Montana COVID-19 Updates

Although the state of Montana does not require masks, face coverings are required on federal lands when social distancing is not possible—this includes Glacier National Park. There may also be tribe-specific orders on our American Indian reservations. Individual businesses throughout the region may require and enforce mask wearing in indoor public spaces—please respect their right to do so.

We have all gone to great lengths to help control the spread, and it remains imperative that we continue to follow CDC guidelines. By continuing to take measures seriously, we protect our family, friends and neighbors as Montana begins to emerge from its initial encounter with COVID-19. At this time social distancing is still expected and everyone, especially those at higher risk of getting sick, should continue to follow Montana Department of Public Health and CDC recommendations to protect themselves and others.

PLEASE TRAVEL RESPONSIBLY

Stay up-to-date on travel regulations and the COVID-19 situation using reliable sources like the Centers for Disease Control, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, federal regulations and community-specific webpages.
Play it safe—if you’re not sure if a community requires face coverings—please wear one.
Plan ahead to ensure businesses and attractions are open.
Continue to monitor the situation, and adjust plans accordingly.
Be prepared.

LEAVE NO TRACE

Help us preserve our wild places by packing out everything you pack in. That includes some things that may not be on your radar, like fruit rinds and cherry pits.

When you fish and boat Montana's waterways, it's important to follow steps to ensure you don't contribute to the introduction of invasive species—they're a real threat to Montana's waterways. Read more about mandatory watercraft inspections, Clean. Drain. Dry. protocols, and protecting our waters.

Respecting animals while wildlife watching helps keep both them and you safe. Stay the recommended distance away from all wildlife, and do not feed them or put yourself or others in danger trying to get that perfect selfie with a mountain goat.

PRACTICE WILDLAND FIRE SAFETY

Properly putting out campfires is crucial. Campfires and Montana go hand in hand, but Western Montana is susceptible to wildland fire, especially during the dry summer months. Have fun sleeping out under the stars, but please do your part to ensure that your actions involving fire are responsible. Campfires must be extinguished completely.

BE KIND, RESPECTFUL AND PATIENT

We're all in this together, and human decency is paramount. We expect residents and visitors to be mutually respectful of each other. We all have a common goal—to enjoy Montana. Also, our parks and rec personnel, essential workers, and small business owners deserve to be treated with respect and understanding now more than ever.

VISITING GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

New This Year: Entering the Going-to-the-Sun Road at West Glacier, St. Mary or via Camas Road during peak hours from May 28 to September 6, 2021, will require two things: a Park Pass plus a $2.00 Going-to-the-Sun Road Entry Reservation Ticket or a reservation for a service along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Tickets MUST be purchased in advance at recreation.gov. For more information, click here.
Buy your park entrance pass in advance at recreation.gov/sitepass/74280.
Road Construction — Expect Delays: In the summer of 2021, there will be several road construction projects within the Glacier National Park area that may impact travel times. Click here for the latest road construction information.
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is open at the West and East entrances, and distances will vary depending on plowing operations. Hiker/biker access is open on both sides. Check the National Park Service Road Status page for up-to-date information.
Recreation access is permitted beyond the vehicle closures on the west side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, Two Medicine, Cut Bank, Many Glacier and St. Mary.
The Cut Bank, St. Mary and Rising Sun Campgrounds will not be open in the 2021 summer season.
Lake McDonald, North Fork Lakes and Many Glacier are open for boating. St. Mary will open later this summer. Two Medicine will not open for private boating this summer; however, concession boats will be available for public use.
For regular updates on park news, click here.

RESERVE YOUR RENTAL CAR IN ADVANCE

If you’re planning a trip this summer, note that visitation to cities throughout Glacier Country is significantly higher June through September, which impacts car rental availability. We highly recommend booking a car rental as early as possible. Due to a nationwide shortage, it will likely be somewhat challenging and more expensive than normal to reserve a car, so here are some tips:
- Call the rental agency’s local number to ensure the most up-to-date availability, rather than referring to a website.
- Car rental companies are giving a preference to longer rentals because they have limited staff to clean and service shorter rental windows.
- If you have a shorter stay, you can reserve for a longer rental window if that is available, but you won’t receive a discount for returning your car early.
- Uber and Lyft are available at Glacier Park International Airport and Missoula Airport, however, expect a potentially long wait for pickup.
- Many hotels have a shuttle service to get you to and from the airport (see below), but you should confirm this with your reservation.

TRAVEL ON TRIBAL LANDS

As of March 12, 2021, the Blackfeet Nation has moved to Phase 3 of their COVID-19 plan. Masks are required for residents and visitors above the age of 2, and everyone must practice social distancing. A curfew is in effect from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. for anyone under the age of 18. Gatherings are limited to the number recommended by the CDC. Tribal campgrounds and other open spaces for gathered public recreation will be reopened at the discretion of the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council. Most businesses are reopening at a reduced capacity of 75%.

Click here for more details.

The Flathead Indian Reservation is open to nonresidents. All recreation restrictions were lifted, effective September 8, 2020, on Tribal lands within the Flathead Indian Reservation, although Tribal conservation and fishing permits are required. View the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes' Who’s at Risk campaign before traveling to our Tribal Nations.

Travelers are encouraged to contact the tribal governments for the latest information before beginning their trips in order to plan accordingly.

TRAVEL FROM CANADA

To our friends in Canada wondering about crossing the U.S. border for a Montana visit: While we look forward to seeing you when the time is right, recreational visits are not permitted between the United States and Canada at this time. Please read more on our International Border Crossings page.

ILLNESS PREVENTION

Avoid exposure to COVID-19 by doing the following:

Wash your hands thoroughly and often for at least 20 seconds using soap and water
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Cover your cough/sneeze with a tissue (or your elbow)
Stay home if you are sick
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

If you have traveled to any destination during the past 14 days:

Monitor your health and practice social distancing.
If you get sick with a fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher), cough, or have trouble breathing:
- Seek medical advice. Call ahead before going to a doctor's office or emergency room.
- Tell your doctor about your recent travel and your symptoms.
- Avoid contact with others.
Do not travel while sick.