![]() What You May Need
Already Booked an Activity?Visitors with lodging, camping, or commercial activity reservations (e.g., boat tours and horseback rides) do not need a vehicle reservation and can use their confirmation email to access the portion of the park for which their activity is booked. See details below. Vehicle Reservation Release Dates
Reservations can only be booked on Recreation.govPursuant to the American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978, vehicle reservations are not required for tribal members throughout the park. Landowners inside the park are not required to have a vehicle reservation to access their properties.Dark green infographic outlines the three steps to enter the park during the vehicle reservation system in multicolored graphics.
Vehicle Reservation AreasIn 2023, a vehicle reservation is required for four areas of the park: Going-to-the-Sun Road, the North Fork, Two Medicine, and Many Glacier. Each location has unique details and requires a separate reservation. Please see the details of each area below.![]() Going-to-the-Sun Road
Reservation required ![]() North Fork
Reservation required May 26 - September 10, 6 am to 3 pm ![]() Many Glacier
Reservation required July 1 - September 10, 6 am to 3 pm ![]() Two Medicine
Reservation required July 1 - September 10, 6 am to 3 pm ![]() Learn more
There are several ways visitors may enjoy Glacier National Park without a reservation. ![]() Learn more
Glacier is surrounded by many alternative recreation opportunities. Vehicle Reservation Area Details![]() Going-to-the-Sun Road Corridor Vehicle ReservationsValid for 3 days. Required for each vehicle entering through the West Entrance and Camas Entrance May 26 through September 10, 2023, 6 am to 3 pm. Required for each vehicle entering the area past Rising Sun near the St. Mary entrance July 1 through September 10, 2023, 6 am to 3 pm. Lodging
Boat Rentals
Bus Tours Horseback Rides
Facilities, Services, and Activities
![]() North Fork Vehicle ReservationsValid for 1 day. Required for each vehicle accessing the North Fork area from May 26 through September 10, 2023, 6 am to 3 pm.
![]() Two Medicine Vehicle ReservationsValid for 1 day. Required for each vehicle accessing theTwo Medicine Valley from July 1 through September 10, 2023, 6 am to 3 pm.Accessed via a separate entrance just northwest of the town of East Glacier Park, the Two Medicine area is a popular alternative to Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor. The valley’s west end features a large, high-elevation lake surrounded by dramatic peaks and plenty of hiking trails. Boat Rentals and Scenic Boat Cruises Additional Services
![]() Many Glacier Vehicle ReservationsRequired for each vehicle accessing the Many Glacier Valley from July 1 through September 10, 2023, 6 am to 3 pm. Lodging Boat Rentals and Scenic Boat Cruises Bus Tours Horseback Rides Additional Services
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhy is Glacier National Park piloting a temporary vehicle reservation system? Why is Glacier National Park piloting a temporary vehicle reservation system?
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Block Release Date |
Reservation Dates |
February 1, 8 am MDT |
*May 26-June30 |
March 1, 8 am MDT |
July 1-July 30 |
April 1, 8 am MDT |
August 1-August 31 |
May 1, 8 am MDT |
September 1-September 10 |
* During this time, it is likely only a portion of Going-to-the-Sun Road will be open. Check the park website for road status or to sign up for text alerts. Vehicle reservations are not required for any east entrances until July 1.
How can I see the park without a vehicle reservation?
From May 26 through September 10, 2023, visitors without vehicle reservations may enter the park before 6 am or after 3 pm without a reservation. Entry to Going-to-the-Sun Road from the West Entrance before the 6 am reservation period will not be permitted due to construction activities. To avoid congestion-related delays, visitors are encouraged to use the St. Mary Entrance. Visitors who are waiting until 3 pm can explore additional options outside Glacier here.
The Many Glacier Valley, Two Medicine Valley, and St. Mary Entrance to Going-to-the-Sun Road do not require a vehicle reservation before July 1, 2023.
For Going-to-the-Sun Road Corridor, vehicle reservations will be checked at the Rising Sun check point (located 6 miles west of the St. Mary Entrance) and visitors will have access to the St. Mary Visitor Center and park shuttle outside of the vehicle reservation area.
Visitors may also obtain access with a valid service reservation (e.g., boat tours, lodging, horseback ride, guided hikes) for the specified reservation area. For example, a reservation for a boat tour on Lake McDonald would serve as a vehicle reservation for the Going-to-the-Sun Road Corridor for the day the boat tour was scheduled.
Visitors can also participate in guided hikes through Glacier Guides or educational programs with Glacier Institute, which meet outside of the park and travel as a group into the park.
How do I prove I have a vehicle reservation?
Vehicle reservations and park passes will be checked along with a photo ID at the time of entry. Vehicle reservations cannot be sold, auctioned, or transferred. Print or save a digital copy (e.g., screenshot) of the vehicle reservation or valid service reservation prior to your arrival. Cell service is unreliable and usually unavailable in the park. Proof of valid vehicle reservation or service reservation should be prepared and ready to present to park staff at vehicle reservation check points.
Do I also need a Park Pass?
