Avoid The Extreme Congestion In Glacier Park - This Is The Way To Do It!

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📒 Show Notes 📒
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2️⃣ Going-to-the-Sun Road Ticketed Entry information:bit.ly/gtsrtickets
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Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:21 Why we Go to Glacier Park
1:10 What to consider when going to the park
2:08 How to plan for crowding
3:29 There are more options than you think
4:32 What Montanans Don't want you to know!
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QUESTION OF THE DAY - What do you think of the national parks ticketing program?
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#Glacier #goingtothesun #Logan Pass
May through September is the busiest part of the year in Glacier Park with about three million people visiting during each summer season. The parking areas at popular destinations, like Logan Pass and Avalanche Creek, begin filling before sunrise and remain congested for most of the day. Other areas often become crowded throughout the middle part of the day. Be prepared to spend time looking for an available parking spot at the trail of the cedars. You're also likely to encounter congestion and long wait times around parking lots, visitor centers, and entrance stations. During extreme congestion, access to whole areas of the park may be temporarily restricted for traffic to clear and to allow access for emergency vehicles.
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Popular things to do.
Trail of the cedars, Highline trail glacier national park, logan pass visitor, center iceberg lake

[@TheMontanaStyle]

If you need important information about Glacier I have it all here: exploremontanaoutdoors.com/resources/

[@tomphillips3162]

I've got my house less than a mile from the park since the 90's. Tip number 4 is a great tip if you are local or will have many opportunities to visit the park. It's not a great tip if you're only going one time. It can snow early and close the Going To The Sun Road, the stores will sometimes have reduced or even closed business, airline tickets start going up. This is the best month for solitude in the wild without the snow. My guess is that hotel, AIRBNB rates are a little less in September than July and August, though I've never checked. Columbia Falls is right between the airport and GNP and has everything you might want to buy, has restaurants, a waterslide park. If you want to see the park but don't want to camp with the bears and would rather stay with modern conveniences than Columbia Falls is perfect.

[@TheMontanaStyle]

Thank you I live in Msla and I am heading to Bowman next week .

[@alansach8437]

My recommendation is for people to get a book that lists all of the National Parks and what to see and do at each. Avoid the Big Eight : Yosemite, Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Grand Canyon, Arches, Acadia, Smokey Mountains and a few others. Look carefully at visitation. There are so many incredibly beautiful parks with few people. These parks offer everything the Big Eight does (wildlife, great scenery) and something they don't: solitude. No reservations just to get in! No standing in line to see the overlook! They are what the Big Eight were thirty, forty years ago! See them while they are still that way!

[@TheMontanaStyle]

Would you like more tips on visiting Glacier National Park or other places in Montana

[@user-iy8zj7sv2p]

I'm looking to visit Montana in mid April. Is that too early to enjoy Glacier National Park?

[@TheMontanaStyle]

@@user-iy8zj7sv2p in mid April not much of the park is open due to snow. I would be happy help you find more info on that if you wanted it

[@BradSavoie46]

Thanks man!

[@janstickles3035]

I have never been to Montana, however I enjoy your content. You give practical information and tips.

[@TheMontanaStyle]

Thank you so much, we have a lot more coming in the future.

[@dontlookback3549]

I was there middle of June and the "crowds" were no problem at all.

[@moralester]

Thank you for the tips and headsup. I'll be there this next week following your advice. I'm also from Yosemite Valley so I'm really dreading the crows already, I can only imagine how bad they will be

[@TheMontanaStyle]

Crowds do suck but the park is fantastic. Take a red bus tour and enjoy the park. Have fun

[@MNP208]

We found Yosemite Valley to be WAY more crowded than Glacier NP this summer! There are many places to spread out around GNP and you can stay in West Glacier, East Glacier, etc. California PACKS campers into YV, Curry Village was a madhouse and the traffic pattern there is terrible!

