Everything You Need to Know About Timed Entry Vehicle Reservations for Glacier National Park’s West Side in 2025
Timed Vehicle Entry for West Side of Glacier Park

Everything You Need to Know About Timed Entry Vehicle Reservations for Glacier National Park’s West Side in 2025
To enhance the visitor experience and protect Glacier National Park’s natural beauty, the National Park Service introduced a vehicle reservation system to manage overcrowding and overuse. Each year, the system has been adjusted to better balance accessibility with conservation, ensuring visitors can enjoy the park while minimizing congestion.
The information below outlines the updated vehicle reservation requirements for 2025, as released by GlacierMT.com. Be sure to review these changes so you can plan your trip accordingly! And remember—you can still enter the park before 7 a.m. or after 3 p.m. Summer days in Glacier are long, with daylight lasting until nearly 10 p.m., giving you plenty of time to explore!
Read on for the latest details from GlacierMT.com.
“Planning a trip to Glacier National Park in 2025? If you're heading to the West Side of Going-to-the-Sun Road or the North Fork, you’ll need to secure a timed entry vehicle reservation between June 13 and September 28, 2025. To help you navigate this process, we’ve broken down all the key details so you can plan your adventure with ease.
When and Where Are Reservations Required?
Timed entry vehicle reservations are required for Going-to-the-Sun Road (West Side) and the North Fork from June 13 to September 28, 2025. If you're planning to visit these areas, you must book your reservation in advance through Recreation.gov.
However, if you're entering Two Medicine, Apgar Village, or the St. Mary Entrance, you do not need a vehicle reservation. Keep in mind that even without a reservation, some areas may experience temporary entry restrictions due to congestion.
How to Get a Timed Entry Vehicle Reservation
Reservations become available in two booking windows:
- 120-Day Advance Reservations – Starting February 13, 2025, at 8 a.m. (MT), a portion of reservations will open daily on a rolling basis for dates 120 days in advance. If you’re planning your trip ahead of time, this is your best opportunity to secure a spot.
- Next-Day Reservations – Starting June 12, 2025, at 7 p.m. (MT), additional reservations will be released for entry the following day. This option is great for spontaneous travelers already in the area.
Reservations can be made online at Recreation.gov or through the Recreation.gov mobile app. Alternatively, you can call:
- (877) 444-6777 (Toll-Free)
- (606) 515-6777 (International)
- (877) 833-6777 (TDD)
Each reservation costs a $2 processing fee.
What Are the Entry Time Blocks?
For Going-to-the-Sun Road and the North Fork, reservation time slots are in two-hour increments:
- 7 a.m. – 9 a.m.
- 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
- 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Visitors must enter the park within their reserved time block but can stay as long as they like. If you miss your time block, you can still enter after 3 p.m. without a reservation.
Important Notes About North Fork Reservations
The North Fork area is more remote, with limited amenities and no cell service. Visitors should:
- Be self-reliant and prepared for rugged conditions.
- Have a four-wheel-drive vehicle and be able to change a tire.
- Make first-come, first-served camping arrangements at the Polebridge Ranger Station (camping does not require a timed entry reservation).
Please only book a North Fork reservation if you fully intend to visit, as availability is limited.
Other Ways to Access Glacier Without a Vehicle Reservation
You do not need a timed entry vehicle reservation if you:
- Have lodging, camping, or tour reservations within the reservation areas. Simply show your booking confirmation at the entry checkpoint.
- Enter through St. Mary (East Side) and stay east of Logan Pass. However, if you drive west past Apgar, you will need a reservation to return before 3 p.m.
- Enter after 3 p.m., when reservations are no longer required.
Additional Park Entrance Fees
A timed entry reservation does NOT cover the standard park entrance fee. You’ll still need one of the following:
- $35 vehicle entrance pass (valid for 7 days)
- Glacier National Park Annual Pass
- Interagency Annual/Lifetime Pass
Plan Ahead for a Smooth Visit
- Check the park website for road status updates before your trip.
- Sign up for text alerts for real-time access updates.
- Utilize the park’s free shuttles to Logan Pass and popular hiking areas to avoid parking congestion.
- Be prepared for changing weather conditions, as Glacier’s climate is unpredictable.”
Book Your Stay at Bear Creek Guest Ranch
If you found the information above helpful, we’d love to host you at Bear Creek Guest Ranch! As a family-run operation with years of experience, knowledge, and expertise, we take pride in getting to know our guests, helping them plan their stay, and offering recommendations on the best places to visit and things to do. Come stay with us and experience true Montana Western hospitality while enjoying our little slice of paradise in the mountains. We look forward to seeing you!






