Logan Pass

Even with vehicle reservations required in Glacier National Park (emerginghorizons.com/national-park-entrance-reservations-required-in-2024/) the summer traffic along Going-to-the-Sun Road can get pretty congested. In fact, the parking lot at Logan Pass usually fills up by 10 AM. There is an alternate solution though. Ride the free wheelchair-accessible Glacier National Park shuttle. The Glacier National Park shuttles run from July 1 to Labor Day; and on a limited basis for the first few weeks in September. And even though there may be a slight wait for the next bus, you won’t waste your time passing by scenic viewpoints or searching for parking places. It’s the smart way to visit Glacier National Park.

The Basics

Do you need a vehicle entrance reservation in order to ride the shuttle? It depends on where you begin. Shuttles depart from the Apgar Visitor Center on the west, and the St. Mary Visitor Center on the east. The Apgar Visitor Center is inside the west entrance reservation checkpoint (the West Entrance), while the St. Mary Visitor Center is outside of the entrance reservation checkpoint (Rising Sun). So although you will need a vehicle entrance reservation to access the Glacier National Park Shuttle from the west, you won’t need one if you begin your journey on the east, at the St. Mary Visitor Center.

Visitors have two shuttle choices. They can take the regular shuttle which stops at points along the way, and offers transfer service to the entire length of Going-to-the-Sun Road; or opt for the express service which offers nonstop service from the east and west sides to and from Logan Pass.

Take the Glacier National Park Shuttle

The regular Glacier National Park Shuttle runs seven days a week, from 8 AM to 7 PM.

The west side route runs from Apgar Visitor Center to Logan Pass and includes the following stops.

• Sprague Creek Campground
• Lake McDonald Lodge
• Avalanche Creek (transfer point)
• The Loop

The east side route runs from the Saint Mary Visitor Center to Logan Pass with the following stops.

• Rising Sun
• Rising Sun Boat Dock
• Sun Point (transfer point)
• Sunrift Gorge
• Saint Mary Falls
• Jackson Glacier Overlook
• Siyeh Bend

It is possible to traverse the entire length of Going-to-the-Sun Road on the regular shuttle; however you will have to transfer three times. The transfer points and approximate length of the journey are listed below.

• Apgar Visitor Center – Avalanche Creek (30 minutes)
• Avalanche Creek – Logan Pass (50 minutes)
• Logan Pass – Sun Point (30 minutes)
• Sun Point – St. Mary Visitor Center (20 minutes)

There can be a 10 to 40 minute wait between buses, depending on the crowds. Again, the crowds increase later in the day.

Alternatively, a morning express shuttle runs from both sides of the park to Logan Pass, with no stops along the way. The express shuttle departs from Apgar Visitor Center from 7 AM to 8:30 AM; and from Saint Mary Visitor Center from 8 AM to 8:45 AM. The express shuttle only operates from July 1 to Labor Day.

It’s important to remember that the last shuttle departs from Logan Pass at 7 PM. That said if you are in line at 7 PM and the bus is full, rest assured you will be accommodated on another bus. Best bet is to try and get back to your starting point earlier in the day, to avoid that last minute rush.

Wheelchair-Accessible Activities Along the Way

Of course the best way to enjoy the day on Going-to-the-Sun Road is to pack a picnic lunch and stop at some of the wheelchair-accessible trails and viewpoints along the route. A few of the most accessible Glacier National Park shuttle stops are listed below, along with a some wheelchair-accessible activities to make the most of your visit.

Lake McDonald Lodge

Enjoy a cruise on Lake McDonald through the Glacier Park Boat Company (www.glacierparkboats.com). The boat features ramp access, but some power wheelchair-users may have a problem accessing the bow space if they can’t make a tight 90-degree turn.

Avalanche Creek

Hike the accessible Trail of the Cedars, which begins near the campground and winds .8 miles through the woods.

The Loop

This viewpoint offers a scenic view of Heavens Peak, from the paved overlook in the upper parking area or near the accessible parking spot in the lower area.

Logan Pass

Don’t miss the quarter-mile paved interpretive path behind the visitor center!

Jackson Glacier Overlook

One of the best spots along Going-to-the-Sun Road for an accessible glacier view.

Sun Point

A nice lunch stop. There are several accessible picnic tables sheltered by a small grove of trees.

Rising Sun Boat Dock

The Glacier Park Boat Company also offers a St. Mary Lake cruise that may work for some slow walkers. There is a step down to board the boat, but employees are on hand to assist with boarding. Manual wheelchair-users can stay in their chairs for the length of the 1.5-hour cruise.