Glacier National Park announces major changes to shuttle system / reservations for 2026

Glacier National Park today announced it will pilot a ticketed shuttle system to Logan Pass in summer 2026, including early morning express routes. Beginning July 1, weather permitting, private vehicle parking at Logan Pass will be limited to three hours. Vehicle reservations will not be required anywhere in the park in 2026.

“With the new trial measures, we aim to improve the public’s ability to visit Logan Pass for short durations and allow the shuttle system to perform more reliably for a more specific purpose,” said Glacier National Park Superintendent, Dave Roemer. “This initiative reflects our continued learning and listening as we refine park transportation and access to better serve the public and safeguard the integrity of the park’s resources."

Logan Pass Parking
Beginning July 1, private vehicle parking at Logan Pass will be limited to a maximum of three hours. The time limit is intended to increase parking turnover and provide more visitors the opportunity to experience the area.

Three hours allows time to hike to Hidden Lake Overlook, visit the Logan Pass Visitor Center or attend an interpretive program.

Visitors planning longer hikes that begin at Logan Pass, including the Highline Trail to Granite Park Chalet or to the Loop Trailhead, must obtain a shuttle ticket.

Overnight parking will not be permitted at Logan Pass except for permitted backcountry users and registered guests of Granite Park Chalet.

Going-to-the-Sun Road Park Shuttles
In 2026, the park shuttle system will provide express service to Logan Pass for visitors planning extended alpine hikes and activities.

Shuttles to Logan Pass will not stop at Avalanche or board passengers without shuttle tickets.

Shuttle tickets will be released during two booking windows:

• A portion of tickets will be available 60 days in advance beginning May 2, 2026, at 8 a.m. MDT on a rolling basis.

• Remaining tickets will be released at 7 p.m. MDT for next-day entry beginning June 30.

Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis through Recreation.gov or the Recreation.gov call center at 877-444-6777. Tickets are not sold inside the park. A Recreation.gov account is required. The only cost is a $1 processing fee per ticket. All passengers age 2 and older must have a ticket. Tickets are nontransferable.

Cell service is unreliable in the park. Visitors should print or save a digital copy of their ticket before arrival. Tickets will be validated before boarding, and a photo ID may be requested. Additional information will be available at nps.gov/glac and Recreation.gov.

Shuttle Routes and Schedules
Shuttle service will provide access to Logan Pass from both the west and east sides of Going-to-the-Sun Road.

West side express routes will depart from Apgar Transit Center and Lake McDonald Lodge, with stops at the Loop in the afternoon and Logan Pass. Avalanche Lake and Trail of the Cedars will not be accessible by park shuttle in 2026.

East side express routes will depart from St. Mary Visitor Center and Rising Sun. Riders may transfer between routes at Logan Pass.

Updated route details, boarding times and stop locations will be posted later in the season.

Many Glacier, Two Medicine, and North Fork Vehicle Reservations
Vehicle reservations will not be required in Many Glacier, Two Medicine or the North Fork in 2026.

Vehicles may be temporarily diverted when areas reach capacity. Visitors with lodging, camping, boat tour, horseback ride, guided hike or backcountry reservations will be permitted entry during temporary restrictions but may experience delays.

Going-to-the-Sun Road opening
Snow removal operations begin in early April and typically continue until Logan Pass opens between mid-June and early July. Snowstorms and avalanches often continue through May, and the park cannot predict an opening date. Road crews work across approximately 40 avalanche paths, and progress depends on snow and avalanche conditions.

The shuttle system begins July 1, 2026. The park cannot predict when Logan Pass trails will open. Popular routes, including the Highline Trail, may remain closed due to hazardous snow conditions.



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Check out our online trail guides:

• Glacier National Park: HikinginGlacier.com

• Grand Teton National Park: TetonHikingTrails.com

• Rocky Mountain National Park: RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

• My new edition on the history of hiking is now available on Amazon

Glacier National Park 2024 Construction Updates

Glacier National Park has announced plans for construction areas during the 2024 spring and summer season. Visitors are encouraged to plan and prepare for traffic delays.

Park Headquarters
In August a rehabilitation project of the park headquarters complex roads and parking lot will be taking place into the fall. Be aware of construction vehicles, workers and possible wait times if entering headquarters.

Going-to-the-Sun Road Rehabilitation

The west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road will undergo the last phase of construction work that began in May 2023. The last 2.8 miles of construction will focus on paving Going-to-the-Sun Road, starting west of Sprague Creek Campground up to North Lake McDonald Road. Construction will resume in April 2024, and is expected to be completed in late May to early June 2024, weather permitting. Construction will cause delays along Going-to-the-Sun Road. Visitors should anticipate up to a 30-minute wait.

Fiber Optic Installation at West Glacier, East Glacier, St. Mary, and Many Glacier
Fiber optic lines will be installed in West Glacier, East Glacier, St. Mary, and Many Glacier to improve internet access for NPS administrative purposes. Traffic delays will be minimal, but visitors are asked to use caution and watch for construction workers and equipment on or near the road this summer.

