Glacier National Park encompasses over one million acres of stunningly beautiful Montana scenery, including two mountain ranges that are home to bears, moose, mountain goats, deer, bighorn sheep, elk, bobcats, Canadian lynxes, coyote, cougar, eagles, hawks and more.
Every year, over 2 million people visit Glacier to sightsee, picnic, camp, horseback ride, bike and hike through the hundreds of miles of trails that wind around a dozen large lakes and 700 smaller ones.
Less than an hour away from Bigfork is the west entrance to Glacier. It is also the most popular park entrance, thanks to its proximity to the Kalispell airport and the fact that it is one of the stops on Amtrak’s northern route across Montana.
Just inside the park entrance lies the west side visitor center, Apgar Village, which features traveler services, gift shops, a camp store, a restaurant and nearby lodging. While there, visitors can also make reservations for horseback riding or boat rentals.
Many visitors to West Glacier drive their own cars along Going to the Sun Road to take in the sights, however, visitors can also take the free National Park Service Shuttle or a Red Bus tour to see the park and learn more about its history and geography.
Lake McDonald, which is easily accessible from the west entrance, is one of the largest and most scenic lakes in the park. Long ago, Lake McDonald was carved out by a huge glacier, leaving what is now a ten-mile long and 472-foot deep lake. East of the lake lies the Lewis Range, which runs north to south, marking the Continental divide.
Less than five miles further on Going to the Sun road are the trailheads for Trail of the Cedars, which provides an easy, family-friendly trail hike, and Avalanche Creek Trail, which is a short two-mile hike to beautiful Avalanche Lake.
Parking can be limited, so it is recommended that you take the free shuttle to enjoy a hassle-free experience.
Those who choose to see Glacier National Park by bike may want to go in early spring, before Going to the Sun Road opens to vehicles and experiences summer congestion.
You can contact West Glacier National Park directly at (406) 888-7800 or visit the Glacier National Park website for more information.
In 2026, Glacier National Park will pilot a ticketed-only, Going-to-the-Sun Road shuttle system with early morning express routes to Logan Pass. Additionally, the park will limit private vehicle parking to three hours or less at Logan Pass beginning July 1, weather permitting. Vehicle reservations will not be required anywhere in the park in 2026.
Logan Pass Parking
Going-to-the-Sun Road Park Shuttles
In 2026, Going-to-the-Sun Road shuttles will provide express transportation to Logan Pass for visitors seeking longer experiences in the alpine area of Going-to-the-Sun Road. The following details provide information on changes to shuttle routes and access. More information on shuttle routes, boarding times, and stop locations will be available as we get closer to the 2026 season.
Glacier National Park Shuttle Tickets
Please note: the park cannot predict the opening date of the alpine section of the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Typically, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open by early July. However, some years see snowstorms and avalanches continuing through May, making it impossible to predict an opening date. This fluctuating date may impact the shuttle start dates.
Vehicle Reservations Not Required in 2026
In 2026, vehicle reservations will not be required at Many Glacier, Two Medicine, the North Fork, or the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Vehicles may be diverted from park entrances when areas become too congested. Visitors with service reservations (e.g., boat tours, lodging, horseback ride, guided hikes), camping reservations, or backcountry permits in these areas will be permitted entry during temporary restrictions but may experience delays.
Updates on Glacier National Park Status