[@eramosat]

There are just not many places you can visit in the continental USA and experience backcountry serenity i.e. nobody around while you take in the splendour. As I am not from the USA and have zero qualms about revealing my favourite places, they're already useless for my tastes, so here they are: 1) Canyonlands, Utah - hike down into the bottom from the top, into the Maze. You will likely not see anyone. It is hard work, relatively, though as you'll need to pack the usual plus water. But no-one in a car can get close to you. Pretty astounding. 2) Everglades, Florida - the canoe trails might not be isolated any more, but Flamingo trips of a week should get you some pretty unique and isolated time. 3) Hmmm. Not sure there are any many more isolated places that I can recommend. Canada still has tons of them though, many where you might think no-one has ever trod the same ground you are trodding, and it's not so far away. Some of the very last, first-world, backcountry isolation to be had...plenty of icebergs and glaciers too to be had for yourself. Lets hope that the absolute spike in interest in outdoor adventure destinations leads to something good.

[@elrosahir2588]

We travel from germany next weeks to Canada and also planned a drive trough the going to sun road on 26. Sep. hopefully its open, as far i know and read, its closing on 1. Oct. this year.

[@TheMontanaStyle]

I think you will be ok. Just check before you go. We never know when it will snow ❄️

[@kellyschrodi920]

Hello, love your content! We are leaving Bozeman the afternoon on June 1st hesding to Glacier, and would like to drive a few hours and stay some where for that night, where would you suggest? We will be staying at St. Mary's Village, I'm sure the GTTS road might not be open but can you give suggestions on top things to do in the park? We will have 3 days there. We are so excited! Also a recommendation for an overnight stop back to Bozeman? Any suggestions are welcome. Thank you!!

[@TheMontanaStyle]

I have to assume you are not from Bozeman, so this is what I would do. Drive to St Mary's it's beautiful. The going to the sun will not be open unless we have areally arm next few months. It's usually open the last week of June or the first week of Then I would drive around to west glacier. That takes about an hour and a half. We drive fast in Montana. Spend the day at Lake McDonald and the trail of the cedars to avalanche lake. That is an awesome and easy hike. You could stay overnight in Kalispell or Drive to Missoula it is just a couple of hours. If you leave Glacier early you could stop at The National Bison Range, You will see more wildlife there than you will in the park, and it's an easy drive around the long loop. Missoula has nice hotels and good places to eat. Have fun and enjoy the park!!!

[@beachmom19]

HI Kelly we thought about doing the same thing after we arrive in Bozeman, but then I was thinking just in case our flight was delayed, I wouldn't have to worry about getting anywhere that day. So we decided to book a night in Bozeman and then head up early the next day. We are also going to stock up at the Walmart or Target in Bozeman . Let me know if you are happy that you drove a few hours after you arrived as we can still change our plans. Thanks.

[@MNP208]

Glacier was AMAZING! They opened the Highline Trail the day before we arrived and we hiked the full 14 miles to Grinnell Glacier, the Granite Park Chalet and then down to The Loop parking where we caught the shuttle back up to Logan's Pass (where we parked). Do you know anything about working in the park over the summer? Where do employees stay?

[@TheMontanaStyle]

I love the park, Even living in Montana with awesomeness everywhere, Nothing Compares to the Glacier. I am galed you had a great time

[@CoryTheRaven]

Just got back from Glacier last week (we're from Canada and had to reschedule our 2020 trip twice)... It was NUTS. I've never seen it that busy after Labour Day before. Because the shuttles went to reduced schedule, we had to drive to Logan Pass to get an early start on our Highline Trail hike. Ended up getting one of the last two or three spots at 7am. We never did get to Trail of the Cedars because there was just never any parking. We were actually turned away from Many Glacier at the entrance. I actually shot an e-mail to the NPS suggesting they keep shuttles at full service until the hotels close and have better signage for when they're literally turning people away.

[@MNP208]

Interesting! We were there at the end of July and did not have that experience but we did have that experience at Yosemite. I recently found out that Europeans vacation in our national parks in August (maybe September too?).

[@CoryTheRaven]

@@MNP208 maybe July is better than after Labour Day now? XD

[@TheMontanaStyle]

That os usually not the norm I am going next week. If it's really busy I will head to Bowman lake.

[@jerrysimpson9866]

Yes, anything helpful. I’m a Kalispell resident. Getting in to see GNP is getting impossible.

