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twogypsies · 02-28-2023, 04:17 PM

https://www.nationalparkstraveler.or...nd-information

Interesting that they'll have a spur-of-the-moment reservation option this year.

Ray,IN · 03-04-2023, 01:21 PM

I'm really happy to read about the reservations system for our national parks. The most popular parks were being destroyed by overcrowding and people who are ignorant of how to act when visiting one.
The last time we visited Zion NP it was so crowded we couldn't enjoy our experience. It was most like a carnival atmosphere, consequently we haven't been back.
That reservation system for spur of the moment trips is a great idea for folks still working and/or with children in school.

Jkjavelin · 03-11-2023, 02:37 PM

We were hoping to go to Glacier this summer, but sites inside the park are all gobbled up as soon as available, then if you stay outside of the park you need an entry pass to get in, and those are all gobbled up. All the hassles and fighting the crowds is not for me.
JK

**hamm2018** · 03-12-2023, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jkjavelin

We were hoping to go to Glacier this summer, but sites inside the park are all gobbled up as soon as available, then if you stay outside of the park you need an entry pass to get in, and those are all gobbled up. All the hassles and fighting the crowds is not for me.
JK

Last year we went to Glacier NP. We had 2 of the vehicles passes for a total of 6 days on the Going to the Sun Road. The first pass was no good, it was July 10-12, they did not open the road until July 13th.

The vehicle reservation pass was not required after 4pm for the Road.

This year the NPS website says no pass required after 3pm:
https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvis...ketedentry.htm

Rexlion · 03-12-2023, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jkjavelin

We were hoping to go to Glacier this summer, but sites inside the park are all gobbled up as soon as available, then if you stay outside of the park you need an entry pass to get in, and those are all gobbled up. All the hassles and fighting the crowds is not for me.
JK

If you keep checking recreation.gov for openings, you might hit a cancellation. Might be worth a try, although no guarantees.

777 Driver · 03-12-2023, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rexlion

If you keep checking recreation.gov for openings, you might hit a cancellation.

In years past, the reservations cancellation policy was quite liberal. Any cancellation more than 72 hours prior would result in full refund.

That policy had the effect of motivating people to make reservations far in advance and allowing them, if they were unable to honor the reservation (for any reason), to cancel with a full refund.

I think that policy had the unintended consequence of driving many reservations cancellations in the week, or so, before the reservation date.

As an example, were I to try to make reservations for a hotel or boat tour in Glacier National Park for July 17th, I wouldn't be surprised to find no availability. Were I to recheck availability on July 10, 11 or 12 for July 17, I might find availability from a cancellation.

I know that doesn't do much good for your future planning. Still, it may offer some hope for admission a week, or so, before arrival.

Here's another observation. Last summer, the Park Service set up a check point about a mile before the park entrance to check that you had a "permit" for entry. A printed email of a reservation inside the park (hotel, boat tour, Red Bus Tour, etc.) inside the park for that day. Presenting that email allowed entry to the park. Importantly, there was NO CHECK whether the reservation had been cancelled. So, if you can't get an entry pass for the Going To The Sun Highway (no cost), you might be able to get (at some cost) a reservation for one of the hotels or boat tours for your desired date, print the confirmation and then cancel the reservation for a full refund. Keep the printed email confirmation for presentation at the checkpoint.

This observation is based on my observation of the process last summer.

BTW, I did NOT employ this (acquire a reservation and then cancel) technique. I was able to get last minute (three days prior) reservations at the Lake McDonald Lodge. Well worth the expense.

Take care,
Stu

**Lt Dan** · 03-12-2023, 08:55 PM

We were in Glacier late August 2022 and the reservation system didn't seem to make any difference. Every one of the pullouts, the parking lot at Logan Pass and everywhere else were totally packed the entire time we were there. It was vastly more crowded than the last time we were there about ten years ago.

777 Driver · 03-12-2023, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lt Dan

late August 2022 and the reservation system didn't seem to make any difference. Every one of the pullouts, the parking lot at Logan Pass and everywhere else were totally packed the entire time we were there.

I can't recommend more highly the Red Bus Tours (https://www.glaciernationalparklodges.com/red-bus-tours. They have reserved parking at various locations on the Going To the Sun Highway.

A bit 'pricey', but, well worth the expense.

Take care,
Stu

**TonyDi** · 03-12-2023, 09:12 PM

I agree with 777 Driver on using the Red Bus Tour. It make the Going to the Sun hwy. so much more enjoyable. No worries about parking, hey have their own reserved spots. Plus you can enjoy the scenery without having to do any of the driving. Well worth the cost.

**hamm2018** · 03-13-2023, 08:06 AM

Last year we didn't use the Red Bus Tour, we rode the Spyder in the park. We got some great pics and videos from our camera system.

Top pic is from the Spyder's camera system, the bottom 2 from my camera.

2cyber71 · 03-15-2023, 03:10 PM

I’m glad I did Glacier in 2021.
It was open on June 25th when we got there and we had 14 great days with the ticket system.
I'm sure they increased the number of tickets issued per day since because the whole 14 days the going to sun road was empty and easy to park everywhere.
One trip was enough for us.