Glacier National Park- Everything you Need To Know Before
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 มิ.ย. 2024
- I've been going to the park since 1994 and this is the 4th update to my Glacier National Park- Everything you Need To Know series.
This includes
* 2023 changes to the more restrictive Vehicle Reservation Ticket system- this year you need one for every area of the park! Social media posters need to know they need a
* $225 Filming Permit to avoid a federal crime if they post video or some stills shot in the park. It's crazy but true.
* Going to the Sun Road-
* Hiker shuttles
* Lodging in and outside the park
* Hiking
* Bear Safety
* Dealing with Crowds
and much more.
00:00 Intro
01:12 Park area Drive times
02:36 Sun Road and Lodge opening Dates
05:09 Intro to the 5 areas of the park and where to Fly in
06:57 Vehicle Reservation Ticket & getting around the park
13:52 Glacier Website
15:28 Hiking areas and Favorite Trails
20:49 Bear and wildlife Safety
22:25 Hiker shuttles, Red Bus Tours and getting around
24:20 Favorite trails and 7 day trip plan
29:15 Social Media Filming Permit $225
33:50 Bad Weather planning
34:50 Wrap up and Dealing with Crowds
Wow, the amount of work you put into this is mind boggling. I hope that those who can afford to donate something to your channel do just that. Exercellent!
Thanks for the comment!! Yes donations are welcome. I’m very thankful for those who have!
Buck up buttercup
a few have donated and it’s very helpful. I got a check for $200 yesterday! amazing!
Mission Accomplished ... Talked us out of going. What a sad state of affairs. Glad we visited in 2016, we were able to go anywhere we wanted, anytime we wanted, as often as we wanted, and got an America the Beautiful lifetime pass for $20.
It is certainly not my mission to keep people from going! It's my favorite park, but its important to manage expectations.
I'm going for my 3rd time this summer. But I go hiker/biker, no car. It's the best way to enjoy Glacier and I feel good about myself for not bringing a giant polluter with me. Don't pollute, take the train. It's a joy. 😊
Ahem… you might want to check the carbon foot print of diesel trains- because they carry about the same number of people as a wide body plane and take several more hours or days to get to a destination studies show they are less green than air or even car transport.
Thank you for updating these. I look forward to trip number 3!
I’m updating to 2hr epic this week
This was a fantastic thorough overview. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful! Please go to the park website for the latest info- FOR EXAMPLE- Vehicle passes in '24 are only good for one day not 3 but you don't need on the east side at St. Mary.- I'll make an updated video when time permits
Amazing updated video with lots of helpful new info! Thank you so much!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching again
Thank you for all of this wonderful information! Hard work, great job. I hope to make it to the park.
Thanks for the work you do.
Much appreciated
This was great! Thanks for the imformation. Great pictures and editing.
thanks for recognizing the effort!
love your story telling.lots of information. beautiful in all. thank you very much.
Thanks!! I work at it.
This was very helpful and informative, thank you. Good work!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for you hard work!
My pleasure! FYI- they recently announced for 2024 Vehicle Res tickets will be good for only one day!!! I'll be making an update soon
Went to Glacier for the first time last year. Amazing! Had to stay on the east side of the park due to Going-to-the-Sun Road being mostly closed the majority of the time I went. But I got to see Two Medicines and Many Glaciers, which have more than enough trails and scenery to keep someone occupied.
Thank you so much for this tutorial, AND for also showcasing Waterton National Park!
Thanks for the comment and for subscribing. Waterton Lakes is a great place havent been there since covid- looking forward to going back.
Awesome video. Very professional and informative. Thank Youi
Thanks- fyi- since i made the video they’ve lets us know the West entrance will not open until 6am this summer. always check website for any other changes.
Excellent video with awesome narration!!
Thank you kindly!
Thank you so much for all the information you have put into this video. I can definitely say I never seen any as throughly done as this one...
Thanks- it took a couple of hundred hours to put write and edit. BTW- if you haven't already, my 2hr Glacier video is even better- if a do say so myself
🎉This is fabulous!! Thank you!!!!❤❤❤❤
thanks for commenting!! please be advised I made an update to this a few weeks ago. they changed the vehicle reservation ticket system for this year- for the better and worse- the tickets are only good for one day now. By you do not need one to go to 2 Medicine or the SunRoad from the east at St. Mary
Excellent. I gained so much from your video!
Thanks! I work hard to make helpful guides. thanks for your support!!!
Thank you! Think we'll go for it!
Best of luck! be advised- vehicle reservations are only good for one day this year. and you don’t need one for the sun road when entering from the east side. i’m working on an update.
Wow, best informative video I have seen on Glacier! Thank you so much for your hard work. Immediately subscribed!
Thanks!! I need all the subs I can get. My 2hr GNP has lots more info
Awesome video! Am about to spend summer working close to the park so am going to make sure to do a lot of the hikes you suggested.
