Time entrance reservations and lodging

Question

I have made reservations for our trip in August as below:

1st night-Lake Mcdonald lodge

2nd night-Rising sun

3rd and 4th nights-Many Glacier hotel

A boat ride reservation for Many Glacier.

My understanding is that I don’t need timed entry reservations for the GTTSR. Correct?

Answer

It sounds like you have an exciting trip planned to Glacier National Park! Regarding your question about timed entry reservations, you're correct that the requirement for timed entry reservations applies to specific areas of the park during the busy summer months. However, for the Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTTSR), which is one of the most popular scenic drives in the park, you do need a timed entry reservation, but only during peak times. Let me break this down for you:

Timed Entry Reservation Requirement for GTTSR:

As of 2023, the National Park Service (NPS) requires timed entry reservations for the Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTTSR) during peak season, which typically runs from mid-June to mid-September, including your planned trip in August.
These timed entry reservations are required for the entire park, but they specifically apply to accessing the GTTSR during busy hours to help manage traffic and reduce congestion.
Reservations can be made in advance through the official Glacier National Park website. It's highly recommended to book your reservation as early as possible, as they fill up quickly during peak season.

What About Your Lodging and Boat Ride?

Since you have reservations at Lake McDonald Lodge, Rising Sun, and Many Glacier Hotel, you are in good shape! Guests who are staying at these in-park lodgings are exempt from the timed entry requirement for that particular day of their stay, which means you won’t need a separate reservation for the Going-to-the-Sun Road while you're traveling to and from these locations on the dates you’re staying there.
However, if you plan on visiting other popular areas of the park outside of your lodging, it's still best to double-check the timing and get a reservation if needed. For example, if you want to explore the St. Mary area or the Logan Pass section of GTTSR, make sure you have your timed entry in place for those specific areas.
Your boat ride reservation for Many Glacier is fantastic! The boat tours at Many Glacier are popular, so it's great that you've secured that in advance. Be sure to check the timing and availability of boat rides at the Many Glacier Hotel, as it can sometimes affect your plans for the day.

Summary:

You do need a timed entry reservation for the Going-to-the-Sun Road during peak season, but guests with lodging reservations (like yours at Lake McDonald, Rising Sun, and Many Glacier) are exempt from this requirement on the dates they are staying at the park.
It's a good idea to check for any additional reservation needs if you plan on visiting other busy areas of the park, such as Logan Pass, or if you're heading into the park for a day trip from outside the park.
Since you're already set for lodging and a boat ride, your trip is looking well-organized! Just make sure to secure your timed entry reservation for GTTSR if you plan on driving it during the busy hours.

Enjoy your time in Glacier National Park – it’s truly one of the most spectacular places in the country!