Going to the Sun Road Tickets & Open Times: Everything You Need to Know to Access Going to the Sun

Over three million people visit Glacier National Park every year, hoping to experience the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road along with the incredible hikes, viewpoints, and alpine scenery it provides access to.

In recent years, getting on the road has required navigating vehicle reservations, timed-entry permits, and checkpoint confusion. If you are researching Glacier right now, you are probably wondering which rules still apply and which have changed.

For 2026, the system looks different again.

Vehicle reservations are not required anywhere in Glacier National Park in 2026. However, beginning July 1, 2026, weather permitting, parking at Logan Pass is limited to three hours. The park is also piloting a ticketed shuttle system to Logan Pass for visitors planning longer alpine hikes.

Between road opening dates, parking limits, shuttle tickets, and entrance passes, it can still feel overwhelming. This guide breaks everything down clearly so you know exactly what to expect when visiting Going-to-the-Sun Road in 2026.

What We Will Cover In This Guide

• When is Going-to-the-Sun Road open?
• Do you need reservations for Going-to-the-Sun Road in 2026?
• Logan Pass Parking Limits in 2026
• Going-to-the-Sun Road Shuttle Tickets and Routes in 2026
• How the new system affects Hidden Lake and Highline Trail
• Glacier Park Entry Pass and America the Beautiful Pass
• Frequently asked questions
  
  

When is Going-to-the-Sun Road Open?

The entire 52 miles of Going-to-the-Sun Road typically opens between mid-June and early July, but exact dates depend entirely on weather and snow conditions.

Snow removal operations typically begin in early April. Crews must clear snow across nearly 40 avalanche paths, and progress depends heavily on snowpack conditions and spring weather. Some years, the alpine section near Logan Pass opens in mid-June. In heavier snow years, it may not open until late June or early July.

Before the road opens fully to vehicles, cyclists and hikers are often allowed access during the popular spring hiker and biker season. It is a unique way to experience the road without vehicle traffic. Always check current road conditions on the Glacier National Park website before your visit, and take a look at our Ultimate Guide to Going-to-the-Sun Road for additional local tips.

Do You Need Reservations for Going-to-the-Sun Road in 2026?

No. In 2026, vehicle reservations are not required anywhere in Glacier National Park.

You do not need a timed entry ticket for Going-to-the-Sun Road. You do not need vehicle reservations for Many Glacier, Two Medicine, or the North Fork.

If you want to drive the full Going-to-the-Sun Road from West Glacier to St. Mary or from St. Mary to West Glacier, you can do so without a vehicle reservation once the road is open.

However, Logan Pass access is now managed differently.

Logan Pass Parking Limits in 2026

Beginning July 1, 2026, private vehicle parking at Logan Pass is limited to 3 hours. The goal of the three-hour time limit is to increase turnover and allow more visitors the opportunity to experience Logan Pass. In previous summers, parking often filled early and remained full for much of the day.

Three hours is generally enough time to hike to Hidden Lake Overlook, explore the Logan Pass Visitor Center, attend a ranger program, and enjoy the alpine scenery. Overnight parking is not permitted at Logan Pass except for visitors with a valid backcountry permit or registered guests of Granite Park Chalet.

If you plan to spend more than three hours at Logan Pass, you will need to use the new shuttle system.

Going-to-the-Sun Road Shuttle Tickets and Routes in 2026

In 2026, Glacier National Park will pilot a ticketed shuttle system to Logan Pass, including early-morning express routes. This system is designed primarily for visitors planning longer alpine hikes.

Shuttle tickets are required to board. You cannot board without a valid ticket.

When Do You Need a Shuttle Ticket?

You will likely need a shuttle ticket if you are hiking the Highline Trail to Granite Park Chalet, hiking the Highline Trail to The Loop, or planning a longer alpine hike that will exceed the three-hour parking limit.

If you are simply driving the road and stopping briefly at Logan Pass for under three hours, you do not need a shuttle ticket.

How to Get Glacier Shuttle Tickets

Shuttle tickets are available only through Recreation.gov or by calling the Recreation.gov reservation line at 877-444-6777. Tickets are not sold inside the park.

There is no shuttle fare. The only cost is a $1 processing fee per ticket.

All passengers age two and older must have a ticket. Tickets are nontransferable, and a photo ID may be requested when boarding.

Tickets are released in two booking windows. A portion is released 60 days in advance, beginning May 2, 2026, at 8 a.m. MDT on a rolling basis. The remaining tickets are released at 7 p.m. MDT for next-day entry beginning June 30.

Cell service in Glacier can be unreliable, so it is important to print or screenshot your ticket before arrival.

Shuttle Routes and Stops

The 2026 shuttle system provides express service to Logan Pass from both sides of Going-to-the-Sun Road. From the west side, shuttles depart from Apgar Transit Center and Lake McDonald Lodge. These routes service Logan Pass and The Loop in the afternoon.