Thanks! you should watch my Glacier Hiking videos on my channel.
This is a very great and informative video it's helping us to know more about the place even those who have never travelled to the place are able to explore more.Thank you and continue doing the good job
Glad it was helpful!
I was searching for your new video. Thank you for your great work. I like your narration and your video itself. Thank you again. And have to say that I am watching you from Russia.
So nice of you
I'm looking forward to watching this. I will be making a day trip there so I hope we can make the most of our visit.
Your UT videos were quite helpful for our trip a couple years ago.
Great! be sure to watch my 2hr Glacier video- like my Utah videos it’s the most comprehensive Glacier NP video on youtube.
i just moved from the Flathead valley and was 20 minutes from this park, the amount of tourism in that area is maddening. I respect the amount of work you put into this. thank you
Thanks for recognizing the effort!!
Thank you for sharing this! I so badly want to go to Glacier National Park and really hoping I can do it this year depending on funds/work. Seeing this has given me plenty to consider so if I can go I will make sure to plan ahead and check out more of your videos on the best hiking spots. Looks like such a special place so I'll do what I can to ensure I can do at least one trip there 🙂
it's my favorite park- too bad to costs $225 to shoot a TH-cam video (for a filming permit) now
Amazing video and information and your voice is so soothing. Heading back to GNP this summer. Our first visit was hampered by wildfires (August 2014). We've been to 54 of the 63 NP's and this is one of a few must return Parks. Got our GTTSR vehicle passes and campsite in Many Glacier. Your video has helped get me extra excited for our return.
I’m glad the work helped. And it’s nice to hear the Voice Over is appreciated!
Your video provided me more information that I could get online.
A lot of this was to me was very confusing.
My only experience was at Yellowstone where you just needed a pass and your could drive the entire park.
Thank you for this excellent and helpful video.
I hope you’re not saying my video was confusing
Thank you so very much for this video!
I didn't have the time and quiet during the last weeks to fully appreciate them - so I'm using my day off to indulge myself to your videos....
....and boy, what a great form of wellness they are!
You are so welcome! that is high praise. Where in Europe are you from?
@@TheWestisBig
Munich, Germany - and love (or at least loved before Covid) traveling to the western part of the US
Ahh I've been there. I went to Oktoberfest a few days before reunification day
WOW, what a series of informative videos. Thank you much for posting and sharing.
Im heading out on my 1st trip to Glacier beginning of June (hopefully useing first come, first serve camping). It'll be my 1st of many (god willing😊) roadtrips since retirement.
So many great tips, thanks again. AWESOME
Thanks for the kind comment- Please let me know how the camping works out. I'll add it to an update. In case you haven't seen my Sun Road update- please know the Sun Road west entrance does not open until 6am which means if you don't have a Vehicle res ticket you can't enter the west side until after 3pm with a vehicle reservation or camping permit- it gets confusing- check the the website.
In all the National parks I've been to, this is my #1 favorite park. The landscape are beautiful, breathtaking, and spiritual.
mine too! and you are correct!
Grinnell Glacier Overlook was probably the most stunning view I've ever seen. You look down on Grinnell Glacier. However, it is a pretty challenging hike. Especially if you have bad knees.
Yep. i’ve been there. A recently published a video that includes a hike up there.
This video is absolutely amazing and full of great information. You've certainly earned a subscribe from me. Thanks so much. Me and the wife are going to try and go for the first time next year.
Glad it was helpful!
We enjoy your videos and tips. We'll be camping and hiking in Glacier for most of August this year (2023) and look forward to it.
Congratulations! If u haven’t already, you might benefit from watch my Glacier: the hiker’s national park. lots more detail
@@TheWestisBig We've watched a few of yours on Glacier. Thanks!
wow. that’s great.
awesome ... thanks
you’re welcome
great video, thank you
You are welcome!
Just got back a few weeks ago, we were there the first week the park was open, stayed at The Village Inn, was stunning even with the wildfire smoke from Canada. Going to the Sun road was closed at Avalanche, so we drove over to the East side, which was closed about 2 miles from Logan's Pass, but soooo worth it! I want to go back to spend more time. Many Lakes was my favorite aside from Lake McDonald. We flew into Missoula.
Thanks for the feedback btw- I think you meant Many Glacier
@@TheWestisBig lol yes yes I did,
I had never expected such a hassle from that U.S. border guard at the Chief Mountain border crossing coming down from Waterton Lakes National Park there on that day September 17th,2023 then over 3 months ago!
Thank you so much! Do you have a video on camping in the parks?
Unfortunately not. I have too much gear that needs to be charged to camp.
I first experienced Glacier in June 2004 when my host family in Whitefish took me there. It's my first US National Park to visit and it remains my most favorite since. I go back every 2-3 years.
I don't know what the solution is but I'd love to see more campgrounds inside the park and robust shuttle system.
