Skip to main content

How to plan your Glacier National Park visit for 2025: Reservation deadlines and key rules

Here's what Glacier National Park's new reservation system will mean for you in 2025

Hiking Glacier National Park in Montana.
JD Andrews / Unsplash

Glacier National Park is one of the most gorgeous ones in the United States, so it’s not a surprise that it saw almost three million visitors in 2023. Visitors can’t get enough of Going-to-the-Sun Road, Lake McDonald, and the many lakes and glaciers in the area — the best time to visit Glacier National Park is often the busiest time. Because of the congestion in recent years, the National Park Service had previously enacted a reservation system for entry to the park as part of a pilot program. The National Park Service recently revealed this will continue in 2025, including timed entry reservations for the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road and the North Fork — here’s what you need to know.

Here’s how it will look like going into 2025

Glacier National Park morning mist over road
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park Tevin Trinh via Unsplash / Unsplash

West Entrance: Going-to-the-Sun Road

  • Reservations required: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., June 13 – September 28.
  • Applies to travel beyond Apgar Village.
  • Entry without a reservation: Before 7 a.m. or after 3 p.m.
  • Exceptions: Visitors with lodging, camping, or certain commercial reservations (originating beyond Apgar checkpoint) will be allowed entry.

North Fork: Polebridge Entrance Station

  • Reservations required: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., June 13 – September 28.
  • Entry without a reservation: Before 7 a.m. or after 3 p.m.
  • Visitors heading to the Polebridge community (outside the park) do not need a reservation.

Two Medicine and St. Mary Entrances

  • No vehicle reservations required in 2025.
  • Temporary restrictions may apply during peak congestion hours (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.).
  • Visitors with service reservations (e.g., tours, lodging) will be granted access during these restrictions.

Many Glacier Valley

  • The Swiftcurrent area of Many Glacier Valley will remain closed for summer 2025 due to construction. The park is exploring alternative access options and will provide updates in a future release.

Secure your reservation 120 days in advance starting from February 12. These reservations have a $2 processing fee, but you will also need a valid park entrance pass.

Sarah Joseph
Sarah is a lover of all things outdoors. With a bright sense of adventure and a heart for the mountains, she is always…
You’re now able to visit most of the Blue Ridge Parkway after hurricane damage
The National Park Service clears 55 miles of Hurricane Helene debris
Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia

Restoration efforts have been under way at the Blue Ridge Parkway as the National Park Service clears the debris from Hurricane Helene. Fortunately, nearly 55 miles have been cleared as of October 30th. Visitors can now access all of the beautiful trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway from Milepost 411.8 to 421 from Black Balsam, and milepost 423.2 to 469, from N.C. 215 to U.S. 411.
These roads are now open along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Due to a landslide, the section between milepost 421 and 423.2 will remain closed. This area includes the Devil's Courthouse, which experienced severe damage during the hurricane.

Read more
How a recent sediment slump will affect your trip to Canyonlands National Park
Here's everything you need to know about staying safe in Cataract Canyon after the sediment slide
sediment slide alters water flow at canyonlands national park fishmouth slump 10 29 2024 d ippolito

Canyonlands National Park in Utah is the place to go if you'd like to see unique rock formations and colorful scenery, making it one of the best national parks. Home to famous viewpoints like Island in the Sky and The Needles, this national park is chock-full of adventure for you and your crew to enjoy, no matter what time of year you go. That said, you'll need to be a bit careful at this time. If you're thinking about boating or rafting anytime soon, be aware that a sediment slump has just altered the water flow at Canyonlands. Here's what you need to know.
Canyonlands National Park in Utah experiences major sediment slide

Between October 25 and October 29, 2024, a significant sediment slump occurred in Cataract Canyon's Narrow Canyon at river mile 175.1. Approximately 300 to 350 meters of the river-left shoreline collapsed into the main channel. This event has caused sediment and mud to shift, creating new rapids and altering water flow for about three miles upstream of the slump.

Read more
Discover Texas through its stunning national parks
You won't regret visiting one of these amazing national parks in Texas
Sunset at "The Window" near Chisos Mountain Lodge at Big Bend National Park

The Lone Star State has a lot to offer when it comes to national parks. There are two official ones: Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains. Here's everything you need to know about these amazing national parks in Texas.
Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert in Southwestern Texas and is well known for its jaw-dropping cliffs, the winding Rio Grande River, and starlit skies. Adventurers come from across the globe to find peace and tranquility in the isolation of Big Bend.
Things to see
Everyone loves a good photo op, so here are our best recommendations:

Read more