In an effort to make Logan Pass more easily accessible, Glacier National Park is rolling out a new ticketed shuttle system this summer that includes early morning express routes up Going-to-the-Sun Road, while also limiting parking at the pass to three hours beginning July 1.

The changes come as Glacier Park officially ends the vehicle reservation system that has been in place for certain areas of the park since 2021. 

Glacier National Park Superintendent Dave Roemer recently said the vehicle reservation system didn't work as intended, with the parking lot on Logan Pass regularly reaching capacity by 7 a.m., before a reservation was needed to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road.

In a press release, he said the new express shuttles and parking limits should improve access to the park's most popular areas.

“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,” Roemer said in a press release.

THE PARK shuttle system will provide express service to Logan Pass for visitors planning extended alpine hikes and activities. The shuttles will not stop at Avalanche or board passengers without shuttle tickets.

A portion of tickets will be available 60 days in advance beginning May 2, at 8 a.m. MDT on a rolling basis. The 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 by calling 877-444-6777. 

Tickets are not sold inside the park. There is a $1 processing fee per ticket.

The 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.

Glacier officials say the three-hour parking limit at Logan Pass is enough time for people to hike the roughly 3-mile roundtrip Hidden Lake Overlook trail or visit the visitor center.

People planning longer hikes that begin at Logan Pass, including the Highline Trail to Granite Park Chalet or to the Loop Trailhead, will need to take the shuttle, the press release stated. 

Overnight parking on Logan Pass will not be allowed expect for permitted backcountry users and registered guests of Granite Park Chalet.

With the end of vehicle reservations, the park warns that access points at Many Glacier, Two Medicine and the North Fork may be temporarily closed once capacity is reached in those areas. 

People with lodging, camping, boat tour, horseback ride, guided hike or backcountry reservations will be allowed to enter during temporary restrictions but may experience delays, the park warned.