At West Glacier, fiber optic line will be installed across the Middle Fork bridge and on the east side up to Grinnell Drive in park headquarters. Traffic may be restricted to a single lane on Going-to-the-Sun Road up to Grinnell Drive. Work in West Glacier will be completed within 2-3 weeks.

In East Glacier, fiber optic cable will be installed across US Highway 2 and along MT-49. Lane reductions or single lane closures are possible along MT-49 up to the East Glacier Ranger Station. Work will be completed within 1-2 weeks.

Fiber optic work will take place close to the St. Mary Entrance on the west side of US-89 near restaurants and hotels. Minimal traffic impacts are expected, but there will be possible pedestrian and parking impacts. Work in St. Mary will be completed within 1-2 weeks.

Fiber optic work in Many Glacier includes an extension of fiber optic internet service from Babb to the Many Glacier Ranger Station. The line will be installed on the north side of the road. The work will impact areas near the entrance sign, entrance station, Apikuni Falls Trailhead, pull-offs along the Many Glacier Road, the Many Glacier Hotel T-intersection, and the Swiftcurrent area of the road. There may be lane reductions or single lane traffic on Many Glacier Road. Work will be completed within 4-6 weeks.

Swiftcurrent and Many Glacier
Starting September 16, 2024, the road past Many Glacier Hotel at the T-intersection will be closed due to construction on the Swiftcurrent Water Distribution System and road rehabilitation. Construction will begin after Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, Many Glacier Hotel and Many Glacier Campground are closed for the 2024 season. Trail access will still be allowed for trails such as Ptarmigan Tunnel (and points beyond), Iceberg Lake, and Swiftcurrent Pass. However, visitors will need to park in the Many Glacier Hotel parking lot, walk to the closure point and use the horse trail to bypass construction. Signs will indicate the detour. Cars will not be able to pass through the construction zone. For best access to Grinnell Glacier, Grinnell Lake and Lake Josephine, start from the South Shore Trailhead at the south end of Many Glacier Hotel. Primitive camping at Many Glacier Campground will not be available in Fall 2024 due to construction. Many Glacier Campground’s regular summer season is from early June to mid-September.

The Many Glacier Road from the park boundary to the entrance station will undergo dust mitigation treatment. The treatment work will begin in late June, weather permitting. This gravel stretch of road is slated for construction and paving in 2027.

Upper McDonald Creek Bridge
Construction on the Upper McDonald Creek Bridge that started in 2023 will continue in 2024 including demolition of the existing bridge. The bridge provides access to the northwest shore of Lake McDonald including private homes, the Lake McDonald Ranger Station, and trailheads (such as the Upper McDonald Creek Trail). When completed, the new bridge will be approximately 30 feet upstream of the existing bridge, requiring a realignment of the road approaches.

Similar to 2023, North Lake McDonald Road will be closed for the entire 2024 season at the Going-to-the-Sun Road intersection. There will be no public access, including vehicles, hiking, or biking and no parking beyond or in the vicinity of the intersection. Visitors intending on hiking the Johns Lake Loop Trail will not be able to complete the loop and will need to turn around where trail closure signs are posted. Bridge construction is expected to conclude in August 2024.

Inside North Fork Road
Grading will be ongoing throughout the summer on the road to Bowman and Kintla lakes. Operations will not disrupt travel to these destinations. Major road work between Camas and Anaconda creek could impact hiker and biker travel.

Polebridge
Construction on Glacier Drive in Polebridge that began in 2023 will continue in 2024. Visitors to the Polebridge area should expect 30-minute delays before arriving at and departing from the park entrance. Visitors are encouraged not to drive all the way to the North Fork entrance unless they have a vehicle reservation to decrease traffic in the work zone. Information regarding the ongoing construction work will be posted at the Polebridge Mercantile. Updates for the construction project can be found on Montana Department of Transportation's website.



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Glacier National Park preserves more than a million acres of some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth. With more than 740 miles of trails meandering throughout this vast park, how will you find and choose the most scenic and rewarding hikes?

Exploring Glacier National Park takes all the guesswork out by focusing on the most amazing hikes, and provides you with handpicked recommendations that will allow you to make the most of your trip to Glacier:

Glacier National Park Announces a Pilot Vehicle Reservation System in 2024

Glacier National Park will implement a pilot vehicle reservation system in 2024, beginning May 24 for the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road and North Fork and on July 1 for Many Glacier.

“Our balanced approach for the 2024 pilot reflects feedback from Tribes, the public, partners, and stakeholders, particularly regarding access to the Apgar Village area and Two Medicine,” said Glacier National Park Superintendent Dave Roemer. “We also heard that knowing what park operations and access will look like sooner, rather than later, is important.”

West Entrance
One reservation per vehicle will be required to travel Going-to-the-Sun Road beyond the Apgar Village area from May 24 through Sept. 8, 2024, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors can enter before 6 a.m. or after 3 p.m. without a vehicle reservation. New in 2024, vehicle reservations will be valid for one day only, down from three days in 2023. Data from 2023 indicates that only two percent of three-day reservations were used for all three days. By changing to a one-day reservation, consistent with other park areas, a greater number of reservations can be made available.