Any unique suggestions of places to visit. What’s the best easy-ish hike??
I assume you've subscribed to my channel- check my 2hr-ish of the 70min ish Glacier NP hiking video- lots of good recomendations
oh man I would love to go back to this park again someday but these restrictions (however needed they may be) are getting crazy strict. Guess I can hang my hat on being able to visit this beautiful place for a day at least.
The park is too crowded, these rules will likely make it less so which is good for those lucky enough to go. If you want to refresh you memory check out my 2hr guide to the park - it shows how great it is.
I have never heard of so many rules and regulation to enter a National Park. And I have been to several. I am glad I travel off season.
I’m doing that more now too.
Awesome video, thanks for all of the valuable info. I booked a tent camping site, does that count as a reservation ticket? I understand that I'll still need a vehicle reservation pass.
According to the park's website- which you should look at regularly because things change- says a Camping permit includes a Vehicle reservation for the campsite's area. If you are camping in Many Glacier you will also receive a vehicle res ticket for Many Glacier- but not 2 Medicine, Apgar or possibly the Sun Road. So you may have to use Hwy 2 to get to the other side of the park.
What time do the entrance gates open? Thank you! Superb video!
Thanks and please help support the channel if u haven’t already. The park is open 24 hrs however this year the west side entrance doesn’t open until 6am because of construction. check the website for latest info - things change. thanks for subscribing
I worked in Yosemite 5 years ago. I like the idea of limiting the amount of cars into the a National Park. People would park anywhere the can. Glacier is on my list of parks to visit. Enjoyed the video.
Thanks for sharing
have designated parking.. it would fix that problem
they have designated parking and ticket those park elsewhere
I did the reservation of a boat ride, lots do this, not sure how long they gonna let that happen. I was there two days ago I did the baring hike. I didnt know about the permit yt turned off my comments of my hike. If they want to limit people, be nice to not have a permit to post except for the blackfeet section, I understand permit for that section. It was worth my 1 day in the park experience. Thank you for the video! 🥰
thanks for commenting
Great video and informative. Though I don't agree with the timed reservation system, I get it. Since I'm a morning person I go to the park BEFORE 6am, therefore no fees required or reservation required. Parking at this time still can be an issue but since I'm on a motorcycle it's not too bad.
fyi- the west side entrance of the sun road is closed before 6am this year due to construction.
First, we'll done video! Bravo. If you can get yourself up and get in the park before 6:00 AM you'll probably get a parking spot at Avalanche and/or Logan Pass. If not, then it will be pure luck to park at either of these parking lots. Second thing, it Pitamakin Pass, not Potemkin, and an amazing hike.
yes I caught the misspelling and corrected it in other videos. that's a tough one for a dyslexic
Wow great job. So thorough. You gotta update the fact that the tickets are no longer for 3 days on the Going to the Sun road. it's now only 1 day.
yeah i’ll update this vid soon. the other change is you don’t need one for the St mary entrance.
thank you for these videos! what do you think the parking lots will be like in the late afternoon if you cant get an entry ticket and try to enter at 3pm??
Obviously it varies but i was able to park at trail of the cedars around 4pm. Check the parks webcam of logan pass parking lot regularly before you go to get an idea
Oh well, then I will scratch this place off my list, good thing there are plenty of other fantastic places to visit, thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching another one. You might want to check out my New Mexico tour- cool stuff no crowds.
Thank you what a great informative video. My wife and I are finally doing our dream and traveling to national parks we have a outside campground res. No vehicle res which thank you for talking about that. Just to make sure I understand if I don’t get a vehicle res if I get inside the park before 6 am I won’t need one at all? Is that correct
That’s correct for the area of the park you entered before 6am. Each area requires a vehicle res.
Great videos and information, thank you so much for making these! Could you specify what dates you went in the Fall? We are planning another trip to GNP for mid-September 2024. I feel bad for people like you who are making such informative videos having to deal with new rules. We go to a couple of parks a year and have been seeing so many people filming social media "beauty shots" with cameras or even drones (illegal). I think they are just trying to crack down on this, but it's hurting the people like you who are giving important information. Glacier is my favorite NP too!
My fave time to go is about now- a week to 10 days either side of Memorial Day- that when most of my 2h GNP video was shot. 2 years ago I went in the first week of Oct- it was peak fall and great colors. Of course, weather and forest fires anywhere in the NW and in Canada can impact your trip. If you haven't watched my Glacier: the Hiker's National Park" at least skim through it- especially the fire section.
Problem is you have to get hotel/cabin/motel etc reservations way before you get the vehicle reservation. So you can have reservations right outside the park and not be able to get a vehicle reservation. So best bet is go into park before 6 am. This will be hard for families with children.
Correct
Great video! I really want to go to Glacier, especially after watching this, but not sure I want to deal with all the restrictions and limitations. I have a feeling the new law is an attempt to limit the popularity of the national parks which has exploded with social media, and Covid as well.