From the east side, shuttles depart from St. Mary Visitor Center and Rising Sun, traveling directly to Logan Pass. Riders may transfer between east and west routes at Logan Pass.

In 2026, the shuttle will not stop at Avalanche. Avalanche Lake and the Trail of the Cedars will not be accessible by park shuttle this season.

How the 2026 System Affects Popular Hikes

Hidden Lake Overlook

Hidden Lake Overlook remains one of the most popular short hikes in Glacier. Most visitors can complete this hike within the three-hour parking limit at Logan Pass. If you arrive early and keep track of time, you likely will not need a shuttle ticket.

Highline Trail

The Highline Trail typically takes between four and eight hours, depending on your route and pace. Because of the three-hour parking limit, most Highline hikers will need to secure a shuttle ticket or arrange drop-off and pickup.

Visitors staying overnight at Granite Park Chalet may park longer, but standard day hikers should plan on using the shuttle system.

Many visitors planning longer hikes, such as the Highline Trail, choose to join a guided hiking tour. Guided hikes simplify transportation logistics, help avoid parking restrictions, and allow you to focus on enjoying Glacier’s alpine scenery without worrying about shuttle timing or vehicle limits.

Avalanche Lake and Trail of the Cedars

Avalanche Lake and the Trail of the Cedars remain two of the most popular and accessible hikes along Going-to-the-Sun Road. However, the 2026 shuttle system does not stop at Avalanche.

In previous years, visitors could sometimes use the park shuttle to access Avalanche or get picked up there after hiking. That is not an option in 2026. The express shuttle routes run directly to Logan Pass and do not provide service to Avalanche Lake or Trail of the Cedars.

If you plan to hike Avalanche Lake in 2026, you will need to arrive by private vehicle or arrange your own drop-off and pickup. There is no shuttle pickup available at the Avalanche trailhead.

Parking at Avalanche can fill quickly during peak summer hours, especially between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. If Avalanche Lake is a priority for your group, your best strategy is to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when turnover is higher.

If you would rather avoid the challenge of finding parking during busy summer hours, another option is to join a guided hiking tour and explore Glacier’s scenic trails with a local guide.

Backpacking from Logan Pass

Backpackers beginning trips from Logan Pass may park overnight only with a valid backcountry permit. Always confirm parking rules when securing your wilderness permit.

What Happens If Areas Reach Capacity?

Even without vehicle reservations in 2026, vehicles may be temporarily diverted if areas become too congested. Visitors with lodging reservations, camping reservations, boat tours, guided hikes, horseback rides, or backcountry permits will be permitted entry during temporary restrictions but may still experience delays.

Arriving early, ideally before 7 a.m., remains one of the best strategies for avoiding congestion in July and August.

Glacier Park Entry Pass

Although vehicle reservations are not required in 2026, all visitors must still have a valid Glacier National Park entry pass. You can purchase an entry pass at the entrance station when staffed or in advance online. If the entrance station is unstaffed, a self-registration area is available.

Common options include the Private Vehicle Pass, which admits one private non-commercial vehicle for seven days. This is the most popular option. Glacier also offers an annual pass for those planning to visit multiple times within a year, as well as motorcycle and pedestrian passes.

Your entry pass allows you to enter Glacier National Park. It does not replace a shuttle ticket if you need one for Logan Pass.

America the Beautiful Pass

If Glacier is part of a larger national parks trip, the America the Beautiful Pass is often the best value. This interagency pass provides entrance access to national parks and other federal lands across the country. Annual, Senior Annual, Senior Lifetime, Military, Volunteer, and Access passes are available depending on eligibility.

If you already have a valid America the Beautiful Pass, you do not need to purchase a separate Glacier entry pass. However, you would still need a shuttle ticket in 2026 if you plan to use the Logan Pass shuttle for longer hikes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Going-to-the-Sun Road in 2026

Do you need reservations for Going-to-the-Sun Road in 2026?

No. Vehicle reservations are not required anywhere in Glacier National Park in 2026.

Do you need tickets for Going-to-the-Sun Road?

You do not need tickets to drive the road. Shuttle tickets are only required if you plan to ride the shuttle to Logan Pass.

Is parking at Logan Pass limited in 2026?

Yes. Beginning July 1, 2026, parking at Logan Pass will be limited to 3 hours.

Can I still drive the full Going-to-the-Sun Road?

Yes. When the road is fully open for the season, you may drive the entire road without a reservation.

Do I need a shuttle ticket for the Highline Trail?

Most hikers will. The three-hour parking limit is not enough time for the full hike.

Does the shuttle stop at Avalanche Lake?

No. Avalanche Lake and the Trail of the Cedars are not accessible by shuttle in 2026.

When does Going-to-the-Sun Road open in 2026?

Typically, between mid-June and early July, depending on snow and avalanche conditions.

Can I park overnight at Logan Pass?

Only with a valid backcountry permit or as a registered guest at Granite Park Chalet.

Do children need shuttle tickets?

Yes. All passengers age two and older must have a ticket.