Shuttle Stops

Shuttle Stops in Service in 2021

NPS Graphic

 

Shuttle Operation for 2021:
In light of the forecast for increased visitation, Glacier National Park is implementing a Ticket-to-Ride system through Recreation.gov to help manage the park’s shuttle buses. Having a predetermined number of Tickets-to-Ride, released by time blocks, ensures staff can load up buses with the right number of people, and reduce long lines at Visitor Centers and transfer points. More information is available on the Glacier's Shuttle System page of the park website.

Riding the shuttles will require passengers obtain reservations in advance.

1. Park visitors wishing to take advantage of the Going-to-the-Sun Road shuttles will need to purchase a Ticket-to-Ride from recreation.gov for the particular date and time they wish to ride.
2. The Ticket-to-Ride must be validated at the visitor center selected at the time of reservation, either Apgar Visitor Center or St. Mary Visitor Center.
3. Validations are available in one hour blocks between 7 am and 3 pm only. Your Ticket-to-Ride reservation must be validated during the time frame indicated on your reservation. Tickets will not be validated outside of these hours.
4. Visitors planning to ride the shuttle should consider where they will enter the park before purchasing their Ticket-to-Ride. If planning to enter from the east side of the park, visitors should reserve their ticket for the St. Mary Visitor Center. If entering from the west side, they should reserve their ticket for the Apgar Visitor Center.
5. Validations will not be possible at other locations, due to WiFi limitations in the park.
6. Once validated, passengers will receive a wrist band that will allow use of the shuttle service for the remainder of the day at any of the stops in service this summer. Please note that not all stops are in service and some hiking opportunities may not be possible by using the shuttle system.

The graphic above highlights the shuttle stops in operation this summer and those that will not be in service.

Time schedules for the individual stops will be updated when that information becomes available.

 

Apgar Visitor Center Shuttle Stop

Shuttle Reservation Validation Station
The Apgar Visitor Center is the main hub for transit functions on the west side of the park. At the Apgar Visitor Center, you will be able to find park rangers to assist you in planning your day in the park. If you are visiting for the day, park your car here and hop on the shuttle to access different locations on Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Specific Location:
Under the shuttle shelter in the Apgar Visitor Center Plaza

Restrooms:
Yes

Drinking Water:
Yes

Trip Planning Information:
Apgar Visitor Center - self-guided park and shuttle information

 

Apgar Village Shuttle Stop - Not in service in 2021

 

Apgar Campground Shuttle Stop - Not in service in 2021

 

Sprague Creek Campground Shuttle Stop - Not in service in 2021

 

Lake McDonald Lodge Shuttle Stop

Lake McDonald Lodge is a great destination for numerous activities. The Lodge itself is an attraction and built to resemble a hunting lodge with Swiss influence. Come and enjoy all that this historic location has to offer. Parking is often limited, so it might be a good idea to park your car at the Apgar Visitor Center and hop on a shuttle to reach Lake McDonald Lodge.

Specific Location:
Across from the camp store.

Restrooms:
Yes

Drinking Water:
Yes

Day Hikes (one-way):
Avalanche Creek - 6.5 mi.
Fish Lake - 2.9 mi.
Gunsight Pass Trailhead - 21.4 mi. (No Return Shuttle Service from Gunsight Pass Trailhead/Jackson Glacier Overlook in 2021)
Mt. Brown Lookout - 5.3 mi.
Snyder Lakes - 4.4 mi.
Sperry Chalet - 6.4 mi.

Campstore/Gift Shops:
Lodge camp store
Lodge gift shop

Lodging:
Lake McDonald Lodge

Food Service:
Russell's Fireside Dining Room
Jammer Joe's Grill and Pizzeria
Stockade Lounge

Activities:
Scenic Boat Tours & Rentals - Glacier Park Boat Co.
Horseback Rides - Swan Mountain Outfitters at the Lake McDonald Corral
Road Tours - Sun Tours & Glacier National Park Lodges
Evening Program - listen and learn about Glacier with a ranger at the Lake McDonald Lodge Auditorium.

