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

This is the essential guide to those planning a trip to my favorite National Park or for those who prefer virtual travel. The Park is crowded and National Park Service is taking steps to reduce overcrowding to improve the experience for those lucky enough to visit and obtain the necessary permits and reservations to see this amazing place (sadly these steps are needed). This year, many will not be able to drive the Sun Road or visit an area away from where they are staying because you now need a reservation to enter each area of the Park. These are very hard to get. I show you how to try to get one of these reservations.
This video shows how beautiful all the activity areas are to help you choose where to go and also to show you what you missed if you can't a reservation ticket to see it in person.
Previous versions have over 2 million views. This update is even better.
With more beautiful footage and more trails.
Plus, useful info to help you navigate post crowds and the Park's new Vehicle Reservation Ticket system which has been expended. You now need a separate Vehicle Reservation to drive into each area of the park and you need a different Reservation for each area.
There's also info about the new Federal Regulation that requires anyone posting video to Social Media requires a $225 Filming Permit.
Horse Trail Rides
Boat, Red bus tours
Hiker Shuttle
00:00 Intro
2:50 Overview of Park hiking areas
4:51 Going to the Sun Road and nearby short trails
31:37 Guide to an easy hike Bullhead Lake in Many Glacier
37:20 Grinnell Glacier Trail (my favorite trail)
48:11 Magnificent Highline Trail & Swiftcurrent Pass (moderate but long)
1:04:09 Iceberg Lake hike- with a bear encounter- (moderate)
1:10:43 Hike to Ptarmigan Lake (hard) changing weather- it sleeted!
1:19:13 Piegan Pass & Siyeh Pass (moderate & hard-ish)
1:23:00 Tour all the Lodging options in the park- and some outside it because its so hard to get a room in the park these days
1:50:26 North Fork trails and Polebridge
1:55:55 Canada's Waterton Lakes National Park and the Crypt Lake Trail
2:00:18 Melting Glaciers

[@andreasausmuc]

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

[@TheWestisBig]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@DyanK614]

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]

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

[@LittleOrla]

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.

[@TheWestisBig]

Have fun!

[@kag3818]

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

[@TheWestisBig]

Glad you like them!

[@chasityboatman4928]

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

[@TheWestisBig]

Glad it was helpful!

[@numberourdaysministries6490]

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

[@TheWestisBig]

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

[@numberourdaysministries6490]

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]

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

[@michaelsalmon6436]

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]

An excellent idea!

[@travelingfool9096]

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.

[@TheWestisBig]

It’s a great place!

[@bethlovesdogs]

We enjoyed your hike! Thanks for sharing.😊

[@TheWestisBig]

Thanks for watching! and commenting!

[@martinjdesmond]

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

[@TheWestisBig]

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

[@hassanaya4218]

Great 👍 👌 👍 work

[@TheWestisBig]

Thanks 😊

[@daveg1457]

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]

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

[@racheljackson6956]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Thank you!

[@IndianBeauty02]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[@numberourdaysministries6490]

It was in 2022

[@TheWestisBig]

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

[@mdoddbama]

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]

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

[@lala_looksnacks]

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]

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

[@raymondgradel5257]

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]

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. KZbinrs like me are at risk. Please tell your congressperson to change this law.

[@raymondgradel5257]

@@TheWestisBig I can do that.

[@pliccut]

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]

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]

@@TheWestisBig Hmmm, the map you display on KZbin 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]

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]

@@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]

thanks

[@harlandeke]

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

[@TheWestisBig]

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 kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHWUg2iVm5tkntk

[@harlandeke]

@@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]

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.

[@bb-fe9ur]

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

[@user-gk5nx5jd1d]

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]

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.

[@awesley]

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]

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 [e-mail]. Which is also my paypal account. Watch my 2hr video first though. It may answer your questions.

[@TheWestisBig]

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]

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

[@TheWestisBig]

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

[@dennisstafford1749]

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]

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]

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

[@TheWestisBig]

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