Starting July 1, 2025, Glacier National Park will implement significant changes in the Many Glacier Valley due to ongoing construction. Visitors planning to explore this iconic area will need to adjust their travel plans as the park restricts personal vehicle access and introduces a temporary hiker shuttle service. Here’s everything you need to know for your visit between July 1 and September 21, 2025.
Why the Restrictions?
In fall 2024, Glacier National Park began a large-scale project to replace the aging water system at Swiftcurrent, a crucial area that serves the Many Glacier region. Most of the infrastructure currently in place dates back to the 1960s, so the upgrade is necessary for sustainability and safety. In addition to the water system replacement, the project will also improve road conditions, drainage, parking, and pedestrian safety from the Many Glacier Hotel intersection to the Swiftcurrent developed area.
During construction, about half of the parking spaces in Many Glacier Valley will be unavailable. This, combined with other project-related closures, necessitates the implementation of a temporary shuttle service to ensure hikers can still access the area.
New Hiker Shuttle Service: A Solution to Limited Parking
To accommodate visitors who want to hike in Many Glacier during this construction period, the park is introducing a temporary shuttle service. From July 1 to September 21, 2025, personal vehicle access will be restricted, and the only way to reach Many Glacier Valley will be by shuttle.
The shuttle service will be available through Recreation.gov, and will accommodate up to 120 groups per day. Tickets for the shuttle will be available for purchase one week in advance or the night before at 7 p.m. This system is separate from the park’s vehicle reservation system, which has been in place since 2021, and is designed specifically to help day hikers access the valley during construction.
“We chose to keep Many Glacier open during construction after receiving public support in July 2023,” said Glacier National Park Superintendent Dave Roemer. “While 2025 will be challenging due to limited parking, the shuttle system will help visitors enjoy the valley and its hiking opportunities.”
Shuttle Ticket Details and Access
To board the shuttle, visitors will need to secure a ticket for their group via Recreation.gov. Hikers with tickets will park at designated pull-outs along Many Glacier Road, which will be temporarily converted into parking areas. From there, the shuttle will transport hikers to the Many Glacier Hotel in 15–30 minutes.
A valid park entry pass is required for each group boarding the shuttle, including options like the $35 vehicle entrance pass (valid for seven days), an Interagency Annual or Lifetime Pass, or a Glacier National Park Annual Pass.
Shuttles will stop near the Many Glacier Entrance Station, where park entry passes will be validated before continuing into the valley. Once at the Many Glacier Hotel, hikers can access trails starting from the hotel’s upper parking lot. However, be aware that some trails may require detours due to construction, potentially adding an extra mile to your hike.
Shuttle Ticket Availability and Scheduling
Shuttle tickets will be available starting June 24, 2025, and can be reserved either seven days in advance, or the night before at 7 p.m. The shuttle system will be tightly coordinated to manage limited parking and vehicle capacity, and time slots will be assigned for shuttle boarding.
As a reminder, only ticketed shuttle riders will be allowed to park in designated shuttle parking areas. There will be no overnight parking, and hikers without a shuttle ticket will not be permitted to board the shuttle.
Additional Visitor Information
While the Many Glacier area will be accessible to shuttle ticket holders, there will be no general public access without a shuttle ticket or a lodging/ commercial service reservation between July 1 and September 21. For those with lodging reservations, including stays at the Many Glacier Hotel, Swan Mountain Outfitters, and Glacier Park Boat Company, access will be granted as usual. Guests with horseback riding and boating reservations will also be permitted to drive into the valley by showing their reservation confirmation at the entrance.
The only available parking during this period will be at the Many Glacier Hotel, and it will be reserved exclusively for visitors with lodging or activity reservations. If you’re planning to hike but don’t have a shuttle ticket, or have no reservations, the park advises against driving past Babb, as there will be no available parking and increased traffic will cause significant congestion and dust.
Construction Closures and Restrictions
Please note that several areas in Many Glacier will be closed through mid-May 2026 due to construction. These include:
- Swiftcurrent Motor Inn
- Many Glacier Campground
- All trailhead parking in the Swiftcurrent area
Additionally, the park will close all waters in the Many Glacier Valley to private personal watercraft for the entire 2025 season.
Tribal Access
In accordance with the American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978, tribal members will have unrestricted access to Many Glacier Valley during all hours when the entrance is staffed.
Planning Your Visit
For visitors planning to visit Many Glacier in 2025, be prepared for a more limited experience than in past years. While the construction project may cause some inconvenience, it is necessary for the long-term preservation of this beautiful area. Once the project is completed in 2026, visitors will enjoy enhanced parking, improved infrastructure, and safer roads.
Until then, the shuttle service provides a valuable way to explore this iconic part of Glacier National Park while the construction continues. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, reserve shuttle tickets early, and check for updates as details become available in the spring.
For further information on shuttle schedules and to purchase tickets, visit Recreation.gov.