How to Book Glacier National Park: Permits, Lodges, and the Going-to-the-Sun Road

Glacier National Park is in its most crowded era. Going-to-the-Sun Road (the main scenic drive) reaches capacity almost daily in July–August. Lodges book out 9–12 months in advance. Backcountry permits are allocated through a lottery.

Planning in March 2026 for a June–August trip is already late. You're competing for whatever remains after early bookers.

The Booking Timeline

Plan ahead with this timeline:

The harsh truth: if you're booking in March 2026 for June or July 2026 travel, you're dealing with leftovers. Your choices are:

1. Book September (still beautiful, fewer crowds, less predictable weather)

2. Book a lodge outside the park and day-trip in

3. Do backcountry camping (requires lottery permit, often available)

Lodging Inside the Park

Lake McDonald Lodge (west side)

Price: $150–250/night

Style: Historic 1913 lodge, old-world charm, limited amenities

Book: GlacierParkInc.com (12 months ahead for peak)

Status in 2026: Booked solid June–August

Many Glacier Hotel (center, most popular)

Price: $200–350/night

Style: Upscale 1915 lodge, updated, excellent restaurant, central location

Book: GlacierParkInc.com (12 months ahead)

Status in 2026: Booked solid June–August

Rising Sun Motor Inn (northeast, less famous)

Price: $100–180/night

Style: 1950s motel vibe, basic, sufficient

Book: GlacierParkInc.com (availability slightly better than other lodges)

Status in 2026: June booked, July partially available, August solid

Historic cabin options (backcountry)

Price: $80–150/night

Style: Remote, rustic, no wifi, propane heat

Book: Backcountry cabin permit through NPS lottery

Status in 2026: Lottery selection happens in November 2025 (too late for 2026)

Outside-the-Park Options

Kalispell (30 min south)

Hotels: $70–150/night

Strategy: Day-trip into Glacier, stay in town at night

Pro: More availability, cheaper

Con: 1 hour roundtrip driving

West Glacier (at park entrance)

Hotels: $90–170/night (tourist village)

Strategy: Base camp for day hiking

Pro: More lodging than inside park

Con: Less immersive than staying inside

Whitefish (30 min northwest)

Hotels: $100–180/night

Strategy: Mountain town base camp, day-trip Glacier

Pro: Mountain town amenities, restaurants, nightlife

Con: Furthest from park

Permit & Permit-Free Hiking

Day hikes (permit-free):

Grinnell Glacier: Booked through popularity, not permits. Go early (7 AM trailhead arrival).

Jackson Glacier viewpoint: Unlimited access, roadside stop

Siyeh Glacier, Gunsight Lake: Permit-free but challenging, fewer people

Backcountry camping (permit required):

Lottery system: Apply in November 2025 for 2026 permits (deadline passed)

First-come-first-served: Limited permits available 24 hours in advance (harder to access)

Cost: $15 USD reservation fee + campsite fees (~$10–20/night)

Getting There

Fly into: Kalispell/Glacier Park International (FCA), ~30 min from west entrance

From Seattle: 2-hour flight, $80–200

From Denver: 4-hour flight with connection, $200–400

From Los Angeles: 5-hour flight with connection, $250–500

Drive from:

Seattle: 6 hours to west entrance

Denver: 14 hours (drive overnight, not ideal)

Minneapolis: 18 hours (split into 2 days)

Sample 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive + day-trip

Fly into Kalispell (afternoon arrival)

Rent car

Drive to Many Glacier Hotel (1.5 hours)

Evening walk around hotel grounds

Accommodation: Many Glacier Hotel

Day 2: Grinnell Glacier hike

5 AM start at trailhead (beat crowds)

5-hour hike, Grinnell Glacier overlook

Return to lodge by 3 PM

Evening: restaurant at Many Glacier

Accommodation: Many Glacier Hotel

Day 3: Jackson Glacier + Going-to-the-Sun Road

Drive entire Going-to-the-Sun Road (2 hours, stops included)

Stop at Jackson Glacier overlook

Stop at Logan Pass (highest point, 2,026 meters)

Return via different route (scenic loop)

Accommodation: Many Glacier Hotel

Day 4: Departure

Morning hike (easy, 1 hour from hotel)

Drive to Kalispell airport

Fly home

Estimated cost per person (4 days):

When to Go

June: Park is opening. Some trails still have snow at higher elevations. Wildflowers. Weather unpredictable.

July: Peak season. Warmest month. Busiest. If you go, arrive 7 AM at popular trailheads or expect crowds.

August: Still busy. Slightly less crowded than July. Weather stabilizing.

September: Best month if you can swing it. Fall colors appearing. Fewer crowds. Weather is variable but generally good.

Ready to book your Glacier National Park trip?

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