Part of our Montana guide.
Three ways to see Montana, from Glacier without a reservation to a vintage ride and a mountain drive.
Related travel guides: Secrets Of Montana's Glacier National Park Hot Springs and Secrets Hidden In Montana.
How To Get Into Glacier Without A Reservation
You can enter Glacier National Park without a reservation before 6 a.m. or after 3 p.m. daily during the peak reservation season, or by arriving on foot or bicycle at any time. The park’s vehicle reservation system applies only to the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor and the North Fork area between late May and early September; a camping, lodging, or commercial tour reservation also grants entry. Entering before 6 a.m. lets you drive straight in, while arriving after 3 p.m. gives you access for the remainder of the day. No reservation is needed to hike the Many Glacier or Two Medicine areas, though parking fills early. Hikers and bikers can use the free shuttle once inside. The park’s wilderness offers hiking, camping, wildlife watching, and scenic drives across its million-plus acres.
Ride In Style With Lake McDonald Lodge's Red Bus Tours
Lake McDonald Lodge’s Red Bus Tours run vintage 1930s open-top buses through Glacier National Park. Tours depart from the lodge and last roughly two hours, with guides covering the park’s history, wildlife, and geology. The open-top design provides unobstructed views of the peaks and lakes, and photo stops are included. Tickets are around $50 per adult, with discounts for children and seniors. The buses operate from late May through September, weather permitting. This tour works for families, solo travelers, or groups and requires no park reservation—just a seat on the bus. For those seeking outdoor adventures in Montana, the ride pairs well with a hike at the Logan Pass trailhead.
Thrilling Adventure On Red Sleep Mountain Drive
Red Sleep Mountain Drive, also known as the Beartooth Highway (U.S. Route 212), climbs to nearly 11,000 feet and runs 68 miles from Red Lodge, Montana, to the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park. The drive winds through forests, mountains, and rivers, with multiple scenic overlooks and pull-offs for photography. It typically opens from late May to mid-October, depending on snow. Along the way, you can stop for short hikes, spot bighorn sheep and mountain goats, and visit the "top of the world store: Beartooth highway's hidden" general store at the summit. The full drive takes about three hours without stops, but plan for a half-day with breaks. No reservation is needed, but check road conditions before heading up—the highway is one of the highest in North America and can close suddenly.
