January 6, 2025

GTMA Provides Input on Glacier National Park's Visitor Management Strategy

Executive Director Peter Metcalf recently submitted detailed recommendations for Glacier National Park's Visitor Use Management Strategy. Our organization supported several key proposals, including area-specific management goals to preserve unique characteristics, implementing adaptive capacity limits, and establishing a reservation system for high-traffic areas during peak periods.

We endorsed the proposed access control points at Apgar and Rising Sun for Going-to-the-Sun Road, along with ending control periods in mid to late afternoon and maintaining ample day-before permit availability. GTMA also contributed additional suggestions, such as extending the Going-to-the-Sun Road reservation period into fall and developing a robust shuttle system that could eventually reduce private vehicle use.

Notable among our recommendations were making permits available for in-person purchase, reconsidering reservations at Two Medicine, and exploring time-limited parking options - all while avoiding expansion of existing parking areas.

GTMA submitted additional comments and suggestions specific to each area of the Park. To learn more about our views on visitor use in Glacier National Park, read the full comments here.