Timed ticketed entry for Glacier National Park next summer brings mixed reactions

Glacier National Park’s decision to implement timed ticketed entry next summer drew mixed reviews from visitors and stakeholders, though officials say it will help further reduce congestion.  

The changes will include designated time blocks for the west entrance of the Going-to-the-Sun Road and the North Fork area of the park. This means when a park visitor purchases a vehicle reservation ticket on Recreation.gov, they will choose from various times to enter the park throughout the day. Though they can’t enter earlier than their designated time, there is no limit on how long people can stay in the park for the rest of the day, according to park officials.  

Visitors will still be able to enter without a vehicle reservation through the St. Mary and Two Medicine entrances. And Glacier National Park spokeswoman Gina Icenoggle said officials aren’t planning on implementing ticketed entry in Many Glacier next year due to the construction happening in the Swiftcurrent area that would remove visitor parking.