 

Avalanche Creek Shuttle Stop - Tranfer Location

Avalanche Creek is one of the most popular destinations in the park. The area includes 2 of the more popular hiking trails, a picnic area, and restrooms. Avalanche Campground is also located here, making this a popular base camp for journeys along the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Specific Location:
Part of the picnic area near the main parking lot and restrooms.

Restrooms:
Yes - in campground loops and in the picnic area.

Drinking Water:
Yes - spigots are located in campground loops.

Day Hikes (one-way):
Avalanche Lake - 2 mi.
Lake McDonald Lodge - 6.5 mi. Catch another shuttle at Lake McDonald Lodge.
Trail of the Cedars - 0.7 mi.

Activities:
Camping - 86 sites
Picnic area
Evening Program - listen and learn about Glacier with a ranger at the campground amphitheater.

 

The Loop Shuttle Stop

The Loop represents a very significant location on Going-to-the-Sun Road. This is the only switchback on the Going-to-the-Sun Road and contains many architectural features. The Trapper Fire of 2003 swept through this area and opened up vistas of distant mountains. Heavens Peak dominates the landscape and a hiking trail at this spot maps the course to hikers to the historic Granite Park Chalet.

Specific Location:
Next to the restrooms.

Restrooms:
Yes

Drinking Water:
No - please plan accordingly and bring plenty of water with you to this destination.

Day Hikes (one-way):
Granite Park Chalet - 4.0 mi. (one-way)
Logan Pass via The Loop and Highline Trails - 11.6 mi. Catch another shuttle at Logan Pass.

 

Logan Pass Shuttle Stop - Transfer Location

Because the parking lot at Logan Pass often fills early in the day, riding the shuttle to this location ensures that you will be able to take in all of the splendor Logan Pass has to offer.

Logan Pass sits along the Continental Divide at 6,646 feet (2,026 m) and treats visitors to sweeping vistas of mountains and alpine meadows. Wildlife such as Bighorn sheep, Mountain goat, and occasional bears may be seen. Rangers at the Logan Pass Visitor Center will be on hand to answer questions about the area and nearby day hikes. A bookstore is also located in the visitor center.

Specific Location:
There are two queuing areas (westbound & eastbound) near the front of the Logan Pass Visitor Center.

Restrooms:
Yes - at the Logan Pass Visitor Center.

Drinking Water:
Yes - a spigot is located by the Logan Pass Visitor Center.

Day Hikes (one-way):
Granite Park Chalet - 7.6 mi.
Hidden Lake Overlook - 1.5 mi.
Hidden Lake - 3.0 mi.
The Loop via the Highline and The Loop trails - 11.6 mi. (No Return Shuttle Service in 2021)

Trip Planning Information:
Logan Pass Visitor Center - general park information and bookstore.

 

Siyeh Bend Shuttle Stop - Not in service in 2021

 

Jackson Glacier Overlook Shuttle Stop

Jackson Glacier Overlook provides visitors with the opportunity to see a glacier from Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Also, a short walk from here is the Gunsight Pass Trailhead. This location is popular with backpackers taking extended trips into the backcountry on the Gunsight Pass trail and exiting at Lake McDonald Lodge. The shuttle helps facilitate this if you have only one car and need to shuttle back to it.

Specific Location:
There are two queuing areas (westbound & eastbound)

Restrooms:
No

Drinking Water:
No - please plan accordingly and bring plenty of water with you to this destination.

Day Hikes (one-way):
Deadwood Falls - 1.3 mi.
Gunsight Lake - 6.2 mi.
Lake McDonald Lodge - 21.4 mi. Catch another shuttle at Lake McDonald Lodge.
St. Mary Falls - 3.2 mi. Catch another shuttle at St. Mary Falls Shuttle Stop.
Virginia Falls - 3.9 mi. Catch another shuttle at St. Mary Falls Shuttle Stop.
Baring Falls - 3.9 mi. Catch another shuttle at Sunrift Gorge.
Siyeh Bend Trail - 2.5 mi. Catch another shuttle at Siyeh Bend.