Also new in 2024, visitors will be able to access Apgar Village amenities, including the Apgar Visitor Center, without a vehicle reservation. Lodging, camping (including front country developed campgrounds and backcountry camping permits), transportation, or commercial activity reservations originating in Apgar will no longer provide access beyond the Apgar filter check point.

North Fork
One reservation per vehicle will be required at the entrance station May 24 through Sept. 8, 2024, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations are good for one day. Visitors can enter before 6 a.m. or after 3 p.m. without a vehicle reservation. There are no changes in the North Fork from 2023.

Many Glacier Valley
One reservation per vehicle will be required at the entrance station July 1 through Sept. 8, 2024, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations are good for one day. Visitors can enter the valley before 6 a.m. or after 3 p.m. without a vehicle reservation. There are no changes in Many Glacier from 2023.

Also new in 2024, visitors will be able to access the Going-to-the-Sun Road from the east side beyond Rising Sun without a vehicle reservation. Visitors will also have access to the St. Mary Visitor Center and shuttle stop on the east side of Glacier National Park, as in 2023.

Vehicle reservations and entrance passes
Vehicle reservations will be available on https://www.recreation.gov/, the Recreation.gov mobile app, or the Recreation.gov Call Center (Reservation Line: 877-444-6777). Each of the specified areas of the park will require a separate reservation. Visitors will need to set up an account on Recreation.gov to obtain reservations. The only cost associated with booking a reservation is a $2 Recreation.gov processing fee.

Pursuant to the American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978, vehicle reservations are not required for tribal members throughout the park. Vehicle reservations will be available through two booking windows:

* A portion of reservations will be available 120 days or approximately four months advance, starting on Jan. 25, 2024, at 8 a.m. MST on a rolling basis on Recreation.gov.

* New in 2024, the remaining vehicle reservations will be available at 7 p.m. MDT for next-day entry starting on May 23, 2024.

In addition to a vehicle reservation, each vehicle entering the park is required to have an entrance pass for any entry point into the park. These passes could include any of the following: a $35 vehicle pass, good for seven days; a valid Interagency Annual/Lifetime Pass; or a Glacier National Park Annual Pass. A vehicle reservation does not include an entrance pass, and the park entrance pass does not serve as a vehicle reservation.

Like previous years, visitors with lodging, camping, transportation, or commercial activity reservations within the specified reservation areas can use proof of their reservation for entry in lieu of a Recreation.gov reservation to gain access to the portion of the park for which they have a reservation.

As in past years, entry will be temporarily restricted in areas of the park that become too congested for visitor safety and resource protection. Parking at Logan Pass, Apgar Village, and other areas may be unavailable. Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of free shuttles for hiker access to Logan Pass although waits for shuttles may be long depending on the time and location. Visitors are encouraged to plan their visit outside of peak hours (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Visitors with service reservations (e.g., boat tours, lodging, horseback ride, guided hikes) in these areas will be permitted entry during temporary restrictions.

Visitors are encouraged to check the park website frequently for updates and additional information.

This will be the fourth year of piloting vehicle reservations in the park. The pilots help test the effectiveness of different approaches to manage high traffic volumes within the park while delivering quality visitor experiences. During an open comment period for 2024 Visitor Use Management Strategies, a total of 1,408 comments were received. Input from these comments has helped inform strategies for how visitors will access park areas in the summer of 2024. The comments along with a summary report can be found on the park’s 2024 Visitor Use Management Strategy web page.

* Don't forget to pick-up a copy of Exploring Glacier National Park, the mobile version of HikinginGlacier.com, the most comprehensive website on the internet for hiking trail information in Glacier National Park. This eBook was published to provide hikers with convenient access to trail information while on the trail, where internet access is most likely unavailable.



Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Is June a good time to visit Glacier National Park?

Shhh! Don't tell anyone, but June is really a great time to visit Glacier National Park! Obviously July and August are by far the most popular months for visiting the park; however, if you wish to avoid the crowds, you may want to check-out the month of June. Sure, the Going-to-the-Sun Road likely won't be open all the way to Logan Pass until later in the month, but that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of things to do. In fact, all of the services outside of the park, as well as almost all of the concessioners within the park, will already be open.

So why visit in June? For one, June is an absolutely great time for observing wildflowers. Whitewater rafting is also at its best during this time period. Other popular activities include horseback riding, fly fishing, and as a result of far fewer motorists on park roads, June is also a great time for cycling. And there's nothing like taking a cruise on one of Glacier's lakes to soak in the splendid beauty of the snow-capped mountains. For more information on many of these activities and others, please visit our Thing To Do page.

