Glacier National Park 2025: How to Score Permits, Avoid Crowds & See Wildlife

Conquer Glacier National Park in 2025! Get permit hacks, crowd-free trails, and wildlife-spotting tips for Montana’s crown jewel.

Glacier’s Going to the Sun Road is legendary—but 2025’s permit system changes everything. Here’s how to outsmart it.

Glacier National Park 2025 Permits: Everything You Need to Know

Glacier National Park’s permit system will evolve in 2025, making early planning essential. If you want to drive the famed Going-to-the-Sun Road, access Many Glacier, or hike in high-demand areas, securing permits is crucial.

How to Get Glacier National Park 2025 Permits

Vehicle Reservations: Required for entry into Going-to-the-Sun Road, Many Glacier, and North Fork areas. They open 120 days in advance—set a calendar alert!
Entry Fees & Passes: A standard 7-day pass costs $35 per vehicle, but an Annual Pass ($70) is a smart choice if you plan multiple visits.
First-Come, First-Served: If you missed the pre-booking window, check for cancellations or try for day-of permits at recreation.gov early in the morning.
Tour & Shuttle Options: Consider booking a Red Bus Tour or using Glacier’s shuttle system to bypass permit restrictions.

Avoiding Crowds in Glacier National Park (2025)

Even with a permit, navigating Glacier’s high-traffic areas without battling crowds takes strategy.

Early Mornings & Late Afternoons: Arrive before 7 AM or after 5 PM to enjoy quieter trails and better wildlife sightings.
Shoulder Season Visits: June and September offer fewer tourists while still showcasing Glacier’s beauty.
Alternative Entrances: Skip the busy West Glacier entrance and use Two Medicine or Polebridge for quicker access.

Best Glacier National Park Hikes (From Easy to Challenging)

Not all trails require permits! Choose the best hikes based on your fitness level and interests.

Trail	Difficulty	Highlights
Avalanche Lake	Easy	Stunning lake, accessible year-round
Hidden Lake Overlook	Moderate	Great for mountain goat sightings
Grinnell Glacier Overlook	Hard	Unparalleled glacier views
Highline Trail	Hard	Iconic ridgeline hike with breathtaking scenery

Glacier Wildlife Spotting: Where & When to Go

Grizzly Bears: Many Glacier at dawn or dusk.
Mountain Goats: Logan Pass, especially around Hidden Lake Overlook.
Moose: Fishercap Lake and Swiftcurrent Lake.
Wolves: North Fork region, but sightings are rare.

East vs. West Glacier: Where to Stay

Feature	East Glacier	West Glacier
Closest Attractions	Many Glacier, Two Medicine	Going-to-the-Sun Road, Lake McDonald
Accommodation Options	Fewer hotels, more rustic lodges	More lodging, popular for first-time visitors
Best for	Hardcore hikers & wildlife lovers	Easy park access & scenic drives

Essential Gear & Safety Tips

Bear Spray: Required for safety—Rent Here
Hiking Boots: Waterproof, ankle-supporting gear is a must.
Layers & Rain Gear: Weather changes fast in the mountains.
Offline Maps: Limited cell service means downloading trail maps is essential.

Final Thoughts: Make 2025 Your Best Glacier Trip Yet

By securing permits early, choosing less crowded trails, and knowing where to spot wildlife, you’ll have an unforgettable Glacier National Park adventure. Start planning now, and get ready to explore Montana’s breathtaking landscapes!