Due to extensive infrastructure upgrades in the Swiftcurrent area, Glacier National Park has implemented a temporary shuttle service for hikers accessing Many Glacier and Swiftcurrent from July 1 to September 21, 2025. The construction project aims to replace the outdated water system and improve road conditions, leading to restricted vehicle access and limited parking availability. Visitors will need to reserve shuttle tickets in advance or have lodging reservations to enter the valley during this period.

The park's superintendent emphasized the importance of maintaining accessibility despite the challenges posed by the construction. A new ticketed shuttle service will accommodate approximately 120 groups daily, ensuring hikers can still enjoy the scenic trails while adhering to parking constraints. Detailed information on shuttle schedules and reservation procedures will be released in spring 2025, with additional operational details provided closer to the start date.

Construction Impact and Shuttle Service Details

From July 1 to September 21, 2025, visitors planning to explore Many Glacier Valley will face significant changes due to ongoing construction. The Swiftcurrent area is undergoing major renovations aimed at modernizing its water system and enhancing road safety. These improvements necessitate restricted vehicle access and limited parking availability. To mitigate these challenges, Glacier National Park has introduced a temporary shuttle service for day hikers, allowing them to reach the area without personal vehicles.

The construction began in fall 2024 and is expected to continue until mid-May 2026. This ambitious project includes replacing the aging water infrastructure originally installed in the 1960s, rehabilitating roads with better pavement and drainage systems, and addressing pedestrian safety concerns. As a result, about half of the parking spaces in Many Glacier Valley will be unavailable during the construction period. The park management decided to keep the area open for hiking, albeit with mitigations, following public feedback received in July 2023. Superintendent Dave Roemer highlighted that this decision was made to maximize opportunities for hikers within the given constraints.

Hiker Shuttle Reservation and Access Procedures

To facilitate access to Many Glacier Valley during the construction, hikers must obtain shuttle tickets through Recreation.gov. These tickets are essential for boarding the shuttle and entering the area. Parking will be available at designated pull-outs along Many Glacier Road, which have been transformed into temporary lots. Once parked, hikers will board the shuttle for a short ride to Many Glacier Hotel, where they can begin their trail adventures. Shuttle tickets will be available for reservation one week in advance or the night before entry at 7 p.m., starting June 24, 2025.

In addition to the shuttle ticket, each party requires a valid park entry pass, such as a $35 vehicle entrance pass, an Interagency Annual/Lifetime Pass, or a Glacier National Park Annual Pass. These passes will be validated near the Many Glacier Entrance station before hikers board the shuttle. Trails will commence at the upper parking lot of Many Glacier Hotel, with clear signage guiding hikers around the construction zones. Detours may add up to an extra mile each way to hiking distances. Shuttle tickets ensure that hikers do not have to wait in long lines during peak dust times on the road. Visitors without shuttle tickets or commercial service or lodging reservations are discouraged from driving past Babb to avoid congestion and dust issues. Tribal members will have unrestricted access during staffed hours, and general parking will resume normal operations outside the construction period.