Glacier National Park, renowned for its stunning landscapes and unparalleled hiking opportunities, is often a must-visit for adventurers and nature enthusiasts. However, 2025 presents unique challenges for visitors, particularly those planning to explore the iconic Many Glacier Valley. With extensive construction and limited access, this year might not be ideal for experiencing the park at its best. Read on to learn more about what to expect and why you might want to reconsider your Glacier National Park plans in 2025.
Key Updates for 2025 Glacier National Park Visitors
Construction Details
Starting in the fall of 2024, Glacier National Park began a significant infrastructure overhaul in the Swiftcurrent area. The project includes replacing a water system dating back to the 1960s and rehabilitating roads between the Many Glacier Hotel intersection and the Swiftcurrent developed area. These updates aim to improve pavement quality, drainage, parking, and pedestrian safety, with completion expected by mid-May 2026.
Access Restrictions
From July 1 to September 21, 2025, Many Glacier Valley will face strict access limitations:
- Temporary Shuttle Service: Personal vehicles will not be permitted beyond a gate at the fee booth unless visitors hold lodging, horseback riding, or boating reservations.
- Hikers can only access the area using a shuttle system, requiring advance tickets.
- Trailhead Parking Closures: Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, Many Glacier Campground, and all trailhead parking lots will remain closed.
- Watercraft Restrictions: Personal watercraft will not be allowed in the Many Glacier Valley for the entire 2025 season.
Trails Affected by Construction in Many Glacier and Swiftcurrent Areas
Trails in Many Glacier Area
- Grinnell Glacier Trail: This iconic trail offers stunning views of Grinnell Glacier but will require shuttle access and may include detours around construction zones.
- Swiftcurrent Pass Trail: A challenging route that passes by multiple alpine lakes and leads to breathtaking vistas.
- Iceberg Lake Trail: Known for its photogenic end point at a glacially fed lake, this trail will be accessible but impacted by shuttle logistics.
- Josephine Lake Trail: A shorter, family-friendly hike that will require starting from the Many Glacier Hotel area.
- Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail: A unique hike featuring a historic tunnel through the mountain, also starting from shuttle-accessed locations.
NOTE: Most Trails listed are HARD difficulty. If you have no interest in challenging trails this construction may not affect your trip.
Trails in Swiftcurrent Area
- Redrock Falls Trail: A relatively easy hike leading to beautiful waterfalls, starting near the Swiftcurrent developed area.
- Bullhead Lake Trail: A scenic, moderate trail offering views of pristine alpine lakes.
- Fishercap Lake Trail: A short, wildlife-rich hike ideal for spotting moose and other animals.
Hikers should plan for added distances on many of these trails due to detours and the requirement to start at the Many Glacier Hotel. All access will depend on obtaining a shuttle ticket in advance.
Shuttle System Details
To accommodate hikers, the park will provide a temporary shuttle service with limited capacity:
- Ticketing System: Shuttle tickets will be available on Recreation.gov seven days in advance or the night before at 7 p.m. Tickets are limited to 120 groups per day.
- Boarding Locations: Hikers with shuttle tickets will park in designated pull-outs along Many Glacier Road and board a shuttle for a 15-30 minute ride to Many Glacier Hotel.
- Trail Access: All trailheads will require starting from the Many Glacier Hotel, with some routes including detours of up to an extra mile due to construction.
Why Glacier National Park Might Not Be Ideal in 2025
Crowded Shuttle Service
The shuttle system’s limited capacity and ticketing restrictions may make it challenging for visitors to secure access to Many Glacier. Tickets will sell out quickly, especially during peak season, adding a layer of stress to trip planning.
Reduced Parking and Trail Detours
With half the parking in Many Glacier Valley unavailable, visitors will face significant logistical hurdles. Additionally, trail detours resulting from construction will increase hiking distances, potentially discouraging less experienced hikers.
Alternatives to Consider in 2025
Explore Other Areas of Glacier National Park
While Many Glacier is undergoing construction, other park regions offer incredible experiences:
- Going-to-the-Sun Road: This iconic route features breathtaking vistas, with plenty of pull-offs for photos and short hikes.
- Two Medicine: A quieter area known for its serene lake and family-friendly trails.
- Polebridge: A remote section with rustic charm and unique access to the North Fork area.
- A reservation is needed for the North Fork Area, You can access Polebridge without the permit but cannot enter the park entrance in that area.
Postpone Your Visit to 2026
In my opinion, if you were interested in the more challenging but beautiful hikes in the Many Glacier area, I would recommend postponing your trip to 2026. I do not think the limited shuttling they have will be sufficient.
However, if you did not want to hike these challenging trails, booking a boat tour is the best way to see this area and limiting the hiking. Plus this means you can park at the hotel!
By delaying your trip, you can experience Many Glacier Valley’s fully upgraded facilities, including:
- Modernized parking and infrastructure.
- Safer pedestrian areas and improved water systems.
Visit Other National Parks
If Glacier’s restrictions feel too limiting, consider exploring other parks:
- North Cascades National Park (Washington): Often referred to as the “American Alps.”
- Pair with Mount Rainier and Olympic Naitonal Park for a Washington roadtrip
- Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming): A geothermal wonderland with iconic wildlife.
- Pair with nearby Grand Teton National Park
- Banff National Park (Canada): A nearby alternative offering stunning mountain scenery.
Planning Tips for 2025 Visitors
If you’re determined to visit Glacier National Park in 2025, careful planning is essential:
- Shuttle Tickets: Secure your tickets early on Recreation.gov. Be ready at 8 a.m. seven days in advance or at 7 p.m. the night before.
- Lodging Reservations: Book accommodations at Many Glacier Hotel to ensure access during restricted dates.
- If you can manage to reserve this, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND still going because the crowds on the trails will be significantly reduced.
- Timing: Plan your visit before July 1 or after September 21 for less restricted access, though parking will still be limited.
- Note: Before July 1 there will likely still be snow on the trails and after September 21, rain (potentially snow) and colder temps begin.
Final Thoughts
While Glacier National Park remains a bucket-list destination, 2025 presents significant challenges for those hoping to explore Many Glacier Valley. By staying informed and considering alternative plans, you can still enjoy a memorable adventure—whether that means exploring other areas of the park, postponing your trip, or discovering new destinations altogether.
For more travel inspiration and tips, check out related posts on Glacier National Park and other national park destinations. Don’t forget to follow Part-Time Adventuring on Instagram (@ptadventuring) for real-time updates and advice.
