Going-to-the-Sun Road open for 2026 season

Going-to-the-Sun Road

Here’s the meat of the official press release. I like the part all the way at the end where they say, “Traffic into the West Entrance of the park may be busy at times.”

WEST GLACIER, Mont. [June 22, 2026] – Going-to-the-Sun Road is now fully open for the 2026 season. Visitors will be able to drive the entire 50-mile length of the road, and access Logan Pass from both West Glacier and St. Mary Entrances.

Vehicles and vehicle combinations longer than 21 feet (including bumpers) or wider than 8 feet (including mirrors) are prohibited between Avalanche Creek and Rising Sun. Vehicles over 10 feet in height may have difficulty driving west from Logan Pass to The Loop due to rock overhangs. Stock trucks and trailers can access Packers Roost on the west and Siyeh Bend on the east.

At Logan Pass, visitors will discover lingering winter snow, and should be prepared for cold temperatures, wind, and icy conditions. Standing or walking on snow along the road and nearby trails is strongly discouraged.

The Highline Trail from Logan Pass is closed due to snow conditions. Be sure to check the Trail Status Reports page often for the latest information on trail conditions.

Visitors are encouraged to be prepared at the entrance station by having their Park Pass ready and accessible.

Park only in designated parking spaces throughout the park. Parking outside of marked areas damages fragile vegetation, contributes to soil erosion, and can block access for emergency responders. To help protect park resources and ensure safe travel for all, visitors should follow posted parking guidance, avoid stopping along roadways, and remain patient during periods of high congestion.

As a reminder, do not throw food waste, including apple cores, orange peels, sunflower seeds, unwanted drinks (coffee, tea, soda) etc., out car windows. This attracts wildlife to the roadways which increases wildlife fatalities. Discard garbage in bear-proof garbage cans.

Traffic into the West Entrance of the park may be busy at times. Visitors may expect waits of up to 2 miles and 30 minutes to West Glacier at peak times.

Going-to-the-Sun Road projected to open Monday, June 22

Going-to-the-Sun Road
Going-to-the-Sun Road

The headline says it all, but here’s the official press release with additional details . . .

WEST GLACIER, Mont. [June 18, 2026] – The full length of Going-to-the-Sun Road is expected to open to motorized vehicles Monday, June 22, for the 2026 summer season. Rockfalls or other natural events may delay this opening, as conditions can change quickly.

Last weekend to bike Going-to-the-Sun Road

The full length of Going-to-the-Sun Road will be open to bicyclists from June 18-21, before it is projected to open to motorized vehicles on Monday, June 22.

As we prepare for the road opening on Monday, June 22, bicyclists should be mindful of administrative vehicle traffic beyond the vehicle closure, especially on Thursday and Friday, June 18 and June 19.

More biking information can be found at Bicycling – Glacier National Park (U.S. National Park Service).

Bicycle restrictions are in place after the road opens to motor vehicles

For safety concerns, bicycle restrictions are in place when the road is open to motor vehicles as described below:

      • From when Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open to vehicles through September 27, bicycles are prohibited from Apgar to Logan Pass going eastbound between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.
      • From when Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open to vehicles through September 27, bicycles are prohibited from Logan Pass to Apgar going westbound between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Bicycling safety reminders

      • Always wear a helmet.
      • Maintain control of your speed.
      • Bicyclists must obey the same rules and regulations that apply to motorized vehicles.
      • Bring a headlamp if biking in the early morning, late afternoon, or evening.
      • Never leave food unattended, including in bicycle panniers and backpacks.
      • When riding an e-bike, mount and dismount carefully. The added weight of the battery and motor assist technology can add twenty or more pounds to a bike’s typical weight.
      • Electric bicycles (e-bikes) are allowed if the motor is less than 750 watts (1 hp) and engaged only while pedaling.
      • Make sure to carry and understand how to use bear spray and understand the dos and don’ts of a wildlife encounter.
      • Check tire pressure before you set out and make sure you have the necessary tools to change a tire. Check that your pump matches the valve on your tire.

2026 Logan Pass changes, visitor services, and parking

Glacier National Park is reminding visitors about important changes taking effect for the 2026 season. These changes, first announced in February, include that the park will not have vehicle reservations in 2026, will introduce three-hour parking limits at Logan Pass, and will replace the Going-to-the-Sun Road Shuttle service with a ticketed Logan Pass Shuttle for hikers of the Highline Trail and visitors who want a longer stay at Logan Pass.

Both the Logan Pass Shuttle system and the three-hour timed parking at Logan Pass will begin on July 1, 2026.

Complete information on the Logan Pass Shuttle and the limited three-hour parking at Logan Pass can be found online at Visiting Logan Pass in 2026.

