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Park Service makes it official: No reservations to drive Sun Road, other roads in Glacier in 2026

CHRIS PETERSON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 months, 2 weeks AGO
by CHRIS PETERSON
Chris Peterson is the editor of the Hungry Horse News. He covers Columbia Falls, the Canyon, Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness. All told, about 4 million acres of the best parts of the planet. He can be reached at [email protected] or 406-892-2151. | February 18, 2026 12:55 PM

It’s official: There will be no reservation requirements to drive Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road this summer or to enter the other park’s regions.

But there will be an express shuttle to Logan Pass and parking restrictions at Logan Pass.

The official announcement from the Park Service came Wednesday afternoon, merely affirming what Park superintendent David Roemer has been saying since earlier this year.

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 Roemer in a release. “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.


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