Although the nights are still relatively cool, temperatures usually reach into the 70s during the day, which makes for nearly perfect hiking conditions. While trails in the higher elevations will still be closed due to snow, there are still a ton of great hiking opportunities around the park. Here are just a couple of suggestions (many of which are normally part of the June ranger-led hikes program - which, by the way, are free):


West Glacier / Lake McDonald Area:

* Avalanche Lake

* Apgar Lookout

* Johns Lake Loop

* Rocky Point Nature Trail

* Upper McDonald Creek Trail


St. Mary Area:

* Beaver Pond Loop

* St. Mary Area Waterfalls Hike

* Sun Point Nature Trail

* Virginia Falls


Many Glacier Area:

* Apikuni Falls

* Belly River Ranger Station

* Grinnell Lake

* Lake Josephine Loop

* Redrock Falls

* Swiftcurrent Lake Nature Trail


Two Medicine Area:

* Aster Park Overlook

* Rockwell Falls

* Running Eagle Falls


While these trails are usually passable by June, it's not guaranteed that all of them will be. Conversely, depending on how much snow the park received over the winter, there's always the possibility that some trails in the higher elevations could be passable at this time as well. During the late spring/early summer time period it's always a great idea to check with the park's Trail Status page before hitting the trail, or speak with a backcountry ranger to get the latest information.

And in case you need one more reason to visit in June: rates on accommodations are much lower when compared to peak season! If you do plan to visit Glacier this June, or anytime throughout the year, please note that our hiking website also offers a wide variety of accommodation listings to help with all your vacation planning.



                *******************************************************************************

Glacier National Park preserves more than a million acres of some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth. With more than 740 miles of trails meandering throughout this vast park, how will you find and choose the most scenic and rewarding hikes?

Exploring Glacier National Park takes all the guesswork out by focusing on the most amazing hikes, and provides you with handpicked recommendations that will allow you to make the most of your trip to Glacier:

Is June a good time to visit Glacier National Park?

Shhh! Don't tell anyone, but June is really a great time to visit Glacier National Park! Obviously July and August are by far the most popular months for visiting the park; however, if you wish to avoid the crowds, you may want to check-out the month of June. Sure, the Going-to-the-Sun Road likely won't be open all the way to Logan Pass until later in the month, but that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of things to do. In fact, all of the services outside of the park, as well as almost all of the concessioners within the park, will already be open.

So why visit in June? For one, June is an absolutely great time for observing wildflowers. Whitewater rafting is also at its best during this time period. Other popular activities include horseback riding, fly fishing, and as a result of far fewer motorists on park roads, June is also a great time for cycling. And there's nothing like taking a cruise on one of Glacier's lakes to soak in the splendid beauty of the snow-capped mountains. For more information on many of these activities and others, please visit our Thing To Do page.

Although the nights are still relatively cool, temperatures usually reach into the 70s during the day, which makes for nearly perfect hiking conditions. While trails in the higher elevations will still be closed due to snow, there are still a ton of great hiking opportunities around the park. Here are just a couple of suggestions (many of which are normally part of the June ranger-led hikes program - which, by the way, are free):


West Glacier / Lake McDonald Area:

* Avalanche Lake

* Apgar Lookout

* Johns Lake Loop

* Rocky Point Nature Trail

* Upper McDonald Creek Trail


St. Mary Area:

* Beaver Pond Loop

* St. Mary Area Waterfalls Hike

* Sun Point Nature Trail

* Virginia Falls


Many Glacier Area:

* Apikuni Falls

* Belly River Ranger Station

* Grinnell Lake

* Lake Josephine Loop

* Redrock Falls

* Swiftcurrent Lake Nature Trail


Two Medicine Area:

* Aster Park Overlook

* Rockwell Falls

* Running Eagle Falls


While these trails are usually passable by June, it's not guaranteed that all of them will be. Conversely, depending on how much snow the park received over the winter, there's always the possibility that some trails in the higher elevations could be passable at this time as well. During the late spring/early summer time period it's always a great idea to check with the park's Trail Status page before hitting the trail, or speak with a backcountry ranger to get the latest information.

Finally, in case you need one more reason to visit in June: rates on accommodations are much lower when compared to peak season! If you do plan to visit Glacier this June, or anytime throughout the year, please note that our hiking website also offers a wide variety of accommodation listings to help with all your vacation planning.



                *******************************************************************************

Glacier National Park preserves more than a million acres of some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth. With more than 740 miles of trails meandering throughout this vast park, how will you find and choose the most scenic and rewarding hikes?

Exploring Glacier National Park takes all the guesswork out by focusing on the most amazing hikes, and provides you with handpicked recommendations that will allow you to make the most of your trip to Glacier:

The Going-to-the-Sun Road from a GoPro Motorcycle Camera

Below is an excellent video of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, taken from the perspective of a GoPro Motorcycle Camera. It was shot by Paul Johnston just a few weeks ago. I would say the music fits the mood and the beautiful scenery perfectly:


Glacier's Unbelievable "Going to the Sun" Road - A GoPro Motorcycle Video from Paul Johnston on Vimeo.


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If you're planning to visit Glacier National Park this summer or fall, please help support HikinginGlacier.com by supporting the sponsors on our Accommodations page.



Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com

Going-to-the-Sun Road: A Road out of Rock

A Road out of Rock is a black and white silent film that was made during the construction of the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park. It shows the monumental task of building a road on the side of a mountain using early machinery and methods:


For more information on driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road, including the trailheads along the way, please click here.


