Visiting Glacier National Park in Summer 2025? A Travel Guide for everyone
Here’s Everything You Need to Know!
Thinking about visiting Glacier National Park? This Glacier National Park travel guide for 2025 will help you navigate the latest ticketing requirements, vehicle reservation policies, and park updates so you can plan your visit with ease.
Here’s your simple step-by-step guide:
QUICK NAVIGATION
- Glacier National Park Travel Guide 2025: Park Entrance Pass vs. Vehicle Reservation – What’s the Difference?
- What Kind of Park Entrance Pass Do I Need?
- Glacier National Park 2025: How to Get a Vehicle Reservation
- Glacier National Park Entrances – Which One is Best for You?
- What About Many Glacier Construction?
- What If I Don’t Have a Vehicle Reservation?
- Need a Shuttle?
- What About Cell Service?
- Glacier National Park Travel Guide 2025: Best Alternative Areas to Explore
- Best Times to Visit Glacier National Park in 2025
- Conclusion: Best Tips for Visiting Glacier National Park in 2025
1. Glacier National Park Travel Guide 2025: Park Entrance Pass vs. Vehicle Reservation – What’s the Difference?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that a park entrance pass and a vehicle reservation are the same thing. They’re NOT! Here’s the difference:
• A Park Entrance Pass is REQUIRED to enter Glacier National Park and ALL national parks. These are limitless – meaning they do NOT sell out. You can purchase one online or at the park entrance booth.
• A Vehicle Reservation is ONLY needed during the busiest times of the year for specific entrances and times (details below). These DO sell out, so plan ahead!
2. What Kind of Park Entrance Pass Do I Need?
The easiest way to get your pass? Just buy it at the entrance booth on the day of your visit! No additional fees and no license plate number required.
- 7-Day Glacier Park Pass – $35 per vehicle
- Annual Glacier Park Pass – $70
Purchase online here: NP Passes - Annual All National Parks Pass – $80 (Free for military, $20 for seniors)(Buying Online? Get it from USGS Store ($5 processing fee applies)
3. Glacier National Park 2025: How to Get a Vehicle Reservation
From June 13 to September 28, 2025, you’ll need a timed entry reservation to drive on Going-to-the-Sun Road (West Entrance) between 7 AM and 3 PM.
Here’s where you’ll need a vehicle reservation:
- Going-to-the-Sun Road (West Entrance) → Required from June 13 – Sept 28, between 7 AM – 3 PM.
- North Fork → Also requires a reservation during the same timeframe.
- St. Mary Entrance → DOES NOT require a reservation (great alternative!).
These reservations sell out fast, so plan ahead! Here’s how to secure one:
120 Days in Advance:
- 50% of reservations are released 120 days ahead on a rolling basis.
- Mark your calendar: Reservations open on February 13 at 8 AM (MT) on Recreation.gov.
Last-Minute Option:
- Next-day reservations become available each night at 7 PM (MT) for entry the following day.
- First come, first served, so be ready!
4. Glacier National Park Entrances – Which One is Best for You?
Glacier has multiple entrances, and not all require a vehicle reservation. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- West Glacier Entrance (Most Popular!) → Access to Going-to-the-Sun Road, requires a reservation.
- St. Mary Entrance → No reservation needed, but parking fills up early.
- Two Medicine → No vehicle reservation required! Perfect for hiking, boating, and avoiding crowds.
- North Fork Entrance → Remote, requires a reservation, but offers stunning off-the-grid experiences.
- Many Glacier → See our section on this area for 2025 updates!
Pro Tip: If you didn’t secure a reservation for Going-to-the-Sun Road, St. Mary and Two Medicine are fantastic alternatives!
5. What About Many Glacier Construction?
Heads up – construction is happening in Many Glacier from July 1 – September 21, 2025.
• Limited vehicle access: Only guests with lodging, commercial service, or shuttle reservations will be allowed to drive in.
• Shuttle service will be available for hikers, with tickets released 7 days in advance at 8 AM (MT) and again the night before at 7 PM (MT) on Recreation.gov.
• No parking available unless you’re a hotel guest!
6. What If I Don’t Have a Vehicle Reservation?
Good news! You can still visit without one. Here are your options:
• Enter the park before 7 AM or after 3 PM – no reservation needed!
• Stay at a park lodge or campground – your booking allows you entry.
• Take a tour or shuttle service – many don’t require you to have a reservation.
7. Need a Shuttle?
• Going-to-the-Sun Road Shuttle runs July 1 – Labor Day and is FREE.
• Many Glacier Shuttle (due to construction) requires a ticket from Recreation.gov.
If you’re following this Glacier National Park travel guide for 2025, taking a shuttle can be a stress-free way to explore the park without a vehicle reservation.
8. What About Cell Service?
It’s spotty and often nonexistent once you’re inside the park! Be sure to download maps, reservations, and park info before you go. And lastly, embrace the peace and quiet – being disconnected from the digital world is one of the joys and perks of visiting National Parks!
9. Glacier National Park Travel Guide 2025: Best Alternative Areas to Explore
• Apgar – Located at the entrance of West Glacier, Apgar Village offers stunning views of Lake McDonald, easy access to amenities, and no vehicle reservation requirements!
• Two Medicine – A peaceful and less crowded area with breathtaking scenery and fantastic hiking opportunities. No vehicle reservations required!
• Cut Bank Valley – A hidden gem with incredible hikes, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds.
• St. Mary Entrance – While it’s a longer drive from the Flathead Valley, the journey is scenic and well worth it. No reservations are needed for access to Going-to-the-Sun Road from the east.
10. Best Times to Visit Glacier to Avoid Crowds
Glacier gets busy, especially from July to mid-August. If you want to enjoy the park without the stress, consider these timeframes:
- Early Mornings (Before 7 AM) → Fewer crowds + dreamy sunrise views.
- Late September – Early October → Golden larch trees, crisp air, and way fewer people!
- Midweek Visits → Avoid weekend traffic – especially at Logan Pass & Lake McDonald.
- Winter Magic (November – March) → No reservations needed, peaceful landscapes, and cross-country skiing!
Pro Tip: Early May, June & Late September are hidden gems – you get gorgeous views without the insane crowds!
11. Conclusion: Best Tips for Visiting Glacier National Park in 2025
• Check the official Glacier NP website for updates.
• Be flexible – construction and weather can change plans.
• Start early or stay late to avoid crowds.
Now that you’ve read this Glacier National Park travel guide for 2025, you’re ready for an unforgettable adventure in one of the most stunning parks in the USA!
Want to Capture Your Glacier Memories?
Glacier National Park is more than just a destination – it’s a place where love, adventure, and unforgettable memories are made. Whether you’re eloping in the mountains, celebrating an anniversary, or capturing your family’s journey, I’d love to create something magical with you.
Want to make your Glacier trip unforgettable?
Whether you’re following this Glacier National Park travel guide for 2025 or planning a last-minute adventure, let’s capture the magic with a stunning photography session.
Book your adventure session today!
All photography by Jennifer Mooney Photography
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