Know Before You Go, Glacier National Park: Many Glacier

Start Planning! 

You’re about to go on an epic adventure to Glacier National Park’s Many Glacier! Here’s what you need to know before you go. 

• The tour has two starting points:
  • Babb—just south of the Elkhorn Cabins and Campground on Hwy 89
  • St. Mary—Just north of Two Sisters Cafe on Hwy 89
• Many Glacier requires a vehicle reservation to enter, purchased from recreation.gov either 120 days or 24 hours in advance.
• You will also need your National Park Pass.
• The biggest safety concerns are falls, hypothermia, and bears.
• Summer and early fall is the best time to visit.

Budgeting and Hours of Operation 

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Budget

Many Glacier is one of Glacier National Park’s crown jewels—which means it’s stunning, busy, and a little harder on the wallet than quieter corners of the park.

Park Entrance & Passes

You’ll need a valid Glacier National Park entrance pass:

• $35 per private vehicle (valid for 7 days)
• $30 per motorcycle
• $20 per person (walk-in or bike)
• America the Beautiful Annual Pass: $80 (worth it if Glacier isn’t your only park this year)

Entrance passes cover park admission only.

Lodging (Biggest Budget Factor)

This is where Many Glacier stands apart.

Many Glacier Hotel and nearby lodging are extremely popular and book far in advance. Staying here is often more expensive than lodging outside the park—but you’re paying for location, views, and fewer miles on the road.

Campgrounds are more affordable, but sites are limited and fill quickly in summer.

Food & Supplies

Dining options in Many Glacier are limited and seasonal. Prices reflect location and demand, so packing snacks or picnic meals can save money. Once you’re in the valley, services are scarce—plan ahead.

Fuel

Many Glacier is a long drive from major towns, and you’ll spend time creeping along scenic roads and circling for parking. Closest station is the Sinclair near St. Mary.

Optional Extras

• Bear spray (strongly recommended and sometimes purchased just for this trip)

• Boat Tours & Activities

  Many Glacier is famous for its boat tours on Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine. These aren’t required, but they’re a classic experience and one of the most common add-on costs in this area. If you’re looking to spend extra money anywhere, this is usually where people do it.

Hours of Operation 

The tour stops have seasonal hours of operation. The site’s facilities and restaurants also have varying hours of operation. Check NPS site for current opening hours.

Get Packing!

​​Here’s our packing list for this tour. It may seem a little long, but remember, what you bring depends on the activities you choose to do for the day. 

• Raincoat
• Sunscreen
• Binoculars
• Insect Repellent
• Bear Spray (can be rented at Kalispel Airport or Apgar Village)
• Any Vehicle Reservations Needed

Best Time to Visit 

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Summer and early fall is best. But remember, you will need a vehicle reservation to enter Many Glacier during the summer unless you enter the park in the very early morning or late afternoon.

Safety Information 

The biggest concerns are falling, hypothermia, and bears. Watch your step, keep dry, and bring bear spray.

Additional Information

As of 2024, vehicle reservations are required for entering Many Glacier during the prime seasons. These can be booked on Recreation.gov 120 days or 24 hours in advance. Without a vehicle reservation, visitors can enter early morning or late afternoon, before or after gate-check hours.

Leave No Trace

While exploring, we encourage you to abide by the leave-no-trace principles. Embrace the outdoors responsibly with our commitment to preserving natural wonders. 

Respect wildlife habitats, minimize your footprint, and carry out memories, not waste. By following Leave No Trace principles, you contribute to the longevity and beauty of our planet's most stunning landscapes.

Many Glacier FAQs

Do I need a vehicle reservation for Many Glacier?

In 2025, yes, during the core summer window—the NPS required a service reservation (like the Day Hiker Shuttle ticket, lodging, boat, etc.) to go beyond the Many Glacier Entrance Station July 1–Sept 21. Policies change, so always check the current NPS page before you go. 

What if I don’t have a reservation—can I still visit?​​​​​​​

In 2025, access before July 1 and after Sept 21 was generally possible, but the NPS warned they may temporarily restrict entry when parking fills. Check annually for the latest reservation schedule.

What’s the Many Glacier Day Hiker Shuttle? Do I need it?

In 2025, it was the main way day visitors could access Many Glacier during the restricted period, with tickets sold on 

Where do hikes start during construction?

In 2025, the NPS said trail access begins at the Many Glacier Hotel, and some hikes include added mileage due to detours. 

Is Many Glacier construction really continuing through 2026?

The NPS construction FAQ covers 2025 restrictions, and reporting on the project notes work continuing into 2026 with access impacts changing as construction wraps up—so treat each season as its own ruleset and check the official page close to your dates. 

Do I still need a park entrance pass too?

Yes. The NPS is explicit: park pass/entrance fee is separate from any reservation/access system.

What are the entrance fees?

For Glacier, standard entrance fees are $35 per private vehicle, $30 motorcycle, $20 per person (walk-in/bike) (typically valid for 7 days). 

What are the biggest safety concerns in Many Glacier?

Falls on wet/rocky trails, fast-changing mountain weather hypothermia risk, and bears. If you’re carrying bear spray, keep it accessible, not buried in your pack.

Is Many Glacier good for boat tours?

Very. Boat tours and rentals are available at Many Glacier, and the Swiftcurrent/Josephine combo is a classic add-on. 

Do I have cell service in Many Glacier?

Don’t count on it. Download anything you need ahead of time.

Ready to take the tour? Check out Shaka Guide's Glacier National Park: Many Glacier Tour!

We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.

For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our Glacier National Park: Many Glacier Itinerary.

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