Glacier National Park has introduced a temporary shuttle service for hikers visiting the Many Glacier area from July 1, 2025, to September 21, 2025. This measure aims to address severe parking limitations caused by ongoing infrastructure improvements in the Swiftcurrent developed area. The project, set to continue until mid-May 2026, involves upgrading the water system and enhancing road conditions. Visitors will need to secure shuttle tickets through Recreation.gov for day access, while those with lodging or specific reservations can drive into the valley.
The shuttle service is designed to accommodate around 120 groups daily, ensuring pedestrian safety and maximizing hiking opportunities within the construction constraints. General vehicle access to Many Glacier will be restricted during this period, with designated parking areas reserved for ticketed shuttle riders only. Park officials emphasize that 2025 may not be ideal for planning visits to Many Glacier Valley but assure visitors of enhanced facilities post-construction.
Enhancing Visitor Experience Amidst Infrastructure Upgrades
From July 1 to September 21, 2025, Glacier National Park will implement a series of measures to ensure visitor safety and accessibility despite the construction in the Many Glacier area. The park's administration has devised a comprehensive plan that includes a temporary shuttle service and strict access controls. These changes are part of an extensive renovation project aimed at modernizing the water system and improving road conditions, which were originally installed in the 1960s.
To facilitate safe and efficient travel, the park has introduced a shuttle service specifically for day hikers. Hikers must obtain a shuttle ticket via Recreation.gov, allowing them to park at designated pull-outs along the Many Glacier Road. The shuttle will transport them to the Many Glacier Hotel, where all trails begin. This service is designed to handle approximately 120 groups per day, with tickets available either one week in advance or the night before entry. The shuttle service operates independently of the park's vehicle reservation system and provides a practical solution for hikers during the construction period. Additionally, park entry passes will be validated at the Many Glacier Entrance station before boarding the shuttle. Visitors should note that detours around the construction zone may add up to an extra mile each way to their hiking distances.
Access and Reservation Details for the Many Glacier Valley
During the construction phase, access to the Many Glacier Valley will be tightly regulated to ensure smooth operations and minimize congestion. Personal vehicles, bicycles, and foot traffic will be restricted in the construction area. Only those with shuttle tickets, commercial service reservations, or lodging reservations will be allowed entry. A gate at the fee booth will control overnight access, limiting parking to reservation holders. Visitors with confirmed reservations for lodging, horseback riding, or boating will receive detailed access instructions upon booking.
For those planning to visit without a shuttle ticket, the park advises against driving past Babb due to limited parking and potential traffic issues. No general public entrance will be permitted between July 1 and September 21, 2025, unless they have a valid shuttle ticket or specific reservations. Overnight parking will not be allowed in designated shuttle parking areas. The park also encourages tribal members to utilize their access rights under the American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978. After September 21, 2025, entrance to Many Glacier will resume without the need for shuttle tickets, although parking capacity will remain limited to the Many Glacier Hotel lot. Furthermore, the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, Many Glacier Campground, and trailhead parking in the Swiftcurrent area will remain closed until mid-May 2026. Private personal watercraft will also be prohibited in Many Glacier Valley waters throughout the 2025 season.