Red Bus Tours

Question

Good morning and happy new year!

We will be in GNP the first week of July. We have camping reservations at St. Mary's. We'd like to do the Red Bus tour one day. Does anyone know when the reservation system opens up? I just looked at the website and nothing is available. I'm hoping it's because reservations aren't available yet, and not that they are actually completely booked for the season.

Thanks so much

Answer

Good morning and happy new year to you too!

It's great that you're planning to visit Glacier National Park (GNP) and experience the iconic Red Bus tour! The Red Bus tours are a popular way to see the park, and reservations can indeed be tricky, especially during peak summer months. Based on your query, it's likely that the reservation system hasn't opened yet, which is why you're not seeing availability. Here's some information that should help:

Reservation System Timing: The Red Bus reservation system generally opens in the spring, usually around March or April. The exact date varies each year, but most bookings for the summer season are typically available starting in March. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the Glacier National Park Lodges website or their social media channels for official announcements regarding reservation opening dates.
Booking Process: Once the system is open, you can book directly on the Glacier National Park Lodges website, or through their call center if you prefer. Reservations for the Red Bus tours often fill up quickly, especially for prime dates like the first week of July, so it's best to book as soon as the reservation system becomes available.
Booking Tips: If you're unable to secure a reservation right away, don't get discouraged. Sometimes cancellations occur, so check the website regularly. Also, be aware that there are different routes for the Red Bus tours, and some may be more popular than others, so you might have better luck with less well-known routes.
Alternative Options: If for some reason the Red Bus tours are fully booked, you can consider other ways to explore the park, such as hiking or renting a vehicle to drive yourself along some of the scenic routes like the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

I hope this helps, and best of luck with your trip planning! Glacier National Park is an incredible place, and the Red Bus tour will be an unforgettable experience. Be sure to check the reservation site frequently once bookings open to secure your spot!