SHOULD YOU Take the GLACIER NATIONAL PARK SHUTTLE?

Using the Glacier National Park shuttle system can be a great way to explore the park without having to worry about finding parking spaces or dealing with traffic. However, there are a few different types of shuttles that you should be aware of!
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[@Killdozer100]

My dad drives shuttles for the park, they are definitely useful, a lot of people don’t like them but I mean I would rather have them than not! If you want to ride up to Logan pass it’s definitely worth the wait, rather than having to concentrate on driving the road, you get to enjoy the experience with the big windows.

[@scottallenboyd]

Great video thank you, I do have a question are the Red use tours part of the Park shuttle system? if not do they cost how much, and how do you book them? we are planning a trip for the middle of August 2025 thanks Scott

[@AlexontheMap]

@@scottallenboyd hi there! Glad this was helpful. The red buses are a separate tour company. They stop at a lot of the same places, but you won’t be able to hop on, hop off if you want to hike. You can book them here, but probably not yet for 2025-you’ll have to wait until spring to do that: www.glaciernationalparklodges.com/red-bus-tours/ Cost varies depending on what tour you choose! Hope that helps!

[@ektaverma6213]

Hi Alex, really great informative video. I am planning to go to national park on 7th Sept 2024. I was planning to take the free shuttle inside the park. I have the question does fall shuttle service starts at 8 am in the morning? I couldn't find the start timing of the shuttle on the website. So, asking you if you have any idea. Also, will the fall reduced bus service, do you think I can cover Avlanche creek, lake Mcdonald and Logan Pass in a day ? I would really appreciate your advice. I am getting a red bus tour for 21st September. Any recommendation for 1 day if I take red bus instead of relying on free bus shuttle due to reduced shuttle service after Labor Day. Thanks you !

[@AlexontheMap]

I am actually not sure about what time the shuttle leaves in the morning in the fall. It might be worth it to call the park to ask. Avalanche Lake, Lake McDonald, and Logan Pass are all main stops, so you shouldn’t have a problem seeing them all that day.

[@10acb10]

Thanks for the helpful info! I am feeling overwhelmed and worried that without a vehicle pass we may be limited in our hiking opportunities. We will be arriving the Tuesday after Labor day. Is it notably less crowded after Labor day? When does the fall hours shuttle times start?

[@AlexontheMap]

It is much less crowded after Labor Day--that's also when the fall shuttle service starts, as well.

[@timbiddle2593]

How long are the shuttle lines? Should I arrive 1 hour early? 2 hours? And do I have to wait again at shuttle transfer stops?

[@AlexontheMap]

Since they run frequently, I'd look to arrive about 30 minutes before. Depends when you plan on going, but two hours is a long time to wait! And yes--you will need to wait at transfer stops.

[@thehomehandyman1391]

Can you transverse the entire route of the Going to the sun road Via the shuttle?

[@AlexontheMap]

Yes! You sure can!

[@thehomehandyman1391]

@@AlexontheMap Thank you. You have provided great knowledge. Heading there mid June.

[@christinapodlucky3730]

Hi again! Sorry, I'm studying up on all of your videos because they are SO helpful!! So, I'm planning to take the shuttle to the St. Mary Falls Trailhead for the hike. Mainly, because I am very apprehensive about bears (especially because I will have my kids with me), and I figured there would be more people hiking the trail when the shuttle drops off, right? I've done all my research on what to do if you encounter a bear, but have never had this experience in real life. I'm just curious how often you, personally, have seen a bear on the St. Mary Falls/Virginia Falls trail? (What about the Cedar/Avalanche Lake Trail?) I'm just trying to prep myself (mentally, I mean - I will most certainly have my bear spray regardless)...like is this something I should just EXPECT/Guarenteed to encounter or that I just MAY encounter? lol Sorry! We only have black bears in NY and Grizzlies just seem so much more intimidating.

[@AlexontheMap]

I'm so glad! That makes me so happy. Both of those trails are really popular. While there's always the chance of running into a bear, the likelihood is very small. With 3 million people visiting a year and 500 bears, the odds are definitely in your favor. Someone ahead of us at St. Mary and Virginia Falls saw one, but as most bears, they are pretty wary of humans--even the grizzlies! Keep loud on the trail and sing and you are more than likely to be fine--sounds like you're already prepared with your bear spray!

[@christinapodlucky3730]

@@AlexontheMap Hello again! I'm sorry, but I do have one more bear related question, if you wouldn't mind. I've read quite a few articles explaining that bears can smell the food, even in the fridge and freezer of the travel trailer (we have a hard side trailer) that we will be sleeping in. Does this mean that I should not keep food in there or cook in there? I'm just looking for any advice you might have about food storage. I've also read things that said not to use scented shampoo and stuff in your trailer? Also, is it safe to bring food for picnics with you on a hike? If so, should they be in some sort of odor free ziplock? I've also read mixed reviews on that too, but I figured it would be more reliable to ask someone like you who is more the expert on Glacier National Park. Should bug spray and sunscreen be odor free too? Thanks again!

[@AlexontheMap]

@@christinapodlucky3730 Hi there! No worries--I appreciate you being bear aware! Food in a locked car should for the most part be okay. Just make sure that it is locked since bears can get into it. In terms of scented things on the trail and food on picnics, you can totally bring those. If you were backpacking, I would suggest a bear canister, but if you are day hiking you should be totally fine as long as you keep your things with you.

[@jalyncobbley3243]

Very informative can dogs go on the shuttle?

[@AlexontheMap]

I would guess not unless they are a service dog.

[@Killdozer100]

No dogs cannot, if they are service dog yeah

[@DavidDiPerna]

What does that mean 8:45am is the Last shuttle? Does that mean if you go to the Apgar Visitors center after 8:45am you can never get a shuttle from the Apgar Visitors center? If the shuttles are 15-30min apart wouldn't you be able to catch one at the apgar visitor center after 9am?

[@AlexontheMap]

That is for the express shuttle from one side of the park to the other.

[@peterdisbury]

As an Ex Employee of the Park, the shuttle sucks. It is too small for the lines of people waiting to get on and typically can only take 10-12 ppl per run😂😂😂

[@AlexontheMap]

It depends on the hike I'm planning on doing, but I'll typically use it for anything going to Logan. Other than that, I'll drive myself.

[@caring54]

If the shuttle available on June ?

[@AlexontheMap]

It is if you are planning on biking or hiking. Going-to-the-Sun isn’t usually open until the first week of July. But if it is open sooner, the shuttle will run.

[@peterdisbury]

2.9 Million people need to be reduced from the annual amount expeced leaving around 100k visitors....much more sustainable...

[@AlexontheMap]

I agree, but it's almost impossible to limit people like that. Now that it's been "discovered," I think that's not going to happen unfortunately.