Red bus tours glacier national park 2022

Going-to-the-Sun Road is a paved, two-lane highway that snakes through Glacier National Park, dividing the park into east and west regions and crossing the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. One of the most spectacular scenic drives in America, this road is both a National Historic Landmark and a Civil Engineering Landmark and passes through almost every type of terrain the park offers, from glacial lakes, waterfalls and cedar forests to alpine peaks. Several viewpoints and pullouts make it easy to stop and take in the view and snap photographs. For a more active way to see the sights, try biking along the road instead (but know that certain restrictions apply). Though portions of the 50-mile route are open year-round, the alpine sections do close due to snow. Generally, the road is fully open in late June or early July, but check the park website in advance. 

Recent visitors called this scenic drive "breathtaking" and one of the most spectacular routes in Montana. Reviewers also cautioned that the twisting mountain road is not for timid drivers. Many warned about tourists gawking at the scenery instead of paying attention to the road and advised making use of the many pullouts for admiring the stunning scenery and wildlife. 

Sun Tours offers interpretive tours, on air conditioned 25-passenger window coaches, highlighting Blackfeet culture. Daily service from West Glacier, East Glacier, St. Mary, and Browning during the peak season.

For information and reservations contact:

Sun Tours
29 Glacier Ave.
PO Box 234
East Glacier, MT 59434
1-800-786-9220
www.glaciersuntours.com

Not awesome, not horrible. The driver was friendly enough. We were a group of 10 and the bus had 16 seats, four to a row in four rows. The driver announced we were a large group of 10, which would make seating tricky for the remaining 3 couples. The other passengers quickly scurried onto the bus in the 2nd row, knowingly (and intentionally?) breaking up our group and refusing to let us sit together. The bus driver allowed this. This left me feeling negative and made it hard to enjoy myself, separated from my children.
The driver didn't say much other than a few random tidbits and facts. It made for a relatively quiet 4 hour ride. We were able to get out at the McDonald lake lodge a half hour into the ride, and again at the visitor center at the top of the road trip, which was closed when we got there, so it was just a short port-a-potty break and scenic view. In hindsight, I really just wish we drove ourselves up. There really was no benefit at all to being in that bus, ESPECIALLY for $720! I definitely expected more of tour, and more opportunity to stop, walk on trails, etc. Some of the seats have nice views, some don't. Back row does not have good leg room and smells like exhaust. And once you get in, you're stuck in that seat. The driver won't let you move. So if you get a seat you don't like.... too bad. I would not recommend this to anyone, and I would not do it again.

The below tours originate from various pickup locations on the west side of Glacier National Park. Be sure to bring your Park Pass or park entrance receipt on the tour. There are no physical tickets for the tour so please check in at the Front Desk or Concierge Desk at the property at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled tour time to ensure on-time departure. Tour duration and return times are approximate and may vary slightly. Open and closing dates are also subject to change.

Red bus tours glacier national park 2022


Huckleberry Mountain TourAvailable May 14-June 17, 2022Duration: 3.5 Hours

Start your journey with amazing scenic and wildlife viewing opportunities on your tour up Camas Road to the little explored North Fork region of Glacier National Park. Enjoy an easy and optional walk on the Huckleberry Mountain Nature Trail before your return trip through the spectacular burn areas from the fires of 2003. The tour concludes as you delve into the great cedar and hemlock forests that lie within the Lake McDonald Valley on your way to Sacred Dancing Cascade.

Pickup Locations

Lake McDonald Lodge — Adults: $50; Children: $25
Departs: 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Returns: 12:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Apgar Visitor Center — Adults: $50; Children: $25
Departs: 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Returns: 1:00 p.m. and 6 p.m.

West Glacier KOA — Adults: $50; Children: $25
Departs: 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Returns: 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Please note: Optional walks available on the Trail of the Cedars or Huckleberry Nature Trail.


West Side Crown of the Continent TourAvailable June 14-September 12, 2022Duration: 8-9.5 Hours

The journey starts in the cedar and hemlock forests of the Lake McDonald Valley. Travel up the Going-to-the-Sun Road along a glacially formed arête to the top of the Crown of the Continent at Logan Pass. Head down through the St. Mary Valley and out to the prairies of Big Sky Country. Continue into the magnificent Swiftcurrent Valley. Enjoy views of the valley during an optional lunch at Many Glacier Hotel or Swiftcurrent. Experience an encore vista on your return trip to the west side.

Pickup Locations

West Glacier KOA — Adults: $112; Children: $56
Departs: 8:00 a.m.
Returns: 6:00 p.m.

Apgar Visitor Center — Adults: $108; Children: $54
Departs: 8:30 a.m.
Returns: 5:30 p.m.

Lake McDonald Lodge — Adults: $106; Children: $53
Departs: 9:00 a.m.
Returns: 5:00 p.m.

*Please note that lunch at Many Glacier Hotel or Swiftcurrent Motor Inn is not included in the price of the tour, but there will be time for a break and lunch may be purchased at the property.


Western Alpine TourAvailable June 18-September 30, 2022Duration: 3-4 Hours

Start the tour in the great cedar and hemlock forests that lie within the Lake McDonald Valley. Traverse the famed Going-to-the-Sun Road to the high alpine region of the park and stand on top of the Continental Divide. Discover incredible mountain ranges, glaciers, waterfalls, and wildflowers along the way as your Red Bus glides along the glacially carved Garden Wall.

Pickup Locations

Apgar Visitor Center — Adults: $72; Children: $36
Departs: 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m.*, 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.*
Returns: 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m.*, 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.*

Lake McDonald Lodge — Adults: $64; Children: $31
Departs: 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.*, 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.*
Returns: 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m.*, 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.*

*Please note: extra departures are only available July 1 through September 5.


Mountain Majesty TourAvailable July 1-September 5, 2022Duration: 6-7.5 Hours

Start the tour in the Lake McDonald Valley, one of the few Montana rain forests. Then traverse along side the glacially carved valley while touring on the Going-to-the-Sun Road over Logan Pass. After a stop at the Continental Divide, head down into the cirques of the St. Mary Valley with an optional lunch or dinner* at Rising Sun’s Two Dog Flats Grill.

Pickup Locations

Apgar Visitor Center — Adults: $82; Children: $41
Departs: 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.*
Returns: 4:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Lake McDonald Lodge — Adults: $74; Children: $37
Departs: 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.*
Returns: 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

**Please note that lunch or dinner at Two Dog Flats Grill at Rising Sun Motor Inn is not included in the price of the tour, but there will be time and meals may be purchased at the property.

Will Glacier National Park require reservations in 2022?

A vehicle reservation is required for each vehicle entering the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor or the North Fork area of the park between May 27 and September 11, 2022. In addition to a vehicle reservation, visitors also need to purchase a park pass or show their existing park pass at park entrance stations.

Where does the red bus tour start?

You can start your journey at any of our stops. First buses: Westminster Bridge, 8:25; Tower Hill, 8:44; Buckingham Palace Gate, 8:58; Haymarket, 9:03. Full route: 8:30 to 16:00 every ten minutes.

What do you wear on a red bus tour?

If you are planning on taking a Red Bus Tour, remember to bring a hat and sunscreen. On sunny days with the top down, you'll be getting plenty of sun, but keep in mind that Montana's mountain weather can change quickly, so you should also pack something warm just in case.

Are there any tours of Going

Sun Tours offers daily Blackfeet interpretive tours through Glacier National Park on Going-to-the-Sun Road and throughout Blackfeet Country. Our normal season runs from Memorial Day to October 1st. END OF SEASON UPDATE: As of September 30, 2022, our 30th Anniversary season has now ended!