Yes, in addition to a vehicle reservation or valid service reservation, visitors must also have a park pass to enter the park. A park pass is your paid entrance fee to the park and applies to visitors traveling by vehicle, motorcycle, foot, bicycle, etc.
A park pass is required to access any entry point within Glacier National Park. Park passes do not serve as vehicle reservations or service reservations in vehicle reservation areas.
- Volunteer Pass (free)
- 4th Grade Pass (free)
- Military Pass (free)
- Senior Pass ($80 lifetime, $20 Annual)
- Access Pass (free)
- Annual Pass ($80)
- Glacier Annual Pass ($70)
- Private Vehicle Pass ($35)
- Motorcycle Pass ($30)
- Individual Pass ($20)
Park passes are available for purchase at park entrances or online at Recreation.gov. Visitors who already possess a valid entrance pass, such as an Annual, Senior, Access, Military, etc., do not need to purchase another pass.
How do I get a first come, first served campground?
If you are planning on camping at one of the front country campgrounds in the North Fork, the Polebridge Ranger Station (located at the Polebridge Entrance) can issue any available sites upon your arrival. Mention that you would like to stay at one of the campgrounds (specify which one). If there is an available site, park staff will issue the site to you. A vehicle reservation for the North Fork is included with the campground site for the duration of your stay there.
Visitors without a vehicle reservation will have access to the Rising Sun Campground. Once registered, campers at Rising Sun Campground will be allowed reservation area access in Going-to-the-Sun Corridor for the dates of their stay.
Why can’t the checkpoint be positioned to allow visitors to access shuttles at Apgar Village? Why isn’t the park looking at a more robust shuttle system?
The National Park Service strives to maximize opportunities and benefits for visitors while achieving and maintaining desired conditions for resources and visitor experience, doing so is inherently complex. It requires that NPS managers analyze the number of visitors, where they go, what they do, their impacts on resources and visitor experience, and the underlying causes of those impacts.
The park is analyzing the use of the shuttle system as a management tool. There are certain things that must be considered such as where people will park, how many visitors will use trails, restrooms and facilities, the cost associated with purchasing additional shuttles, etc.
In 2023, as in 2022, the checkpoint on the east side of Going-to-the-Sun Road is at Rising Sun, allowing visitors to park at the St. Mary Visitor Center and access the free shuttle without a vehicle reservation. Park officials evaluated moving the checkpoint on the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road beyond Apgar Village to facilitate access to shuttles from the Apgar Visitor Center, but heavy construction on Going-to-the-Sun Road on the west side made that unachievable for 2023.They also looked at extending shuttle service to beyond the west side checkpoint but determined that there are not adequate parking facilities on privately owned lots in West Glacier to make that feasible in 2023.
Do I need a vehicle reservation if I have booked a tour or commercial activity inside the park?
No, visitors with lodging, camping, transportation, or commercial activity service reservations can use their reservation to gain access to the portion of the park for which they have a reservation.
- Valid service reservations include commercial tours, etc.
- Proof of a valid service reservation along with a photo ID will serve as a vehicle reservation for the day of the service reservation only.
- Service reservations in areas outside of the designated reservation area will not serve as valid vehicle reservations.
Examples of valid service reservations for commercial activities are listed below. Additional service reservations may apply.
Commercial Tour Reservations
- Glacier Park Boat Company
- Lake McDonald
- St. Mary Lake (Rising Sun Boat Dock)
- Two Medicine
- Many Glacier
- Red Bus Tour Reservations
- Apgar Visitor Center departure
- Lake McDonald Lodge departure
- St. Mary Visitor Center departure
- Village Inn at Apgar departure
- Many Glacier departure
- Sun Tours Reservations
- Apgar Visitor Center departure
- St. Mary Visitor Center departure
Horseback Riding Reservations
- Swan Mountain Outfitters
- Apgar Corral
- Lake McDonald Corral
- Many Glacier Corral
Non-Profit Partner Reservations
Permit Holders
- Special Use Permits inside vehicle reservation area including weddings, special events, film/photography projects, first amendment activities, etc.
- Clients of Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) holders with commercial activities taking place inside vehicle reservation areas including bicycle tours, instructional workshops, etc.
Watercraft and Bicycle Rental Reservations
Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government.
Do I need a vehicle reservation if I have booked a hotel or campsite inside the park?
No, visitors with lodging, camping, transportation, or commercial activity service reservations can use their reservation to gain access to the portion of the park for which they have a reservation.
- Valid service reservations include lodging, camping, etc.
- Proof of a valid service reservation along with a photo ID will serve as a vehicle reservation for the day of the service reservation only.
- Service reservations in areas outside of the designated reservation area will not serve as valid vehicle reservations.
Examples of valid service reservations for lodging and camping are listed below. Additional service reservations may apply.
Camping Reservations
- Apgar Campground (Reservation Campground)
- Fish Creek Campground (Reservation Campground)
- Sprague Creek Campground (Reservation Campground)
- Avalanche Creek Campground (Reservation Campground)
- Rising Sun Campground (First come, first served Campground)
- St. Mary Campground (Reservation Campground)
- Bowman Lake Campground (First come, first served)
- Logging Creek Campground (Closed in 2023)
- Kintla Lake Campground (First come, first served)
- Quartz Creek Campground (First come, first served)
- Two Medicine Campground (Reservation Campground)
- Many Glacier Campground (Reservation Campground)
- Once registered, campers at first-come, first-served campgrounds will be allowed reservation area access for the dates of their stay.