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park

Paving Begins Between Avalanche and Logan Creeks

Paving will begin the week of August 12 on the Going-to-the-Sun Road between Avalanche Creek and Logan Creek, on the west side of the park. Visitors can expect delays of 20 minutes in this area during this time, which is anticipated to take approximately one week, weather dependent. A pilot vehicle will be used to provide traffic control.

Visitors hiking the Trail of the Cedars or hiking the Avalanche Trail to Avalanche Lake may encounter a busy and congested area for parking.

Rehabilitation work on the Going-to-the-Sun Road also continues on the east side of the park, between Rising Sun and Siyeh Bend and visitors can expect a 20 minute maximum day-time delay. Rehabilitation crews are working 24 hours a day, Monday through early Friday morning in this area. Public access is limited after 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday nights between Rising Sun and Siyeh Bend. Logan Pass is accessible from the West Entrance of the Going-to-the-Sun Road during this time.

Sun Point, located on the east side, is closed to the public and being utilized as a staging area for rehabilitation activities. The Sun Point picnic area and restroom facilities are not available, and the park shuttle does not stop at this location. It is anticipated that Sun Point will remain closed to the public for the next few years, or through rehabilitation work.

For more information about the rehabilitation project visit http://www.wfl.fhwa.dot.gov/projects/mt/gtsr/ or contact the park at 406-888-7800.

The visitor shuttle system traveling the Going-to-the-Sun Road will operate through Labor Day. Transit centers are located near Apgar on the west-side of the park and the St. Mary Visitor Center on the east-side. For more information about the shuttle system please visit http://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/shuttles.htm.


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com

Body Recovered Near The Loop on the Going-to-the-Sun Road

An investigation is underway regarding the discovery and recovery of a body identified as that of 25-year old Cody Lee Johnson of Kalispell.

Park dispatch received a report of a possible body located below The Loop area of the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Park rangers initiated a search, and at approximately 9:45 a.m. yesterday morning, the body of Johnson was discovered.

Due to the steep and rocky terrain, a helicopter and specialized short-haul rescue team from Parks Canada assisted with the recovery of the body. The Going-to-the-Sun Road was closed temporarily to facilitate the situation. Kalispell City Police Department, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) assisted with the search and recovery operations.

The body was transported to a local funeral home and an autopsy will be conducted.

Anyone with information that may be related to this incident is encouraged to contact Glacier National Park at 406-888-7801.

No further information is available at this time.


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com

Is Glacier's Shuttle System in Jeopardy?

Within the last two weeks Glacier National Park has published two press releases concerning the shuttle system along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The second of those two releases has a few people on some of the social media outlets a little upset. Some have expressed dismay with the fact that the park will no longer be offering the 7am express from Apgar to Logan Pass. Others complained about the 40-60 minute interval times between shuttles on the east side.

However, a press release published two weeks ago should be cause for even more consternation among fans of Glacier's shuttle system. The June 17th release announced the proposed Going-to-the-Sun Road Corridor Management Plan, which could change the way visitors recreate along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. In particular, the announcement states:

Popular trails along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, such as Avalanche Lake Trail, have seen an increase in use by as much as 250% in the last 25 years. These increases are resulting in significant congestion and resource impacts on vegetation and wildlife. Additionally, a recent financial analysis indicates the park's shuttle system, implemented in 2007 to reduce construction delays during road rehabilitation, is not financially sustainable considering the future need to replace buses.

Reading between, or within the lines, it's fairly clear the park is seeking to end the shuttle service, or at least curtail its scope. I, for one, hope they keep the service. Moreover, I think they should increase the number of buses on the east side in order to decrease the interval times between each bus.

Last week the park held a series of public open houses. Conversations with visitors will also be hosted throughout the park between July 19th and August 9th. The public also has the opportunity to provide written comments on the plan through September 6th.

Obviously there are two main issues the park seeks to address: overcrowding and costs. I think the cost issue is fairly easy to solve. The park should begin charging a fee to use the shuttle. I think most hikers wishing to hike from point-to-point along the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor would be more than happy to pay a fee for the convenience and ability to do one-way hikes. Also, I think many visitors, for a variety of reasons, would be willing to pay a reasonable fee to ride the shuttle and see the sights along the road as well. The National Park Service needs to do a cost analysis to see what a proper fee would be, and implement it next year, or once the rehabilitation project is complete.

The second issue, concerning crowds along the corridor and on the trails, is probably a much broader problem. However, I think there are things Glacier could do to disperse visitors along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, as well as throughout the park.

Between Apgar and St. Mary there are ten major stops on the road. Looking at the map, it appears there's one area along the road that's underutilized. This is known as Packers Roost - located just below the The Loop. As is, there's not a lot of reasons to visit Packers Roost, unless you're backpacking or horseback riding on the Flattop Mountain Trail. However, what if the park created a new attraction at this location, with the purpose of helping to ease traffic on the other trails along the Going-to-the-Sun Road? What if they built a new trail that led hikers to the top of Heavens Peak?

