Glacier National Park 2023: Complete Guide - GTSR, Trails, Lodging, Vehicle Reservation, Wildlife

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ต.ค. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 69

  • @andreasausmuc
    @andreasausmuc ปีที่แล้ว +5

    And another gorgeous video! And - as you might have guessed - loved the bear-encounter!

  • @DyanK614
    @DyanK614 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Wow! Just watched the whole video although I admit I did it over several viewings- so comprehensive and enlightening. I definitely need to go here and I feel like I have a preliminary idea of what is on offer- I might have to watch this video several more times to really get it! Thanks so much for doing this- it is much appreciated!!

    • @TheWestisBig
      @TheWestisBig  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Glad it was helpful! thanks for letting me know. That one tool a lot of work. It is worth watching again.

  • @LittleOrla
    @LittleOrla 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I'm 78, planning my 3rd trip to Glacier this summer. I go by train, no car, just shuttles, stay in hiker/biker sites, meet lots of interesting people, feel good about myself for giving up the automobile and it's just all around the best way to go.

  • @kag3818
    @kag3818 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Awesome content! My husband and I have a trip to Glacier scheduled in July and are enjoying your videos in preparation.

  • @chasityboatman4928
    @chasityboatman4928 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    We are planning our first ever trip from New Orleans! This was incredibly helpful especially since we have small children.

  • @numberourdaysministries6490
    @numberourdaysministries6490 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Ha, we remember that Bell hop from the Many Glacier hotel. We were there the first week in August of 2022.

    • @TheWestisBig
      @TheWestisBig  8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      he is a subscriber to my channel and knew who I was right away- by my voice

    • @numberourdaysministries6490
      @numberourdaysministries6490 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      We hung out there every day we hiked in Many Glacier and hung out there at night when we camped in Many Glacier. So far our fav part of the park.

    • @TheWestisBig
      @TheWestisBig  7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      many glacier is deff my fave. vehicle reservations will be tricky again.

  • @travelingfool9096
    @travelingfool9096 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Just got my Road reservations. thanks . Went in 21 , but so many more road reservations now. Can't wait to get back, for the 4th time.

  • @michaelsalmon6436
    @michaelsalmon6436 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    What more can I say? This is pure wonder and majesty! Expertly filmed! Perfectly edited and your commentary works without being overdone! But, here lies the problem! Your creation will create even more popularity, and, more traffic! What can I say that will somehow cover up my selfish desire to keep the nooks and the crannies of GNP all to myself. How about you publish a book with your wonderful photos, and tips, You know, something suitable for the coffee table, and include spaces where I can insert my own photos and gloat about having been there and having done that! BTW, did the Park do anything for Earth Day this year? Thanks again for producing this great content. I enjoy every second of it! Stay healthy and have a great summer season.

    • @LittleOrla
      @LittleOrla 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      An excellent idea!

  • @bethlovesdogs
    @bethlovesdogs ปีที่แล้ว +1

    We enjoyed your hike! Thanks for sharing.😊

    • @TheWestisBig
      @TheWestisBig  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for watching! and commenting!

  • @martinjdesmond
    @martinjdesmond ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great video. I like your use of Google maps to zoom around the park!

    • @TheWestisBig
      @TheWestisBig  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks. it’s a good way to tell the story where i didnt shoot anything.

  • @hassanaya4218
    @hassanaya4218 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great 👍 👌 👍 work

  • @daveg1457
    @daveg1457 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hey Steve, thank you for the great videos on GNP. We will be there this year and you helped with all the planning. I did want to update you that they are no longer doing ranger hikes to grinnel glacier, only to grinnel lake. I was told it's due to staffing shortages.
    Im also told my chances of seeing grinnel glacier are slim in early July. What would be the best way to see a glacier. We are bringing my FIL who's 70 so need to stick with moderate hikes.

    • @TheWestisBig
      @TheWestisBig  ปีที่แล้ว

      That is good info thanks. The next version will include this change.

