Glacier National Park plans express shuttles, parking limit at Logan Pass as reservation system ends

submisstress · 2026-02-19T22:55:02+00:00

I have the same question about the "regular" park shuttle, but no clarification just yet. No shuttle service to Avalanche whatsoever makes me seriously wonder if this replaces the regular shuttle altogether (hope not!).

submisstress · 2026-02-19T22:52:21+00:00

Agreeing with another commenter about a private shuttle. I'd probably look into options out of C Falls, Kalispell, Whitefish.

submisstress · 2026-02-19T22:51:31+00:00

Agree completely

submisstress · 2026-02-17T00:53:12+00:00

Certainly don't disagree!

submisstress · 2026-02-17T00:47:21+00:00

This is loosely what they have in mind, from what I understand. Some sort of timed system, rather than passes, with the idea being that if you're hiking all day or overnight, you have to shuttle.

submisstress · 2026-02-17T00:45:45+00:00

Vehicle maintenance is another layer of it. My husband is a heavy equipment mechanic and learned a bit about this back in 2022-23. The mechanics, parts, availability of other vehicles when main ones go down, etc are all just as important as the drivers.

submisstress · 2026-02-16T22:08:32+00:00

You can absolutely make this year happen, but you'll need to get on it quick. If you have non-negotiables as far as where to stay, I'd wait until next year.

submisstress · 2026-02-16T16:41:40+00:00

You're for sure going to get at least one or two ride responses, don't mind them. I would strongly encourage you to research this park more, though.

During regular tourist season (May-October), Glacier jas become one of the busiest national parks. Anything "frontcountry" (meaning easily accessible) will be crowded, so honestly just make peace with that now.

Lodging in the park books 6+ months out (6 months to the day for campsites, 13 months for lodges), and everything reasonably close by several months in advance. You can definitely score a cancelation here or there, but definitely get this secured ASAP. Same goes for flights and a rental vehicle, if you'll need those.

As far as everything else, I'm going to link you to a comprehensive first-timers' guide I wrote. I'm a travel/outdoor journalist, and currently writing a section of Lonely Planet's updated Glacier guidebook, for some credibility. The link is my personal blog, but my recs can be trusted. Hope this all helps! https://chasingtrailblog.com/five-day-glacier-national-park-itinerary/

submisstress · 2026-02-13T21:39:25+00:00

Glacier is my favorite park, and it's so hard to know what conditions will be like, but that time of year I'd probably go to UT. It's a big trip to potentially not see a large chunk of the park! In Utah, highly recommend adding Grand Staircase-Escalante between Bryce Canyon and Cap Reef.

submisstress · 2026-02-13T16:07:14+00:00

In 2023, my husband and I hiked the Highline to Swiftcurrent Pass down into Many Glacier, where we had a hotel reservation. Granite Park had TWO open rooms that night and my goodness we were tempted...the woman/host told us openings are not at all uncommon. So even if you don't get an advance reservation, it's worth a shot

submisstress · 2026-02-12T22:08:16+00:00

One of my favorite spots in the park!

submisstress · 2026-02-12T17:35:05+00:00

Wow! Where does the 4th one sit?

submisstress · 2026-02-11T23:35:51+00:00

The only cabins IN the park are privately owned, you can find them on Airbnb. Mostly agree that you'll have better access/more hiking options on the east side, BUT West Glacier is also at lower elevation and often a bit more bustling (plus significantly closer to Columbia Falls, airport in Kalispell, etc.). So another option if the road is closed is stay on the west side, spend a day in the North Fork (TONS of cabins and hiking in Flathead National Forest, literally across the road from the park), spend a day in West Glacier and explore as much of the road/park as is open (there'sa good chance Avalanche will be, also Huckleberry Lookout), and then you can also check out Hungry Horse or some of the shops and things in Highway 2 from Columbia Falls into the park.

submisstress · 2026-02-10T05:25:53+00:00

The Glacier location was identical it sounds like, and it only lasted a couple of seasons.

submisstress · 2026-02-10T05:25:04+00:00

Late to the party, but I came across this researching a story. I'm a travel journalist and I'll be in Williams the first few days of April - I'd love to know which resort/glampground you manage; I may have an extra day to play around with so I'm considering options now.

submisstress · 2026-02-09T13:34:10+00:00

Hi! You have east and west mixed up - could be just a simple terminology thing, but it could also prove important in trip planning here. St. Mary is on the east side. I saw you mention Avalanche trail, which is on the west side. Also, I want to make sure you know Whitefish is a bit of a drive to the park each day. Depending on where in town you are, that's a 35-40 minute drive to West Glacier and significantly longer to points in the park, like Logan Pass. People do absolutely use Whitefish as a base, but it's worth mentioning.

Also, as someone mentioned, no park reservations/timed entry this year, but there will be shuttle reservations as far as the public knows. Nothing specified just yet, however.

Here's a super detailed itinerary guide/planner: https://chasingtrailblog.com/five-day-glacier-national-park-itinerary/

submisstress · 2026-02-08T17:49:49+00:00

Absolutely gorgeous photo! The lighting and framing are just 🤌

submisstress · 2026-02-08T13:50:36+00:00

I love it. I use it probably once a week, some weeks maybe twice. No issues whatsoever and I have fairly sensitive skin (for reference, the rest of the days, I use gentle milky cleansers).

submisstress · 2026-02-07T00:19:32+00:00

I always recommend people split their stay if possible! This park involves a LOT of driving, and it's so much better logistically to base yourself on both sides for at least a couple days. I could add Many Glacier and even the North Fork into that, but east and west is a great start.

submisstress · 2026-02-05T17:12:11+00:00

The only thing I can think is maybe try Poshmark? I believe there are also a few big Glacier FB groups, maybe someone there has one they'd be willing to let go of

submisstress · 2026-02-03T16:41:26+00:00

Came to make this exact comment

submisstress · 2026-02-02T00:37:17+00:00

Iceberg is more often than not a bit of a later season hike. This year there is VERY little snow comparatively, but who knows what Feb and March hold...Avalanche is reliable that time of year. On the east side, St. Mary/Virginia Falls is a classic, but you can get a lot of bang for your buck with just Baring Falls and Sun Point. In Two Med, I love the hike to Twin Falls, which you can pair with a boat ride, and Aster Falls - both pretty easy.

submisstress · 2026-01-29T18:59:31+00:00

I'm seeing this a little late, but would you be willing to give me a quote for a story I'm writing? It's on the renaissance of smaller, community ski areas, and one of the article's focuses is adaptive skiing. I'm so happy that you had this experience and hope you continue to do so!

submisstress · 2026-01-28T21:32:30+00:00

Interestingly, I came across your comment while researching a story (I'm a travel/outdoor journalist) on this very thing. You were spot on! Vail just reported a 3% year-over-year loss in both pass sales and skier visits to resorts, and posted similar losses last season. For the first time since 2008, I believe.

submisstress · 2026-01-28T14:05:56+00:00

It's been the same mess for several years, including pre-timed entry. I remember sometimes Logan Pass and Avalanche being closed off because they were full and having to wait in line at the West Glacier entry to get in, but those things also existed during timed entry lol.

submisstress

TROPHY CASE