Missed time entry purchase window

Question

We are heading to Glacier July 1-July 4 and I realized I missed the early window to purchase car reservations for the Going To The Sun Road. We have a boat tour scheduled in July 2nd so that day is covered but I’m wondering if there is anything we can do on the west side without a pass? We have 70 year old and two kids under 4 with us. I was looking at Apgar Village as well as the Cedar Trail but can’t tell if we need a car reservation for those. I also realize we can purchase reservation passes the night before but I’m worried about it selling out.

Any insight is helpful, I’m very new to all of this!

Thanks!

Answer

It sounds like you're in for an exciting trip, and I understand the concern about missing the reservation window for the Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTTSR). While the reservations are required to drive on the Going-to-the-Sun Road during the peak season, there are still several options for enjoying the park without a reservation, especially on the west side of Glacier National Park.

Here’s what you can do on the west side without needing a car reservation:

Apgar Village: You’re correct that Apgar Village is a great spot to explore on the west side of the park. This area does not require a car reservation. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll around Lake McDonald, rent a boat, or explore the village’s shops and restaurants. The visitor center here also offers good information about the park, which is helpful if you're new to the area.
Cedar Trail: The Cedar Trail is another wonderful option that does not require a reservation. This easy, family-friendly trail is just a short walk from Apgar Village and takes you through an old-growth forest. It’s perfect for young children and seniors as the trail is not very challenging.
Lake McDonald: Besides Apgar, Lake McDonald is another fantastic location that doesn't require a reservation. You can enjoy beautiful views of the lake, do some easy hikes, or even take a boat tour on the lake (which you already have scheduled for July 2nd!). There are plenty of picnic spots along the lake as well.
West Entrance to GTTSR: The west entrance to the Going-to-the-Sun Road, located near Apgar, does not require a reservation to enter, but driving beyond this point to the more popular parts of the road (like Logan Pass) will require a reservation. You can still enjoy the drive along the lower part of the road and explore various pull-offs and overlooks.

As for the reservation pass, you’re correct that you can try to snag one the night before for the following day. Reservations are released each evening at 9 PM Mountain Time for the next day. While passes can sell out quickly, it’s worth checking regularly, especially if you’re flexible with the time of day for your drive.

If you do not manage to get a pass for the Going-to-the-Sun Road, you can still enjoy much of the park’s stunning beauty from the west side and nearby areas. Additionally, the boat tour you have scheduled is a great way to see the lake and surrounding scenery without needing a car pass. You may also consider exploring other areas around the park like the Flathead River or local hiking trails, which provide great opportunities for all ages to enjoy the outdoors.

Finally, don’t hesitate to reach out to the park’s visitor centers for last-minute advice on reservations and to check for availability. They may also have additional recommendations for things to do during your visit!

Missed time entry purchase window

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