Glacier 2026 Update: No Vehicle Reservations, New Fees, and What You Need to Know Before You Go
If you’ve been planning a trip to Glacier National Park for the summer of 2026, you might have heard the rumors—and yes, they are true. For the first time in five years, Glacier National Park is suspending its vehicle reservation system.
This is massive news for hikers, bikers, and road-trippers who have missed the spontaneity of the "old days." However, with this new freedom comes a new set of rules, fees, and construction updates that you need to be aware of to keep your trip smooth.
Here is the breakdown of everything changing in Glacier National Park for the 2026 season.
1. The Vehicle Reservation System is Suspended
The biggest headline for 2026 is the removal of the vehicle reservation requirement for the Going-to-the-Sun Road, North Fork, Many Glacier, and Two Medicine.
The Good News: You no longer need to wake up months in advance (or at 7:00 PM the night before) to fight for a QR code just to enter the park. You can drive through the West Entrance or St. Mary Entrance without a timed entry ticket.
The Caution: The park anticipates heavy traffic. Instead of reservations, the NPS will manage congestion using temporary closures. If a specific valley (like Many Glacier or the North Fork) or a parking lot becomes gridlocked, rangers will close access until traffic clears.
Our Tip: "Spontaneity" doesn't mean "sleeping in." We still recommend entering the park before 6:00 AM or after 4:00 PM to avoid the potential for gate closures.
2. New 3-Hour Parking Limit at Logan Pass
To prevent parking lots from turning into all-day gridlock, the park is testing a 3-hour parking limit at the wildly popular Logan Pass Visitor Center.
This is designed to increase turnover so more visitors get a chance to see the Continental Divide. However, this poses a challenge for hikers planning longer treks, such as the Highline Trail to the Loop or Hidden Lake overlooks.
The Solution: Use the shuttle! If you plan on a long hike, park your car at the Apgar or St. Mary Transit Centers and take the bus up. The park is reportedly moving toward a reservation-based system for express shuttles to Logan Pass, so check Recreation.gov for shuttle tickets if you want to skip the line.
3. Construction & Campground Closures
While the roads are opening up, some infrastructure projects will impact where you can stay and park.
Swiftcurrent / Many Glacier: The massive construction project in the Swiftcurrent area (improving water systems and roads) has been ongoing. The area is scheduled to reopen to the public in mid-May 2026, just in time for the main summer season. However, always check the current road status before driving all the way to Many Glacier.
Two Medicine Campground: Be advised that the Two Medicine Campground is scheduled to be closed throughout the 2026 season due to construction improvements. If Two Medicine was your camping destination, you will need to look at alternatives like St. Mary or private campgrounds outside the park.
4. Significant Fee Changes for International Visitors
If you are visiting us from Canada or overseas, please be aware of a major federal policy change effective January 1, 2026.
The Department of the Interior has implemented a new fee structure for non-U.S. residents at the most visited national parks, including Glacier:
Non-Resident Surcharge: International visitors (ages 16+) entering Glacier will now be charged an additional $100 surcharge on top of the standard entrance fee.
Annual Pass Changes: The "America the Beautiful" Annual Pass is now $80 for U.S. residents but $250 for non-residents.
Fee-Free Days: While U.S. residents can still enjoy designated "fee-free days," these waivers no longer apply to international visitors, who must pay the standard entrance and surcharge fees.
Note: U.S. residents will not see a price increase for the standard annual pass ($80).
5. Planning Your Hike or Bike
With the potential for gate closures during peak hours, seeing the park by bike remains one of the best ways to ensure you have a great experience. Biking the Going-to-the-Sun Road while it is closed to cars in the spring (hiker-biker season) is unaffected by these summer changes and remains a bucket-list experience.
Summary Checklist for 2026:
[ ] No Vehicle Reservation needed (but arrive early!).
[ ] Check for "Fill and Spill" closures on the NPS website before driving to specific valleys.
[ ] Plan for the 3-hour limit at Logan Pass (or book a shuttle).
[ ] International Travelers: Budget for the new entrance fees.
[ ] Campers: Avoid Two Medicine; check Recreation.gov for rolling availability at other sites.
Need gear for your adventure? Whether you need bear spray, a bike rental for the Sun Road, or advice on which trail to hit first, stop by the shop! We’re here to help you navigate these changes and have the trip of a lifetime.
Disclaimer: Park policies can change rapidly. Always verify the latest alerts and road status on the official NPS Glacier National Park website before your travel dates.
