Skip to main content

Construction at Glacier National Park means changes for your trip — what to know

NPS imposes new rule to manage visitors at Glacier National Parl

The Garden Wall along the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park.
National Park Service / National Park Service

In fall of 2024, the officials at Glacier National Park started a major construction project to replace aging infrastructure. This included the Swiftcurrent area water system, which was originally installed in the 1960s and is in desperate need of replacement. The rehabilitation project also includes road and safety improvements. Since the construction project encroaches on much of the parking options, the National Park Service has announced that personal vehicle access to Many Glacier will be restricted.

Visitors to the park can still enjoy access through a temporary shuttle service that will start operating in July and conclude in September. Otherwise, all vehicles, bikes, and foot traffic will not be permitted until the construction is complete.

Recommended Videos

This shuttle service will depart from several designated parking pull-outs for a 15 to 30-minute ride to Many Glacier Hotel. Please note that no general parking is allowed at the hotel. The shuttle expects to serve around 120 groups per day, and tickets must be reserved one week before or the night before your trip. It’s important to note that this is not part of the existing vehicle reservation system, so you will still need to pay the entry fee unless you have an America the Beautiful pass.

Fortunately, many of our favorite lodging options and commercial access points will still be open. Many Glacier Hotel, Swan Mountain Outfitters, and Glacier Park Boat Co. will operate as usual. Visitors without a shuttle ticket or reservation to the hotel should avoid driving past Babb due to the congestion.

These access restrictions are expected to lift on September 21, 2025. After this, you will no longer need a shuttle ticket or reservation. That said, parking may still be extremely limited until construction finishes in May of 2026, so be sure to check the National Park Service for the most up-to-date information.

Sarah Joseph
With a bright sense of adventure and a heart for the mountains, Sarah is always thrilled to share nature with others through…
Where to eat in Eugene, Oregon: The best restaurants for your wine trip weekend
The best calories in Track Town, USA
Spencer's Butte in Eugene Oregon

Eugene brings to mind the Oregon Ducks and late legends like Steve Prefontaine. But the college town of about 200,000 in the southern Willamette Valley in Oregon goes above and beyond all of that. Thanks to an abundance of world-class wineries in the vicinity, a wealth of growers and purveyors, and an inherently eclectic bunch of friendly locals, there's exemplary eating and drinking to be done.

While I live in food-centric Portland, I find myself heading to Eugene pretty often, especially when my stomach is growling. That's because you get the food quality of a metropolis with the charm of a smaller town. Much of the town can be accessed by bike or foot, and the establishments are about as welcoming as welcoming gets.

Read more
It’s official: These are the most dangerous national parks in the United States
Be careful when visiting these parks
Lake Mead

America’s national parks may be stunning, but they can also be deadly. Every year, millions of visitors flock to these protected landscapes for adventure, but hidden dangers lurk beneath the beauty – from treacherous cliffs to unpredictable waters and wildlife encounters.

To shed light on the risks, Malloy Law Offices analyzed data from the National Park Service (NPS), reviewing fatal incidents from 2014 to 2023. Their findings reveal which national parks pose the greatest dangers and why.

Read more
JetBlue will now pay you back if your trip gets rained out
No more vacation blues
Rainy street

Nothing dampens a vacation quite like endless rain – but JetBlue Vacations is now offering travelers a safety net. The travel agency has partnered with WeatherPromise to introduce a first-of-its-kind coverage that reimburses customers if their vacation is disrupted by excessive rainfall. Since rain is one of the top concerns for vacationers, the partnership aims to provide peace of mind and financial protection. 

“Travel should be exciting, not stressful, and our partnership with WeatherPromise is another way we’re making that a reality,” said Jamie Perry, President, JetBlue Travel Products in a press release. “When customers book through JetBlue Vacations, they’re choosing a travel brand they trust to support them every step of the way. We know how important vacations are, and by offering coverage against weather disruptions, we’re ensuring our customers can focus on enjoying their trips with confidence and peace of mind.”
How it works

Read more