[@TheMontanaStyle]

I know... I am planning on going in the middle to late September and taking my side by side so it is easier to pull off of the road.

[@SC__90]

I'm a kalispell resident and got 10 tickets. It's not hard

[@eversurfer]

I would think perhaps I could see the entire park by hiking. Of course as a volunteer working to do a citizen science project.

[@mitchtrubisky999]

Prettiest national park I've been to but the worst due to the lack of infrastructure

[@beachmom19]

Thanks for your info. We are going for the first time at the end of August as we added Glacier after booking our Yellowstone and Grand Teton trip. We decided to take the Red Bus tour in Glacier since I had read about all the traffic on the Going to The Sun Road. The next day I thought about driving to the Two Medicine area. I was thinking of taking the southern route to avoid the traffic on the Sun Road. Would that make the most sense to you? Thanks.

[@TheMontanaStyle]

That's what I would do, go into west glacier and get on the tour to the top of Logan pass. You won't regret on second of it. A easy and fun hike is the trail of the cedars to avalanche lake. Give it a try if you have time. Enjoy Montana

[@beachmom19]

@@TheMontanaStyle Thanks. Yes we are staying at The Apgar Village Lodge in West Glacier.

[@robertleven4449]

Hi Cathy, I'm from Sacramento. Me and my kids took the train every year to glacier. We always got off at east glacier. Way less crowded. Take hwy 2 to east glacier, the road to two medicine is spectacular as is the road into many glacier. 2 of the prettiest parts of the park. East side is less congested. We have been there atleast a dozen times. Enjoy your trip

[@epicmexican101]

Just got back, I went over this Memorial Day weekend and it was almost empty we loved it. Granted, the going to the Sun Road was closed halfway but it was still amazing

[@TheMontanaStyle]

The park is truly amazing...I am glad you a fantastic time.

[@chadthiem8371]

ummm that’s why it was empty because the best 3/4 of it was closed 😂😂😂

[@nomaderic]

@@chadthiem8371 its better than seeing nature with hundreds of people. If I wanted to see that I would just go to the city

[@lupodlupi]

Thanks for the tips, they are well appreciated

[@strangedays8170]

We’ll, don’t come.

[@lupodlupi]

@@strangedays8170 huh?

[@jordynirvin5208]

Are you able to hike to Cerulean Lake? Are there any trails? I'm having a hard time finding information on it and would love to go see this area of the park.

[@TheMontanaStyle]

Honestly I have not been there for years so I really don't know. I will look into finding the answers for you

[@Fishthe406]

Yes, but there are no trails. The trail ends at quartz lake.

[@user-qc7hr4my7r]

We’re staying at Polebridge in mid July, do you have video dedicated to places to explore outside of the park in that area that has great hiking?

[@TheMontanaStyle]

I really love bowman lake. I have been planning on doing some videos this summer.

[@user-qc7hr4my7r]

@@TheMontanaStyle the cabin owner we’re renting from for the week is taking us up to Kintla to canoe but I’ll definitely check out Bowman since it’s in the area.

[@TheMontanaStyle]

@@user-qc7hr4my7r Kintla is beautiful you will be impressed

[@xenon5493]

Hey I know this video is old, but my friends and I are going to Glacier in late august of this year, we have planned out everything to a T and have all the permits and things we could need. We are also early risers and plan on getting up at 5am about every morning to get to the trails, how likely is it that we will have parking problems that early in the morning?

[@TheMontanaStyle]

If your up early you should be ok, depending on the hike your going on. If your going to Avalanche lake it gets hard to park early. Enjoy the park 🏞️

[@aggiejet]

Hate it when a placed is over crowed. I think more owls are the only solution.

[@toddprovost5079]

Hey I’m visiting glacier and need a vehicle registration aug5-8 tell me I can get on they are sold out nooooooo!!

[@TheMontanaStyle]

You will need to get online and check you availability right now. I think I put a link in the description. The going to the sun is going to open late this year.

[@paulholland1641]

love your information Did I hear you correctly so you don't need a permit registration or park pass to travel going to the Sun road after Labor day??