  • @racheljackson6956
    @racheljackson6956 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Did you see / read about all of the construction they will be doing in the park?! I need some suggestions or tips on how to make my experience the best this late June. Thank you and keep up the excellent work! Your videos are extremely helpful!

    • @TheWestisBig
      @TheWestisBig  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      i’ve been going to the park since 1994, there is alway construction. check the park website’s construction page often. last time a check it it didn’t have much info on this year’s projects. best advice start early! they didn’t get much snow this year so the Sun Road might be open in June. again check the Where are the plows? page on site. I’ll be posting and old video of plowing effort.

  • @davidgreene6363
    @davidgreene6363 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love your videos. They are the best on the web for planning a trip. If you stay at Many Glacier Hotel do you need a reservation for Going to the Sun road? Thank you for all the information!

    • @TheWestisBig
      @TheWestisBig  ปีที่แล้ว

      Your MGH reservation will serve as your Gttsr reservation for the days you’re staying at the mgh. I be assume they’ll let u drive back west on it on your last day. have your reservations on your phone - downloaded- you likely won’t have phone service. Or have printed versions with you! but ld double check with the mgh.

    • @davidgreene6363
      @davidgreene6363 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you!

  • @IndianBeauty02
    @IndianBeauty02 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Why do they make it so difficult getting in the park by registration on a car? I'm a Solo traveler and really would love to visit

    • @TheWestisBig
      @TheWestisBig  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I didn’t get to go this year because of the vehicle res rule. But the park had become so crowded they had to do something to stop some from visiting my fave park

  • @numberourdaysministries6490
    @numberourdaysministries6490 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    You just said that someone threw a rock at someone’s car on highway 2. That happened to us as well in 2022 otw to the park. Our windshield was cracked.

    • @TheWestisBig
      @TheWestisBig  8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      DId this also happen on highway 2? if so I'll include it in the next update- FYI my What to KNow Before You Go comes out today- without this info

    • @numberourdaysministries6490
      @numberourdaysministries6490 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I know it was right before Browning somewhere on the way to Glacier.

    • @numberourdaysministries6490
      @numberourdaysministries6490 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      It was in 2022

    • @TheWestisBig
      @TheWestisBig  7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks that sounds like hwy 2. which is where the other stone throw incident was. thanks for replying!

  • @raymondgradel5257
    @raymondgradel5257 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    A question pertaining to the Federal filming permit law. If I were there to simply take personal photos and I posted them from my trip on Facebook would I be in violation?

    • @TheWestisBig
      @TheWestisBig  8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      This incredibly stupid Law put in place by even less intelligent people is hard to figure out. Because your posting to FB which does make money by placing ads near your content- technically yes it is illegal even though you aren't making money. But-- no one has been prosecuted or charged for posting personal photos on a non-monitized account. The Ranger in charge of this at Glacier doesn't have the time or desire to go after such posters. TH-camrs like me are at risk. Please tell your congressperson to change this law.

    • @raymondgradel5257
      @raymondgradel5257 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@TheWestisBig I can do that.

  • @lala_looksnacks
    @lala_looksnacks ปีที่แล้ว +1

    can you clarify about entering the Park before 6am/after 3pm without permit, do you need to be out of the park before the time? or as long as you enter and start your drive before 6am/after 3pm you are good?

    • @TheWestisBig
      @TheWestisBig  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Once you’re in you are good. Please visit the park website for latest info. For example the west Sun Road entrance is NOT open this year before 6am for anyone due to construction. Thanks for subscribing

  • @bb-fe9ur
    @bb-fe9ur ปีที่แล้ว +1

    If you can't get into the park because of limitations of parking and you have to stay in the park which is very expensive and unavailable a year in advance... The government owns the park not the people

  • @stevestaman
    @stevestaman 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    for scenic views is it better to drive east to west or west to east on the Going to the Sun Road - love your videos

    • @TheWestisBig
      @TheWestisBig  8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      In 2024 you dont need a vehicle reservation to drive from East to west. That makes it the best option because reservations are very hard to get. If you have a reservation, it really depends on the time of day and the weather. Both have advantages. In most cases you'll have to drive both ways anyway.