I’m conflicted. videos like mine may have contributed to the overcrowding problem
When I want to satisfy wanderlust & visit someplace new, I start with the usual resources (NPS, U.S.Forest Service…), then move on the websites w/large numbers of reviewers (TripAdvisor…) to get a good enough feel to make a decision about where I want to go next. Then I look at videos like this one to make sure I’m getting the most out of the experience. So-from my perspective-I don’t think these videos play so much of a role in the overcrowding; those who want to go have largely already made the decision to go. And the safety & access info (plan on adjustment to altitude, grizzlies, reservation system) may help alleviate overall strain on the NPS & prevent visitor frustration taken out on staff once at the park.
BTW-visited in 2021 & had similar experiences trying to reserve access to GTTSR (shuttle tickets-not even car pass) 60 days prior to us getting there. Out of 1200 reservable shuttle passes for the day, roughly a couple minutes after 8:00 & after multiple error messages (too many users on system), I got our 3 tickets, but there were only a few hundred-less than half-left.
People want to see and experience this beautiful creation! I would share it all I can! It’s so much better than the noisy cities even if it is overcrowded!
We have gone four times in the last two years. I haven’t been to many National Parks but this one has to be one of the most amazing. We already have our trip planned for this year 🙂.
Excellent video!! Wish I saw this video before I flew here. Now I guess I can’t get into the park. So the surrounding areas will get my attention!!
I'd appreciate a reply stating what you did when you couldn't get in the park. I'll include the info in next year's update. It will help others plan their trip! thanks in advance
Great video and very informative. Do you know if a wilderness camping permit constitutes a vehicle reservation pass? I know that you mentioned that some park and activity reservations count as vehicle reservation passes.
Hmm. that’s a good question! I would assume you have a res to access the trailhead. Id call the ranger office
I'm sure you'll need 15 different reservations, all stamped different colors, in proper order while the sun was shining off your left shoulder. This is government after all.
What did u use to video / film & what did u use to edit your video?
Thank you for your suggestions and GREAT video. I know Glacier is a hiking park but there are places a wheelchair bound person can enjoy or there wouldn't be handicapped campgrounds in the park. A roadtrip will lift her spirits and Glacier is eye candy even from inside a vehicle. I've seen pictures of wooden paths and wonder where they are. Will check with the info center at Apgar info center.
The wooden flat trail is trail of the cedars. the. hidden lake is boarded but has steps and over 600ft of elevation gain. there’s a .3 mile dirt trail to a water fall in Two Medicine. i assume the ongoing construction on the Many Glacier wheelchair trail is to add boards. It was loose gravel last year. Lots of eye candy on Sun Road and many glacier hotel area can be magical!
We just got our pass for the Road to the sun . Sold out in 8 min.
Thanks for the info and congrats!
Before the glaciers go!
I support global warming. Winters need to be eliminated
He vist alguns dels teus vídeos, son simplement genials. Aquest estiu del 23, visitarem el parc amb els fills, venim des de l'altra part del mon, Catalunya, no podrem estar massa dies i ja començo a penedir-me de no poder ser-hi més temps. Els teus vídeos ens estan servint molt per planificar millor els pocs dies que disposarem per gaudir d'aquesta meravella de la natura. Gràcies pel temps que hi dediques i l'amor amb el que els fas. No entenc aquest nou impost, la gent necessitem i agraïm gent com tu, gràcies de nou🥰
Thank you! My High school Spanish isn't good- I did a google translation- thanks for the kind words and enjoy your trip. FYI- I've been to Barcelona and parts of the southern coast.
Thank you truly for this video. So grateful for all of the work you put into this. I have a question, planning to arrive the glacier before 6am - watch the sun rise etc.. We plan to continue to drive through the park after. According to the video- we could be stopped at several locations for a parking pass - even if we entered before 6am and didn't need one? Just want clarification on that. Thank you :)
Thanks- But the video does NOT say you may be stopped at several locations by people asking for a parking pass. Once you are in the park you are good. Please know that the West Entrance of the Sun Road is not scheduled to be open before 6am this summer due to the continuing construction/work program. Please check the website for more info as things like this tend to change frequently.
@@TheWestisBig Thank you for the clarification. Greatly appreciated.
you’re welcome and please subscribe if u haven’t already- it really helps
Watched this last night on our tv- thanks for the info and help. We are going up this year- 9/19/23- will we still need the park pass ticket reservation on those dates
That’s a great time to go. As i say in the video you don’t need a vehicle reservation ticket after sept 10 according to the website- this may change but that is unlikely. you still need a park pass which anyone can get at the gate. And I have a question? we’re you able to write a comment from the TV? or did you use pc or phone? thanks for commenting and hopefully subscribing
@@TheWestisBig I wrote the comment on phone, but did not try on tv. We are going for first time with 2 other couples. Went to Yellowstone in 2021 for our 25th wedding anniversary and my hubby fell in love with the area and climate. I had been prior, but he’d never seen anything like it! We hope this trip is equally inspiring! 🌲🦌🐻🦉🐃✈️
I love your idea about flying into Calgary. Any issues with renting a car there and turning it in within the US? Also, what road do you take to cross the boarder?
