Glacier National Park Tips | 5 Things to Know Before You Go!

[@GoBearrister]

We just came back from a 2-week RV trip to Glacier and Yellowstone. I watched so many of your videos and purchased your itineraries for both parks. It was awesome - we followed the itineraries as closely as we could (admittedly we couldn’t get the kids up as early as we wanted) and we really enjoyed everything! They really helped us maximize our time in both parks. If anyone is on the fence about whether it’s worth it - ABSOLUTELY. We’ll definitely get your itineraries again the next time we’re going to a particular NP for the first time!

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Thank you so much -- I'm thrilled that you had such a great vacation and that the itineraries worked well for you!!

[@trevordavis8135]

Ash's "Dirt in my Shoes" itinerary for Glacier is superb. I bought it in 2020 for our first trip and we used it again in Sept 2023! Highly recommend Ash's resources. She's great.

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Thank you so much! I'm so glad you got to go back and use it again!

[@MediaByADF]

from one ranger to another, nicely done! I feel like people really underestimate the scale of Glacier

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Thank you!

[@cachi-7878]

@@DirtInMyShoeshow come you didn’t mention anything about being prepared against Grizzly bears? I heard GNP has one of the largest concentration of bears in Montana.

[@DirtInMyShoes]

@@cachi-7878 There are a lot of things I didn't mention, otherwise the video would be extremely long haha

[@StuartInTX]

We had a last minute change of plans, and decided on a Friday morning, that in two days ( Sunday), we'd fly to Glacier National Park for a week long trip there, instead of our original planned destination. I'm SO incredibly glad that I found your video and purchased your itinerary for Glacier, before I booked any lodging. We followed your 4 day itinerary and created fantastic, priceless memories that will last a lifetime. If you're going to Glacier, I whole heartedly recommend the Dirt In My Shoes itinerary, it's fantastic!!

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed the itinerary and Glacier!!

[@LittleOrla]

Go hiker/biker. No car. It's the best way to go. And you meet such interesting people doing absolutely amazing things. And you don't pollute the Park.

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Sounds amazing!

[@DanKramer-fw3ub]

Thanks for all the helpful information!!

[@bonniefinley3875]

Boy do you know your stuff, Ash! If your itineraries are even 1/10 as good as your videos, they’ll be well worth the money. I already have this trip completely planned out (if we can get car reservations and, if not, I’m going to employ your tips to get into the different entrances), but I’ll be buying your guide/itinerary for Yellowstone for our 2024 NP trip! Please keep up the fabulous work!!

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Thanks so much! I'm happy to help in any way I can!

[@peterdisbury]

There are other places to visit at GNP besides the main road GTTSR such as Polebridge, what amazing pastries and espresso bevs. Depending on the time of year you go, Bowman and Kintla Lakes have great hikes without the crazy crowds. We went out there and saw a Moose Cow and her calf along with a nice size Grizzly Bear and 1 cub. Both lakes are super stellar and the hiking trails are nice and quiet. We looked for Samsquinch aka BF prints and found none😂but did see black bear prints and scat. Walking through the woods making noise is a recommendation but to be safe just scare everything off. Bowman Lake is stunning and the mountains to the NE are super. A fun hike to do if you cannot make it out to Hidden Lake, due to traffic and congestion is Lincoln Lake. A nice easy incline to the lake through the woods will put you 9 miles to the Lake and there is a Grizzly up there. A great valley with stunning views and a well marked trail. However if you go there in July you will be greeted by the mosquitos they are just so excited to see tourists. Sperry Chalet Trail from Lake McDonald Lodge is a must hike too along with Snyder Ridge and Mt. Brown for a killer thigh and glute workout. Fabulous lookout up top of Mt.Brown and you may get lucky and see the white snowy fuzzballs called Mountain Goats...😂 To the EX-Ranger great job, I worked there twice in 2019 and 2021 for Xanny and Pursuit. Thanks for your service and hard work🎉🎉.

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Glacier has so many beautiful areas, it's true!

[@samuelb9143]

Wish I'd found you sooner - just signed up for the itineraries. Heading out next week and staying in Martin City. I'll call this a "first trip"

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Very exciting!

[@JayP-i5r]

Outstanding content and information. Thank you! Can you clarify the GTSR reservation requirements are ONLY for 6AM - 3PM in 2023? In other words, if I enter St Mary at 0545 am I automatically free to enter GTSR anytime that day or do I need to be at a designated check point within park confines prior to 0600 to access GTSR? Thanks again for for your great videos!

[@DirtInMyShoes]

You need to be past Rising Sun before 6 a.m. And if you leave the park, you won't be able to come back in until after 3 unless you have a reservation.

