Editor’s Note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
National park vacations became popular due to the COVID-19 pandemic as people became eager to get out and explore nature. These trips are still on extremely popular travel option.
However, the high demand means that there are a lot of crowds during the peak tourist season, namely summer. This is why some people have started waking up before sunrise to get Get an early start at parks like Arches . National Park in Utah. The immense popularity is forcing park officials to take steps to manage attendance at American parks.
Glacier National Park in Montana announced plans to resume Timed ticket system in the summer of 2023, and it was Limited addition for additional entrance also.
Many visitors want to experience the famous Road to the Sun – a 50-mile stretch across the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains. It is arguably the most beautiful highway in the United States and is one of the most popular aspects of Glacier. If you want to see it, plan your visit in advance.
Related: The Complete Guide to Glacier . National Park
Reservations will be needed to enjoy the views and sweeping views along the road from 6am to 3pm every day from May 26 to September 10 if entering from the West entrance. That time of day is usually when the park is busiest. If you’re considering a trip to Glacier, tickets are scheduled to go on sale February 1. Add a reminder to your calendar to make sure you don’t miss out on that exciting ride. . As TPG reportedDemand far exceeds reserved supply for all the activities available in Glacier National Park, so book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Travelers who reserve accommodation, camping, transportation, or commercial activity in certain areas — such as the Path to the Sun corridor, the Multiple Glacier or Two Medicines area — can use reservations their place to enter instead of $2 ticket.
Related: What you need to know before planning a national park trip
Sign up for our daily newsletter
New for 2023
Additional entrances to Glacier National Park were added to the reservation system this year. Park officials confirmed the decision to add more glacial valleys and two Medicine valleys to the booking system based on a review of data collected over the previous two years.
The entrance to St. Mary East will also require reservations from July 1 to September 10, 2023, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Visitors to the east side of the park without a reservation can still visit Two Medicines and Multiple Glaciers before 6:00 a.m. and after 3:00 p.m.; they will be able to visit the St. Mary to use the free shuttle to Path to the Sun.
Another new feature for the 2023 season: Reservations will be available through two types of reservation windows.
A pre-order will be available about four months or 120 days in advance, using a block release system. The first advanced preset block will be available via Entertainment.gov at 8 a.m. MST on February 1, 2023. This pre-booked round will be available to enter the Path to the Sun or the Northern Fork from May 26 to June 30.
The next release will take place on March 1, 2023, from July 1 to July 31, including reservation zones for Path to the Sun, North Fork, Two Medicine, and Many Glacier. On April 1, 2023, pre-orders will be available to all regions from August 1 to August 31. On May 1, 2023, pre-orders will be available to all areas from September 1 to September 10. Like last year, partial reservations for all areas of the park will be available on a rolling basis at 8:00 a.m. 24 hours in advance.
Tickets will only be valid for three days instead of seven — a change still in place from 2022. Park officials did this in the hope that it would give more people the chance to experience it. The winding cliffside path of the Path to the Sun and its unforgettable views .
If you’re wondering how much time is allowed to drive, the Park Service says you can cover the entire distance in about two hours if you don’t stop. However, what’s the point of that? Let’s say you’re going to be making a few stops to take in the amazing sights and some good shots for the ‘gram, so plan around four hours to complete the entire journey.
Additional reporting by Becky Blaine.
