Kalispell’s backyard national park, Glacier National Park, is one of the state’s must-visit destinations. With 1 million acres of glacial-carved terrain, the park is open year-round and is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the United States. From downtown Kalispell, Glacier National Park is a scenic 32 miles from the park’s west entrance in West Glacier, Montana. With easy access and our convenient location, many visitors opt to stay in our mountain town and explore the park at their own pace, all while enjoying what Kalispell has to offer, from tasty restaurants to guided activities and a hopping downtown. 

Over the last few years, the National Park Service (NPS) was testing a pilot program to help manage congestion and visitation in Glacier National Park. And as visitation and needs have evolved, the NPS has been adapting with those to better serve visitors and protect America’s best idea.

All that to say that we have some great news to share for 2026 – no vehicle reservations or timed entries are in place for this year, making it easier to visit Glacier National Park.

However, there are some new additions that will affect some travel plans.

If you’re planning on visiting Glacier National Park in 2026, here’s what you need to know.

1. No vehicle reservations are needed for Glacier National Park, including the Going-to-the Sun Road, Many Glacier, Two Medicine and the North Fork.

While no reservations are needed, keep in mind that when areas reach capacity, vehicular traffic may be temporarily diverted. If you are a visitor who has a reservation for lodging, camping, boat tours, horseback trail rides, guided hikes or backcountry reservations and happen to try to enter the park while vehicles are being temporarily diverted, you will be permitted entry (although you should expect delays).

2. Parking at Logan Pass Limited to Three Hours.

From July 1-September 7, 2026, private vehicles will only be able to park in the Logan Pass parking lot for three hours. This limit will give more visitors the chance to visit Logan Pass, hike to Hidden Lake, check out the Logan Pass Visitor Center and more.

If you plan to hike from Logan Pass or be in the area longer than three hours, you will need to obtain a shuttle ticket (more info on shuttles below). For reference, Logan Pass is the starting point for a handful of hikes, including the Highline Trail, Granite Park Chalet and the Loop Trailhead.

Good to know: No overnight parking will be allowed at Logan Pass, with the exception of permitted backcountry users and registered guests of Granite Park Chalet.

3. Going-to-the-Sun Road/Logan Pass Park Shuttles – Reservations and Tickets Needed.

New for this year, NPS will provide express service (meaning no stops at Avalanche/Trail of the Cedars) to Logan Pass for visitors who are doing longer hikes starting on July 1, 2026.

To use the express shuttles, passengers must purchase tickets in advance. Tickets will need to be booked for specific dates, times, and boarding locations. Passengers will have their tickets validated at the boarding locations and will receive a wristband.

The west-side boarding locations are the Apgar Transit Center and Lake McDonald Lodge. An additional hike shuttle stop will be available at the Loop for wristband holders only. East-side boarding location leaves from St. Mary Visitor Center and Rising Sun. Get the shuttle schedule and learn more information and view the shuttle map here.

Good to know: Anyone over the age of 2 will need a ticket to board the GNP shuttles.

When to book: There will be two booking windows. The first portion of shuttle tickets will be available 60 days in advance, starting May 2, 2026, at 8 a.m. Mountain Time, on a rolling basis. The second portion of shuttle tickets will be available at  7 p.m. Mountain Time for next-day entry starting June 30, 2026.

Where to book: Tickets are available on Recreation.gov on a first-come, first-served basis and will not be available inside the park. Tickets for the shuttle are free, but there is a $1 processing fee per ticket.

Other Things to Know / Reminders

  • A park entry pass is always needed.
  • As cell service is spotty/non-existent inside Glacier National Park, be sure to download/save any shuttle tickets.
  • As in the past, peak visitation hours are 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and visitors are encouraged to visit outside of peak hours. Be prepared for waits, especially at popular areas like Logan Pass and Apgar Village.
  • There is no NPS-operated hiker/biker shuttle this spring.
  • Get the full rundown directly from NPS. 

Have additional questions regarding planning your visit to Kalispell and Glacier National Park in 2026? Call us at 406-758-2811.