  • @mdoddbama
    @mdoddbama ปีที่แล้ว

    Our Travato van is 21 ft. but with bicycle carrier on the back for the bicycles makes total 23.5 ft. Does that disqualify us from the road to the sun road in Glacier National Park?

    • @TheWestisBig
      @TheWestisBig  ปีที่แล้ว

      Good question! The say “length of assembly “. Id ask a Ranger? I don’t think they have tape measures

  • @pliccut
    @pliccut ปีที่แล้ว

    I’ve carefully watched your video here but unfortunately I’m still a little confused. Is there an option to catch a shuttle at the end of the Highland Trail somewhere near Granite Park Chalet? It would make the climb to Granite Glacier overlook more doable if it wasn’t necessary to walk back the way you would come on the trail at Logan Pass.

    • @TheWestisBig
      @TheWestisBig  ปีที่แล้ว

      Ok. Let me try again. Granite Park is not near any road. The Sun Road is a 4.2 mile hike down 2200’ from Granite park. So When I did the overlook, I started at Logan Pass, went up to the overlook and then rested at Granite Park before hiking down to the Loop on the Sun Road. ( i wish i used hiking poles as going down is tough on the knees) I made friends with people along the way and got a ride back to Logan with a group that stashed a car there. I’m n another occasion i caught a hiker shuttle at loop back to logan pass. The park claims the route inc the overlook is about 13 miles. Others claim it’s 2-3 miles more than that. For me this was much easier than taking the highline to swiftcurrent motor inn which the park claims is 15.2 miles- i’ve done that twice.

    • @pliccut
      @pliccut ปีที่แล้ว

      @@TheWestisBig Hmmm, the map you display on TH-cam looks much more condensed than the NPS trail map. Looks like you would have to hike past the 3 large Glaciers to get to where you went. which I assume you did. I don’t see the spur trail for Grinnell Glacier from the Highland Trail either. Also, I guess you must have been referring to a different hike when you included Bullhead and Redrock Lake. Hard to type a reply and rewatch your steps at the same time. No need to reply, I’m probably testing your patience. I go back and watch the video more carefully. An 8-hour hike in that type of terrain is excellent.

    • @TheWestisBig
      @TheWestisBig  ปีที่แล้ว

      Hmm All the maps I used are NPS maps. From Logan Pass the Highline trail heads to granite park which according to the sign is 7.6 miles - its another 4.2 to the loop which is 2200 ft below Granite park. Add almost 2 miles to head to and back from the Grinnell overlook. These trails are west off the divide. From Granite Park you can climb a trail to SwiftCurrent Pass and continue on the Swiftcurrent Pass trail on the east side of the divide. On this side the trail goes under 2 small glaciers near one of my favorite views in the park. The trail drops about 2400 ft from the pass past Bullhead Lake, Red Rock Falls and Fisher Cap Lake (where the moose hang out). I've made many Glacier videos and guides to this hike I'm pretty sure the one you watched has details of these diff versions at the beginning. I use an NPS map to and highlighted colors for highlight the diff route - including the one to my Lunch Spot.

    • @pliccut
      @pliccut ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@TheWestisBig Perhaps it was like you said. The maps do look different though. You know, parts of your videos repeat so that may be where I got confused. No disrespect though. I can tell you put a lot of hard work and time into these videos. These videos really cover a lot! Impressive.

    • @TheWestisBig
      @TheWestisBig  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      thanks

  • @harlandeke
    @harlandeke ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Can I get into the reservation restricted park areas without a reservation as long as I get there before 6am?

