You can obtain a State Park and National Park pass.

Before I talk about our experiences, here are some tips to consider.

Glacier National Park is a massive landscape with distinct regulations and seasonal rhythms. If you are planning a trip for the upcoming season, here are several essential tips to ensure a smooth visit.

2026 Reservation & Access Changes

• No Vehicle Reservations: In a significant change for 2026, Glacier National Park has suspended its timed-entry vehicle reservation system. You can now drive into any area of the park (Going-to-the-Sun Road, Many Glacier, Two Medicine, and North Fork) without a pre-booked entry slot.
• Logan Pass Parking Limits: To manage congestion, private vehicle parking at Logan Pass will be limited to three hours starting July 1 through September 7. This is strictly enforced 24 hours a day to encourage turnover.
• New Ticketed Shuttle Service: If you plan on doing longer day hikes that begin at Logan Pass (like the Highline Trail), you should use the new Logan Pass Shuttle Service. These tickets must be reserved in advance via Recreation.gov for a $1 fee. They are assigned to specific boarding locations like the Apgar Visitor Center or the St. Mary Visitor Center.

Navigating Going-to-the-Sun Road

• Opening Dates: While lower sections are open year-round, the full 52-mile alpine section typically opens between late June and early July.
• Cyclist Access: In the late spring (May and June), before the road fully opens to cars, hikers, and cyclists often have the road to themselves. This is a popular way to see the park’s interior without vehicle traffic.
• Size Restrictions: If you are driving your own vehicle, remember that vehicles longer than 21 feet or wider than 8 feet (including mirrors) are prohibited on the narrow, winding sections between Avalanche Campground and Rising Sun.

Bear Country Safety

• Carry Bear Spray: This is non-negotiable for hiking in Glacier. Ensure you carry it in an accessible holster on your belt or pack strap—not inside your bag—and know how to use it.
• Make Noise: Don’t rely on “bear bells,” which are often ineffective. Instead, call out “Hey bear,” clap, or sing, especially when moving through dense brush or near running water where a bear might not hear you approaching.
• Hike in Groups: Statistics show that hiking in groups of four or more significantly reduces the risk of a negative bear encounter.

Best Times to Visit

• Mid-July to August: This is the peak window when all roads and trails are typically snow-free, and wildflower meadows are in full bloom.
• September: A fantastic time for fewer crowds and active wildlife, though be aware that some visitor services and shuttles begin to scale back after Labor Day.
• Spring: Perfect for those seeking solitude and powerful waterfalls, but keep in mind that high-elevation trails will likely still be buried under snow through June.

Practical Logistics

• Download Offline Maps: Cell service is nonexistent in most of the park. Download the NPS app’s offline content and Google Maps of the region before you enter.
• Pack for All Weather: Temperatures can drop 20–30 degrees between the valley floor and Logan Pass. Even in July, a midday hike can start in the 80s and end with a chilly wind at the summit.
• Fill Up Early: There are no gas stations inside the park boundaries along Going-to-the-Sun Road. Ensure you have a full tank before entering from West Glacier or St. Mary.

Our Experiences

When purchasing the pass, you will need to show the receipt if you have not received the pass in the mail before you leave. Kim was able to show her receipt on her phone. You also have to show your Driver’s License. You can’t share your pass with others.

We traveled along the “Going to the Sun” road until we discovered a lookout point that featured a beach area, a breathtaking view, and a path leading down to the water. We were adventurous and laid back, but further research for your views and pictures is available here:

Selecting the right lookout point along the Going-to-the-Sun Road depends on what you want to see—whether it’s dramatic glacial valleys, turquoise lakes, or high-altitude wildlife.

Since the road is a 50-mile engineering marvel, it helps to categorize the stops by the “vibe” and perspective they offer:

1. For the “Big Picture” (Glacial Valleys)

• The Loop: This is the only major switchback on the road. It provides a massive, panoramic view of Heaven’s Peak and the valley carved by McDonald Creek. It’s a great spot to see the evidence of past forest fires and the resilient new growth.
• Bird Woman Falls Overlook: Visible from across the valley as you ascend the west side. This is one of the tallest waterfalls in the park, framed perfectly by the surrounding peaks.

2. For High-Altitude Drama (Logan Pass Area)

• Big Bend: Often considered the most beautiful spot on the road. It offers an expansive view of the “Garden Wall” (part of the Continental Divide). If you want the classic “Jagged peaks reaching for the clouds” photo, this is the spot.
• Oberlin Bend: Located just before Logan Pass, this is a prime location for spotting mountain goats and bighorn sheep. The boardwalks here protect the fragile alpine tundra while giving you a 360-degree view of the high peaks.