Pre- covid i had no issues. Ask the rental car Co if crossing the border is an issue. I take CA hwy 2 south past the buffalo jump. border crossing hrs change. the border crossing near waterton has limited hrs.
❤❤❤
Thanks
Thanks for the great video! We are planning a "last minute trip" (by National Park standards at least) for September 23. Since we don't need a vehicle registration because it's after Sept 10, do you have tips for transportation especially across Sun Road for that period of time?
The Logan Pass and Ave creek/ Trail of the Cedars parking lots will still fill by 7:30a ish. you’ll still need to start early
@TheWestisBigTravelGuides hey I am going to glacier October 12th thru the 15th. I heard if I get there before 6 am I don't need one? Does it usually snow around this time? Any help would be much appreciated thanks!!!!
The east side is open before 6M without a reservation. The west side may not be because of road construction. CHECK THE PARK WEB SITE for latest info- it seems to vary. It can snow any month of the year. I was there in early OCT in a couple of years ago and the weather was perfect- except there was a lot of forest fire smoke on a couple of days.
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?
Must see
When I booked my first trip to Glacier National Park since the pandemic, I was miffed that I could not get the third week of July like I normally do. Now I’m glad I’m coming late May. Vehicle permits? Jeez. Glad I watched this video. And bear spray for $50?! Holy crap.
be sure to check the park website because the west entrance is now closed before 6am
@@TheWestisBig I found out that I don’t need one as I have a campsite reservation. I automatically get one. Whew! 😅
Question for you? The web site says you get a ticket for the area of the park your camp site is in. Do you get access to the Sun Road and other areas of the park? I hope so. Curious if they changed that restriction
Thank you for this very helpful video. Does the park stay open 24 hours on all entrances? If so, are there good lighting on the roads for night time driving?
Yes park entrances are always open but of course there are NO lights on park roads to ruin the park for local animals. We are guests in nature’s park- not the other way around. Lights on roads in national parks is a very bad idea.
@@TheWestisBig Thank you for the reply!
Hi Steve, I have watched a number of your excellent Glacier videos as well as a couple in the southwest US. I have never seen a Yellowstone video by you. I assume that you have visited Yellowstone on a number of occasions. I am curious as to why you have never done a Yellowstone video?
First, thanks for watching. I have been to Yellowstone, but only twice, both years in May- and at a time when I was only producing video for clients. Why haven’t I made a Yellowstone guide? Well, during the summer it’s just too crowded. There’s really not a lot of places to stay outside the park and inside the Park the lodge is very expensive. My Glacier and Utah videos took 30+ days to shoot. During the busy season, it reminds me of Disneyland. Crowds and lines. And people trying to pet wild animals as if they were kids in costumes.
Frankly, I can’t afford to stay even a week in the park and I think it would take at least 2 weeks to do a half decent job of shooting Yellowstone. My 90-120 minute guides also take at least four months to research, write and edit. I’m not sure I can dedicate that much time to a project anymore when there is little chance of recouping expenses. I also need to spend time on projects that pay. This inflation really hurts.
I’ll still be doing projects, but i’m trying to do projects for the channel that take less than 3weeks. Gotta make a living too. And youtube is making it harder for long form creators like me.
Also, The National Park Service now requires filming permits which cost $350 at yellowstone and must be applied for 30 days in advance and you have to adhere the shooting schedule in the application- That’s not possible on a shoot like mine due to weather and other variables.
I am going this weekend! I'm hoping it won't be as crowded since it's the first week of October.
Should be a great time to go- for fall colors. hopefully there’s no smoke
Thanks for the awesome info. I’m curious to know if I still a vehicle reservation to Going to the Sun road if we already have a campsite reservation for August 2023? Appreciate your response.
No your Camping reservation includes a vehicle res for that day/s. Please subscribe if you haven't already
@@TheWestisBig I am a subscriber already. I’m waiting for your new uploads 😊
Thanks for subscribing!!
I contacted the park about this exact question and your camping reservation is only good for the area it is in. It’s not good for every area in Glacier. Hope that makes sense.
thanks
Awesome video! Extremely informative. I was potentially planning a summer hiking trip and had a few questions:
- Do I need a vehicle registration to get to the St. Mary visitor center? Even if I'm planning to take a shuttle to Logan Pass?
- Will the St. Mary shuttle take me to Avalanche lake? The shuttle info website said the western part of the GTSR is under construction so I wasn't sure if the shuttles were still going to operate from Apgar.
- Are there shuttles that take you to Many Glacier and Two Medicine? If not, how will I be able to access the trails around there without a vehicle registration? Is it just a matter of arriving super early and beating the rush?