    • @TheWestisBig
      @TheWestisBig  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes, if you’ve subscribed you’ll find this on my channel- it answers most questions. Glacier National Park- Everything you Need To Know Before you go for 2023 and to plan for 2024
      th-cam.com/video/zD1R5_f61hw/w-d-xo.html

    • @harlandeke
      @harlandeke ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@TheWestisBig I've been a subscriber for a while...I had seen that video, but I wasn't sure if I had understood it correctly. We are the "up and at em early" kind anyway, but we can not make long range plans because of our work situation...we just have to kind of go on big trips when we get a window, so I was absolutely heartbroken thinking my dream of driving the GTS and the other restricted entrance areas was over....I just wanted to make absolutely sure that we could get in pre 6am before I spent thousands of dollars only to get told to screw off.
      Thanks for the reply...love your stuff.

    • @TheWestisBig
      @TheWestisBig  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Ah Good thanks for Subbing- Wish YT would tell me who has subbed and who hasnt. I'm in the same boat and can't plan far in advance. I'm sure you understand lots of people will be up early so there will be a line at the gate. FYI- Last year in the afternoon after the ticket need window there was no line for me.

  • @awesley
    @awesley ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi, my wife and I are planning an off season trip this September (between Sept 10-20). We're amateurs.
    We'd like to ask if you'd be interested to work with us and sell us an iteniary fitting out needs. Please let me know how can we reach you. It should not take more than a couple hours.

    • @TheWestisBig
      @TheWestisBig  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks and sure i can help. First I suggest watching my 2hr video on the park- it’s on my channel. Some of it was shot in Sept which is my favorite time to go. Others have sent an unsolicited check for $200. Which is greatly appreciated as these videos are very expensive to make. I prefer phone calls to emails to better understand your needs and abilities after an intro email with initial thoughts and basic info. My email address is steve@synergymedia.com. Which is also my paypal account. Watch my 2hr video first though. It may answer your questions.

    • @TheWestisBig
      @TheWestisBig  ปีที่แล้ว

      FYI- smoke from forest fires is very think in the park right now. See the park webcams. when its this bad you cant see the views and long hikes are not a good idea. I just heard from a Red Bid tour driver who says its really bad. I've canceled trips because of smoke- be flexible

    • @awesley
      @awesley ปีที่แล้ว

      @@TheWestisBig Thank You so much, we are going to watch your 2 hour video right now.

    • @TheWestisBig
      @TheWestisBig  ปีที่แล้ว

      If you're really into hiking you may want to at least scan through my 70ish minute "Glacier's 50 best trails"

  • @dennisstafford1749
    @dennisstafford1749 ปีที่แล้ว

    Did you pay the fee? Were you accompanied by Park Rangers? Did the National Park Service require YOU to obtain $1million in liability insurance? Does the National Park Service now decide which Vloggers do or do not Vlog in the Park? Is it illegal to film in the park or just illegal to post it on Facebook or You Tube? Do Grandma and Grandpa taking video and /or pictures and sharing them on Facebook make them commercial and required permits? How in the hell does The National Park Service intend to enforce this ridiculous rule? By sheer chance of discovery? Given the staffing and administrative costs of managing parks which idiot decided this was a way of supplementing revenue for expenses. Big productions can waste the time and afford the fee. Mom and Pop Vloggers cannot. I am pretty sure this will not stand on appeals and will waste even more money that could have been allocated to Parks. This was an incredibly shortsighted solution to a non-existent problem. Park Superintendents have made an unpopular decision creating bureaucratic red tape with little promise of generating revenue beyond administrative costs to enforce a rule that was unnecessary.

    • @TheWestisBig
      @TheWestisBig  ปีที่แล้ว

      This was shot before the Oct 28 2022 rule change. there’s a video on my channel that explains the unfair new law
      btw- the nps won in the court of appeals. it has to go higher or The nps just needs to change the reg

  • @onlocationlikesubscribe
    @onlocationlikesubscribe ปีที่แล้ว

    Such a great channel, keep up the great work! Subscribed!

    • @TheWestisBig
      @TheWestisBig  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks! That's nice to hear because for some reason my views are dropping