Another thought I had was for the park to begin doing a better job of highlighting some of the other areas of the park. This could be done through the use of photos and videos, which could be published on their social media outlets. Ranger-led hikes could also be used to help promote different sections of the park. For instance, why not use some of these tactics to help promote hiking at Bowman Lake, Belly River, Cut Bank, along Camas Road, and off Highway 2 which runs along the southern border of the park. I would venture to say that most visitors know almost nothing about these places, but if promoted, would give them a reason to spend some time in these less-visited areas, while helping to alleviate traffic from the most popular areas of the park.

Finally, I think the park should use some of the tactics mentioned above to promote hiking along the Going-to-the-Sun Road where there's already plenty of parking. This would include less-known hikes such as the Beaver Pond Loop at St. Mary, Otokomi Lake at Rising Sun, or Trout Lake and Arrow Lake from Lake McDonald. In fact, it might be possible to build a trail that leads to Heavens Peak, or even Mt. Vaught, using the West Lakes Trail.

If you would like to express your opinions on this issue, please visit the Park Planning website.


Jeff
Hiking Glacier National Park

Park Shuttle Service Begins July 1st

Glacier National Park's free, optional shuttle system that provides shuttle services along the Going-to-the-Sun Road will begin operations July 1st and run through Labor Day.

On the west-side of the park, shuttle services begin at the Apgar Transit Center. Service to all west-side shuttle stop locations begins at 9:00 a.m. with shuttles departing every 15-30 minutes until 7:00 p.m. Prior to 9:00 a.m., there is no shuttle service to Apgar Village, Apgar Campground, or Lake McDonald Lodge. Between 7:40 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., west-side shuttles will only service Sprague Creek, Avalanche Creek, The Loop, and Logan Pass shuttle stops. An express trip from the Apgar Transit Center to Logan Pass departs daily at 7:30 a.m., without intermediate stops.

The St. Mary Visitor Center is the hub for shuttle services on the east-side of the park. Shuttles begin service at 7:30 a.m. and depart every 40 to 60 minutes. The last shuttles of the day leave Logan Pass for the Apgar Transit Center and St. Mary Visitor Center at 7:00 p.m.

The shuttle system is intended to minimize impacts on visitors throughout the multi-year rehabilitation project on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. For more information on the shuttle system, please click here.

For more information on the services and the trailheads along each of the shuttle stops, please click here.


Jeff
Hiking Glacier National Park

West-Side Access to Logan Pass Anticipated Tomorrow Afternoon

All 50 miles of the Going-to-the-Sun Road are anticipated to be open to vehicle travel by tomorrow afternoon, June 21, weather dependent. Weather forecasts call for rain showers, wind gusts up to 40 mph, and possible snow. As of Thursday afternoon, snow was falling at the higher elevations and approximately one inch of slush was on the road. The temperature at Oberlin Bend, just west of Logan Pass, was 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Crews are working to remove mud and rock debris from the road and prepare for public access. Visitors are encouraged to drive with care.

The Logan Pass Visitor Center is expected to open Saturday, June 22, but hours of operation may be limited. Restroom facilities are available at Logan Pass and potable water will be available Friday. Visitors are reminded that conditions are still winter-like at Logan Pass and inclement weather is expected over the weekend. Exercise caution when walking on snow and be alert of possible collapsible snow and falling snow or rock debris.

Rehabilitation efforts continue on the Going-to-the-Sun Road this summer. Construction activity on the west-side of the park will occur between Logan Creek and Avalanche Creek through August. On the east-side, construction will occur between Rising Sun and Siyeh Bend beginning July 8 with activity occurring 24 hours a day, Monday through Friday morning. Sun Point will be closed to the public beginning June 30 due to construction. Visitors should expect 40-minute maximum construction delays for one-way travel across the entire road.

Bicycle restrictions are in effect on the Going-to-the-Sun Road through Labor Day. Bicycle travel between Apgar and Sprague Creek Campground and eastbound travel from Logan Creek to Logan Pass is not allowed on the road from 11 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The visitor shuttle system traveling the Going-to-the-Sun Road will operate July 1 through Labor Day. Transit centers are located near Apgar on the west-side of the park and the St. Mary Visitor Center on the east-side. For more information about the shuttle system please click here. Additional information on park roads, weather conditions, and visitor services can be found on Glacier National Park's website, or by calling park headquarters at 406-888-7800.


Jeff
Hiking Glacier National Park

Going-to-the-Sun Road Corridor Management Planning Begins

Public scoping has begun for a multi-year planning effort to address transportation, visitor use and resource management within the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor in Glacier National Park. Several public meetings are scheduled in and around the park this summer to solicit ideas, concerns, and impressions regarding future management of the road corridor.

The Going-to-the-Sun Road spans 50 miles through the heart of the park and the corridor area includes all trails and pullouts that can be accessed from the road. This area experiences a high concentration of visitor use, particularly from the end of June to mid-August. The corridor also contains tremendous biological diversity and valued cultural resources.

Popular trails along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, such as Avalanche Lake Trail, have seen an increase in use by as much as 250% in the last 25 years. These increases are resulting in significant congestion and resource impacts on vegetation and wildlife. Additionally, a recent financial analysis indicates the park's shuttle system, implemented in 2007 to reduce construction delays during road rehabilitation, is not financially sustainable considering the future need to replace buses.