 

St. Mary Falls Shuttle Stop - Not in service in 2021

 

Sunrift Gorge Shuttle Stop - Not in service in 2021

 

Sun Point Shuttle Stop - Transfer Location

Sun Point has recently undergone a major rehabilitation and is now one of the premier spots to view the mountains that tower above St. Mary Lake. In the early part of the 1900s the promontory jutting out into the lake was the site of the Going-to-the-Sun Chalets. They were removed, after falling into disrepair during World War II. The site now boasts a short nature trail, picnic area, and trailhead to three spectacular waterfalls.

Specific Location:
Near the restroom in the Sun Point parking area.

Restrooms:
Yes

Drinking Water:
Yes

Day Hikes (one-way):
Baring Falls - 0.7 mi. (No Return Shuttle Service in 2021)
St. Mary Falls - 2.2 mi. (No Return Shuttle Service in 2021)
Virginia Falls 2.9 mi. (No Return Shuttle Service in 2021)

 

Rising Sun Boat Dock Shuttle Stop

Take a bout tour on St. Mary Lake and if you choose, disembark at the Baring Falls boat dock and hike to a variety of destinations. Catch another shuttle at shuttle stops along Going-to-the-Sun Road to get back.

Specific Location:
Near Glacier Park Boat Co.'s reservation booth.

Restrooms:
Yes - in the picnic area

Drinking Water:
Yes - at the restroom

Day Hikes (one-way):
From the tour boat that unloads at the Baring Falls boat dock:
St. Mary Falls - 1.5 mi. (No Return Shuttle Service in 2021)
Virginia Falls - 2.2 mi. (No Return Shuttle Service in 2021)
Sunrift Gorge - 0.3 mi. (No Return Shuttle Service in 2021)

Activities:
Scenic Boat Tours - Glacier Park Boat Co.
Picnic area

 

Rising Sun Shuttle Stop

Rising Sun is where the "mountains meet the prairies" and is filled with multiple options for visitors. Take a nearby day hike or dine at the Rising Sun Motor Inn. Rising Sun makes a place to stop for visitors on the east side of the park looking to explore Going-to-the-Sun Road by shuttle.

Specific Location:
There are two queuing areas (westbound & eastbound) at the Rising Sun Motor Inn.

Restrooms:
Yes - at the Rising Sun Motor Inn

Drinking Water:
Yes - spigots are located in campground loops and bottled water is for sale at the camp store.

Day Hikes (one-way):
Otokomi Lake - 5.2 mi.

Campstore/Gift Shops/Showers and Laundry:
Rising Sun Motor Inn

Lodging:
Rising Sun Motor Inn

Food Service:
Two Dog Flats Grill

Activities:
Camping - 83 sites - closed in 2021
Evening Program - listen and learn about Glacier with a Rranger at the campground amphitheater.
Road Tours - Sun Tours & Glacier National Park Lodges

 

St. Mary Visitor Center Shuttle Stop

Shuttle Reservation Validation Station
St. Mary Visitor Center is the main hub for transit functions and park information on the east side of the park. Rangers are on hand to answer questions, and educational and interpretive exhibits and a park movie are available to read and watch. Backcountry information and permits are located in St. Mary Visitor Center for those looking to get off the beaten path. St. Mary Visitor Center also has a bookstore inside.

Specific Location:
Next to St. Mary Visitor Center.

Restrooms:
Yes - at St. Mary Visitor Center.

Drinking Water:
Yes - a drinking fountain is outside St. Mary Visitor Center.

Planning Information:
St. Mary Visitor Center - general park and shuttle information, exhibits, movie and bookstore.
St. Mary Backcountry Office - backcountry information and permits.

Activities:
Evening Program - listen and learn about Glacier with a ranger inside the Visitor Center.
Native America Speaks Program - Native American hosted programs.
Road Tours - Sun Tours & Glacier National Park Lodges.