We have created the ultimate guide to purchasing your National Park Pass due to many inquiries and questions. Happy Travels!
National Park Passes
Both Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park charge entrance fees, which can be purchased as individual park passes or as part of a broader national park pass.
Here are the key options to consider:
1. Glacier National Park Pass
- Cost: $35 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)
- Covers: Entrance to Glacier National Park for one private vehicle, all passengers included.
- Where to Buy: You can purchase this pass at any of the park entrances, or online through the National Park Service website or third-party vendors.
- Tip: This pass allows access to all areas of Glacier National Park, but vehicle reservations are required in addition to this pass for certain areas during peak season (more on that below).
2. Yellowstone National Park Pass
- Cost: $35 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)
- Covers: Entrance to Yellowstone National Park for one private vehicle, all passengers included.
- Where to Buy: Available at park entrances or online through the National Park Service website.
3. Combined Glacier and Yellowstone Park Pass
If you plan to visit both parks on the same trip, you can purchase individual passes for each or opt for the America the Beautiful Pass to cover multiple parks (more details below).
America the Beautiful Pass: The Best Deal for National Parks
If you’re planning to visit more than one national park or expect to visit parks throughout the year, the America the Beautiful Annual Pass offers unbeatable value.
America the Beautiful Pass
- Cost: $80 for 12 months of access.
- Covers: Entrance fees to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites, including all national parks, wildlife refuges, and forests.
- Who Benefits: This pass covers one vehicle and all passengers, making it perfect for families, road trips, and frequent park-goers.
- Where to Buy: Available online through the National Park Service website, at national park entrances, and from select vendors like REI. I personally buy my America the Beautiful Pass from REI once per year. It’s easy and quick.
The America the Beautiful Pass pays for itself if you’re visiting at least three national parks in a year, and it’s valid for a full 12 months from the month of purchase. If you’re planning a trip to both Glacier and Yellowstone, plus any other parks in the near future, this pass is a great way to save money.
Glacier National Park Vehicle Reservations
During the peak summer season, Glacier National Park requires vehicle reservations for certain areas of the park in addition to your entry pass. These reservations are essential for managing traffic and protecting the park’s fragile ecosystem.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Going-to-the-Sun Road Vehicle Reservation
- When Required: From late May through mid-September, a vehicle reservation is required to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- Cost: $2 (in addition to the park entrance fee).
- Where to Buy: Reservations can be made online through Recreation.gov starting approximately 120 days before your intended arrival for summer visits. Reservations sell out quickly, so it’s recommended to book as early as possible.
- Tip: If you don’t have a reservation, you can still access the road before 6 a.m. or after 3 p.m., but these times are popular with early risers and sunset chasers.
- Pro Tip: Hop online consistently/daily to stay up to date/buy these passes. Passes unlock at 8 a.m. SHARP!
2. Many Glacier Vehicle Reservation
- When Required: From July through September, vehicle reservations are required for the Many Glacier area during peak hours (6 a.m. to 3 p.m.).
- Cost: $2 (in addition to the park entrance fee).
- Where to Buy: These reservations are also available through Recreation.gov and tend to sell out quickly. There has been times where I hop online at 8 a.m. and Many Glacier Passes sell out by 8:02 a.m. Additionally, Swiftcurrent area is closed in 2025, so parking will be even more limited!
- Tip: You can access Many Glacier without a reservation by entering the area before 6 a.m. or after 3 p.m.
3. North Fork Vehicle Reservation
- When Required: From mid-May through September, vehicle reservations are required for the North Fork area of the park, which is a more remote and quieter region of Glacier.
- Cost: $2 (in addition to the park entrance fee).
- Where to Buy: Available on Recreation.gov during the same periods as other areas.
How to Make Vehicle Reservations
Vehicle reservations for Glacier National Park are in high demand and are released on a rolling basis, so it’s important to plan ahead. They also tend to change the process/locations of vehicle reservations, so it is bound to change yearly.
Here’s how you can secure your reservation:
- Go to Recreation.gov – This is the official platform for booking vehicle reservations. Create an account in advance so you can act quickly when reservations become available.
- Know the Release Dates – Reservations for each area are released months ahead of time. Set reminders for when your desired dates become available, as they sell out fast.
- Be Flexible – If you can’t get your preferred date, try adjusting your travel schedule or entering the park early in the morning or late in the afternoon when vehicle reservations aren’t required.
Yellowstone National Park Vehicle Access
Unlike Glacier, Yellowstone National Park does not require vehicle reservations to access any areas. Once you’ve purchased your park pass, you’re free to explore the park’s five entrances and famous sights like Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and Lamar Valley at your leisure. However, Yellowstone’s popularity means that during peak season, traffic can be heavy, and parking can be a challenge at popular spots.
Additional Pass Information and Discounts
For some visitors, there are special park pass discounts and free passes available:
- Senior Pass: Available for U.S. citizens aged 62 and older. The lifetime version costs $80, and the annual version costs $20.
- Military Pass: Free for current U.S. military members and their dependents.
- Access Pass: Free for U.S. citizens with permanent disabilities.
- 4th Grade Pass: Free for U.S. 4th graders and their families as part of the Every Kid Outdoors initiative.
Final Tips for Your Glacier and Yellowstone Trip
- Purchase Passes in Advance – If possible, buy your park passes online before you arrive to save time at the entrance gates.
- Make Your Vehicle Reservations Early – Don’t wait to secure your vehicle reservation for Glacier, especially if you’re visiting in July or August.
- Plan for Off-Peak Times – If you miss out on vehicle reservations, consider visiting Going-to-the-Sun Road or Many Glacier early in the morning or late in the afternoon when reservations aren’t required.
- Check for Road Closures – Both parks can have road closures due to weather or maintenance, so check the park websites before heading out.
- America the Beautiful Pass – If you’re visiting multiple parks this year, or planning to come back, the $80 pass is your best value.