You should go to the Park’s website for the latest info. You don’t need a res to go to yhe st mary vid center. You can get to ave lake but that’s not one of the better trails. Subscribe and watch the hiking segments of my 2hr Glacier video to see the best trails. The hiker shuttles run the length of the Sun Road. Red Buses go to the Diff park areas, they require hard to get reservations and there is a fee. your best option is to get to where u want to go way before 6am - when no reservation is needed. Remember the goal of the Res system is to discourage people from going to the park to reduce overcrowding.
@@TheWestisBig I'll definitely check out your other videos. Thank you so much for your fast reply!
thanks
Is there any info on what's needed for winter visits? Going in 2 weeks and don't want to be surprised by anything. Other than closures of course
Glad to hear you know about the Closures. The Park website has a winter travel section
Please subscribe
I recently have viewed your channel and found your information very helpful since we are planning a trip to Glacier in 2024. I have two questions: 1) At Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, what are the differences between the Pine Top Cottage vrs the Motor Lodge Rooms? 2) When does Xanterra usually release reservations for the Red Bus Tours? Thank You.
Please subscribe if you haven't already. You should watch my Glacier Lodging video and the 2hr one too. Pine top is a bit of a dump- I got bed bugs there. the motor Inn is may favorite place to stay in the park. Basic rooms though. Again, see the lodging video. Don't know about the Red bus tours but in a week or 2 I'll be hosting a live stream with a Red Bus driver. There will be a Q and A session.
Thank you for replying so quickly, I have subscribed and look forward to more of your video's. Hopefully your information won't make me feel like I'm planning the "invasion of Normandy " instead of a trip to Glacier!!
Thanks
What small town did you suggest on the west side of Glacier that had places to stay and eat?
There are several. I like the Mini Golden Motel in Hungry Horse.
Have Amtrak trip planned to Glacier in September 2023, but now I'm thinking of cancelling because of your video. 🤨
Ask if you get a vehicle res Ticket with your Amtrak ticket (assuming u get a rent a car). Or Call the Hotel's local number to see how things are going with the crowds etc. Else- it appears the park's rules are working- they want to reduce crowds.
How was your trip?
So do I understand correctly that you don't need a ticket if you're riding the park buses to the going to the sun road? And how hard are they to get on? We have tried to get a pass and they were sold out in a couple of hours. Thanks so much for your help in advance. Lynn and Danny.
That is correct. it’s a supply and demand issue. lots of demand not so much supply. they will keep crowds down.
I'm planning on visiting the park in July, but I am a very early riser and expect to enter the park by 5 AM, apparently avoiding vehicle reservations and parking issues. Am I correct?
Yes that’s correct- but there are a surprising number of early risers
I loved Kalispell, and the red bus.
RIP everyone everywhere.
I started visiting Mexico from 1962 to 2011, and I obeyed all your laws, and even lived there part time as a second home. I speak Spanish as a second language, and I generously helped non beggars in the 🇺🇸, Zimbabwe, and Acapulco. I speak Spanish as a second language, and loved helping everyone to learn English. Like all people, I interacted with the good, bad and ugly, but God was always there for me, to help others.
Always write down what you spend, and do not be greedy and stingy, and help non beggars on the quiet. Please keep written, audio, and video journals. everyday, and please dte, and the day of the week also.
I never cared what haters think, and they were removed from my life, and God took care of the rest. I ghosted them first.
Oh no so during the early June season the Going to the Sun road isn't fully open? So I wouldn't be able to get to the West side from the East?
Correct. Take highway 2. Please subscribe
This was awesome. Thank you. So tried to get tickets-no go. If you go in the east side before 6am can you drive the whole road?
Yes. and new info. the west entrance is closed until 6am each day
@@TheWestisBig Thank you for that info. Any of course we are camping one mile from the west gate so almost 2 hours to the east side. Ugh. Maybe we find things to do outside the park. Thank you for your help!
check park website often for new info
@@TheWestisBig I will thank you!
thanks
We're in the east (frequent Smokies folk); last time I was in Glacier was 30 years ago. This June, I've linked a series of campsite reservations from the Tetons, then Yellowstone, but I'm a bit frustrated that I can't make reservations in Glacier (already all gone on the available ones for the days we'll be at the park). I'm either going to have to try to catch the NR (not yet released) sites while we're in Yellowstone, or try to catch a first-come-first-served site. I'd sleep better knowing that I had a site reserved already.
Rent a subaru outback- you can sleep in the back- I sleep from experience
@@TheWestisBig The wife has an Outback; but we're not flying out, we are going to be out there w/ our camper, going from Denver to Vernal to Jackson to Yellowstone, making our way north. All of the trip is already booked, except Glacier. It will be early-mid June when we arrive.
There are a couple of campgrounds outside the park on East side and many on the west side. You don't need a vehicle reservation to enter the park on the east side until July 1st. The east side is better anyway.