[@elizabethlanda7208]

Hi Ash. Very helpful information. I purchased your itinerary and I believe it will make my trip easier, however I could not book a campsite for my third night and I booked a boat tour from many glaciers on my fourth day at 8. Any advice on where to disperse camp and how much time do I need to get to many glacier

[@DirtInMyShoes]

I just got your email and sent a reply!

[@petrasosa8277]

Your video is amazing 👏, thank you so much ,I really want to take my sister's with me ,if I stay I the park do I still need to get a car pass ?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

You'll need to pay the entrance fee no matter what. Whether or not your need an extra reservation to drive the GTSR depends on where you are staying in the park. I have a full video about the extra reservations that you'll want to watch as soon as you can!

[@petrasosa8277]

Thank you so much for the information 😊

[@jhamadhu2809]

We were there last week and were lucky enough to find parking without waiting. Almost at every single spot!

[@DirtInMyShoes]

That's great!

[@lubovlubov3635]

Hi,thanks for great video,just subscribed,very glad

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Thank you!

[@gestapoid]

Great video. I'm planning to visit in September or October and now I know I can't just roll in and expect to do everything without preparation lol. Thankfully I wasn't planning on doing any of the things that require booking a year out.

[@DirtInMyShoes]

I hope you have a great time!

[@kimelking2973]

Hi Ash, Good info is always appreciated. We are planning(not completely confirmed yet) to come in by train from California, via Portland to East Glacier. Amtrak provides booking the lodge, and any tour you may want to take. What is the difference between the Sun Tour and the Big Sky Tour? Thanks. Also do have insight on this way of getting there and enjoying the park. Kim

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Hi Kim, I'm not familiar with the tours that Amtrak runs to Glacier, sorry!

[@cathyjodiaz]

🎉Thank you!!!❤❤❤❤❤

[@DirtInMyShoes]

You're welcome!

[@neelimamohanty7717]

Thanks Ash very exhaustive expkaination !

[@debbieannsmith8962]

Great tips! Thank you so much!

[@DirtInMyShoes]

You're welcome!

[@fiin3sse512]

Is September a good time to visit ? Planning to go September 14-17

[@DirtInMyShoes]

You can find what to expect in Glacier in September here: www.dirtinmyshoes.com/the-best-time-to-visit-glacier-national-park/

[@williambrown3208]

I was on the computer 🖥 midnight mountain time July 1st 2021. Everything sold out within 30 minutes for the entire month July 2022. I was fortunate enough to get 7 nights at the Many Glacier Hotel. Planning on going back in August of 2024. I will not stay anywhere else but the East side.

[@boytoy7605]

I did it this year 2023 and it's sold out within seconds

[@bobculhane4746]

Ty for all your tips! ❤

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Of course!

[@jaimeflores_vasquez2802]

thank you, Ash! I'll be around next August!

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Enjoy!

[@BlueSideUp77]

Are you able to kayak in the park lakes?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Yes, but you need an inspection/permit (they are free): www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/boating.htm

[@LadyHeathersLair]

For years I went there and booked a campsite without problem. Not anymore. Extremely difficult to snag a site! But I managed to get one this May 29 for a week. I usually book the third week of July. Probably just as well, since summers are getting longer and hotter. And hopefully, fewer people.

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Have fun!

[@MrBendOregon]

I bought your course. Great stuff. My van is 23ft my bike rack extends 3 more ft. Is this ok?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

They will likely turn you around or give you a ticket for being over the 21 feet requirement. I would make alternative arrangements for getting across the road, such as the free shuttle, a red bus tour, a bike, or a rental car.

[@connorhudak290]

Thank you so making this video because I like learning more about these national parks I have never to any of them though I am trying to decide if I want to go to Yellowstone or glacier

[@DirtInMyShoes]

You can't go wrong either way!

[@connorhudak290]

Yeah they are but I am going to be a little honest I am little Afraid of bears since I have seen one like 10 feet from me

[@DirtInMyShoes]

@@connorhudak290 both of those parks have bears, so I recommend carrying bear spray as you hike :)

[@connorhudak290]

Thank you I am kind of leaning towards Yellowstone there is a road there I really want to see the Beartooth highway I hear it’s unbelievable

[@DirtInMyShoes]

@@connorhudak290 it is!

[@coffenut]

I am so glad that I stumbled across this video. I am now a subscriber lol. So from what I’m understanding as someone who does not people, I am going to have to pull up my big girl pants and be around lots of tourists when visiting glacier. One question I did have is how accessible is Glacier for disabled people? Is there enough disabled parking or is this also some thing that needs to be taken into consideration? Are there better parts of the park to go to to make it a little easier? In any case, this was very well done. Thank you.

[@DirtInMyShoes]

My Glacier Itinerary on dirtinmyshoes.com helps a ton with crowds. You can find info about the accessibility of the park here: www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/physical-mobility.htm

[@jeremyking3986]

You need more subs, your videos are awesome and informative. And I think you’re adorable, with those eyes 😍

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Thanks!

