New Changes Coming to Glacier National Park in 2025 with Timed-Entry Permits

Visiting Glacier National Park in the summer of 2025 will be mostly the same as it has been, except in one area.

Glacier National Park will again require vehicle reservations next summer, hoping to continue managing access to the famous Going to the Sun Road. From June 13 to September 28, 2025, and will apply to the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road and the North Fork areas.

What to know about visiting Glacier NP in 2025

sunset views over hidden lake in glacier national park — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

What is staying the same

You’ll need an entry permit to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road and visit the North Fork area (Bowman Lake and others) from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Entering before or after will still not require anything but a National Park Pass.
You can drive up to Logan Pass from St. Mary’s Entrance with no permit. You can also visit Two Medicine with no permit.
GNP will have access restrictions June 13 to September 28

What is new at Glacier for summer ’25

Next summer, the park will introduce a new timed entry approach that it believes will enhance visitor flow and alleviate congestion at crucial points.

Visitors can start booking their reservations on Recreation.gov on February 12, 2025, with reservation slots available for specific time blocks between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. Once inside, visitors may remain for the day but must arrive within their designated time. Those without reservations can still enter outside these hours.

Timed entries are becoming popular in national parks across the U.S., including Yellowstone and Arches. These parks have seen reduced wait times and improved visitor experiences.

“In 2025 we are continuing successful measures from the 2024 season, including access to Apgar Village, Two Medicine, and the East Entrance to Going-to-the-Sun Road outside of the vehicle reservation system. Within that successful framework we are going to try timed entry to see if we can minimize congestion, optimize visitor arrival, and improve visitor experiences,” said Glacier National Park Superintendent Dave Roemer.

“Timed entry has proven to be a valuable tool in other popular national parks and should reduce congestion and wait times at the West Entrance to Going-to-the-Sun Road.”

Navigating the Park’s West Entrance

Under the new plan, visitors with a timed entry reservation can access Going-to-the-Sun Road beyond Apgar Village from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those staying in lodges or campgrounds or engaging in commercial activities within the reservation area will need proof of their reservations for entry. This policy, however, excludes commercial reservations originating in Apgar, which will not substitute for a vehicle reservation.

glacier national park announces new timed entry policies

Accessing North Fork and Other Popular Sites

Timed entry will also apply at the North Fork’s Polebridge entrance, with reservations required during the same hours. Notably, travelers visiting the Polebridge community, which sits outside the park’s boundary, will not need a reservation to enter.

Vehicle reservations will not be required for the Two Medicine Valley and St. Mary areas. However, entry may be temporarily restricted during peak congestion, usually between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Visitors with reservations for services such as boat tours, lodging, or guided hikes will be allowed access even if entry restrictions are in effect.

Adjustments for Many Glacier Valley

The park also announced that the Swiftcurrent area of Many Glacier Valley will be closed next summer due to extensive construction, limiting parking and access to the area. Park officials are exploring alternative access options and will release further information in the coming months.

Booking Details and Access Costs

Reservations will be available in two windows.

The first will open on February 12, 2025, with rolling availability 120 days in advance. Additional reservations will be released daily for next-day access starting June 12, 2025. Each area requires a separate reservation, and visitors must set up an account on Recreation.gov to book a slot, with a $2 processing fee per reservation.

In addition to a vehicle reservation, all visitors need an entrance pass, which can be a $35 week-long pass, a Glacier Annual Pass, or an Interagency Annual/Lifetime Pass.

Vehicle reservations are not required for tribal members in recognition of the American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978.

Park officials encourage visitors to check Glacier’s website frequently for updates. As interest in Glacier’s scenic landscapes grows, this refined reservation system aims to ensure visitors enjoy the park’s splendor while managing its environmental footprint.

Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.

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Glacier National Park’s New Timed Entry Reservations: What You Need to Know for Summer 2025