@@TheWestisBig I wish I knew but I have no idea which campground we were in when I was out there in the early '90's (college geology trip).
For the Smokies, we usually camp outside of the park too. Reading people's descriptions of Many Glacier, I was hoping to get a site there, but don't know if I'd really like it any better than Apgar or Fish Creek, etc. I think any of them would be fine; but yeah, just to know that we 'have' a site, I may plan to book something outside of the park itself. I do appreciate your video, is helping me try to focus on what we try to see. (The wife isn't a big hiker, is more of a pulloff-view seeker.) Since I have a veteran's pass, we can get into the parks themselves easy enough, and park campsites are usually affordable. Regardless, we'll have fun. Thank you!
The east side is much more interesting to me even though many of the trails will be closed due snow cover and the temp bridges won't be installed yet. It might be a choice based on weather. Last June when I was there it rained every day on the west side- where I was staying. I drove the 2 + hrs to the east side where it was fine. Also, west side requires a Vehicle reservation ticket starting May 26 you don't need one on the east side until July1. also, my Glacier: The Hiker's National Park video is long but might help you or he wife decide - if she hasn't been there. - my 50 Hikes video has descriptions of each area.
I have a question for you as a Geologist. I'd like to understand the Belt Super group that sits on glacier- and add the info to my videos. Is it the same as the Louis Overthrust belt? How far did it slide over the younger cretaceous limestone? I've heard 50 miles and much farther. And, why is the Green Argilyte Green and the Red, Red? And Argilite has been metamorphosed twice? And they are chemically the same? But the green formed in an oxygen free sea floor and the Red had o2? And over a billion years it sank 6-10 miles into the crust and rose twice in the last billion years? Westward subduction when this was the passive margin of NA?
It's a fascinating story that I think will add to my videos but I want it to be accurate. Yes, I've read the Road Side geology books including the new one released a couple years ago. And a 200 plus hours of other geology training- via TH-cam. Any help in this area is appreciated.
Can anyone tell me how the GTTS road compares to Trail Ridge road in RMNP? The latter kind of freaked me out, wondering if this one would too. 😊
Parts are twistier. it’s not as high and more colorful. Checkout my video guide for the road on my channel. The Best Guide to Glacier NP's Going to the Sun Road & its trails- Everything you need to know
th-cam.com/video/CbisWeoC5rc/w-d-xo.html
@@TheWestisBig Thank you!
Reservations! For a National Park! God, I'm glad I lived when I did! We thought it was busy because we needed to be at the campground before four PM to get a first come campsite!
Gotta make sure there's plenty of room for the Chinese elite vacationers to enjoy themselves, you know..
So I have one more question for you,? How early do you need to get there if you want to get in they going to the sun road before 6 AM? And am I understanding correctly that you said you don't need? A. Pass? As long. As? You go in before 6 AM or after 3?
You always need a park pass to get in. you need a vehicle reservation ticket to drive in. If on a Red bus u don’t need a vehicle reservation ticket. as far as how early- too many variables- i’d try for 5am on the west side. maybe a little later on the east.
What if you have a gold star and veteran Inter agency pass? Do we still have to do the site passes?
Everyone needs a Vehicle Reservation to drive in during the designated times. Check the website as i’m not sure what u mean by site pass. Your veteran park pass is needed as well. Thanks for your service. and for subscribing
Ok I’ve got some knee issues and walking a lot will be impossible, will they allow e-bikes or e-scooters on any trails?
Uh no. Bikes and scooters are not aloud on the trails. There are 2 wheel chair accessible trails- the Trail of the Cedars on the west side and another in Many Glacier. You might benefit from watching one of my hiking videos to see why this rule is in place. It wouldn't be safe for anybody. My 2hr "Glacier: The Hiker's National Park" shows about a dozen trails in great detail.
There is plenty of Montana that is 90% as beautiful as GNP, but is outside the park, and totally free and unencumbered.
The park is open 24/7 and visitors may enter vehicle reservation areas before 6 am or after 3 pm without a vehicle reservation.
I looked it up, you don't need a vehicle reservation after 3pm, you can see alot of the park even if you go from like 3-8pm, thats what we're going to do.
that's true and it's what is said in the video. FYI- I uploaded a new version of this video this year because a reservation is no longer required in 2 Med or the east entrance of the Sun Road.
Can you drive in to these four areas after 3 o'clock? And can you drive in the park without going to these 4 areas? Wondering if it's even with going if you don't have a vehicle pass......
Yes, as I said you can drive into the park without a vehicle reservation ticket between 3pm and 6am. There will be a line at 6am so get there early. That is the only way to drive in to the park. Is it worth going without one- that depends on what you want to do. Some of the trails are short. Its designed to reduce crowds / stop people from going. If you have a place to stay in the park you get a Vehicle res ticket for that area for that day. If you're not an early riser- it may not be worth going.