Visitor information services and the Glacier National Park Conservancy bookstore will be available at the Logan Pass Visitor Center starting June 22. Visitors are reminded to pack water and snacks as food and water are not available for purchase at the Logan Pass Visitor Center. There is a water bottle filling station and restrooms will be open.

Parking at Avalanche, Apgar Village, and other areas may be congested or temporarily unavailable.

Glacier Park’s 2026 summer operations announced

Logan Pass - tangotitus on reddit
Logan Pass – tangotitus on reddit

Short version: The park has dumped the vehicle reservation system they used for the past few years. Instead, they have implemented controls on visits to Logan Pass, including a shuttle system and parking restrictions. See below for full details or read the official press release… Continue reading Glacier Park’s 2026 summer operations announced

Glacier Park seeks public input to improve visitor experience

Visitors on trail in Glacier National Park
Visitors on trail in Glacier National Park

OK, everyone, here’s your chance to weigh in on how Glacier Park plans to handle tourist season congestion, especially at the North Fork, Many Glacier and Two Medicine entrances and within the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor.

Continue reading Glacier Park seeks public input to improve visitor experience

Glacier National Park announces timed entry vehicle reservation pilot for 2025

The sun rises over Glacier National Park Headquarters building in West Glacier.

Here we go again. Short version: The 2025 Glacier Park vehicle reservation system is the same as it was this year, except that reservations will be for a specific entry “time block”as well as a date.

From the official press releaseContinue reading Glacier National Park announces timed entry vehicle reservation pilot for 2025

Glacier Park geology presentation at Sondreson Hall

Before the October 13th NFLA membership meeting, we enjoyed a presentation on the geology of Glacier Park by Teagan Tomlin. Teagan is a very animated and entertaining speaker. Everyone had a good time learning about some of the unique geological characteristics of the park.

Here are a few photos from the event…

Glacier National Park Announces 2024 Spring Operations

From the official press release includes a map of how Going-to-the-Sun Road access will be controlled . . .

Glacier National Park Announces 2024 Spring Operations

WEST GLACIER, Mont. [May 10, 2024] – Glacier National Park staff are gearing up for the season and while full park operations are still a month off, visitors will see an increase in recreational opportunities throughout May.

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 resumed 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, including weekends through Memorial Day weekend. Visitors should anticipate up to a 30-minute wait. Visitors should drive and bike with caution. Continue reading Glacier National Park Announces 2024 Spring Operations

Press release: Glacier National Park 2024 Vehicle Reservations  Open January 25 

Glacier National Park 2024 Vehicle Reservations  Open January 25 

Reservations Required May 24 through September 8, 2024

[Link to official press release posting.]

WEST GLACIER, Mont. [January 23, 2024] – Glacier National Park reminds visitors that advance vehicle reservations become available on Recreation.gov starting January 25, 2024 at 8 a.m. Mountain Time.

Vehicle reservations will be available on Recreation.gov through two types of booking windows; A portion of vehicle reservations will be available 120 days or approximately four months in advance on a daily rolling basis, beginning January 25 at 8 a.m. Mountain Time. Next day vehicle reservations will be available at 7 p.m. Mountain Time for next-day entry, starting May 23, 2024 on a daily rolling basis. Continue reading Press release: Glacier National Park 2024 Vehicle Reservations  Open January 25 

Glacier Park announces their vehicle reservation system for 2024

Glacier Park has already posted details of their reservation system for next year!

The big news is the changes to the reservations for Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTSR) access via the West Glacier entrance. They will be one-day only, but a reservation will no longer be required to access the Apgar Village complex. However, reservations for facilities in the Apgar area will no longer provide access beyond the “Apgar filter check point.” GTSR reservations will be required from May 24 through September 8, 2024, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Polebridge entrance will be the same as last year: a one-day reservation running from May 24 through September 8, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Many Glacier access will require a reservation from July 1 through September 8, 2024, between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m.

No vehicle reservation will be required to access Going-to-the-Sun Road from the east side!

Note that these new regulations should mean that we will no longer need a special “transit pass” (my term) to swing through the park via the Camas entrance.

See the official press release for full details.

Glacier National Park Fall Operation Adjustments for 2023

Mountain goat kid - NPS photo, Tim Rains
Mountain goat kid – NPS photo, Tim Rains

From the official press release, here’s the word on Glacier Park’s fall schedule . . .

WEST GLACIER, Mont. [September 1, 2023] – As the autumn season approaches, operations in the park will start winding down. On September 10, the park’s 2023 vehicle reservation pilot will end.

Continue reading Glacier National Park Fall Operation Adjustments for 2023