Using input from the public and ongoing wildlife and social science research, park managers seek to develop a range of management alternatives during the planning effort. The plan will utilize adaptive management strategies to provide outstanding recreation and education opportunities for visitors while ensuring protection of the park's significant natural and cultural resources.

Public open houses to discuss planning efforts with surrounding communities and visitors will be held from June through August in various locations. The following public open houses will be from 4-7 pm:

Monday, June 24
Kalispell Flathead National Forest Supervisor's Office
650 Wolfpack Way

Tuesday, June 25 
Missoula Ruby's Inn and Convention Center
4825 N. Reserve Street

Wednesday, June 26
Great Falls Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
4201 Giant Springs Road

Thursday, June 27
Waterton, Alberta Canada Bayshore Inn Resort and Spa
111 Waterton Avenue

Conversations with visitors will also be hosted throughout the park on July 19th and August 9th. For additional information about the open houses and planning efforts, visit the park's scoping newsletter available here, or contact the park at 406-888-7800.

This is the first phase of the planning effort and additional public comments will be solicited as alternatives are developed. A record of decision for the Going-to-the-Sun Road Corridor Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement is anticipated by 2016. Road rehabilitation is projected to be finished by 2017.

Public comments are encouraged and may be submitted online or by mail to:

Glacier National Park
Attn: GTSR Corridor Plan
P.O. Box 128
West Glacier, MT, 59936

Public scoping comments are due by September 6, 2013.


Jeff
Hiking Glacier National Park

Going-to-the-Sun Road Rehabilitation Presentation June 25

The public is invited to a free presentation about Glacier National Park's Going-to-the-Sun Road Rehabilitation Project on Tuesday, June 25th, 5:30-7 p.m. at the St. Mary Visitor Center on the east side of Glacier National Park.

Glacier National Park Landscape Architect Jack Gordon and Federal Highway Administration Resident Engineer Mike Baron will share images and information about the extensive rehabilitation project on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, including construction activity for this summer and fall.

The focus of this year's rehabilitation work will be on the east side of Logan Pass, from Siyeh Bend to Rising Sun, as well as some work on the west side between Avalanche Creek and Logan Creek.

The major rehabilitation project on the road is anticipated to be completed in 2017. As a national historic landmark, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is managed to retain its historic character and to allow opportunities for visitors to experience the park's magnificent scenery and unique character.

For more information about the program, please contact the park at 406-888-7800.


Jeff
Hiking Glacier National Park

East-Side Access to Logan Pass Available Tomorrow

Access to Logan Pass on the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park will be available to vehicle traffic from the east-side of the park the morning of Saturday, June 15th, weather dependent. Vehicles on the west-side of the park can travel as far as Avalanche Creek. All 50 miles of the road are anticipated to be open to vehicle travel by Friday, June 21st at the earliest.

Restrooms at Logan Pass will be open, but potable water will not be available until next week. The Logan Pass Visitor Center remains closed at this time.

Visitors will discover a snow-covered landscape at Logan Pass (as seen in the NPS photo below). Winter weather may be encountered with cold temperatures and wind, freezing temperatures at night, as well as icy conditions. Sturdy boots, warm clothing, and adequate fluids are necessary when spending time outside. Unpredictable and rapidly changing weather may cause falling rock and snow debris, so please use caution when traveling the road.

The trails are covered in snow and may be difficult to follow. Visitors should exercise caution when walking on snow. Be alert for snow that may not support your body weight due to melt holes and running water beneath the snow. Snow bridges over streams and wet rocks along streams can be hazardous. Avoid crossing steep, snow-covered slopes where a fall could be disastrous. A reliable map and compass are recommended when traveling on snow-covered trails. The Highline Trail from Logan Pass is closed due to snow conditions.

There are no hiker/biker restrictions on the Going-to-the-Sun Road this weekend. Beginning Monday, June 17, hikers and bikers cannot travel between Avalanche Creek and Logan Pass due to road construction and park road crew work. For current information on hiker/biker access on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, please visit our road status webpage.

Favorable weather conditions and monetary support from the Glacier National Park Conservancy contributed to the timely accessibility of Logan Pass this year. Funds from the Conservancy were used to facilitate park employee overtime hours needed to open the road.

Additional information on park roads, weather conditions, and visitor services can be found on Glacier National Park's website, or by calling park headquarters at 406-888-7800.


Jeff
Hiking Glacier National Park

Glacier Road Crews Currently Working on the Big Drift at Logan Pass

Glacier National Park road crews working on plowing snow off the Going-to-the-Sun Road have finally reached Logan Pass earlier this week. They're currently working on the Big Drift, which is located just east of Logan Pass, and is usually more than 30 feet deep.

Again, this year, the park is posting some incredible photos of the road as they dig out of the snow:

In addition to snow plowing, crews are also re-installing more than 400 guard rails that are removed each fall in order to prevent them from being damaged by avalanches and harsh winter elements:

You may want to note that the latest update on park website states there will be no hiker/biker restrictions on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, beginning this weekend, for those visiting from the west side. Here's some additional information:

On Saturday and Sunday, June 8-9, there are no hiker/biker restrictions on the Going to the Sun Road and hikers/bikers can (go) as far as they want. On Saturday, the Logan Pass Parking Lot will be closed due to crews working in the parking lot from 7am-1pm.