[@TheMontanaStyle]

You need a park pass but the going to the sun is open. No need for a ticket

[@christianclassen8163]

You need a ticket util September 11th

[@paulholland1641]

@@christianclassen8163 okay thank you

[@TheMontanaStyle]

Yes, that is correct.

[@strangedays8170]

Stay away

[@krisgawarecki2773]

We are planning a 2022 trip from September 13th to the 17th. Are all camp grounds first come first serve at this time? We are driving 1000 miles with a truck camper and want to stay in the park. Should we be concerned about not having a reservation?

[@TheMontanaStyle]

Yes you need to get a few things maped out. But after labor day it will be much easier.

[@chadthiem8371]

yeah don’t come

[@lindastrauch5136]

We have our senior pass and GTSR pass . Does everyone in our car need to pay an entrance fee. There are 4 in our car. Coming Sept 5th.

[@TheMontanaStyle]

No problems, Your all set. The pass is for the vehicle. Have fun, I am going on the 16th. September is the best.

[@robertf3340]

Well. So much for that trip. Been wanting to go for years but it sounds miserable.

[@TheMontanaStyle]

Just go at the end of September. Not as many people the park is incredible in the fall.

[@robertf3340]

Appreciate the info. Unfortunately wife can’t get time off then

[@megaphonejeff]

When does the park open and close each day? Will I be able to get in free before and after the park opens on a motorcycle? I am willing to stay up all night or stick around for the park gates to close. I come from Illinois.

[@TheMontanaStyle]

The gates open at 8 am but if you want to ride the Going to the sun you need a pass. They have a few extra every day but people get in line as early as 4am. The good news is that tickets go on sale tomorrow. We have had quite a bit of snow this year so I don't expect the road to be open until July. Let me know if you need anything else. I am happy to help.

[@megaphonejeff]

@@TheMontanaStyle Thank you for the fast reply. Looks like mid to late July for my motorcycle trip. I'll be in line then at 4 A.M.

[@TheMontanaStyle]

unless something has change this year you can buy your tickets 60 days prior to the day you want to get in the park, and that is a rolling 60 days so get on the computer at 12:01 am and get set up for your trip. The park is packed in July.

[@MNP208]

We want a challenging hike! What time should we arrive at a parking area in the morning?

[@CoryTheRaven]

If you want to do the Highline Trail and want to park at Logan Pass, you need to get there before 7am. That's probably true of Grinnell Glacier hike as well.

[@MNP208]

@@CoryTheRaven We were there since I last posted! We entered the park around 6:30 and arrive about 7:45. The parking lot was almost full.

[@CoryTheRaven]

@@MNP208 You lucked out for it being only almost full by 7:45! We got there at 7am on Sept. 6 and got one of the last 2 or 3 spots!

[@strangedays8170]

Never bitch. Stay away.

[@nomaderic]

I wouldn't dare come here in the summer as I don't do nature with hundreds of other ppl, it defeats the purpose. Is most of the park open in in mid to late September or would most things be closed already? I'm planning on going maybe the last week of September or the week before

[@TheMontanaStyle]

That's when I am going...it's beautiful and way less people. Try Bowman lake no one will be there.

[@MNP208]

Interesting... I found the remote hikes to be way less populated in July. Also, the Many Glacier side wasn't bad at all.

[@beardedwonder3524]

How about North Fork and Goat Haunt? Busy?

[@TheMontanaStyle]

I like it. There are fewer people there.

[@dougB4454]

I was going to stay at the casino in Browning at the Glacier peaks hotel and then snoop around the east side. The rooms there are $300 and Browning is a little shady. I know, I worked at East Glacier in the summer of 85. The casino was not there at that time. What is the reputation of this hotel and area. You talk about driving to Missoula. Our backup plan was drive to Great Falls which is 2:30 to East Glacier? Thoughts.

[@TheMontanaStyle]

Browning is not a real nice place and I have never stayed there. Greatfalls is a pretty nice town. You might check the small towns that are not on the reservation.

