views.
Who Needs A Reservation Permit?
If you have lodging, camping, transportation, or commercial activity reservations near Apgar, you will need an additional reservation to access the Going-to-the-Sun-Road.
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 on 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 from the west side.
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.
- 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
The reservation system will have two booking windows.
A percentage of reservations become available 120 days in advance with a rolling system. On February 13th, reservations for June 13th are released. On March 26th reservations for July 26th are released, and so on.
The remaining percentage of vehicle reservations will be released on a rolling 24-hour in-advance basis at 7 pm MDT for next-day entry starting on June 12, 2025. So starting on June 12th, whatever remaining vehicle reservations are left will be released at 7 pm 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. You can ride either the shuttle from Apgar or from St Mary’s visitor center without needing a permit.
- From June 13 through September 28, you can drive into the park without vehicle reservations before 7 am and after at 3 pm.
- 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!
- Wait to visit Glacier until after September 28
What’s Changed for Glacier National Park in 2026
Glacier National Park has paused its experimental timed entry vehicle reservation system for 2026. This marks a major shift from the reservation-heavy summers of recent years. While this allows more flexibility, visitors should expect on-site crowd management, including temporary parking closures and access delays during peak hours. Always verify current policies on the official NPS website before your visit.
FAQs
Glacier National Park does not require timed entry vehicle reservations for most park roads, including Going-to-the-Sun Road. Visitors can enter the park without booking a specific entry time. However, a valid park entrance pass is still required, and parking areas or road sections may temporarily close during peak congestion. Always check official NPS updates before your visit.
You do not need to book in advance to enter Glacier National Park in 2026. However, campground reservations, lodging, and backcountry permits should ideally be booked 3–6 months in advance, especially for peak summer travel.
Yes. Camping reservations are separate from park entry and are still required for reservable campgrounds and backcountry camping. Campgrounds and wilderness permits must be booked through Recreation.gov.
Camping or lodging reservations do not replace the need for a park entrance pass, but no additional vehicle reservation is required in 2026. Be aware that access to certain areas may still be temporarily limited due to parking capacity or crowd management.
At park entrance stations, you’ll need to show proof of a valid park entrance pass (digital or physical). If you have campground, tour, or backcountry reservations, keep those accessible as well, especially if visiting remote areas with limited cell service.
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 secure a first-come, first-served campsite (such as in the North Fork area), you’ll still need a valid park entrance pass. No additional vehicle reservation is required in 2026.
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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Kimberly
Friday 6th of February 2026
Do 7-day entrance passes sell out? I'll be renting a car when I get to Montana, so I can't buy the pass until I arrive.
Robyn Robledo
Sunday 8th of February 2026
They do not sell out. You can wait until you arrive.