For hikers and bikers coming up from the east side, here's the latest from the park website:

Hiker/bikers can travel to Siyeh Bend while the road crew is working, Tuesday through Friday, there will be no hiker/biker restrictions this weekend (6/8 and 6/9). On Monday, June 10, the road crew will be working and hiker/bikers can travel 2 miles beyond the vehicle closure to Siyeh Bend.

Motorists should note that the earliest the entire 50-mile road can be opened to vehicle traffic is June 21st.

You can view many other photos of road crew progress and winter scenery on Glacier's Flickr page.



Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park

2013 Construction on the Going-to-the-Sun Road

As many of you are already aware, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is undergoing a multi-year project to rehabilitate the 50-mile engineering marvel that spans the interior of Glacier National Park.

Included in the recently published 2013 Summer Guide to Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, the official park newspaper, are details on the rehabilitation project for 2013, and what visitors can expect in terms of delays.

This year work will continue between Avalanche Creek and Logan Creek on the west side of the Divide, as well as the section of road between Siyeh Bend and Rising Sun on the east side:

As of today the park expects the full opening of the Going-to-the-Sun Road to occur on Friday, June 21st (7:00am). However, that date is dependent on weather and plowing progress, and could be later than expected.

For the majority of the 2013 season, between Friday, June 21 and Monday, September 23, travelers should expect no more than two construction segments, with short daytime delays of less than 20 minutes each.

Once the 3.5 mile segment between Avalanche Creek and Logan Creek is completed, all construction activities will switch to the east side, between Siyeh Bend and Rising Sun (9 miles). Visitors should expect daytime delays during this one project of 30 minutes or less.

Nighttime closures between Siyeh Bend and Rising Sun are anticipated from Monday night (9:00pm) through Friday morning (7:00am).

Beginning at 7:00am on Monday, September 23rd, the road will be closed to vehicular traffic between Siyeh Bend, and a point near the St. Mary Campground, in order to facilitate accelerated construction on the east side of the Sun Road.

Prior to the road fully opening for vehicle traffic, hiker and bicycle travel may be restricted in construction areas along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Signs will be posted to advise visitors of access and restrictions.

Glacier officials are encouraging drivers to turn off their engines and set their emergency brakes during these short delays. They also ask that you remain in your vehicle so that the flow of traffic can resume promptly.

For more information on driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road, as well as a quick reference guide, please click here.

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Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com

Public Presentation on Going-to-the-Sun Road Rehabilitation Tonight

The public is invited to a free presentation about Glacier National Park's Going-to-the-Sun Road Rehabilitation Project tonight, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Flathead National Forest Supervisor's Office, 650 Wolfpack Way in Kalispell.

Glacier National Park Landscape Architect Jack Gordon and Federal Highway Administration Resident Engineer Mike Baron will share images and information about the extensive rehabilitation project on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, including construction activity for this summer.

For more information about the program, contact the park at 406-888-7800.


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com

Making Progress on the Going-to-the-Sun Road

Road crews in Glacier continue to make progress on plowing the Going-to-the-Sun Road. I'm always amazed by the photos from the crews as they climb higher towards Logan Pass. But I have to ask - would you really want this job:

You can view many other photos of road crew progress and winter scenery on Glacier's Flickr page.



Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park

Plowing Activity Begins on the Going-to-the-Sun Road

Earlier this week Glacier National Park announced that plowing activity has begun on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

The first website update is reporting that the West Lakes road crew has started removing snow off the road at Lake McDonald Lodge Gate towards the North McDonald Road area. So far the crew has encountered snow depths of 12-20 inches, while the road surface is covered with 2 to 4 inches of ice.

In Many Glacier, road crews also started plowing on the main road towards the Many Glacier Valley, beginning just past the dam. They've encountered drifts of more than 10 feet deep.

If you're worried about drought and forest fires in Glacier later this summer, there's some great news from the Flattop Mountain SNOTEL. According to the latest data published by the SNOTEL (SNOw TELemetry) station, the amount of snow in Glacier National Park is now above the 40-year average - roughly one month ahead of the average peak time. As of April 1st the SNOTEL is measuring a total of 48.2 inches of Snow Water Equivalent (SWE), which is the weight of snow water equivalent to inches of water. That amount is already 2.3 inches above the 40 year average, but is still below last year's peak, which reached 55.8 inches on May 6th.

The Flattop Mountain SNOTEL station is located at an elevation of approximately 6300 feet on Flattop Mountain, which is a high plateau between the Lewis and Livingston Ranges in Glacier National Park. According to the website, "Flattop Mountain is a useful indicator of snowfall throughout Glacier National Park because it is subject to the factors that influence conditions elsewhere in the park".

Data from the Flattop Mountain SNOTEL is compiled by water year, which runs from October 1st through September 30th.

The following is a graph that compares SWE for 2013 versus the average and other significant water years (you can click here for a larger version):

Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park