[@videoblendtv]

Thanks Ash!

[@DirtInMyShoes]

No problem!

[@amandajacob2327]

Hello! Love the video, so helpful. I am visiting soon and have a vehicle reservation for entering the park but not yet for GTSR. For the west side entrance, do you know if I can enter before 6am or after 3pm there as well?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

You can, but they are doing construction on that side, so they may have things closed off before 6 a.m., and you'll hit delays going in through that side, so you'll want to take that into account.

[@valerialeon4372]

im wondering of the grindell glacier trail will be open july 13th ( is the day i made a reservation) 😢

[@DirtInMyShoes]

It totally depends on what the snow levels, but typically yes, it should be open by mid-July.

[@kariwilson5766]

Hi Ash! I love your videos. I was wondering if there is somewhere in the park to fill up water tank in campers before getting to the campground or site. We are traveling half way across the country and am not sure how to go about filling up our tank also is there a dump station?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

The larger campgrounds that fit RVs have dump stations there. Or I like to use the Campendium website to find options near my destinations!

[@kariwilson5766]

@@DirtInMyShoes would apgar campground have anyway to fill up the camper?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

@@kariwilson5766 yes! It has a dump station.

[@kariwilson5766]

@@DirtInMyShoes thank you! Very informative

[@alanchee3768]

Thanks!

[@DirtInMyShoes]

You're welcome!

[@genesbeans570]

I couldn't find the answer to this question anywhere so do you know if I have a campground reservation if that will cover the entry of 2 vehicles? I did see campsites in many glacier can accommodate 2 vehicles so I would assume it would cover entry for 2 but I don't want to assume and not get a vehicle entry pass for our other car. Thank you!!

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Yes, it should cover it. Just make sure you have proof of the reservation for both cars.

[@thomasbarker6229]

Have you done any on the east coast?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Yes, you'll find videos on Acadia and Great Smokies. And podcast episodes on others like the Florida parks!

[@neelimamohanty7717]

I am planning to visit glacier national park from 29 th June till 3 rd July 2023 , I hope the roads are open

[@DirtInMyShoes]

I hope so too!

[@stardemonspacecat]

Planning a first time visit to GNP next year... Question: How common are bear encounters ??? I really don't want to die on my vacation ☹

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Bears are very common in this park, especially on the east side. Read through this article before you go: www.dirtinmyshoes.com/bear-safety-101-preventing-an-encounter/

[@stardemonspacecat]

@@DirtInMyShoes Thanks for the info 👍🤟

[@Whitefishbadass]

Book your lodging and your rental car (if needed) at the same time at least a year in advance. I work hospitality in Whitefish 30 minutes from glacier. The amount of folks I deal with who didn’t rent a car ahead of time more often then not find themselves in a pickle. Anytime I take a reservation I always suggest if they’re taking a train or plane they immediately make a car reservation. Cars a hard to come by during Glacier season

[@DirtInMyShoes]

I got a lot of emails about that last year -- people couldn't get cars! Thanks for your insight!

[@kariwilson5766]

How do I get campsites in my cart to book. I am planning a trip end of july 2025. I am planning on camping at apgar and st Marys

[@DirtInMyShoes]

You'll find a full video here on my channel about how to get a site in Glacier where I walk you through the whole process.

[@PrestonGladd]

I don’t understand why more people don’t juts enter through St. Mary’s. In planning our trip I just booked a campsite on that side to avoid the reservation system. Is there some secret I am missing where I should stay on the west side? (Outside of the park that is, we were too late to get any bookings inside the park for campsites). As far as I can tell if you stay on the west side its non-stop trains blaring all though the night and is a big party spot at all of the local civilian campgrounds.

[@DirtInMyShoes]

There are just far fewer lodging options and amenities on the east side. The west side is a lot closer to the larger population centers of Whitefish and Kalispell, so that's why most people enter from there. You'll love staying on the east side!

[@irfanahmed7847]

Hi Ash I only want to buy 4 day itinerary. Can I buy that only. I am on a budget here. Thanks

[@DirtInMyShoes]

I only sell the itineraries as a bundle, but even when I did sell them separately, the 4-day was still about the same price as the bundle is now :)

[@CajunTrails]

We are planning on bringing our Medical Alert Dog is it safe to bring her on the trail for the boat tour on many Glacier?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

The trail would be fine. I would just double-check with the boat company, but as long as she's a certified service dog it should be just fine!

[@livelyviobenny4640]

What time does the campground reservations open in the morning? Edit: I saw your other video that said 10am est time correct?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Yes, 10 a.m. EST, 8 a.m. MT

[@livelyviobenny4640]

@@DirtInMyShoes thank you so much!!❤️

[@ItsJRventures]

Hi, if I booked a site in St.Mary’s Campground. Do I still need to get going to the sun road vehicle reservation?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Nope, the St. Mary CG counts for your GTSR reservation!

