Sound the trumpets! A bit of good news is here just in time for Summer. On Monday, June 8th, Glacier National Park will begin a limited reopening to the public. Hikers, bikers, and sightseers will be able to get their Crown of the Continent fix perhaps sooner than anticipated. But while GNP’s West Entrance gates will be opening, limited access is a key phrase. 
Glacier National Park, also known as the Crown of the Continent, is a magical place where emerald lakes sparkle, vibrant wildflowers dance, and geological wonders exist across one million acres of sheer beauty.
Due to Coronavirus, GNP has been closed since March 24th. It has been unknown when the park would be allowing recreational access again, and what that would entail, until recently. According to the National Park Service website, “Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Glacier National Park is increasing recreational access and services on a limited basis,” and the Glacier National Park website announced its own specific COVID-19 Reopening Plan.
A GNP Press Release from June 2nd states the following:
- On Monday, June 8 the park will open the west gate entrance at West Glacier. The gate will be open until 4:30 pm each day until operations are extended.
- Visitors will be able to access Apgar and Going-to-the-Sun Road as far as Lake McDonald Lodge.
- Going-to-the-Sun will open to hiker/biker traffic as conditions allow. Check the park website for updates.
- Visitors will be able to access restrooms and trails that are accessible from open park roads.
- Private businesses in Apgar Village may decide to operate.
- The park is targeting to have personal boating on Lake McDonald and aquatic invasive species inspection stations open. Check the park website for updates.
The East Entrance to GNP will remain closed for the time being, as our Blackfeet Nation neighbors are presently keeping existing COVID-19 restrictions in place.
Do keep in mind park visitors are responsible for helping prevent the spread of COVID-19. The more precautions visitors take, the more likely the park will be able to enter the next phases of reopening, which will involve a Phase 2 and 3. Phase 2 is set to include the opening of the Going-to-the-Sun Road over Logan Pass, among other services, but not all at once. The Reopening Plan states, “Services will begin at different times in Phase 2. Facilities and operations will undergo risk assessments and be subject to a range of mitigation actions consistent with local, state, and national guidance. Phase 2 will likely extend through July, at a minimum.” Phase 3 will involve more visitor services such as ranger-led programming and greater campground access and, therefore, will require more park staff.
The Highline Trail can be accessed at Logan Pass, an area included in Phase 2 of the park's Reopening Plan. PHOTO: MT Office of Tourism
Park officials stress the importance of being prepared when visiting due to limited visitor services. Wait times at parking lots and the West Entrance gate should be expected. Following social distancing guidelines is also emphasized. Just as a reminder, being socially distant includes:
- Maintain 6-foot spacing
- Wear face coverings in highly concentrated areas outdoors, as well as in all indoor spaces
- Cough/sneeze into a tissue or your elbow
- Stay home if sick
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer
- Avoid face touching
GNP’s superintendent, Jeff Mow, told the Washington Times, “We understand the economic importance that Glacier has to our gateway communities. Our goal is to gradually provide visitor access and to mitigate for and respond quickly to any new infections should they occur.”
As we start exploring majestic Glacier National Park for another summer season, please be safe, smart, and responsible. There are so many trails and amazing sights to look forward to, so let’s work together to get one step closer to greater park access. In the meantime, enjoy the abundant mesmerizing beauty, fresh air, and wildlife that West Glacier has to offer. 
Mountain goats are one of GNP's many unique inhabitants and are often seen clinging to cliffs throughout the park by means of their suction cup-like hooves. They are surely the best climbers around! PHOTO: MT Office of Tourism
Montana's entrances to the beloved Yellowstone Park, shared with our Wyoming neighbors, have already reopened as of June 1st, two weeks after Wyoming opened the park's south entrances. This makes the entire park open, but for day-use only at this time.
FEATURED PHOTO: The jaw-dropping vistas from the shores of Lake McDonald are within reach! This massive lake located in West Glacier will be accessible as part of Phase 1 of the Reopening Plan. MT Office of Tourism
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