Getting there before 6am to avoid reservations, how long is that line? How early do you need to get there?
Of course the line will vary from day to day. I suggest you look are the park's entrance web cams to look for patterns.
Hi, the video is very informational. Can I know where is the seasonal closure point? Does that mean I can drive through from east to west entrance if I am going through from the East? Thanks
If the road is closed you cannot drive from one side to the other from the east or west. I suggest you watch my Sun Road video. Glacier National Park's Going to the Sun Road: Scenery, Wildlife and nearby Trails
th-cam.com/video/X3BXQuYCku4/w-d-xo.html
@@TheWestisBig thanks for your replying. I checked the video at the same time actually. But if the road isn't closed, I should be able to go fro, the east all the way to the west, right? Thanks again.
oh, forgot to say that I didn't get the reservation for the day I want to go, even it has the chance to get the ticket 24h before the day, but I am asking just in case.
correct! the east side is best
plan on being at the gate well before 6am- so u don’t need a pass. the east side at sunrise is fantastic!!!!
Do know if taking free shuttle do know vechile reservation ticket system. Not all campgrounds take reservations . So if staying there do need vechile reservations
That is an interesting and good question. id either check the website or call them. I’m curious to learn the answer
Attending a wedding in Bozeman MT late July and naively thought we would turn it into a GNP vacation. This morning I planned to check released access tickets at 10:00 ET/8:00 MT. 15 minutes before 8:00 MT I was actually able to enter dates in the calendar but no availability. The ability to enter dates quickly went away. At 8:00 MT I was unable to select dates and none were available for any day. I suppose that the 8:00 release time is not fixed either. 🤷🏻♂️
The daily 8am release tickets are only good for the next day. The advanced tickets become available on the first of the month for - from memory- 60 days out. they too go very quickly on Mar 1 I couldn't even get in before they were all gone.
@@TheWestisBig okay, got it. So we are screwed if we want to get access to restricted areas on, say, July 29, unless we nab one on July 28. Discouraging. I guess we have to be philosophical about there being much to do and see without access to the “iconic” areas. Thanks!
try on April 1 or May 1 for those dates. check the park website. I can’t remember which date will allow for your late July visit.
Glacier is a long way from Bozeman. Why not Yellowstone/Grand Teton?
Ok so from my understanding if my friends and I are going to glacier in June and we don’t have a reservation because we didn’t know that was a thing until it was too late, we can still get in without a reservation because we’re entering from the east?
correct. the east side is better anyway
@@TheWestisBig Awesome Thanks! My friends and I are super excited and your video has been super helpful!
You should watch my 2hr Glacier : the hikers National park video before you go.
Does my lifetime NP pass count as the vehicle registration or is it worthless at Glacier.
Your lifetime pass covers your entry fee- it is not A vehicle reservation. but this time of year u don’t need one
is st mary visitor center where the shuttle stops on the east side of the park accessible without the timed entry? i don't want to drive on GTSR but taking the shuttle bus to logan pass every day during my visit. i am camping near Babb and wondering if i also need to fight for the time entry for GTSR every 3 days.
because you’re staying in the park, as Stated, u get a vehicle pass for those days. check the park website for shuttle stop map
@@TheWestisBig i am actually NOT staying in the park. campsites are so competitive to book. no luck so far. i am staying outside the park but nearby the east-side entrance and wondering if i can skip the timed entry permit if i am taking the shuttle bus into the park from st mary visitor center.
Ahh. That makes more sense. I think you’re good. The check point is at Rising Sun which is a mile or 2 in. You should just need a park pass. some place i read some shuttles may take reservations. Cant find it anymore. Check the website or call or email the park office. I get pretty quick email responses. Timed tickets are needed for arches im wondering if you’ve navigated that issue there. I hoping to go there again this year. Only dated tickets in GNP to date- its all fluid.
@@TheWestisBig i spent 5 nights in the park last July but highline, Grinnell lake overlook and hidden lake were not open. I am going back this August to finish up those must do hikes this year. then head up to bsnff, yoho, cootney, and last jasper NP. it's going to be an awesome trip with whole stack of permits pre-purchase. thank you for all the updated information. couldn't plan my trip without you.
Banff yoho jasper are great too. The hike to the lake louise tea house isn’t worth the time imho. Morain lake requires a bus now. A nice hike to a Glacier in a valley is called Parker Ridge! It’s short but steep. it’s before the ice field. I’ve done it 3 times and hope to do it again.
When would you recommend someone book a trip for next summer?
That’s an unnecessarily tricky question. If you can afford to stay in y the park- book as soon as the rooms are released- which is hard to determine- and varies. If staying outside the park, you need a vehicle Reservations and they don’t release those until the spring and they sell out in a few hours. So if u have a room in town you may not be able to drive into the park except during off hrs. - it’s tricky
@@TheWestisBig thank you!