3. For Water & Reflection (Lake Views)

• Wild Goose Island Lookout: This is the iconic “postcard” shot of Glacier. Located on the east side (St. Mary Lake), the tiny island sits in the middle of a deep blue lake, framed by massive mountains. It is best visited at sunrise or in the early morning.
• Lake McDonald Valley: On the west side, these stops are closer to the water level. They are perfect for seeing the famous colored pebbles and for getting a sense of the valley’s scale from the bottom up.

4. For Engineering Wonders

• The Weeping Wall: During the spring and early summer, water bursts directly from the rock face onto the road. If you are driving with the top down or windows open, you’ll get a natural car wash.
• Triple Arches: A masterful bit of masonry where the road is supported by three stone arches built into the cliffside. There is a small pull-off nearby where you can appreciate how the road was literally “carved” into the mountain.

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Tips for a Better Experience

• The “Towards the Sun” Strategy: If you want to avoid the sun’s glare in your photos, drive West to East in the afternoon or East to West in the morning.
• Use the Pull-outs: Never stop in the middle of the road to look at wildlife or scenery. There are dozens of designated pull-outs; if one is full, keep driving—another spectacular view is usually less than a mile away.
• Early vs. Late: To get a parking spot at the most popular lookouts (like Wild Goose Island or Big Bend), aim to be there before 8:00 AM or after 6:00 PM. The “Golden Hour” light at these times also makes the red and green rock layers “pop.”

We entered the West Entrance (West Glacier) in May. We stopped by the visitor center to gather ideas for walking trails and activities. I highly recommend starting here.

We walked the Apgar Loop and had lunch at Eddie’s! Although this is a café, the food was five-star quality! See the patio below? We sat here with an umbrella for shade if needed.

After nourishment, we went to the famous McDonald Lodge area to explore more trails, interact with wildlife, and sit on the beach, and we made sure we walked on the “Going to the Sun” road just to say we did, even though it was closed. We dreamed of coming back next year to rent bikes, which is a biker’s paradise!

I loved how we slowed down enough to rest on the beach. One of my favorites.

We stopped at a grocery store near our place (Super 1) for dinner, and the men cooked us a great meal on the grill. Kim and I enjoyed talking by the river. Also, when Parish and I leave a place, we like to leave a little surprise and share our tradition with Kim and Mike.

Apgar Village is the hub of the west side and, in May, it serves as the “launchpad” for spring adventures. Since it’s currently mid-May, the village is fully coming to life, though the higher elevations are still deep in snow.

Here is what you can do in and around Apgar Village in May/Spring:

1. The “Hiker-Biker” Window (Top Priority)

May is the prime season for biking the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Because the road is closed to cars past Lake McDonald Lodge (or Avalanche Creek, depending on plowing), you can bike for miles in total silence without vehicle traffic.

• Rentals: You can rent standard bikes or E-bikes directly in Apgar Village at Glacier Outfitters.
• Shuttles: There are private “Hiker-Biker” shuttles (like those from Glacier Outfitters or Glacier Guides) that can drop you and your bike off at the vehicle closure so you don’t have to bike the flat miles along the lake.
• What to see: Even if you only go a few miles, you’ll see waterfalls fueled by the spring melt that disappear by July.

2. On the Water at Lake McDonald

The water is crystal clear (and freezing!) in May, but the lake is usually very calm.

• Shoreline Chilling: Walk the pebbly shore to find the famous multi-colored rocks. This is the most photographed spot in the park for a reason.
• Boating: Glacier Park Boat Co. typically begins renting kayaks, rowboats, and paddleboards in mid-May. If you bring your own gear, you must get it inspected for invasive species at the station near the Apgar boat ramp.
• Scenic Cruises: Commercial boat tours on the Desmet usually start in late May; check the daily schedule at the Apgar pier.

3. Apgar Village Amenities

• Apgar Visitor Center: Open daily in May. It’s a great place to check the “Plow Report” to see exactly how far up the road the crews have reached.
• Shopping & Dining: * Eddie’s Cafe: A staple for a post-hike burger or huckleberry ice cream.
  • Cedar Tree Gift Shop: One of the largest gift shops in the park for your souvenir fix.
• Horseback Riding: Swan Mountain Outfitters at the Apgar Corals typically opens in mid-to-late May for guided trail rides through the lower cedar forests.

4. Nearby “Spring-Friendly” Hikes

Since high-altitude trails are still under 10+ feet of snow, stick to these low-elevation gems near Apgar:

• Apgar Lookout: A steady climb that offers a panoramic view of Lake McDonald. It clears of snow earlier than other peaks.
• Oxbow Trail: An easy, flat loop near the village, great for birdwatching.
• Rocky Point: A short, easy hike with great lake views, accessible from the Fish Creek side (just a short drive from Apgar).

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