Going-to-the-Sun Road VEHICLE RESERVATION alternatives- East side of glacier national park- 2022 UPDATE
Please see our 2023 update for current recommendations.
The National Park Service has implemented a vehicle reservation requirement from May 27th - September 11th for the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor. Visit our previous blog post for east-side-specific information. If you aren’t able to secure a reservation, the east side of the park provides ample alternatives for an ideal Glacier itinerary. We’ve compiled our favorite options below.
Visit one of the east side’s alternative park entrances. Many Glacier, Two Medicine, the Belly River, and the Cut Bank area are all Glacier destinations not to be missed. These access points will be in high demand so plan to start your day early and monitor the NPS website for access information.
Hop on the park shuttle at the St. Mary Visitor Center to access the Sun Road without a vehicle reservation. The park shuttle is provided on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Pack an evening picnic and experience the Sun Road by twilight. Ticketed entry is required for Sun Road access between 6 am and 4 pm and with our late-setting summer sun, that leaves ample time to take in the grandeur from St. Mary to Logan Pass. Sun Point is an ideal picnic destination with tables, restrooms and short hiking trails. There is also a nice little picnic spot near Rising Sun.
Take in the beauty of the park from the lakes of the neighboring Blackfeet Reservation. Arrange a trip with a local guide and experience world class fishing alongside incredible views. Purchase a tribal fishing license here.
Explore the neighboring Badger-Two Medicine area. Located immediately south of Glacier National Park, you’ll find the same beautiful terrain the park is famous for without the congestion. Hiking in this remote area requires know-how and precaution - visit the Glacier Two-Medicine Alliance website for information on how to safely explore the area.
Grab a spot with the Glacier Park Boat Company at Rising Sun. A ticket for this highly enjoyable tour of upper St. Mary Lake also provides access to the Sun Road for the day of your reservation. A ticket for the Lake McDonald jaunt aboard the DeSmet will also allow access to the Sun Road corridor.
Spend your day hiking in Glacier without going through a park entrance. Visit our previous blog post for six east side trailheads that don’t require access to Many Glacier, Two Medicine or the Going-to-the-Sun Road to enjoy.
Explore where the mountains meet the plains by road tripping through Glacier County. Take in the St. Mary Valley from the iron teepees located just south of St. Mary on Highway 89. Head north on Highway 17 to get the best views of Chief Mountain. Wind your way to East Glacier with spectacular sights on the seasonal Looking Glass Highway 49 and watch the Rocky Mountain Front unfurl along Highway 464.
Head to the eastern end of Glacier County and take in a panoramic view of the Rocky Mountain Front from the Coulee Trail in Cut Bank. This recently established trail system is great for families and beginners. Head downtown after your hike for a stylish souvenir from the Rose Petal, regionally roasted coffee from Folklore and a sweet treat from the Polka Dot Cow.