Glacier National Park Ticketed Entry System

Glacier National Park has implemented a ticketed entry system to help limit the overwhelming number of visitors attempting to access the most popular areas of the park during peak summer months. This means that for certain dates, times, and entrances an advance reservation is required to enter along with the standard National Park Pass that can be purchased at any time and at all park entrances. Have no fear we cover all the details in this post including how to gain access to this beautiful national park if you didn’t get an advance reservation for your travel dates.

In 2025, a vehicle reservation is required for only two areas of the park: Going-to-the-Sun Road from the West Entrance and the North Fork entrance. For accessing these two areas between 7am and 3pm you will select one timed entry block per vehicle. Each location has unique details and requires a separate reservation.

When and Where reservations are required:

Going-to-the-Sun Road Corridor – West Entrance Only

From the West Entrance a vehicle reservation is required from June 13 through September 28, 2025, if entering between 7 am to 3 pm. In 2025 the checkpoint location is on Going-to-the-sun road just beyond Apgar Visitor Center so you will still be able to access Apgar Village without a vehicle reservation.

North Fork Entrance

From the North Fork entrance a vehicle reservation is required from June 13 through September 28, 2025 if entering between 7 am to 3 pm.

A portion of reservations are made available approximately 4-months in advance (starting on February 12th) using a block-release system. The remaining vehicle reservations will be released on a rolling basis at 7pm MDT one day in advance for the next day (ie: the remaining vehicle reservations for July 1 become available on June 30 at 7pm MST). There are a limited number of vehicle reservations available for each day and demand will exceed supply.

Mark your calendar: Advance (120 days prior to date of travel) and day before vehicle reservations can be booked at Recreation.gov (Vehicle Reservations) – if you plan to book through this method you will want to be online right at 8am (or 7pm for day prior) and it is recommended to have a rec.gov account already setup.

How to enter the park without a ticketed entry reservation?

1. Book a rental boat, kayak, or SUP from one of the commercial outfitters within the park

This is the easiest way to secure your entry to the park. You can book a reasonably priced kayak or paddleboard rental through GlacierParkBoatCompany.com . Your rental reservation confirmation serves as your ticketed entry for the day of the reservation. This is only valid for the park entrance nearest your rental gear reservation – so only rentals at Lake McDonald Lodge will get you access to Going-to-the-Sun Road from the West Glacier Entrance.

2. Book a boat tour with Glacier Park Boat Company

Your boat tour reservation serves as your ticketed entry to the nearest entrance on the day of your reservation. Boat tours are available at Lake McDonald (access to West Entrance), St Mary’s Lake (which will not give you access to the East entrance which does not require a ticket), Swiftcurrent Lake + Lake Josephine (access to Many Glacier Entrance), Two Medicine Lake (where no ticket is require anyway).
The Swiftcurrent + Lake Josephine boat tour is a great option for people wanting to hike to Grinnell Glacier. You can do the hike from the boat tour which cuts 3.4 miles off the total hike distance.

Book online in advance, boat tours fill up quick: https://reserve.glacierparkboats.com/index.php

3. Book a Horseback Riding tour with Swan Mountain Outfitters.

Tours are offered in West Glacier from both ends of Lake McDonald and in Many Glacier. Your horseback riding reservation serves as your entrance to either the west entrance or Many Glacier Entrance on the date of your reservation. You must book the tour starting at the Lake McDonald Corral to gain access to Going-to-the-Sun Road, a tour from Apgar village will not grant you access.
Book online at https://www.swanmountainglacier.com

4. Book a Red Bus Tour or Sun Tour

Sun Tours and the famous open top Red Bus tours can also be reserved in advance and provide your access to the required entrance. Red Bus tours are available departing from multiple locations on the East and West side of the park. Book online here: https://www.glaciernationalparklodges.com/red-bus-tours or for sun tours here: https://www.suntours.co

5. The Early Bird gets the Worm

All entrances to the park can be accessed without a ticket prior to 7am. Lines may form so be sure to leave yourself time to get in before 7am. The below photo is of sunrise at Swiftcurrent Lake, the morning light will be worth the early wake up call and if you are travelling from the East coast you will likely be rising early anyways. Avoid parking shortages and hit the trails early.

6. Not an early riser‑ Enter the park after 3pm.

No ticketed entry is required at any entrances after 3pm. The below photo on Highline trail was taken at 8pm. Montana summers provide long hours of day light and you can still accomplish plenty of hiking before the sun goes down around 9:30-10pm here in July.

7. Book a guided hike or private tour with the Glacier Institute

All tours booked through the Glacier Institute include a vehicle reservation to enter the park. Book online here: https://glacierinstitute.org

There is so much to do in Northwest Montana outside of Glacier National Park. Looking to fill your itinerary with more Montana adventures be sure to check out this helpful post with all the best Summer Things To Do in the Flathead Valley, including plenty of amazing activities outside of the park that don’t require any ticketed entry!

Need help deciding what entrance to access?

This comprehensive hiking guide with photos, trail stats, and notes breaks down all our favorite hikes by park entrance. Choose what hikes you want to do in order to decide what entrance you should plan to access.

Where to Stay?

If your main goal is to visit Glacier National Park we recommend staying somewhere along the Hwy 2 corridor between Columbia Falls and the West Glacier Entrance. This provides the easiest access to the park as well as plenty of food options and accessibility to the airport.

We always recommend staying at AirBnB’s for the most authentic Montana experience and to ensure you have the comforts of home and space to enjoy to yourself after long days of adventure. Below are two perfectly located AirBnBs just outside of Columbia Falls, less then 20min to the West Glacier Entrance.

Grizzly Bear Lodge

Ideal for large groups, this house with a glorious back deck, hot tub, and private fire pit area, comfortably sleeps up to 12 in 3 large bedrooms & 3 full bathrooms. It features an entertainment room with pool table, dartboard, ping pong table topper, and a large open kitchen and dining area great for serving large groups. Book here today!

Columbia Mountain Cabin

Ideal for couples, friends or a family this quaint cabin with a large patio and beautiful backyard overlooking Columbia Mountain sleeps 4 with 1 bedroom, an upstairs loft, and 1 full bathroom. Enjoy all the amenities of home in this fully remodeled old forest service cabin with its full kitchen, dining room, washer/dryer, bbq grill and living area. Book your stay today!

We are here to help with all your Montana travel planning needs – leave a comment with any questions!