[@TheMontanaStyle]

Doug you might try and see what's available in Shelby. It's a nice rural montana town

[@mtlizard3695]

@@TheMontanaStyle, why is Browning not a nice place? It's so close to Glacier...

[@TheMontanaStyle]

@@mtlizard3695 I just personally prefer to stay on the bigger city's. They have more to offer

[@CarlaAnn95035]

@@TheMontanaStyle My goodness! Why would anyone stay in Shelby if they wanted to go to Glacier?

[@wessnyder4857]

Correction: Only parts of the park stay open year round. Higher up you go, the less access you will find once the snows come.

[@TheMontanaStyle]

Thats is true. Glacier gets a lot of snow every year.

[@philipregas9128]

Funny title “over-crowed” is that a bird thing lmao

[@TheMontanaStyle]

That's funny my proof reading 😞

[@harrymills2770]

Doesn't Glacier belong to the Crow? The 100-year lease is up. That should be Crow land, right now, afaic.

[@TheMontanaStyle]

I don't know anything about that.

[@chadthiem8371]

great this is what we really needed all the info for when the park isn’t busy so now it will be busy all the time. sometimes it’s better to keep your mouth shut on some things. might as well give me your favorite fishing spot and your personal address so i can camp in your front yard for when the park is filled

[@TheMontanaStyle]

Lol. I love to fish by Alberton on the Clark fork River and I live in Missoula. Hit me up and we can go camping and fishing. I know a good spot to hunt Pheasants also.

[@chadthiem8371]

@@TheMontanaStyle lol that was probably the best reply 😂

[@CoryTheRaven]

That's why I'm not telling you when the REAL golden time is for visiting National Parks. Hint: it's NOT after Labour Day.

[@dexterbarrett2085]

Like your video! This channel needs to look into P r o m o s m!

[@TheMontanaStyle]

What's that?

[@mormegilthurin5421]

Get out of your car and walk there's not as many people on the trail

[@hasdrubalsosamarquez5430]

How do you think the Native Americans feel? 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@TheMontanaStyle]

How do they feel about what exactly.

[@LittleOrla]

Leave the car at home.

[@stevemattson4988]

SHUT THE ROAD DOWN TO THE PUBLIC AND MAKE PEOPLE USE THE RED BUSES ONLY.

[@TheMontanaStyle]

I have been over that pass more times than I can count and in my opinion the Red Bus is the best way to enjoy it.

[@chadthiem8371]

or we can stop all the idiot people that come to pet the bears.

[@CoryTheRaven]

So you want to pack about 3 million people in 3 months on 33 busses? Good luck with that.

[@MNP208]

Zion NP seems to run their buses very well. No cars allowed in a certain area.

[@joyjoy534]

Garbage advices!!!! The ONLY way to beat the crowd is to get up at 4am in the morning to drive to Logan Pass, it will take at least an hour of driving from the park entrance anyway. All parking lots are FULL by 6:30am. Rangers are out in force enforcing parking rules and issuing parking tickets by 7am. BTW, don't worry about driving the Going to the Sun Road at night by yourself, there will be caravan of vehicles heading to the same parking lots.

[@TheMontanaStyle]

That is true, but who wants to see the pass in the dark. Unless your into astronomy then it's the best place in North America.

[@MNP208]

Hmmm, we arrived at 7:45 and got a parking spot in July. Maybe just lucky. Also, we were just there to park! Once we started hiking... no crowds!

[@SC__90]

Typical dramatic youtuber/thumbnail. It's not overcrowded. Things are just right now with reservations. It's full for sure, but not overcrowded

[@TheMontanaStyle]

I don't know about that. I live about 100 miles from Apgar

[@SC__90]

@@TheMontanaStyle of what relevance is your distance to Apgar? I live 20 miles from it 🤷‍♂️

[@sigurdhaugdahl1593]

I'm sorry, but it sounds like you have really bad indigestion when you recorded this

[@robertleven4449]

Imo, these road passes are the cause of this. Rocky mountain and Yellowstone are doing the same thing

[@TheMontanaStyle]

Your right and I hate it. As a local it's always been my back yard,but I understand that they need to keep some kind of order. I am heading up in a few weeks. No people in December 👍