Lodging Reservations
- Granite Park Chalet
- Sperry Chalet
- Village Inn Motel
- Lake McDonald Lodge
- Rising Sun Motor Inn
- Many Glacier Hotel
- Swiftcurrent Motor Inn
- Reservations held on private lands within Glacier National Park
- Apgar Village Lodge
- Motel Lake McDonald
Wilderness Camping Permits
- For trailheads located inside vehicle reservation areas
Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government.
How many vehicle reservations are being released per day?
The vehicle reservation system allows for adjustments for changing conditions such as seasonal changes, congestion, construction, and parking availability. The 24-hour release window is where the park can adjust and adapt to meet desired conditions. We make adjustments in an attempt to maximize visitor access while still protecting resources and visitor experience quality. The pilot system allows us to continuously learn about and improve the system; therefore, the total number of daily reservations for 2023 is not an exact number.
In 2022, using the same real-time conditions, 180,832 total vehicle reservations (169,456 for Going-to-the-Sun Road Corridor and 11,376 for North Fork) were released for Going-to-the-Sun Road and North Fork areas. This represents approximately one-third of the 560,000 vehicles that entered the park in vehicle reservation areas during the reservation period. Only one vehicle reservation was required per vehicle.
Vehicle reservations are only one way to access the park. Visitors have always had alternative options to visit Glacier with the vehicle reservation system in place. In 2022, alternative options included entering the park with a valid camping, lodging, or commercial service reservation in lieu of a vehicle reservation; entering before 6 am or after 4 pm when a vehicle reservation was not required; and riding the free park shuttle on Going-to-the-Sun Road via the St. Mary Visitor Center. Vehicle reservations were only required May 26 – September 11, 2022, and visitors could also enter the park pre or post reservation period.
The past two years of the pilot program have spread visitation throughout the day on Going-to-the-Sun Road and in the North Fork area resulting in fewer closures, better traffic management, and a more enjoyable park experience during peak season.
How does Glacier National Park determine the number of reservations to make available during each release?
There are several factors that help determine how many vehicle reservations will be released including, but not limited to:
- The number of vehicles entering the system with a valid camping, lodging, or commercial service reservation
- Vehicles entering each area before 6 am
- The return rate for Going-to-the-Sun Road Corridor, which is up to 3 days per reservation
- Changing conditions such as the opening of Going-to-the-Sun Road, which is only partially open in May and June
- Construction within each of the managed access areas
- Decrease in availability of commercial services in late summer
The park manages Going-to-the-Sun Road Corridor, the North Fork, Two Medicine Valley, and Many Glacier Valley to improve visitor safety, protect sensitive resources, provide a quality visitor experience, assure predictable visitor access, and eliminate the need for temporary closures.
The goal of managing Going-to-the-Sun Road Corridor under these pilots is not to limit visitation, but to spread out visitation throughout the day in the most visited area of the park. Areas outside of Going-to-the-Sun Road Corridor are managed for a different set of desired conditions. For example, the North Fork is managed as a “wilderness threshold zone” with an emphasis on solitude, a sense of history, difficulty of access, and limited support facilities.
Where are reservations selling out the fastest and how quickly?
Reservations for the areas outside of Going-to-the-Sun Road Corridor sell out quickly, sometimes in minutes. Areas outside Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor are much smaller and provide different types of experience for visitors. The result of this is that the reservations for these areas can sell out much quicker than Going-to-the-Sun Road.
How many people attempted to secure reservations for each block release date, including all areas of the park?
Currently, this information cannot be accurately collected from the reservation system; however, the visitor use management team is tracking unique page views on Recreation.gov. This number is based on how many individual users viewed a given page and does not take into consideration instances when a user or a group is using multiple devices and/or viewed multiple pages. On February 1, over 12,000 unique users viewed the North Fork and Going-to-the-Sun Road reservation pages on Recreation.gov for May and June reservations. Reservations for Many Glacier and Two Medicine valleys were not released in February due to not being required until July 1, 2023. On March 1, over 48,000 unique users viewed all four vehicle reservation pages for July. Data is not yet available for the April 1 release. The next block release will be May 1 for September reservations.
Can you tell me the dates that sold out fastest?
Although not official data, by monitoring releases live during release days, park staff have observed that reservations went quickly across the month with no specific date selling out sooner. For Going-to-the-Sun Road, Fridays typically sell out quickly, and it is assumed that this is because the reservation is good for three days and covers the weekend.
How long did it take for all July reservations throughout the park to sell out?
As expected, demand for vehicle reservations for the month of July was high because it is peak season. The available vehicle reservations for Going-to-the-Sun Road were distributed within 30 minutes. Vehicle reservations for all other areas were distributed within 10 minutes of posting.
Last updated: June 1, 2023