[@ItsJRventures]

@@DirtInMyShoes thank you

[@coloredpencils01]

For 2024, this is not true if you want to enter from the west side.

[@kellycurtis1718]

Looking to visit June 22-27. Should we get sun road pass on the west or east side?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

You don't need one for the east side until July 1st. If you're staying on the west side, you'll need one :)

[@ItsJRventures]

@@DirtInMyShoesif we’re staying on the east side for the last week of june2023, will going to the sun road be open and hikes accessible?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

@@ItsJRventures unknown...it totally depends on the snowpack and how fast they are able to get things plowed. You'll probably be able to drive partially up the road. Usually by then they have it plowed to the Jackson Glacier Overlook or so. Sometimes the road is fully open by then, but this year has been a very good snow year, so I'm guessing it will be later. But I don't know for sure!

[@ItsJRventures]

@@DirtInMyShoes in that case, if there’s much snow which side of the park is better for us to stay? East or west? That has more things or trails for us to do when going to the sun road is close?

[@cybertrontv4975]

Is it worth visiting in December?

[@tarahall1025]

It will likely be closed through the park- but skiing and such on the outskirts of West Glacier/East Glacier

[@boytoy7605]

Can you paddle board there

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Absolutely! I love paddleboarding Lake McDonald!

[@boytoy7605]

@@DirtInMyShoes I'm just a little confused I do have the park pass vehicle pass where do you park when you're going in there to paddleboard for the day or is it just any available parking spot

[@DirtInMyShoes]

@@boytoy7605 if you bring your own paddleboard, you do need a boating permit that you can get online or at the visitor center. The rangers will give you more instructions from there!

[@100bgeagle]

Is it too late for me? I was there working 45 years ago!

[@DirtInMyShoes]

It's still as beautiful as ever!

[@donniereiter3646]

Wow it sounds that glacier National park is harder to navigate than Yosemite National Park

[@DirtInMyShoes]

I would say yes, that's true. Though both are pretty intense!

[@AW33COM]

Difficult question. Not everyone is a tourist. What about if you're an athlete? Can you traverse the park on foot and sleep in a tent?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

If you're an athlete, you're just an athletic tourist and still have to follow the same regulations as everyone else :) You can go backpacking in the park, but you'll need a permit to do so!

[@dennisstafford1749]

Can a You Tuber now go into a Park and take film or pictures and NOT post on any social media and still refuse to pay for a permit without violating any law? In other words is it the act of filming without permit that is the violation or the posting of the photo or film that is the violation? If I as a Grandpa can go unimpeded into the Park and take pictures how does the Park service distinguish me from a You Tuber or just Grandpa posting his vacation pics on Facebook to his 'friends'? Does this mean that eventually any filming will require special permits? And if not how do you distinguish between those filming without commercial intent and those that do? I assume the Park service realizes this will result in a lot of litigation?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

It's messy right now, but I do think that people are going to try to get it changed. As for now, you can record/take pics, but you can't post it anywhere to make money.

[@bradyjohnson4521]

Now that's freedom!

[@TehKithy]

@@bradyjohnson4521 over exposure on social media is making places like Glacier too popular. Exploding visitation numbers for these delicate areas is wrecking them.

[@dennisstafford1749]

Can a singular You Tuber shoot video in Glacier without a permit?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

As of right now, technically no. This video explains it well: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2ezmatvg5yCnLM

[@billyblanton8042]

Need to fix ya brown round, the bill on it is bending smh 🤦

[@DirtInMyShoes]

My new setup takes care of that :)

[@mattcampbell3402]

Thank you for explaining why I will NEVER go visit Glacier. City people taking over God’s beauty 🫤

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Glacier is definitely a popular park, but it's still a special place! Luckily, there are other beautiful places to visit that are less crowded than Glacier if that doesn't suit you!

[@CassandraHunt-n1r]

Hi Ash. Very helpful information. I purchased your itinerary and I believe it will make my trip easier, however I could not book a campsite for my third night and I booked a boat tour from many glaciers on my fourth day at 8. Any advice on where to disperse camp and how much time do I need to get to many glacier

[@DirtInMyShoes]

I like to use the website Campendium.com to find dispersed camping near the parks! Good luck! You can always try to snatch up someone's cancellation as it gets closer to your trip...I've had pretty good luck with that too!

[@cybertrontv4975]

Is it worth visiting in December?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

You'll find a full article about the best time to visit Glacier on dirtinmyshoes.com It outlines what to expect in December!

[@cybertrontv4975]

Thank you. I saw that. But, is it worth it?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

@@cybertrontv4975 for me personally, no. I like to be there when I can see more of the park. You're very limited in December!